I'm trying to convince my friend to go and see the South Park movie when it's released in the UK (not long now). However, as they've never seen an episode of SP yet, they wanted to see one which will set the scene best for the movie, or is the best example of the type of humour found in the film. I have the whole of season 1 on DVD, and most of season 2 taped from the TV, so which is the best episode to show them before the movie -- (preferably one on DVD, as I want to show off my player at the same time). At the moment, I think I'll show them 'Pinkeye' (for Mr. Hat's Chewbacca growl if nothing else), but I'll change it if someone who's seen the movie reccomends a better one.
Pinkeye is certainly a good episode, but it's not a very typical or representative one. It's sort of like the Simpsons Halloween specials.
For an introductory episode, I can highly recommend Starvin' Marvin. It's the second episode I saw, and the one that won me over and made me into a huge fan of the whole series. The Sally Struthers scenes had me rolling, although if you haven't seen her ads on TV in your country I don't know if those scenes would be as funny.
I read somewhere that Matt and Trey's favorite is Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride. It too is a super episode, and has a more sympathtic role for Big Gay Al than the movie does. (In the movie, Big Gay Al is a participant in the Canada bashing, whereas in the TV episode he promoted peace and tolerance.) Big Gay Al is a very funny character in both appearances, however.
If you have it, I think I would recommend "Ike's Weewee" from season 2. I just happen to have watched it again on tape last night. It fleshes out both Ike and Mr. Mackey. I'm not sure, but I think it might be Mr. Mackey's first appearance. It is the episode where we first learn that Ike is both adopted and Canadian. Upon learning that Ike is adopted, Kyle shuns him at first, but comes around at the end. The episode also contains the classic scene of Mr. Mackey's giant head floating over South Park. Without spoiling anything, I can tell you that Ike's Canadian heritage is a major plot point of the movie.
Another Season 2 gem that would be good to see before the movie is Damien. It introduces Satan as a character, and Satan is one of the main characters in the movie. The episode's plot is well-constructed, with a neat twist ending (in which we find out who bet against Satan). Like the movie, the Damien episode is wildly original and innovative. How many other TV series ever had an episode in which Jesus Christ got into a boxing ring?
So, it seems to me that, for an introductory episode to see before the film, there may, IMHO, be a 4-way tie between Starvin' Marvin, Big Gay Al's Big Gay Boat Ride, Ike's Weewee and Damien.
Dude, Matt and Trey's favorite (I've heard them say it) is "Not Without My
Anus." For best to show your friend, I'd say either Tom's Rhinoplasty or Big
Gay Al.
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"Listen you f*ckers, you screwheads. Here is a man who stood up to the scum, the c*nts, the dogs, the filth, the sh*t. Here is a man who stood up." � Travis Bickle
But then EVERY episode's their favourite, isn't it? Just watch the trailers/introductions on the VHS episodes on sale in the shops.
- -- Stephen Hopkins PGP key ID 0xE24AA972 on public key-server or e-mail me. "It's the alien anal probe! It's shooting fire from Cartman's rectum!" SP#101
Oh yes, they were going on about genetic engineering and making some quite frankly outrageous (and intentionally nonsensical) remarks about how they thought the whole genetic melting pot should be stirred up and how everything should be spliced with everything else. Not meant to be taken seriously. But it's there. If you can borrow series 1 volume 3 from your local library and play the intro, you should see it. Providing, of course, that they use the same material on both UK and US versions.
- -- Stephen Hopkins PGP key ID 0xE24AA972 on public key-server or e-mail me. "It's the alien anal probe! It's shooting fire from Cartman's rectum!" SP#101
Damn! Just remembered that one. Actually, Mr. Mackey has been a long established character...I think it was "Mr. Hankey: The Christmas Poo" where he made his first appearance. That too would be a good one. Y'know what? I think that's the first time they ever showed an episode and didn't censor anyone saying "shit".
When did they say "shit"? The first airing of Ike's Wee Wee there was the scene when Mr. Mackay bumps into Jimbo (or vice versa) and Mackay says, "I don't have to take your right-wing bullshit, mkay?" Mind you it only got out on the air that one time (and unfortunately I wasn't taping it at the time). Since then (and sadly on the commercially available tape) it's been bull <bleep> ever since.
Barb
The Pacifist wrote in message news:7n2cv7$vj0$[email]...
Pinkeye is classic, but you'd have to show a wack of episodes. I personally would watch "Death" first, because they introduce the characters Terenace & Phillip and properly establish the type of social satire that is oh-so-prevalent in BLU.
Other good ones would be Mr. Hankey, Tom's Rhinoplasty, and Cartman Gets an Anal Probe.
What about the episode (I forget the name of it) where they shout "For Canada" - but with the accent it comes out sounding like "FUCK CANADA" - that was a hoot! I couldn't believe they got that on the air. That one captures the anti-Canada feeling of the movie properly IMHO. Phil - Charlson Broadcast Technologies OKC Anyone finding Auto Racing backhauls please post at my favorite site - www.nauticom.net/www/russ/index.html