titan45's Full Review: South Park - The Complete Second Season
Up until South Park came out, I found myself constantly growing more insane by the day as there wasn't anyone on TV who would just put down all the cr*p that was going in the world down and dish out the pain to just about everyone that asked for it. As you may have guessed, once South Park answered my call, I was hooked in for the long haul.
South Park, Matt Stone and Trey Parker's comic creation quickly caught on to the masses early in it's first season which debuted in 1996. The show's wit and "f*ck you!" attitude appealed to anyone that wasn't a complete tight-a*s, going to lengths that no show had gone before in terms of vulgarity and pure wackiness. Although Stone and Parker, AND Comedy Central knew they had a huge hit on their hands, the group didn't let the popularity get to their heads, as Matt and Trey kept dishing out the episodes, each one getting progressively better than the next.
Fans were highly anticipating the second season of South Park, which debuted in 1998. Topping the first season right off the bat, the second season was another step on the road to greatness. The second season features a great deal of classics in this 18 episode collection. Not letting up in the least in it's comical attitude and always finding new ways to offend people, South Park's 2nd Season still ranks up their as one of the top seasons of the show, which is still going strong to this day. Of course, there are a few duds in here, but no show's perfect...
Disk One
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Terrance and Philip In Not Without My Anus [3.5/5]
After Terrance and Philip are acquitted of murder, their arch enemy and the prosecutor, film critic Scott schemes of how to rid Canada of the vulgar comics. He finally hatches a plot with Saddam Hussein, where Philip's daughter (who he conceived with Celine Dion) is kidnapped and taken to Iran. When Terrance and Philip finally return to Canada, they find that Saddam has taken over their beloved country and must reclaim it from the evil dictator.
This was Matt and Trey's big April Fool's joke, but this one worked a bit too well, as everyone expected to find who Cartman's father was, and all gave the episode harsh criticism afterwards. While it's nothing extremely funny, the episode still has quite a few highlights, particulary for those who like fart jokes and vulgar humor. There's plenty of that. The episode was made as a f*ck you towards critics, with about as much vulgarity as the show had up to that point, as well as some great jokes at the expense of Celine Dion. The episode also marks the debut of Saddam Hussein, who guest stars on certain episodes and of course played a huge part in the South Park movie. While the episode gets tiring and repetitive by the end, it's actually a mildly funny episode that was subjected to unfair criticism since it was an April Fool's joke.
Cartman's Mom Is Still a Dirty Slut [4.5/5]
Mephesto reveals that he knows who Cartman's real father was, but he is shot by an unknown person right before he can reveal it. Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Chef must take him to Hell's Pass Hospital to save him and find out the identity of Cartman's father. Meanwhile, a heavy blizzard falls over South Park, snowing everyone in, including the film crew of America's Most Wanted (?). Kenny must brave the harsh weather to restore power at the Hospital when the blizzard knocks it out.
The episode everyone was waiting for, the revelation is just as funny as the episode itself. Featuring a hilarious joke concerning Cartman and the Styx song "Come Sail Away With Me", along with a hilarious scene involving a couple residents of South Park stuck in a room and thinking about cannibalism after the snow reaches two inches. Matt and Trey quickly made it up to fans who were p*ssed after watching Terrance and Philip kick off the second season. The question is finally answered here, along with plenty of hilarious jokes.
Chickenlover [5/5]
South Park is terrorized when a Chicken f*cker begins to have sex with the town's chickens. Office Barbrady is left clues to the rapists whereabouts, but he finally admits that he can't read and quits the force in frustration. South Park begins to turn into an urban wasteland, and Barbrady along with the help of Stan, Kyle, Kenny, and Cartman must find out who is behind these disturbing crimes.
A hilarious spoof of Cops and of course the episode that spawned the all-too famous Cartman catchphrase "I am a cop and you will respect my authoritah!", this is one of the best episodes of the second season. The incompetent yet hilarious Officer Barbrady finally gets an episode where he is the star, and the jokes at his expense are all hilarious. Still, Cartman steals the show as a South Park junior deputee who takes his job very seriously, and loves to use excessive force whenever possible. A great episode all throughout, and another highlight of the season.
Ike's Wee Wee [4.5/5]
Kyle's brother Ike is having his Briss, and everyone is invited. But, when Stan finds out what a Briss is, he tries to warn Kyle, who freaks out at the idea of cutting off Ike's wee wee. Mr. Mackey meanwhile tries to teach the kids about the dangers of drugs, and passes a sample of marijuana. When it goes missing, he loses his job and becomes a hippie.
A hilarious episode with some classic jokes from none other than Cartman, this episode tackles the topic circumcision with lots of humor. Highlights include the kids having delusions about Kyle's Parents turning into penis chopping pyschos and other deranged but hilarious jokes. This episode also has a dose of Ike, Kyle's little brother. But, by far the scene-stealer is the school guidance counselor, Mr. Mackey, who becomes a druggie after getting fired, and is pretty damn funny too. Also, the joke about who stole the bag of marijuana is great too. Another classic episode.
Conjoined Fetus Lady [5/5]
The boys of South Park find out that Pip has a talent: he's an amazing dodgeball player. While facing off against Kyle's dodgeball team, he nails Kyle and sends him to the Nurse's Office, where the nurse is a kind woman with Conjoined Fetus Syndrome, where her dead Siamese twin's fetus is stuck to her head. Meanwhile, the South Park Volleyball team skyrockets to success with Pip, until they go to the national finals and learn about the superhuman Chinese dodgeball team. Meanwhile, Kyle's Mom hears about the school nurse and tries to get her to fit in to society by having Conjoined Fetus parades and the works.
This episode never runs out of jokes, and tackles tons of hilarious issues. The whole dodgeball tournament is hilarious, especially when the kids travel to China to face the superhuman Chinese dodgeball team. Pip finally comes into his own, but always gets the sh*t end of the stick as usual. But the absolute highlight are the two chinese dodgeball commentators who do their best impressions of Americans by holding their eyelids wide open and saying in a typical yuppie voice "I think I'll use my credit card!". Absolutely hilarious.
The Mexican Staring Frog Of Southern Sri Lanka [5/5]
The boys are assigned a research project on Vietnam, and ask Stan's Uncle Ned and his buddy Jimbo to tell them about their experiences. The two wildly spin the truth about, and the kids end up failing after giving a report that resembles Lord of the Rings more than it does Vietnam. As payback, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny send a fake video about The Mexican Staring Frog of Southern Srik Lanka to Ned and Jimbo's hunting show. The strange creature's appearances causes ratings to skyrocket, putting local access show Jesus and Pals in trouble. The producer decides to try and spice things up...
Easily the highlight of the first disk, this episode finally expands on the hilarious idea of the "Jesus and Pals" TV Show, as Jesus's call in show is transformed into a trash TV show, complete with Oprah wannabes and Michael Jackson defenders. The whole part with Jesus and Pals on TV is just hilarious, and comic genius. The rest of the episode is also funny as hell, including Ned and Jimbo's messed up story on their experiences at Vietnam and Jesus's ratings concerned producer. The gags all hit here, resulting in a pure hilarious episode.
Disk Two
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Flashbacks [3/5]
When a freak bus accident leaves the South Park Elementary school kids stuck hanging over a cliff, they all start remembering moments from their lives, of course flashbacks from past episodes. Meanwhile, the bus driver, Ms. Crabtree finds true love and becomes a stand-up comic.
Review: Probably one of the weakest episodes on the disc, that's still saying something because it's not all that bad. Ms. Crabtree, the school bus driver has a huge part in this episode, and if you've ever seen her, she only talks in loud shouts. While at first she is funny in this episode, as the episode goes on she just gets grating and you'd wish it would end. Crabtree's dream offers some shots at the current state of stand-up comedy, and a person as crazy her finding true love is a bit funny. But, the real jokes come from the kids in the bus, who have flashbacks of episodes past...except that they're embellished and always end with ice cream. While there are a few good jokes, especially at the end where the kid's parents do a sing-along for them to come home, it's mostly a weak episode that is pulled down by the volatile but extremely annoying character of Ms. Crabtree
Summer Sucks [4.5/5]
Plot: The 4th of July is nearing, and it's going to be a bummer for South Park due to the fireworks ban being imposed. Ned and Jimbo venture to Mexico to try and get some illegal fireworks, while the mayor plans to get the biggest snake firework ever to compensate. Meanwhile, Mr. Garrison ventures to the big city to seek counseling from Dr. Katz.
Review: Dr. Katz leads off a great string of gags in this 4th of July special. Ned and Jimbo's venture into Mexico is particulary funny as he can't get a single question right when the Border Patrol questions him. There's also a scene featuing Mr. Hat and Brett Favre that's demented but funny as are all South Park jokes. But the giant snake also gets its props and is particulary funny too.
Chef's Chocolate Salty Balls [4.5/5]
Plot: After overunning Park City, Utah, Robert Redford decides to find another small mountain town to move The Sundance Film Festival to. He decides to move it to South Park Colorado, and reveals a secret plot to turn every mountain town in an L.A. like wasteland of sellouts and health food. When the town's health food eating puts Mr. Hankey in danger, Kyle, Stan, Cartman, and Kenny set off to try and stop the moviegoers from eating health foods. Meanwhile, Cartman makes his first movie deal and Robert Redford comes closer to his goal of destroying South Park.
Review: Cartman proudly proclaims that all Independent films are "About gay cowboys eating pudding" and that "Tom Hanks couldn't act his way out of nutsack" which is all you'll need to know to know that this episode is hilarious. A riff on Robert Redford and the Sundance Film Festival, Matt and Trey joke about independent films, including a hilarious scene with Tom Hanks and a monkey in "Mr. Hankey and Me". There are also a good deal of funny jokes at the expense of The Wonder Years star Fred Savage. The title of the episode comes from none other than Chef, whose treats are being sold to the moviegoers. With names like "I Don't Give a Flying Fudge" and "Go Fudge Yourself" for chocolate treats, it's tough not to laugh. The episode also features another hilarious and catchy Chef song. Also, that piece of poo Mr. Hankey makes a return, and leads a funny parody of Fantasia in the episodes grand finale. Another classic and funny episode.
Chickenpox [3.5/5]
Plot: In order to get the kids to get Chickenpox at an early age, Cartman's, Stan's, and Kyle's parents send to Kenny's house in hope of catching the disease.
Review: A pretty funny episode despite the fact that most people saw it in a negative light, it does have a few funny jokes about it. The scene with the boys at Kenny's house is hilarious, with them having frozen waffles for dinner and Cartman making a big deal out of it. Also, there's a stupid yet funny Terrance & Philip skit that mocks those stupid serious episodes that plague certain sitcoms. Also, Kyle's shortcomings as far as catching Chickenpox is pretty funny. Cartman also has a fair share of funny moments, including some itch-soothing lotion that he becomes addicted to. The prostitute giving everyone herpes isn't that funny though, and probably the weakest gag in the episode. Still, a better episode than what people give it credit for.
Roger Ebert Should Lay Off the Fatty Foods [3.5/5]
Plot: The kids take a field trip to the Planeterium, where they find some strange happenings going on. Meanwhile, Cartman tries to audition for a spot on the new Cheesy Poofs commercial. Mr. Garrison becomes suspicious when the kids start liking the planetarium and request to go everyday.
Review: Matt Groening and his Futurama series isn't the only show to parody Star Trek episodes, point in case this episode of South Park. A decent episode that features Cartman singing the cheesy poofs song and a joke featuring laserlight Kenny Loggins concerts at the Planeterium are the highlights of the episode. Mr. Mackey is actually funny here, showing off some special abilities. Still, it's pretty forgetable and not all too funny. Still, Cartman dancing to the tune of "She Worked Hard for the Money" is hella funny.
Clubhouses [4.5/5]
Review: Bebe has a crush on Kyle, so she and her best friend Wendy hatch a scheme to get the boys. Wendy tells Stan to build a clubhouse so they can play "Truth Or Dare", and Stan, wanting to be dared to kiss Wendy sets out do so. Not about to be topped, Cartman and Kenny set out to building their own clubhouse, with teenage chicks hanging out. Meanwhile, Stan's family falls apart and his parents get a divorce, meaning that Stan will have to hang around his new stepfather Roy.
Review: Another hilarious episode, and the best episode on the second disc, Clubhouses features another one of many rivalries between the boys and explores the game of "Truth or Dare". This also one of the few episodes that features Bebe as a big character. But, while the clubhouse rivalry scenes and the whole "Truth or Dare" gig is funny, the episode features an absolutely hilarious scene that will have you in tears, a hilarious parody of the "Fat Albert" series. The episode also features some intelligent commentary on the subject of divorce, and also introduces a hilarious one-time character, Roy, who plays the cliched stepfather role perfectly.
Disk Three
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Cow Days [4.5/5]
Chef Aid [5/5]
When Alanis Morisette's new single "Stinky Britches" becomes a huge success, the boys convince Chef, who originally wrote the lyrics to the song 20 years ago, to sue the record company and get money for his song. Instead, the label execs countersue with the help of Johnnie Cochran, while Kyle's dad has to defend Chef. Cochran easily wins, leaving Chef with no choice but to raise two million dollars or go to jail for a long, long time. Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny all decide to set up Chef Aid, a show where Cartman does the German dance to raise money for chef. Fortunately, a few friends drop in to turn Chef Aid into a huge benefit concert.
The huge episode which spawned a kick a*s CD as well, Chef Aid is mostly well known for featuring a load of celebrity guest stars, a sign of the show's immense popularity, and possibly a nudge towards the Simpsons. While none of the artists perform complete songs, we still get to see snippets of songs like the Ozzy Ozzbourne/DMX/ODB/Crystal Method mix "Nowhere to Run" and Rancid's "Brad Logan" among others. The episode itself is also hilarious, featuring a downright hilarious spoof of Johnnie Cochran, who uses a Chewbacca defense to help and sue Chef, and the label exec who loves to say "I am above the law!". The episode's hilarious attack on major label execs is hilarious, even with celebrity guest stars.
Spookyfish [4.5/5]
Stan's mom is having her monthly visitor, Aunt Flo at the house. Aunt Flo brings Stan a spooky Goldfish that begins killing people with a vengeance. Meanwhile, Cartman becomes both a cool kid and a total a*shole. The boys must get to the bottom of these two mysteries before time runs out.
The classic Halloween episode is among the funniest of the second season. Taking shots at "Pet Cemetary" and other scary movies (including a hilarious opening gag on the movie Predator), Spookyfish is second to none in creepiness and humor, also thanks to Spooky Vision, which features Barbara Streisand's picture on the corners of the screen. Cartman once again offers the biggest comic relief on the episode, except now there are two Cartmans, which means twice the hilarity. Another classic episode and for good reason.
Merry Christmas Charlie Manson! [4.5/5]
Plot: Cartman is celebrating Christmas with his family, but Stan isn't allowed to go so he sneaks into the car and heads out. While at Cartman's family's house, Cartman's uncle sneaks in, revealing that he's broken out of prison. But he's a brought a cellmate with him...Charles Manson!
Review: Another classic Christmas episode, this one features Charles Manson playing the grinch, and a riot breaking out in the mall because of the fake Mr. Hankey guy at the mall. The police chase that ensues and the gags that involving Stan and his mom are worth the price of admission alone. Another classic episode.
Gnomes [5/5]
In order to save Mr. Garrison's job, the 3rd Grade of South Park Elementary is forced to write an essay. The boys are teamed up with Tweek, a twitchy coffee-loving kid that comes off as a bit weird to everyone. Meanwhile, the large corporation of Harbuck's Coffee is moving in to South Park and trying to buy out Tweek's Dad's family-owned coffee shop. Tweek's Dad offers to write the essay for the boys in order to get public support against Harbucks building a coffee shop in South Park. Did I mention that Tweek thinks that underpants Gnomes exist?
This episode is most well known for Matt and Trey's viewpoint on large corporations. While many people attack them in favor of smaller companies, the two remind us in the episode that these corporations were once small businesses, and got to where they were by being the best. But past viewpoints, the episode is also very funny since we get our first glimpse of Tweek, who gets to play a much larger role in the show later on. The funny parts of this episode come as South Park rallies against Harbucks and a particularly funny debate on local access TV where even the moderator gets in the Harbuck's guy's face. The whole underpants gnomes thing is pretty funny too, making for a great episode.
Prehistoric Ice Man [5/5]
While in the woods, Stan and Kyle come across a man frozen in ice. At Mephisto's lab, they find out that he is alive and argue over who found it first, eventually breaking off their friendship and becoming best friends with Cartman. Meanwhile, the Prehistoric Ice Man, actually a guy named Larry who was frozen in 1996, tries to make his way back into his old life, something he finds to be much tougher than expected.
Like in Clubhouses, as good as the jokes concerning the storyline are, it's a certain TV parody that steals the show, in this case a dead-on hilarious parody of The Crocodile Hunter. Steve Irwin also makes an appearance on the episode as the government's special weapon for tracking down Larry, the Prehistoric Ice Man. The episode overall is hilarious too, featuring alot of jokes at the expense of 1996 pop culture including Ace of Base and more, and also Stan and Kyle fighting each other. But the next funniest gag next to the Croc Hunter parody is none other than Cartman imitating The Crocodile Hunter, trying harass animals like Steve does on TV. Altogether, one of the highlight episodes of Season 2, and it gives a good idea of what to expect from Season 3.
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Once again, the South Park DVD features scant extras. The previews are insufficient, althought the "Going Down to South Park" documentary is pretty entertaining. There are also the episode introductions, which range from funny to just plain stupid and annoying. It's definitely not as enjoyable as the first season's intro skits, and the inability to skip it once again is annoying and hurts the overall DVD. Some segments do get a bit lengthy too, so it's a pain to skip over it.
The video quality is decent, but not exactly picture perfect. The DVD is about TV-quality, which is fine for me. The audio track is perfectly fine, I mean don't know why anyone would want to watch South Park in Dolby 5.1, so I'm not complaining.
South Park: The Complete Second Season, while still carrying over some faults from the first season, is an overall solid and very enjoyable season with several classic episodes and very few stinkers. With it's brand of hilarious social commentary fully implemented, South Park's Second Season is worthy of any DVD viewer's collection and makes a great collection for any South Park fan. Matt and Trey prove that the popularity didn't go to their heads, and crank out yet another batch of laugh out loud funny episodes. Don't miss it...or I'll kill the bunny!
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