Jerry’s dispenser of Pez candy causes Elaine to laugh loudly at a piano recital given by George’s girlfriend. Kramer creates a cologne that smells of the beach. Jerry hosts an intervention for an old friend (“Richie Appel,” an inside reference to comedy writer and Simpsons producer Richard Appel) with a drug problem. Jerry’s friend developed a drug problem because Kramer told him to pour Gatorade on Marty Benson’s head after winning a softball game; the coach developed pneumonia and died.
George is troubled over the fact that he has no “hand” (upper hand) in the relationship, and fears his girlfriend will break up with him. Acting on “genius” advice from Kramer, George “preemptively breaks up” with her, causing her to want him more and thus giving him the “hand.” Later, at the intervention, George’s girlfriend hears Elaine laughing, realizes that it was Elaine who ruined her concert, and walks out on George. Jerry’s friend kicks his drug habit; he’s now addicted to Pez.