For over a decade, “South Park†has been the premiere animated sitcom on cable television, pushing not only the limits for the medium but also cementing its rightful place in pop culture lore for generations. Smarter, wackier and just plain funny, season 13 of the show on DVD is easily one of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s wildest creations and proves that “South Park†is still running on a full tank.
From the first episode, which features both Mickey Mouse and the Jonas Brothers, to the last, which forces Kenny to deal with his phobia of urination in water parks, the show still maintains the same brevity that makes it so endearingly pompous and hilarious.
Simply put, if you’re in the public eye and Parker and Stone have an opinion on what you’re doing, you’ll be featured on the show. Seeing the duo parody both “Dark Knight†and “Avatar†during the season, as well as show Kanye West’s inability to get jokes and Carlos Mencia’s ability to steal them, “South Park†is a beacon of absurdity, wit, charisma and politically incorrectness that touches on a variety of levels.
For example, the episodes “Margaritaville,†“Fat Beard†and “Whale Whores†delve deep into Parker and Stone’s feelings on the state of American culture, youth and the economy and do so in a way that shows like “The Daily Show,†never can and never will. However, the duality of seeing Stan, Kenny, Kyle and Cartman deal with their daily lives [which includes playing “Rock Band†and basketball] is what makes the show so special. Everything and everyone around them is familiar and comfortable, not only because if you’ve watched the show from the beginning, you identify and relate to all the characters, but because of the writing in general.
Stone and Parker do an excellent job of channeling the little moments in adolescence, like your first kiss and your first wrestling show and making them come alive in a way that you don’t have to agree with their political opinions or insinuations to get a laugh out of them. As a matter of fact, if you’re open-minded enough, you might even realize the tag team is making fun of you and your beliefs, while you’re actually laughing.
This especially rings true if you’re someone who is “bike-curious.â€
If you do agree with their sentiments and beliefs however, the show makes for a tasty duality, creating something not available anywhere else on TV.
Toilet humor with a message?
Damn skippy.
Seeing this trend continue and the formula behind the show continue to get tighter, more focused and gain even more luster is proof that “South Park†is still alive and kicking.
“Fish dicks†never tasted so good.
Leave a Reply