Ep 22. The Opposite

In Seinfeld season 5 episode 22, titled "The Opposite," the gang finds themselves facing some major life changes. George is down and out after losing his job with the New York Yankees, which prompts him to take a new outlook on life by doing the exact opposite of what his instincts tell him to do. Meanwhile, Jerry experiences some career success and decides to celebrate by breaking his routine of picking up his dry-cleaning and ordering breakfast. Elaine has a run-in with her ex-boyfriend, who blames her for the demise of their relationship, and Kramer hits literal rock bottom and decides to move to California to try and pursue his dream of becoming an actor.

Throughout the episode, the theme of doing the opposite of what is expected and breaking free from routine is explored. George's decision to do the opposite of his instincts leads him to strike up a conversation with a woman he would have never talked to otherwise and ultimately leads him to success and happiness. Jerry's decision to break his routine, while seemingly insignificant, leads to some hilarious and unexpected consequences.

At the same time, Elaine is forced to confront her past mistakes and realize that sometimes doing the opposite isn't always the best course of action. Her ex-boyfriend's accusations prompt her to reflect on her past relationships and realize that she may be the common denominator in her failed romances. This realization leads her to make some changes in her behavior and eventually leads to a happy surprise at the end of the episode.

Kramer's storyline in this episode is particularly memorable, as he hits rock bottom and decides to take a chance by pursuing his dream of becoming an actor. His decision to do the opposite of what anyone would expect him to do leads him on a hilarious journey that involves him accidentally landing a job at a company and getting involved in a high-stakes poker game. Ultimately, his journey to pursue his dreams is incredibly entertaining and adds to the overall theme of the episode.

Overall, Seinfeld season 5 episode 22 is a standout episode that explores the theme of doing the opposite of what is expected and breaking free from routine. Between George's successful new outlook on life, Jerry's unexpected consequences from breaking his routine, Elaine's reflections on her past relationships, and Kramer's hilarious journey to pursue his dreams, there is no shortage of laughs and memorable moments in this episode.