Curb Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Sixth Season (2007)

Amazon.com Editorial Review:
Throughout Curb Your Enthusiasm's fifth season, HBO's master of passive-aggression went in search of his roots. In the sixth, Larry returns to his old tricks--to the relief of fans who felt the show was losing its way. As usual, most scenarios revolve around problems unique to neurotic millionaires. Larry's voice of reason, wife Cheryl (Cheryl Hines), continues to save him from himself (when she can). This time, the 10-episode arc turns to Roots when the Davids take in the Blacks, a family of African-American hurricane evacuees, including Loretta (Vivica A. Fox) and her brother, Leon (an uproariously profane J.B. Smoove). Naturally, "L.D." offends other groups along the way, like an Asian gentleman ("The Anonymous Donor"), a chemotherapy patient ("The Lefty Call"), a deaf woman ("The Rat Dog"), and tennis-player-turned-comedian John McEnroe, a group unto himself ("The Freak Book"). During the year, Larry also tangles with an X-rated dessert, an unsympathetic senator (Rep. Barbara Boxer as herself), an inebriated chauffeur (Toby Huss), the infinite superiority of Ted Danson, and the usual games of one-upmanship with Jeff Greene (Jeff Garlin), Richard Lewis (himself) and Marty Funkhouser (Bob "Super Dave" Einstein, brother of director Albert Brooks).

Since Curb Your Enthusiasm takes its inspiration from David's real life, the big news arrives when Cheryl, a character based on environmental activist Laurie David, walks out on him. Then their friends pick sides. Thereafter, things really start to go downhill, resulting in some of Larry's funniest faux pas ever--until R&B vocalist John Legend steps in to save the day. Not literally, but his soulful singing sets the scene for the surprisingly sweet finale. Extra features include a live conversation between David and Susie Essman, a sixth year featurette ("On the Set"), and a gag reel. --Kathleen C. Fennessy