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The Understudy

‘The Understudy’

Season 6, Episode 24 -  Aired May 18, 1995

As Jerry dates Better Midler's understudy in a Broadway production of "Rochelle Rochelle", George causes a softball accident that knocks the leading lady out. Meanwhile, Elaine needs Frank Costanza's help when she thinks the Korean nail technicians are talking about her behind her back.

Quote from J. Peterman

Elaine: [sobbing] Oh, God. I'm so sorry. I don't even know where I'm going.
J. Peterman: Well, that's the best way to get someplace you've never been.
Elaine: Yes, I suppose that's true.
J. Peterman: Have you been crying?
Elaine: Yes. [sobbing] You see, this woman, this manicurist…
J. Peterman: Oh, no. That doesn’t matter now. That's a very nice jacket.
Elaine: Uh, thanks.
J. Peterman: Very soft, huge button flaps, cargo pockets, draw string waist, deep bi-swing vents in the back perfect for jumping into a gondola.
Elaine: How do you know all that?
J. Peterman: That's my coat.
Elaine: You mean...?
J. Peterman: Yes, I'm J. Peterman.
Elaine: Oh!

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Quote from J. Peterman

J. Peterman: Then, in the distance, I heard the bulls, and I began running as fast as I could. Fortunately, I was wearing my Italian capto oxfords. Sophisticated yet different, without making a huge fuss about. Rich dark brown calfskin leather. Matching linen vamp. Men's whole and half sizes 7 through 13, price $135.
Elaine: Oh, that's not too expensive.
J. Peterman: I like that shirt. Where did you get it?
Elaine: Oh, this innocent looking shirt has something which isn't innocent at all. Touchability. Heavy, silky Italian cotton, with a fine almost terrycloth-like feeling. Five-button placket, relaxed fit, innocence and mayhem at once.
J. Peterman: That's not bad!

Quote from Frank Costanza

Kim: So many years, Frank. So many years. If only you had taken your shoes off.
Frank Costanza: I couldn't because I had a potential foot problem.
Kim: I thought maybe you had a hole in your socks.
Frank Costanza: I wiped them for two minutes on the mat. I don't know why your father had to make a federal case out of it.
Kim: Anyway, that is all in the past. We have our whole future ahead of us.
Frank Costanza: Between you and me, I think your country is placing a lot of importance on shoe removal. [brakes screech]
Kim: You short stop me? We don't do that in Korea! Take me home. I never want to see you again.

Quote from Kramer

Kramer: Who's Gennice?
Jerry: That's the understudy. I'm dating her.
Kramer: Oh, uh, is this uh, Bette Midler's understudy?
Jerry: Yeah.
Kramer: Oh, understudies are a very shifty bunch. The substitute teachers of the theater world.

Quote from Frank Costanza

Frank Costanza: I had an affair with a Korean woman.
Elaine: Uh, Mr. Costanza, I …
Frank Costanza: No, I feel I need to unburden myself. I loved her very deeply. But the clash of cultures was too much. Her family would not accept me.
Elaine: Mr. Costanza, I'm...
Frank Costanza: Maybe it was because I refused to take off my shoes. Again, the foot odor problem. Her father would look at me and say... [speaks Korean]. Which means, "this guy - this is not my kind of guy".

Quote from Kramer

Kramer: [holding Bette Midler] Don't worry I'm with you. Now, Kramer is going to take care of everything. See, I got you pineapple. And I saw Beaches last night for the fourth time. [sighs] "You are the wind beneath my wings"

Quote from George

Jerry: She calls me this morning and tells me she's upset I didn't console her. I mean it was Beaches for god's sake. I mean, what, what do you do in a situation like that?
George: Where were you?
Jerry: I was sitting on the chair. She was over here on the couch.
George: Well, you know, if you were sitting right next to her you'd have to console her no matter what.
Jerry: Of course.
George: When you're talking about a movie like Beaches, moving from the chair to the couch... that's quite a voyage.

Quote from Kramer

Kramer: Where you going?
Jerry: Show League game. The Improv is playing "Rochelle Rochelle" The musical.
Kramer: Really? What is Bette Midler playing? Is she going to be there?
Jerry: She might be. She's the star of the show.
Kramer: Bette Midler is going to be in the park today? [squeals] Jerry, don't tease me.
George: I didn't know you were such a Bette Midler fan.
Kramer: So maybe I'll go down there and watch, uh? She'll be there, maybe, huh?

Quote from Jerry

Jerry: I'm glad she's an understudy. I don't have to avoid going back stage and having to think of something to say.
George: Going backstage is the worst. Especially when they stink. You know, then it's a real problem.
Jerry: Just once I would like to tell someone they stink. "You know what? I didn't like the show. I didn't like you. It just really stunk. The whole thing, real bad. Stinkaroo. Thanks for the tickets though."

Quote from Kramer

Kramer: Look, there she is. It's Bette. It's Bette! [squeals] Uh, Bette?
Bette Midler: Hi.
Kramer: Uh, I just want to say I think you're wonderful.
Bette Midler: Uh, thank you.
Kramer: Yeah. You know, I've seen you in everything you've done.
Bette Midler: Really?
Kramer: Is there anything I can get you? Water? They got Italian ice over here.
Bette Midler: What flavors do they have?
Kramer: Uh, well, they got chocolate, lemon, and uh, cherry.
Bette Midler: How about Pineapple?
Kramer: Pineapple, sure. All right, I'll be right back.

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