The Stake Out (Seinfeld) too close for "Seinfeld"." The Stake Out (Seinfeld) "The Stake Out" is the second episode produced of the first season of the NBC comedy "Seinfeld". It aired as the second episode of the season on May 31, 1990. The episode was written by Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David and directed by Tom Cherones. The narrative features Jerry Seinfeld agreeing to attend a birthday party with his ex-girlfriend Elaine Benes. During the party, Jerry tries to flirt with another woman, but fails to learn anything about her except her place of work. Jerry is reluctant to ask Elaine for the woman's
The Deal (Seinfeld) Hell, Jingle All the Way". Critics reacted positively to the episode. Eric Kohanik of "The Hamilton Spectator" called "The Deal" a "hilarious episode". "Entertainment Weekly" critics Mike Flaherty and Mary Kaye Schilling commented "Jerry and Elaine's circuitous verbal dance pondering the relative worth of "that [sex] versus this [the friendship]" is sublime. The show's ability to be both explicit and vague will become a hallmark." The Deal (Seinfeld) "The Deal" is the ninth episode of the second season of NBC's "Seinfeld", and the show's 14th episode overall. The episode centers on protagonists Jerry (Jerry Seinfeld) and Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus)