Seinfeld Declassified Episode 11: What exactly is the pensky file (and what was George supposed to do with it?)

So before we begin, I just want to clarify something. I always thought it was spelled Penske as the only other frame of reference I had for that name was the truck leasing company. However, upon reviewing the actual script, it does confirm the official spelling as Pensky. So that’s just a little fun fact for those of you who were unaware. Okay, so onto the episode.

This has always been one of my favorites so I’m excited to be covering it. The episode kicks off with George unsure if he has the job at Sanalac (and, yes, I checked the script and that is the official spelling. I’m not sure why they went with that name but apparently it’s also a brand of nonfat dry milk so I guess maybe one of the writers worked there at one point). But anyway, to try and save face, he pretends he has the job at which point he is handed the infamous Pensky file.

So let’s tackle the first part of the question first. What exactly was the Pensky file (or rather what was in it?). Well, unfortunately the answer makes no sense. We know he was under indictment by the board of directors so presumably it was a file about his case so they could help him avoid time in prison. But here’s the the thing: he mentions at the beginning of the episode that it’s a rest stop supply company, not a law firm, so that can’t possibly be it. So what is it?

Well, considering what industry they’re in, you have to figure Arthur Pensky must have been the manager (head honcho, director, whatever you want to call it) of some rest stop. Why a rest stop would be under indictment (or if that’s even possible) is way beyond me but the only explanation that seems even remotely logical is that he was embezzling from them. So I’m thinking they were probably trying to fact-check the Pensky file to ensure it was accurate when they hand it over to his lawyers.

And, yes, admittedly it probably doesn’t make much sense for that to fall under the purview of a rest stop supply company but let’s be honest here: nothing about this episode makes much sense. The weird part is when Pensky looks at the file, he’s impressed by it but when he shows that same file to Tuttle, he says his work was subpar.

I mean it’s possible they could just have different standards but to have two people whose expectations differ so greatly seems a bit odd. But, anyway, that’s about all I could find so if you have any better theories, feel free to sound off in the comments and I’ll see you next time. Until then, this has been your resident Seinfeld expert reminding you that it’s not a lie if you believe it.