Season 12, episode nine of Curb Your Enthusiasm, titled Ken/Kendra, took a comedic turn with a plotline that eerily mirrored real-life events involving Bruce Springsteen and COVID. The episode featured Springsteen returning to the show, impressed by Larry David's political stance, leading to a hilarious encounter at the Greenes' home. However, things take a chaotic turn when Springsteen's manager, Ken, reveals a past connection with Larry, leading to a mix-up over water glasses and ultimately resulting in both Larry and Springsteen contracting COVID.
The episode, written in 2022 and filmed in December of the same year, coincidentally aligned with real-life events as Springsteen postponed shows due to illness in early 2023. The Boss and his wife later tested positive for COVID, followed by Springsteen's diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease, leading to the cancellation of all remaining 2023 tour dates.
Curb Your Enthusiasm's show boss, Jeff Schaffer, expressed amazement at the uncanny resemblance between the show's storyline and real-life events, jokingly dubbing Larry David as the 'supreme negative manifester.' Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Springsteen's health improved, and he found humor in the situation.
The episode also delved into Larry's quirky behavior, particularly his preference for floor intimacy to avoid post-coital conversations. The addition of trans comedian Ian Harvie as Ken/Kendra added a unique dynamic to the storyline, showcasing the show's signature blend of humor and social commentary.
Schaffer highlighted the collaborative and improvisational nature of the show, praising Springsteen's willingness to experiment and contribute creatively to his scenes. The unexpected success of Springsteen's guest role hinted at a possible return in the series finale, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the show's conclusion.
As Curb Your Enthusiasm approaches its series finale, Schaffer teased more comedic highlights from the penultimate episode, promising an entertaining send-off for the beloved HBO comedy. The series finale is set to air on HBO and Max, marking the end of an era for Larry David's iconic character and his misadventures.
