Season 6 of Larry David's brainchild "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is easily the best yet. Featuring the most cogent and compelling story arcs so far, a decent midseason twist, and a parade of guest stars including John McEnroe, Tim Meadows, Tia Carerre, Phil Lamarr, and Steve Coogan, Season 6 delivers on the goods where the previous season fell flat. For really the first time in the series history, all the actors have gelled and become so comfortable with their own characters that the improvisational style doesn't feel like a hindrance. It's very nice. And very funny.
The single best change (and central storyline) for season 6 is the Davids' adoption of the Blacks, an African-American family displaced from their home by Hurricane Edna. Anytime you get Larry together with ethnic minorities, hilarity is bound to ensue, as he will find every possible way to offend without even meaning to. Vivica Fox as Loretta Black and JB Smoove as her brother Leon are the standouts here. Smoove is a fucking laugh a minute, jive-talking, ranting, giving Larry intriguing advice on anything from ladies to business, and joining Jeff Greene as Larry's right hand man. Larry himself has become more of a sympathetic figure, undergoing a subtle yet significant transformation from kind of a dick to just kind of a schmuck.
The strong writing that shines through in season 6 is not necessarily a surprise. This season marks a transition from David himself doing most of the writing and production, to David bringing on his old production crew from "Seinfeld" to help flush out the "comedy geometry" of "CYE", the art and science of fitting all the storylines together snugly and making sure each episode comes full circle. Bravo, guys, bravo.
There's not much else to say about this one. Great season, great writing, great cast, funny show.
Storyline & plot: 9/10
Cinematography & effects: 6/10
Music & mood: 6/10
Performances: 9/10
The Reverend says: 8/10
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