“Seinfeld” creators were willing to push the envelope on topics like sponge-worthiness and remaining master of one’s domain, but it turns out personal gun ownership was too controversial a topic for the iconic ’90s show about nothing.
“Seinfeld” cast and crew refused to shoot what would have been the show’s ninth episode, “The Bet,” written by “Borat” director Larry Charles, Screen Crush reported.
In the episode, Elaine Benes, played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus, bets against Jerry Seinfeld on the ease of buying a handgun to protect herself. The narrative was reportedly inspired by a firearm purchase made by “Seinfeld” writer Elaine Pope.
In one scene, Elaine holds the gun to her head and asks “where do you want it Jerry? The Kennedy?” She then holds the gun to her stomach and asks, “The McKinley?” — referencing the assassination of the two American presidents.
Mr. Charles said the episode came at a time when more and more women were seeking out the weapons, explaining, “I think it was as simple as me wondering, ’What if Elaine bought a gun?’” Screen Crush reported.
But the Kennedy joke crossed the line for Ms. Louis-Dreyfus and director Tom Cherones, who said, “Guns aren’t funny.”
The episode was axed during the table reading in December 1990. Its replacement episode was “The Phone Message.”
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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