sammi says

Do you remember three years ago when Michael Richards, most famously known for playing Cosmo Kramer on "Seinfeld," basically lost his mind during a stand-up comedy performance? He yelled hateful, racist statements at members of his audience who he claimed were heckling him. Then he appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" via satellite to apologize but really ended up seeming not sorry and really kind of strange and angry. After that, Richards definitely played it smart and laid low for several years. In fact, the first time we've seen him (besides "Seinfeld" reruns) is on this season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

As you've probably heard, the plot of this season of "Curb" is the planning and taping of "Seinfeld" reunion episode. In an earlier episode this season ("The Reunion") we see Larry David meeting with Richards to ask him to be a part of the reunion. Richards's scenes were funny but a little strange with him sort of dazed and confused (and distracted by boobs) that it seemed they were trying to keep his part to a minimum. That is of course until last week's episode ("The Table Read") where Richards is terrified to receive a diagnosis of Groat's disease (a fake syndrome created in season 2 of "Curb") and he asks Larry for advice. Larry says he knows someone with Groat's who's doing fine and he'll set up a meeting between him and Richards. In true Larry style, he of course forgot the man he knows actually died of Groat's, so he enlists the help of Uncle Leon (J.B. Smoove, one of my faves) to act like he has Groat's. When Richards finds out he was duped, let's just say he isn't happy. Watch the clip.



When I was watching this scene I was cracking up. It's definitely a funny way to deal with the elephant in the room. And when you think about the real life situation, it does seem like it's straight out of a fictional "Curb" plot line. Larry has done some really terrible things on the show and is always offending everyone. Would we have thought Richards's outburst was funny if it had only happened in the context of an episode of "Curb?" I know I would have. Granted, it was real life and a total mistake but I love that they didn't act like it never happened. I appreciate Michael Richards for being a good sport. Who knows if he truly is sorry or if he even cares what we think, but he is redeemed in my eyes because he reminded me he is a hilarious actor but also a human. Only Larry David could turn this situation into something we can all laugh about.

It's been a long summer with my TiVo a little too empty for my liking. I'm so glad it's time for fall TV. Here's what I'm looking forward to most.

Glee (Fox Wednesday 8pm)- "Glee" already premiered last week, but I had been looking forward to seeing this show since they previewed the pilot last spring. I'm a big fan of musicals making me the target audience. It takes a certain type of person to allow for the suspension of disbelief especially when dealing with high schoolers who look too old, breaking into song in the middle of class and fully produced musical fantasy numbers. The show is incredibly cheesy, which is exactly what is working best for it. The show is full of amazing talent like Lea Michelle and Amber Riley, not to mention Jane Lynch in a hilarious supporting role.

The Office (NBC Thursday 8pm/Sept. 17)- "The Office" returns for its sixth season this Thursday making all of us Jim and Pam fans very happy. I hear that they get right down to business with their wedding plans before Pam starts showing her pregnancy. I have really high hopes for this season. Last season it felt like the show was rejuvenated with the Michael Scott Paper Company. It proved that Michael is not a complete idiot and perhaps that he gained a little respect from his employees.

Community (NBC Thursday 8:30pm/Sept. 17)- "Community" stars Joel McHale as a cocky lawyer who faked his degree and now is headed back to community college. I love Joel McHale- for those of you who don't recognize his name, he is the hilarious host of "The Soup" on E! I don't know if the show was starring someone else that I'd care too much, but it's starring Joel so I'm going to go ahead and give it a go.

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX Thursday 9pm/Sept. 17) I love these guys. I really don't know how I can explain to someone what this show is about without making it sound incredibly stupid. Maybe it is incredibly stupid, but it's also incredibly funny. The show is about a group of five, highly immoral people who do really stupid stuff all the time to try and benefit themselves. You know what, if you don't already watch the show or haven't heard of it, it probably isn't for you.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (HBO Sunday 8pm/Sept. 20) "Curb Your Enthusiasm" ended last season with quite possibly the greatest two minutes in the history of television. Ok, I might be exaggerating but I've never been so shocked or thrilled at a cliff hanger (watch here. ) The past season dealt with the real life issue of Larry David divorcing his wife. While all of that is going on Larry is getting much closer with the Blacks, a black family of hurricane refugees that Larry takes in, most notably being Loretta played by Vivica Fox and Leon played by J.B. Smoove (my favorite Leon moment) The last season of "Curb" ended in November of 2007, so it's safe to say I'm ready for its return. Oh yeah, did I mention that this season deals with the fake reunion of "Seinfeld" with all of the cast guest starring?

Heroes (NBC Monday 7pm/Sept. 21) I feel like everyone, myself included, keeps hanging on to this show because the first season was so amazing. Everything after the first season hasn't been so great. This show has so many problems like too many characters, slow moving story lines and super powers that don't always follow their own rules. Last seasons finale we saw Nathan Petrelli die and his mother deciding to cover it up by tricking the evil Sylar, a shape shifter, to take on Nathan's form and continue to live his life for him. How that's going to pan out, I'm not sure, but I'll probably keep watching until the show gets cancelled holding onto hope it's going to get better. Plus, I think Peter Petrelli, played by Milo Ventigmilia is super hot.

Cougar Town (ABC Wednesday 8:30pm/Sept. 23) The only reason I will give this show a chance is because it stars Courtney Cox. I really don't have much else to say about it.

Flash Forward (ABC Thursday 7pm/Sept. 24) The premise of this show is that the whole world blacks out for 2 minutes and 17 seconds and gets a vision of their future. Some people want their vision to come true, others, not so much. It stars Sonya Walger (aka Penny Widmore from "Lost") and John Cho (aka Harold from "Harold and Kumar") along with a lot of people I've never heard of before. I don't know why, but the trailer has me intrigued, here's a preview. Apparently, I'm a big nerd and really like shows about time travel.

The Amazing Race (CBS Sunday 7pm/Sept. 27) The last season of "The Amazing Race," was the most exciting season of this show to date. It's the only reality competition show worth watching (ok, besides "Project Runway"). Last season we saw my favorites, Tammy and Victor, a brother and sister team win the show, but we can't forget the other memorable teams like Margie and Luke, the mom and deaf son (who was a total d-bag by the way) and my personal favorites gay writer/director Mike White and his gay dad, Mel. I hope that this season of show brings us just as many likable, strong teams as the last.

For a full list of Fall TV premieres head over to Watch With Kristin's calendar.