10 times J.B. Smoove was the best part of Curb Your Enthusiasm
Before the long-running HBO comedy kicks off its final season, let's toast the moments when Smoove's Leon Black stole the show
Those of us who felt compelled to rewatch beloved shows during the more locked-down days of the pandemic may have noticed a certain “ruckus” was missing from the earlier seasons of Curb Your Enthusiasm. That’s because, if you’ve acclimated to the pace of the later seasons, especially nine through 11, Leon Black (portrayed by actor/writer/comedian J.B. Smoove) has been a force in defining it. Where Larry David is self-loathing, Leon is all self-love; when Larry has a wild idea, Leon either immediately cosigns it, or goes wilder. And Larry supports Leon’s big schemes as well, even driving him to different spots around town to step in for workers who need someone to watch their post as they go pee (a business endeavor Leon and Larry named Gotta Go in season 11). The comedic escalation that Smoove’s improvising chops have brought to this show is rare and undeniable.
Really, what better than to see Larry with a live-in best friend, an always-there sounding board who reserves what appears to be his one stated commitment, hosting “Big Johnson Club” meetings, for times when his pal is out of town? And Leon gets a sweet place to live rent-free in L.A. with all the cheeses and meats—and pickles—he could possibly want out of this deal. Larry’s other pals typically play the straight man to him. He needs a pal for antics, and that’s exactly where Leon comes in in all his confident and whimsical glory. So before the show enters its 12fth and final season on February 4, we’re counting down just 10 of the times Smoove was the best thing on Curb.
