Enlarge image

Scene from the “Today” show: “Someone had to do it!”

Photo: TODAY / YouTube

A misanthrope is a misanthrope. It necessarily dislikes it when it becomes too human. And it was hugely human when the character Elmo from the children's show "Sesame Street" simply asked on Monday on X: "How are you all doing?" Elmo's post has been played more than 200 million times in users' timelines, and more than 18,000 of them have responded directly. Even the “New York Times” thought it was worth a detailed article – as did SPIEGEL:

Most people seemed to be doing rather poorly. "We're tired, Elmo." or "I've reached my lowest point." were typical answers. Which is why the “Sesame Street” social media team had Elmo say in a follow-up post: “Wow! Elmo is glad he asked. Elmo has learned that it is important to ask friends how they are doing. Even US President Joe Biden's official account responded with empathy.

Reason enough for the traditional NBC morning magazine “Today” to invite two dolls onto the show, Elmo and his father Louie. Both spoke at length about the importance of compassion and friendship with hosting trio Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. But the show had another guest, a prominent misanthrope.

In the comedy show “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (German title on Sky: “Leave it Larry”), Larry David plays a fictionalized version of himself who repeatedly gets into arguments with those around him. The final season of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” premieres on February 4th on the US subscription channel HBO, and he was on the “Today” show to promote it. And took on the doll that everyone loves right now.

Just as the weather report was about to change, Larry David walked up to the dolls, grabbed Elmo by the head and threw a punch. The faces of Melvin and his colleagues expressed shock. “I liked you so far, Mr. Larry,” Elmo squealed. The moderator scolded: "You have to ask before you touch someone, Larry!" A colleague said: "Larry, you went too far this time." David's voice could be heard off camera: "Someone had to do it!"

Later in the show, Larry David was called out for his assault by Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb. He should look into the camera and say “Sorry” from the bottom of his heart. “What organ are you talking about?” Larry remained in character before finally actually saying: “Elmo, I want to apologize.” While Larry David couldn’t hold back his laughter, Elmo immediately replied: “Thanks, Larry! I accept the apology.”

Feb