As a die-hard South Park fan who has been following this animated series since its humble beginnings, I must say that each season holds a special place in my heart for different reasons. But if we’re talking about the seasons that truly resonated with me and had a profound impact on my sense of humor, it’s got to be Season 1.
Over the span of almost 30 years, South Park has consistently amused its audience. However, due to its extensive run, not every episode (or Paramount+ special) is considered equally strong, even by its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
The program has become well-known for flouting conventions and satirizing a wide range of topics, sometimes causing controversy, such as depicting the Prophet Muhammad or criticizing Scientology. However, there have been instances where their humor fell flat. As stated in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, these are the principles that guide Trey Parker, Matt Stone, or both.
8 “Chef Goes Nanners”
Season 4, Episode 7
Title character “Chef” advocates for altering the South Park flag, as it’s an outdated symbol with racist connotations that should have remained in the past. However, Jimbo, who values historical preservation above all else, opposes this change. The argument intensifies, eventually drawing in students from South Park Elementary. Wendy and a disinterested Cartman support changing the flag, leading to an upsetting situation for Stan.
Definitely Not A Poor Episode
Neither Parker nor Stone seem particularly fond of that episode, which is surprising because it’s generally well-received and ends on a heartwarming note. As Stone put it: “[the episode] was more like half-cooked. I recall we were eager to leave work early. We said something like, ‘It’s Independence Day.'” Parker simply agreed with a casual, “Well, screw it.
7 “Pip”
Season 4, Episode 14
Season 4’s standout low point, titled “Pip“, presents a peculiar adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic novel, Great Expectations. Remarkably, it adheres quite closely to the source material…which makes it all the more strange, given that it is an episode of South Park. Additionally, there are occasional live-action segments featuring Malcolm McDowell as a narrator, portraying “A British Person”.
As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I find “South Park” attempting to veer off the beaten path, yet I can’t help but wonder why they chose this particular detour. Frankly, an entire episode centered around such a flat and disliked character as Pip is a stretch, even for South Park. This episode has been seldom revisited, and rightfully so, as even die-hard “South Park” fans struggle to endure it.
Curb Your Great Expectations
Parker was straightforward about the incident, stating that everyone, including themselves, dislikes Pip. On the other hand, Stone was somewhat more diplomatic, yet not particularly fond of him. His words were, “Everyone, including us, doesn’t seem to be too fond of Pip.
“I don’t hate it. But it was like, ‘Why did you guys do that?'”
6 “South Park Is Gay”
Season 7, Episode 8
As a devoted movie critic, I must confess that the unconventional ending of “The Crab People” may not have been my favorite creation by Trey and Matt, but it has undeniably become a cherished gem among fans. The reason for its popularity is quite simple – it’s so unexpectedly bizarre that it somehow works brilliantly. In fact, I dare say that this audacious twist might just be the highlight of an already impressive episode titled “South Park Is Gay.
Taste Like Crab, Talk Like People
The creators of the show have never been fans of that particular episode. In fact, they initially found it ridiculous when Trey suggested “crab people,” and they struggled to come up with a better idea. Anne Garefino, the executive producer, even expressed her disapproval by saying, “Oh my God, don’t do crab people. It’s just stupid.” In the end, that was their take on the episode.
“But then we went and wrote the crab people song: ‘Tase like crab/Talk like people…’ I love the crab people song. But ‘crab people’ became this thing…It’s like, you just know there’s something better, but you can’t think of it, and now you’ve just got to go with crab people.”
5 “A Million Little Fibers”
Season 10, Episode 5
Among South Park’s most unusual episodes is titled ‘A Million Little Fibers’. The central character is Towelie, who pens his own version of ‘A Million Little Pieces’, stirring up similar levels of controversy. Meanwhile, the subplot delves into Oprah’s personal life, specifically her private areas. Both creators have articulated their reasons for why this episode seems to fall short.
Two Plots That Don’t Gel
According to Parker, things didn’t go as planned; he had anticipated better results. If we were to include Oprah’s private areas, a gun, and all other elements, it would have been more fitting in a boys’ show rather than a towel-centered one, as he put it. Similarly, Stone felt it was like a hat on top of another hat.
The show was excessively bizarre, with layers of strange elements. I suggest you divide it into two separate productions. Combining them leaves me wondering, ‘What on earth is this nonsense? Why am I watching this when I expected South Park?’ Instead of Oprah’s discourse, I was anticipating a lively cartoon series.
4 “Stanley’s Cup”
Season 10, Episode 14
In many South Park fans’ opinions, Season 10 ranks high. However, the season finale, titled “Stanley’s Cup,” was a source of frustration for some viewers. Given that it’s an unusual and dark ending for a comedy series, it can be seen as an acquired taste. The episode’s climax significantly escalates its shock value, with Stan’s pee-wee hockey team, coached to pay off a bicycle debt, facing off against the Detroit Red Wings. Predictably, the professional hockey team emerges victorious. What might surprise you is that they show no mercy on the five-or-six year old players.
Such a Good Ending, Though
Both Parker and Stone expressed approval for the episode’s finale, yet neither felt compelled to fully endorse “Stanley’s Cup” overall. As Parker put it, “Many viewers missed that one. We found the ending to be both charmingly strange and touching, but it seems few understood it.” To this, Stone responded.
“The hockey one is like three-quarters of a show, but the ending is fu**ing sweet.”
3 Season 3
As a die-hard fan of South Park, I must admit that seasons 3 and 4, to some extent, didn’t quite hit the mark as perfectly as the first two or the later seasons. These episodes, while still hilarious in their unique South Park way, felt like they were stumbling towards finding their stride. However, it wasn’t until Season 5 that I truly felt the show found its footing and solidified its iconic status.
A Mixed Bag Isn’t the Worst Thing
However, there are numerous appealing aspects to Season 3. To start with, it expanded its format significantly, mainly through an informal three-episode sequence comprising “Cat Orgy,” “Two Men Basking in a Jacuzzi Nakedly,” and “Jewish Festival Extravaganza.
While some episodes like “Jakovasaurs,” “Korn’s Groovy Pirate Ghost Mystery,” and “Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there are undeniably some standout gems: “Spontaneous Combustion,” “Succubus,” “Chinpokomon,” and “World Wide Recorder Concert.” Similar to the two seasons that came before it, Season 3 doesn’t deserve the scorn.
2 Season 2
Season 2 contains numerous episodes that have grown more appreciated over time due to their straightforward nature. These episodes are generally highly re-watchable, with few exceptions. However, it seems that Trey Parker still feels a bit awkward or ashamed about this season.
Juvenile, But Often Iconic
To put it simply, although Stone may have been the primary advocate for “Terrance and Phillip in Not Without My Anus,” it’s likely that Parker also found the episode amusing due to its ability to anger many viewers. Moreover, it was a clever move to execute such a bold bait-and-switch so early on in the series.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d say my favorite episodes from this season were heartwarming gems like “Ike’s Little Secret,” character-driven masterpieces such as “The Tale of Officer Barbrady,” light-hearted fun in “The Summer Doldrums” and “Chef’s Chocolate Salty Balls,” and the thought-provoking, yet occasionally intense, installments like “The Hideout.
1 Season 1
It seems that Season 1 has a raw, unpolished feel to it. However, that roughness is what gives it character and appeal at this stage. Nevertheless, if given the chance, Trey Parker would prefer to erase not only Season 1 but also the following two seasons from the series’ history.
It Would Only Grow More Controversial
As Parker said:
Watching it now, I can’t help but feel a bit awkward. After all, we were around the age of 26 or 27 at the time. But honestly, did we really find that amusing? Did we genuinely think it was well-crafted? Goodness gracious, it’s just awful!
Regardless of Parker’s feelings toward it, each episode of Season 1 is important in its own right. And there are a handful of episodes that are genuinely funny to this day, including “An Elephant Makes Love to a Pig,” “Pinkeye,” and “Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo.”
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2024-09-22 05:02