Seinfeld: "The Switch"

In one of my favorite episodes of Seinfeld, “The Switch”, the characters of Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza put their brains together to try and figure out a full-proof plan on how Jerry can stop dating his current girlfriend, “the non-laugher”, and instead, date her roommate who happens to have a very attractive laugh.

Starting with the scene in the coffee shop, Jerry begins by explaining his dilemma to George regarding his desire to date his girlfriend’s roommate who laughs and “also possesses many of the other qualities prized by the superficial man”. This socially-aware quote by Jerry is funny because instead of simply saying she is attractive, he is making a comment on how men hold much importance in the physical appearance of women. After this, one of my all-time-favorite quotes of the series is said by George. As to confirm with Jerry that he understands his proposal to attempt the daunting task of “the switch", George says, “well, if I hear you correctly, and I think that I do, my advice to you is to finish your meal, pay your check, leave here, and never mention this to anyone again”. This quote sets the tone for the rest of this scene and the montage following as George creates a “serious” atmosphere in regards to plotting a successful way to accomplish “the switch” that has been plaguing mankind as far back as the Middle Ages. Further, another comical aspect of the scene is that when the two say “the switch”, there is a mutual understanding on what they are talking about. In short, this scene shows aspects of incongruity as Jerry and George portray an uncommon, trivial subject, as one that is quite serious and intimidating to successfully complete.

After a montage depicting Jerry and George spending hours on end devising a plan to switch roommates smoothly with no strings attached, we come to Jerry’s apartment where the two appear to be tired and discouraged from not developing a successful plan. It is here, however, that George comes up with the creative (and hilarious) plan to have Jerry propose a ménage à trois with his girlfriend and her roommate. This in theory, would offend Jerry’s girlfriend enough to breakup with him and disgust, and leave the roommate “flattered by her inclusion in the unusual request”. This plan while funny all by itself is also magnified by the preceding scene’s suspense in trying to discover how to achieve their goal, thus an example of the relief theory. Moreover, the plan is not only told by George, but is also visually shown, which facilitates laughter in the exaggerated behavior by those being described.

Being that this is Seinfeld, a comedy show, one can expect that the plan will not go according to plan. In fact, as Jerry carries out the plan, he is surprised to find out that not only is his girlfriend enthusiastic about the proposal, but her roommate is, too. Much like the surprise and laughter that the plan itself facilitated, the curveball of both women being interested in the “ménage” is equally surprising and funny and demonstrates the relief theory once again. The surprise of the audience can be symbolized by George’s own reaction as he enthusiastically asks “do you ever just get down on your knees and thank God that you know me and have access to my dementia?” While most would suspect Jerry would follow through with this act with these two beautiful women, he states that he can’t because he is not an orgy guy, and how he would have to change his entire lifestyle if was to do so, i.e., a mustache, robes, weirdo lighting, and the like. This type of humor illustrates the function of identification as Jerry's stereotypes of "orgy guys" may be familiar to many viewers.

Ultimately, this scene is funny and entertaining for its incongruity in seriousness, the plan itself, and Jerry’s refusal to take part in the orgy, and also the tension and release that some of the parts portray. Additionally, I think the fact this episode has sexual content adds to the humor, especially for men as the show’s perspective, to a large part, is through the eyes of men.