Ep 17. The Outing

In Seinfeld season 4 episode 17, titled "The Outing," Jerry and George are mistakenly outed as a homosexual couple by a college newspaper reporter. The episode opens with Jerry agreeing to allow a college journalism student, played by Paula Marshall, to interview him about his comedy career. Things take a turn when the interviewer mistakenly errs that George and Jerry are a couple, which she then prominently includes in her article.

Horrified at the article, Jerry and George confront the reporter demanding that she correct her mistake before the article is published. However, they later find out that the paper has already gone to print and the article has been circulated throughout town. Jerry and George immediately become the target of taunts and harassment at their respective jobs, with George even getting fired for being gay. Meanwhile, Jerry's budding romance with his female friend Ellen is in jeopardy when she comes to know of the article and mistakenly believes that Jerry is gay.

The episode is filled with hilarious misunderstandings and cleverly written dialogue. It expertly weaves together all the storylines, keeping the audience engaged with its playful humor. The writing is sharp, and the comedic timing is perfect, making it one of the best episodes of the entire series.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this episode is its treatment of homosexuality. It's a bold move for a sitcom to tackle such a sensitive topic in the 90s. However, the show handles it with delicacy and nuance, treating it neither with negativity nor judgement. It instead uses humor to satirize people's narrow-minded attitudes towards homosexuality and the way they perceive it.

The performances in this episode are as exceptional as the writing. Jerry Seinfeld and Jason Alexander, as usual, deliver stellar comedic performances, but the real standout is Paula Marshall. She portrays the journalist as this enthusiastic and determined student who's willing to do whatever it takes to get the scoop. Her performance is what elevates the episode's humor and makes it enjoyable to watch.

Overall, Seinfeld season 4 episode 17, "The Outing," is a classic episode that highlights the show's knack for tackling sensitive issues and using humor to satirize them. While the episode was ahead of its time in its treatment of homosexuality, it still holds up today as an excellent piece of television. Its stellar writing, performances, and its unique take on the issue make it one of the best episodes of the entire series.