The Invitations

"The Invitations" is the 24th and final episode of the seventh season of Seinfeld and the 134th overall episode. It originally aired on May 16, 1996, and is notable as being the last episode written by co-creator Larry David before he left the series at the end of this season. He did return, however, to write the series finale in 1998. This episode was directed by Andy Ackerman.

In 2005, TV Guide ranked the episode # 8 as part of its "Top 100 Most Unexpected Moments in TV History".

George and Susan go shopping for wedding invitations and George decides to buy the cheapest brand in the store. As they run into Kramer, he calls Susan "Lily", much to Susan's surprise and annoyance. Kramer later tells Jerry that a bank will offer anyone $100 if they are not greeted with a "hello" by a teller when they enter the building.

Jerry and Elaine realize that once George gets married it will be just the three of them. At night, Elaine admits that she is also leaving the group. In a dream sequence, Jerry and Kramer argue about inventing a periscope for use in an automobile, until Jerry is jarred back to reality by almost getting hit by a car and is saved by a woman named Jeannie Steinman (Janeane Garofalo).

Meanwhile, George tells Susan that Elaine wants to be an usher at their wedding, but Susan says no, saying that there will be no female ushers. She also says Kramer is no longer an usher since he called her "Lily". George warns Susan that if she will not let them be ushers, the two will be devastated. Susan tells George that she does not care.

The next day, George tells Elaine and Kramer the news. Jerry tells them about Jeannie. George admits that he did not want to be with Susan after they got engaged, and that he needs to find a way to get out of the marriage without confronting Susan. Elaine suggests smoking in front of Susan, since Susan hates smoking. This does not work, as the smoking makes George sick and Susan is not convinced. Kramer suggests a prenuptial agreement. When George requests it, Susan laughs out loud at him because he does not have any money and that she makes more than he does; George realizes he is stuck with the situation. Kramer goes to the bank. Upon being greeted with the word "hey" instead of "hello", he asks to see the manager (played by Stephen Root).