Curb Your Enthusiasm Season 12 Episode 5 Review: Surprising Twists and Memorable Moments

In this episode titled "Fish Stuck," we see Larry navigating through some comical situations. From his scheme to end things with Irma to Freddy Funkhouser's drama with a woman from Disney, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Larry also hires a new lawyer to battle against a law in Georgia that prohibits giving food or water to voters waiting in line at a polling place. Along the way, he gets fixated on a same-sex couple's surname, discovers a defamatory message about himself on a brick at the temple, and finally finds a way to escape his relationship with Irma.

Larry Hires A New Lawyer

In this episode, Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12 continues to poke fun at various aspects of life, from A.A. meetings to diehard Disney fans. "Fish Stuck" showcases some of the best guest stars of the season, such as Sean Hayes from Will & Grace and Dan Levy from Schitt’s Creek. The episode also delves into Larry's budding romance with Sienna Miller. Whether it's Richard Lewis doing stand-up at an A.A. meeting or Larry's failed attempts to get compliments from Susie and Cheryl, episode 5 is filled with hilarious moments.

Sean Hayes plays Larry's new lawyer, Christopher Mantle

Sean Hayes sitting in an office in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Sean Hayes plays Larry's new lawyer, Christopher Mantle - Larry Hires A New Lawyer

Freddy Funkhouser's Girlfriend Works At A Disney Store (Not The Studio)

Larry David's friend Freddy Funkhouser reveals that his girlfriend works at a Disney store, causing confusion as Larry initially assumes she works at the Disney studio.

Freddy thought his girlfriend was a studio executive, not a professional cosplayer

Jenna working at the Disney store in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Freddy thought his girlfriend was a studio executive, not a professional cosplayer - Freddy Funkhouser's Girlfriend Works At A Disney Store (Not The Studio)

Richard Lewis Does Standup At A.A. Meetings

Richard Lewis, known for his standup comedy, took a humorous turn by performing at Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) meetings. This unexpected choice of venue adds a unique touch to his comedic style.

The late, great Richard Lewis gets big laughs at Irma's A.A. meetings

Richard Lewis talks to Larry in Curb Your Enthusiasm - The late, great Richard Lewis gets big laughs at Irma's A.A. meetings - Richard Lewis Does Standup At A.A. Meetings

"Hobie Turner: Larry David Is Disrespectful To Women"

When Larry arrives at an A.A. meeting to pick up Irma, he runs into Richard Lewis. Richard boasts about getting laughs at the meeting and some other recovering alcoholics praise him for his performance. Larry points out that Richard seems to be treating A.A. like a comedy club instead of a place for serious recovery. This sparks a playful back-and-forth where Richard suggests filming an HBO comedy special at an A.A. meeting. The scene takes on a poignant tone following Lewis' untimely death.

Larry finds a defamatory message about him at the temple

A message about Larry at the temple in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Larry finds a defamatory message about him at the temple - "Larry David Is Disrespectful To Women" – Hobie Turner

Sienna Miller Asks Larry Out

While attending an event at the refurbished temple, Larry notices a wall where people can donate bricks bearing a message of their choosing. He finds that one of the bricks, donated by former Seinfeld writer Hobie Turner, bears the defamatory message, “Larry David is disrespectful to women.” When Larry tries to take it up with the rabbi and later his lawyer, he’s bluntly told that the donors are protected by freedom of religion and can write whatever they want on the bricks. Larry says it’s “hate speech,” but the rabbi argues that it’s “strong dislike speech.”

Larry's promising romance with Sienna Miller continues

Sienna Miller talks to Larry in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Larry's promising romance with Sienna Miller continues - Sienna Miller Asks Larry Out

Cheryl & Susie Both Refuse To Defend Larry At The Temple

In episode 5 of Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12, Sienna Miller crosses paths with Larry once again, this time at the temple. She reveals that she is converting to Judaism and expresses her interest in him, showing that her flirtation at the airport was not a one-time occurrence. However, Larry, who is still in a relationship with Irma, has to decline her invitation. Despite this rejection, it seems likely that Sienna Miller will make another appearance in the season.

Why did Larry ask the two people who hate him most to say something nice about him?

Larry talks to Cheryl in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Why did Larry ask the two people who hate him most to say something nice about him? - Cheryl & Susie Both Refuse To Defend Larry At The Temple

Larry's Attempt at Damage Control

In an effort to counteract the negative message written by Hobie Turner, Larry decides to ask a woman from his social circle to leave a positive message on a nearby brick. However, his plan hits a snag when he reaches out to his ex-wife Cheryl and his enemy Susie, the two people who dislike him the most. Cheryl politely declines the request, while Susie outright refuses to help.

Larry Interferes With His New Lawyer's Marriage (& Jeopardizes His Own Case)

As usual, Larry's antics come back to bite him

Larry talks to Sean Hayes and Dan Levy in Curb Your Enthusiasm - As usual, Larry's antics come back to bite him - Larry Interferes With His New Lawyer's Marriage (& Jeopardizes His Own Case)

Irma Moves Out

After Larry criticized his lawyer’s husband Abe Zeckelman’s last name, Abe – played by Schitt’s Creek’s Dan Levy – confronts him at the temple and asks what’s wrong with the name “Zeckelman.” Instead of apologizing, Larry doubles down and defends his argument. This sparks a huge fight between the couple that ends with Christopher being kicked out of the house and having to sleep in his office. This marital turmoil leaves Christopher so discombobulated that he forgets to file Larry’s paperwork. Not only did Larry’s inability to keep his opinions to himself destroy a marriage; it sabotaged his own case, too.

Larry figures out a way to break up with Irma

Irma packs up her car to leave Larry in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Larry figures out a way to break up with Irma - Irma Moves Out

Larry's Plan to End Relationship Backfires

As he grows impatient waiting for his six-month window with Irma to come to a close, Larry decides to speed up the breakup process by tricking her into breaking up with him. He discovers that Irma turned to alcoholism while caring for her sick husband, so Larry pretends to have a fake illness called Groat's disease. This fake illness is a reference to a recurring joke on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Once Irma learns that Larry will require constant care, she quickly packs her bags and moves out.

Larry's Deception Unravels Quickly

Irma sees through Larry's lies in a matter of minutes

Jenna talks to Irma in Curb Your Enthusiasm - Irma sees through Larry's lies in a matter of minutes - Larry's Ruse Is Exposed Almost Immediately

More Defamatory Messages About Larry Appear At The Temple

After the revelation at the Disney store, Irma seems uninterested in reconciling with Larry. However, she does come up with a plan for revenge. Larry's celebration is short-lived as Irma heads straight to the Disney store where she meets Jenna. Jenna, who also fell victim to the fake illness ruse, helps Irma connect the dots. It becomes clear to both women that their boyfriends conspired to deceive them about being sick. The plot thickens as more defamatory messages about Larry start to surface at the temple.

The episode ends on a hilarious final shot

Messages about Larry at the temple in Curb Your Enthusiasm - The episode ends on a hilarious final shot - More Defamatory Messages About Larry Appear At The Temple

In the final scene of Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12, episode 5, we see more insulting messages about Larry on the temple wall. Irma, her sponsor Cyrus, Abe, and the rabbi have all joined in criticizing Larry. This hilarious ending ties up all the episode's storylines, creating a funny and satisfying conclusion that leaves Larry in an awkward situation.

Editor's P/S:

The latest episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm season 12, titled "Fish Stuck," delivers a hilarious and thought-provoking exploration of social and personal dynamics. Through Larry's misadventures and encounters, the episode tackles issues of freedom of speech, relationships, and the complexities of human interactions. The guest stars, including Sean Hayes and Dan Levy, bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the show, adding to the overall comedic brilliance.

The episode's focus on Larry's attempts to navigate various social situations highlights the show's signature blend of cringe humor and social commentary. Larry's inability to filter his thoughts and his misinterpretations lead to a series of awkward and amusing encounters, exposing the absurdities of everyday life. The episode also delves into the complexities of relationships, exploring the dynamics between Larry and Irma, his lawyer Christopher and his husband, and the nature of friendships and enmities. Overall, "Fish Stuck" is a testament to the enduring humor and relevance of Curb Your Enthusiasm, offering a witty and entertaining examination of the human condition.