Looks like we got some folks who are trying hard to understand a comedy show. Sometimes a comedy show is just meant to be funny, even if it's poking fun at real issues and it's way more fun to watch if you don't dissect it. The best part is everyone keeps watching no matter if they like it or not ☺
While I am liking these new episodes, you're right on the point of story set-up. I think part of the problem is setting up the message, or point these guys are trying to achieve, and they're trying to convey that social commentary/meaning by doing it in a season long arc as opposed to episode to episode like they used to. It was much more effective in their earlier seasons. They were able to touch on divorce, starving Ethiopians, childhood obesity, and religious identity (just to name a few) in such a funny and direct way that it worked so well, and in 20 minutes. The Gelgameks from 'Red Hot Catholic Love' still crack me up to this day, and that episode was a great commentary on modern religion without missing the point.
I agree with that point too, haha. I just love this show so much I'm always conflicted. When the comedy works, it's awesome and you don't need to overthink it, but also, if Trey and Matt are trying to get a message across, it should be done well.
You do understand how hypocritical it is to point out the "brilliance" of the show yet pull back immediately into the "it's just a comedy show! It's a cartoon!" as soon as someone throws out a legitimate complaint? Matt and Trey are smart dudes, they've made brilliant TV for the better part of two decades. Are they infallible? No. Do they sometimes get themselves into some messy shit because they can't find a solid angle to take/feel uncomfortable taking a side? Absolutely. As Tetra said, they've proven in the past how brilliant and biting they can be within 20 minutes of a cartoon comedy show. That's why many of us are being so harsh regarding the more recent episodes
I understand what you, Nathan and Tet are saying but I just don't see it. I think if they wanted to satirize the media attention towards the issue they can do it and not address it more in depth than that as they take on a lot of other things to get to the sum of the parts. I agree they make pointed commentary often and this may not be the most thought out of their criticisms, I just don't see why they had to go further in this instance
I like the storyline continuing episode to episode, but a lot of these bits don't really have the legs to last multiple episodes.
I'm a little concerned that last week's episode, with the guys breaking all of Cartman's stuff because they think he's the troll, is gonna be an attempt at criticizing the "mob mentality"/"witch hunt"/"guilty until proven innocent" climate that's popped up in cases like Jamies Winston and Woody Allen and that lady who got fired while one on a flight after making a racist joke, with the guys representing people who rush to confirm their own bias against someone (that Cartman was the troll) and end up being wrong. It seems like the kind of thing Trey and Matt would make fun of but it'd be such a boring statement. That's just speculation, though. I know they're smart and I hope for better.
Ending was funny, but I hate these episodes that are 80% plot buildup. It's a consequence of the whole 'single plotline'. The first season they did it, it was nice because there were still self-contained plots. It feels like there's really none of that. Also, as a prediction, I think Garrison is gonna be president regardless of who actually wins the election. And I hope so, Garrison is great in this role and, in all honesty, their Hillary stuff has ALWAYS been pretty damn boring.
Each episode so far has trended up but I'm way less into it than last season so far. Their execution of the election shit is just boring to me, Canadian Trump was much funnier than Garrison Trump and like said above it feels like they could do so much better lampooning Hillary.
oh my god... i LOVE THIS SERIES ARC!!!!!!! hahahha im dying the whole time. People can critique all they want, i'm just sitting back and enjoying the fuck out of this whole thing. I think it's brilliant and hilarious all at once. Bam.
The difference is these episodes are serialized and creating a season-long arc while those episode had a singular focus. Everyone that is criticizing the show for not doing this anymore wants something from the show that Trey and Matt aren't particularly interested in providing anymore. The problem isn't that "South Park is a 22-minute animated series and we shouldn't expect greatness from it," the problem is "We need to stop expecting the show to be the same in season 20 as it was in seasons 6-10." The guys were burnt out doing things the way they used to and wanted to try something different. It's not like they're the only animated show that does this, either. Archer has been reinventing itself every season for the last 3 years, for example. When you do a show for long enough, and you are a creative genius like Trey Parker, Matt Stone, or Adam Reed are, then you don't want to stay in the same routine forever. It isn't as creatively fulfilling as trying new things. And if anyone doesn't like it, well...
This last episode was a little better, but not by much. The whole idea of Trump secretly wanting to lose has been done by so many other comedians already that they end up recycling that entire idea.