I guess somebody got nervous about the first two 2011 episodes of “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” because I’m told critics only got the episodes airing July 24, Aug. 7 and Sept. 4.
The July 24 episode, which has Marty Funkhauser (Bob Einstein) inconveniently embracing his Judaism just as a popular Palestinian restaurant chain is about to expand next to his beloved kosher deli, is a scream. If you’ve been craving the sound of Super Dave Osbourne loudly warbling Hebrew prayer, this is the episode for you. It also reminded me how much I can love the character Larry David, never more so than when he defends absent Los Angeles Palestinians in front of a table full of angry Jews. (Two of them played by the great Larry Miller and Maggie Wheeler.) One of my favorite lines from the episode: “No Jews ever come here! They’d be so safe!”
On the other hand, the Pinkberry-centric installment airing Aug. 7 is designed to make viewers detest Larry, particularly the pet-lovers among those viewers.
The Sept. 4 episode features a puppet-free appearance by genius comedy writer Robert Smigel, affecting a voice virtually indistinguishable from the one he uses for Triumph The Insult Comic Dog.
HBO says of this year’s first four half-hours:
JULY 10. Episode #71: “The Divorce.” Larry learns his lawyer isn’t kosher, and rescinds a cookie order from the Girl-Scout daughter of a beleaguered sports owner. Directed by David Steinberg.JULY 17. Episode #72: “The Safe House.” Larry becomes an unlikely role model for battered women; Richard Lewis’ relationship with a burlesque performer is put to the test; Leon survives a case of mistaken identity. Directed by Bryan Gordon.
JULY 24. Episode #73: “Palestinian Chicken.” Larry plays “social assassin” to the hilt at a dinner party, on the golf course, and at a Palestinian restaurant with chicken to die for. Directed by Robert B. Weide.
JULY 31. Episode #74 “The Smiley Face.” Larry vows to topple a sacred dating taboo, and regrets making concessions to his new office neighbor; Jeff’s alibi to get out of a dinner backfires. Directed by Jeff Schaffer.
10 p.m. Sunday. HBO.
