I caught this episode of Seinfeld today. My daily reminder that addiction is everywhere, and those suffering favorite targets for ridicule by the media. It’s still one my all time favorite sitcoms. If we can’t laugh at ourselves, who can we laugh at?
The setup
PETERMAN: I’m afraid I have some bad news, Elaine. It appears you will not be accompanying me to Africa.
ELAINE: What? Why not?
PETERMAN: I’m afraid it’s your urine, Elaine. You tested positive for opium.
ELAINE: Opium?
PETERMAN: That’s right, Elaine. White lotus. Yam-yam. Shanghai Sally.
ELAINE: Ihat’s impossible, I’ve never done a drug in my life. Dr. Strugatz must have made a mistake.
PETERMAN: Not a chance. I’m afraid I’ll just have to find someone else to accompany me on my journey. The dark continent is no place for an addict, Elaine.
ELAINE: Obviously, Mr. Peterman, there’s something wrong with this test. I don’t take opium. Let me take another one, please? I’ll call the doctor right now, I’ll take a pop urine test!
Elaine wasn’t really on the yam-yam. She was testing positive due to her favorite bagel – one topped with poppy seeds. Enter Kramer, looking only for a shower with good water pressure, to further Peterman’suspicions.
While it may be a silly scene, the underlying truth is that the consequences of denial can be costly.
