Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 12 Brings Back a Classic Awkward Storyline from the Past

Larry’s fixation on the surnames of a same-sex couple in Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12, episode 5, “Fish Stuck,” is a nod to a previous awkward storyline from season 9. In this episode, Larry hires a new lawyer named Christopher Mantle because he shares the same last name as Larry’s beloved baseball player, Mickey Mantle. However, Larry is disappointed to learn that Christopher is changing his iconic last name to take on his husband’s last name, Zeckelman. Instead of keeping his thoughts to himself, Larry decides to meddle in their relationship.

This particular storyline introduces two major guest stars in Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12. Sean Hayes, best known for his role as Jack in Will & Grace, portrays Christopher Mantle, while Dan Levy, famous for his role as David in Schitt’s Creek, portrays his husband, Abe Zeckelman. Larry’s preoccupation with the couple’s marriage, coupled with his incessant need to voice his opinions, mirrors a storyline from season 9 involving a lesbian couple planning their wedding.

Larry Making Dan Levy & Sean Hayes' Characters Argue Over Their Surnames Calls Back To A Season 9 Storyline

Larry talks to Sean Hayes and Dan Levy in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Larry Making Dan Levy & Sean Hayes' Characters Argue Over Their Surnames Calls Back To A Season 9 Storyline

When Larry first meets Christopher, he asks about how he and his husband chose which last name to take after getting married. Instead of apologizing when Abe confronts him at the temple, Larry insists that Mantle would have been a better name than Zeckelman. He even goes on to suggest baby names out of the blue. Christopher ends up sleeping in his office due to the strain on their marriage caused by Larry's interference.

This situation mirrors a storyline from season 9, episode 1, “Foisted!,” where Larry questioned his barber Betty and her fiancée Numa about who would be the “bride” in their lesbian wedding. While Betty chose to be the bride, Larry controversially argued that Numa seemed more fitting for the role. It's clear that Larry lacks understanding of social etiquette when it comes to same-sex marriage.

Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 12 Has Had Several Genius Callbacks To Old Storylines

Ted and Cheryl talking to Larry in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 12 Has Had Several Genius Callbacks To Old Storylines

David has cleverly incorporated old storylines from Curb Your Enthusiasm's history into the final season. In an interview with Willie Geist, Larry changed Hurricane Edna to be Hurricane Katrina. The anonymous donation of a brick at the temple by Ted is reminiscent of his donation of a wing at the NRDC building in season 6, episode 2. Larry's arrest and trial harken back to the infamous Seinfeld finale.

Editor's P/S:

The article effectively highlights Larry's recurring fixation on the surnames of same-sex couples, drawing parallels between storylines in seasons 9 and 12 of "Curb Your Enthusiasm." The connection between Larry's meddling in Christopher and Abe's relationship and his previous interference in Betty and Numa's wedding showcases his lack of understanding of same-sex marriage etiquette. This serves as a reminder of Larry's comedically flawed character and his ability to create awkward situations.

Overall, the article provides an insightful analysis of how the show's creators have incorporated callbacks to old storylines in season 12. These callbacks enhance the viewer's experience by linking the current season to previous moments in the show's history. Larry's arrest and trial, as well as the hurricane storyline, demonstrate the show's ability to blend humor with real-world events. This approach adds depth to the comedy and keeps the audience engaged.