The Deal (Seinfeld)

"The Deal" is the 113th episode of the NBC sitcom Seinfeld. It is the ninth episode of the sixth season, first airing on December 15, 1994. The episode's central plot revolves around Jerry Seinfeld and Elaine Benes deciding to become "friends with benefits," attempting to negotiate a specific agreement to continue their friendship while engaging in casual sex.

The episode satirizes the complexities and potential pitfalls of attempting to separate sex and emotions within a long-standing friendship. Key themes explored include jealousy, possessiveness, and the challenges of maintaining clear boundaries in such a relationship.

Throughout the episode, Jerry and Elaine try to establish "the rules" of their deal. These rules include stipulations about calling each other the next day, frequency of sexual encounters, and the permissibility of seeing other people. Their attempts at creating these rules are portrayed as humorous and ultimately futile, highlighting the unpredictable nature of relationships.

Subplots in the episode involve George Costanza struggling to get a Christmas bonus from his employer, Mr. Lippman, by feigning religious conversion to Judaism. Kramer, meanwhile, becomes involved with a group of monks.

"The Deal" is considered one of the more memorable Seinfeld episodes, contributing to the show's exploration of modern dating and relationships with its characteristic observational humor and cynical perspective.