South Park Season 15 Episode 7 – “You’re Getting Old” – Review

June 12, 2011 · by Ollie C · in Television

south park season 15 episode 7 review

Is this the end of South Park? I can’t say for sure, but it’s looking more and more like this season might be the last. This episode wasn’t funny; it had some funny moments, but if we’re going on the episode’s humour alone, it was shit (excuse the pun). There is so much more to this episode, though–I’d even go as far to say it was profound. It moved me in a way I never expected South Park to do…it was emotional and, dare I say it, beautiful? It’s all about growing up and moving on, for the characters, for Trey and Matt, and for the fans. It signals the end of an era, because whatever happens next, one thing is clear: South Park will never be the same again.

The vast majority of the episode was a load of crap. There are some funny moments sprinkled throughout, like Cartman getting a present for every one Stan got was hilarious. Actually, the start of the episode was pretty funny, Randy slagging Sharon in his old man voice, and the tween music sounding like shit at first was great, but the shit jokes kept coming and coming and coming, the odd few visuals were funny, but most of it was pretty terrible, especially when Randy started singing ‘tween music’; that was irritating to begin with, and it just kept getting worse. The ‘briches’ thing made me smile at first, but as they have done so much lately, they ran the joke to the ground. Stans cynicism was interesting, but when it was punctuated by visions of shit all the time, it didn’t particulary resonate. At that stage, I was ready to consign this episode to the rubbish bin as one of the worst South Park episodes of the season. The ending changed everything.

The ending put the whole episode in a new light. I absolutely loved Randy and Sharon’s conversation about neither being happy and everything having gone to shit. You could hear Matt and Trey’s opinions being voiced through the two characters. It was an honest and frank assessment of the show’s current state and the duo’s realisation that the show has ‘gone to shit’ and needs a change. The ending was very depressing and emotional, Stan’s parents separating, Kyle and Cartman as friends and Stan stuck seeing everything as shit. The song “Landslide” perfectly captured the sadness and the melancholy atmosphere felt by all the characters.

What the ending also did was change my view of the episode up until that point. What I first perceived as repetitive, boring humour was actually trying to point out the cynicism of our society and how everything eventually comes to an end. It was a sad and poignant end to the episode, and it looks like South Park is finally growing up. It’s the end of an era, but could it also be the end of a cultural and comedy icon? We’ll just have to wait and see.

Tags: Comedy Central, South Park

About Ollie C:

mike

What d Feck

Trem

Thanks Mike, that was well worth reading. Dense cunt.
http://n/a ATL-D

I was wondering if there is going to be a part 2 to this episode… This was south park’s ‘Catcher in the Rye’ episode for me, of course with gratutious shitting and crap used as a metaphor. it expressed something profound with emotionally immature humor. but where is it going from here?

Mare

Actually, when you go on the site to see full episodes, it says the series continues in October. I think we’ll see a “part 2″ to the episode but not for a while. This episode was definitely a deeper and more serious episode…the credits were silent which made it more profound
milo

i agre it was filled with emotionally and it was very sad it made me cry

Sata

most thought provoking episode ever. truly the end of an era, Oliver
fuck you

You fucking idiot, i pissed myself laughing at this. the cinema part was awesome.

http://ilovetvreviews.blogspot.com ilovetvreviews

when i said the odd few visuals were funny, the cinema part was included in that, probably should have been clearer there!

Jess

Dude, you don’t need to respond to such rudeness. ‘fuck you’ is obviously an asshole and your review was perfect. Some people need to learn some serious manners and etiquette.

Just Me

wow, you seeem pretty angry…you on your period?

Viola

Wow, someone must be on the rag, huh mom?

http://ilovetvreviews.blogspot.com Ollie C

oops posted with wrong account ilovetvreviews is me
Monty

You are an incompetent reveiwer.

Monty

actually , maybe im being a little harsh..

Antwig

Yeah? I thought this was the funniest episode of the whole season so far. Very interesting episode, hope you’re wrong about SP ending…
Dook

It just cracks me up how negative people are in comments all over the internet, even while their negativity is being parodied in the very thing they’re discussing. “You’re a cunt!” “You’re incompetent!” “You’re a douchebag!”

Just crossed my mind with all the “world going to shit” talk. Try looking in the damn mirror, people. Where does that name calling shit get anyone? Make you feel a little better about yourself?

Riz

Completely agree. Plus it was a damn good review. I disagree with some of what Ollie said, but it was well written and he backed up his opinions nicely.
MrXR

I agree with Dook also

I thought this episode wasn’t the best. It had its funny moments but a co-worker and I talked about it and he has the same view as Ollie C. I can see their views and yes, it does make sense.

To all the the angry bloggers/posters, watch episode 4 of this season T.M.I. the new average is now 1.6in. Cheer-up!

LOL! ROF!
(Great review in expressing your opinion Ollie C)

u suck

this episode was fucking hilarious you suck
Harsh

You people are awful. It’s the reviewers job to be as harsh as they can be while still exploring every possible aspect of what said subject may mean. I think Oliver handled this review very well and did a great job interpreting it. For those who resort to name calling, what are you, 4? Do you think that will get you somewhere in life, just because something didn’t turn out the way you expected? Grow up.
Nestor

You know it never ceases to amaze how some people never get the true meaning of subtle undertones even when it is slapping them in the face. Those two old hicks who watch Randy performing as Steamy Ray Vaughn are just like the idiots here who write “u suck” and “this episode was fucking hilarious” are just like them: they don’t get it and probably never will. This was a very poignant and morose episode, probably the most ever for this show… All you others should stay in the shallow end and continue watching Family Guy & American Dad.

Bill

Yeah…
South Park may contain educated humor and social commentary but I would hardly call it “deep” or “poignant.”

Nestor

… there’s a first for everything. Too bad you don’t see it this time.

Dudemanbroman

Hey now, American Dad! isn’t that bad, especially the newer ones. Family Guy and The Cleveland Show however…

I agree though, you won’t believe how many people just watch this episode (and South Park in general) and miss all the metaphors and hidden meanings. Even when it’s as obvious as in this episode.

This episode wasn’t their best, but it wasn’t awful. I have to admit the cinema, especially the duck, was hilarious.

Its over

The show is over. The two old hicks stealing the britches represent the fans who will want to keep seeing more south park that has become, literally, full of shit. They steal (save) the britches while Randy and Sharon are having a divorce and talking about them moving on and it being over.

Combined with their hit on broadway and other things they want to do, matt and trey are done.
Sick

HONESTLY i like the review, i definitely agree with all your remarks, all these people criticizing are effin retarded lol. man it definitely seems like the last episode ,although i hope not cause it be bad ass if they hand like either a longer episode or a movie to end it off.
Khewlaidman

Wow, these comments are conflicting to me. There are people who comment such positive things about this episode and rebel against this review to protect their feelings about the show in all. There are also some people who find this episode to be not what they expected to be as a “South Park” episode in all. I myself, went through this whole episode thinking, “It’s going to get better, it is an hour long.” But in all, I wanted to see the best parts of it and try to laugh, or even smile at it, but it just made me feel depressed. I though of being one of the people who thought “wow this review is horrible,” but I just couldn’t. This review was right in almost every way. I use the word “almost” because I feel that this is South Park and at times, it makes you think deep in an episode and later makes you forget about what you had thought before because of its humor. I’d bet money that this isn’t the end because its South Park.

maumau321

ya man youre right i’d bet too this isn’t the end of South Park

Craig

everyone saying that this article was terrible is dead wrong. the conversation between randy and sharon said it all; trey and matt don’t want to do the show anymore.

Stan’s turning 10, Kyle and Cartman are becoming friends,and jokes being run into the ground are prime examples of the signals that this show is coming to an end.

Take the Germans being the least funny nation episode: that was the least funny episode i had ever seen. I’m willing to bet they made it that bad to prove a point.
Tris

Funny is relative. I thought it was alright, not on either side otherwise, and the ending really made me think.
Good job on the review, reviewer.
Also; to quote Adam Duritz,

“Some of you are truly fucking unpleasant people.”
I think it’s the second-best way to put it after the guy who pointed out that you should all look in a mirror.
Sean Devitt

Wow man i read 2 lines and that was enough ,This episode was fucking funny! just because the ending wasnt doesent mean the whole episode was.

Your clearly too simple in the head to understand it.

jrat

If u had read more then 2 lines ud see that he said the ending changed his entire view of the episode and made him see that is was actually profound. Here is a hint, sean, when u feel like u should express your opinion how about you take the time to actually read the whole article before you type anything. Also, unlike you, this guy actually has a right to give his opinion because he watched the full episode, not just the first two minutes. If he had just watched the first two minutes would u think he knew enough about the episode to write an article or talk about it? No, he couldn’t say anything about the episode except about the first 2 min. So we all thank you for you thoughts on this. Oh and while everyone can have an their own opinion, ppl who dont know wtf they are talking about don’t have opinions, they only have assumptions

Phil

I personally found the episode to be hilarious. First, I will say that tween music does sound like shit– all of it. But, to that end, when 50+ year olds tell me that nothing compares to the sound of the Beatles and Bob Dylan, I’d like to punch them in the throat. Neither group did anything that wasn’t done a million times later. It’s like saying “well, my generation began with U2. Fuck everything that came after that.” I agree with that message.

Second, the farting, steaming nicks, etc. Hilarious. Dem Britches made me laugh tremendously. It was funny. period.

Third, the ending was amazing. South Park first premiered in August of 1997 when the creators were in the late-20s. Now, in they’re early 40s, the show is taking a different turn. The problem with South Park, like M*A*S*H, Simpsons, Family Guy, etc is that it’s been done. You can only make fun of a celebrity, a religion, or society for a certain amount of time before it becomes routine.

Some of the BEST episodes of South Park are when the kids are just being kids. The Return of the Fellow ship of the ring to the Two Towers is my all-time favorite. The creators have a real opportunity here to switch gears and to take the show in a new direction away from devolved plotlines and sub-characters and to focusing on real issues in a comedic tone. If you can’t laugh at something, in my opinion, then you can’t talk about it. Family Guy is subscribing to increasingly bizarre plotlines and far-out bullshit to goad audiences into watching. Dog eating diaper? Stupid. I praise “You’re getting old” as actually novel and something important.

aj

i completely agree with you. and i hope south parks last season (if its not this one, im almost positive it will be next season) returns to the plot lines of the earlier seasons, with the kids just being kids.

Nico

I felt the same way. When I saw the ending it honestly made me think. I’ve never once had to think about a South Park episode after it was over untill i saw this episode. I really hope it doesnt end. South Park is a part of my childhood and its just another good thing that has to end eventually. I did enjoy the episode and thought it was funny but that ending was there for a reason
Navarre

If you guys had any attention span you would read the entire article before you posted. The reviewer described the episode as “profound.” Yes, it had its funny moments: its South Park, but its obvious the reviewer thought the episode was good despite its humor or lack thereof.

You guys are blindly defending South Park when it wasn’t needed and if you had any sensitivity to anything profound, you would realize that its a much more prestigious compliment than “funny.”

This episode was great, and I think its broader than just Trey and Matt not having fun making South Park. I feel like peoples collective mood is heading in this direction and it needs to be addressed or we may end up in the full blown “depression” we have been trying to avoid instead of just an economic recession.
Bill

Or instead of being all dramatic about it if Matt and Trey want to quit, quit being a b*tch about it and quit. I’m guessing they would like more paychecks to keep coming and if that’s the case then write a decent episode. This episode blows ass. It is a comedy show and may have social meanings or commentary, but this episode made a point without the usual tact and creativeness that makes them enjoyable to watch. Matt and Trey are hilarious and creative people, but in my opinion this episode demonstrates a clear lack of effort. Again if it’s time to end the show then sack up and finish it. But don’t waste a half hour of everyone’s time to tell them that.
Trey

I totally agree with the review.

At first it seemed like they were milking the shit joke, but as the story develops and you start understanding what they’re going for it is rather profound. Which I never thought I’d say about shit bees landing on shit flowers.

It’s about growing up, and how suddenly things just somehow lose their magic. You become jaded, and you can’t really pinpoint when it happened. I was expecting them to make a joke at the end, but I’m glad they didn’t. The ending was perfect.

I almost wish now that they had ended the series with this episode. It would have been such a great way to go out.

(no I’m not Trey as in Parker)
Atlantis

Yes this episode is telling us that the show will soon be cancelled. The fact that Kenny has no Hood in his head. Also the growing up part just means we are ending the show. Trey Parker said in an interview that they want to focus on Musicals and Movies more. IMO this is the final season.
Paradox13

I agree entirely with your review. I thought the shit gags were used way too much but it was the ending that put everything into perspective. I was taken aback by Sharon and Randy’s conversation especially. Yes I believe this will be the final season and as a loyal viewer since its humble beginnings I will be watching it until the very end.
emma

@Nestor For the record I liked the message of the episode, as I like most of South Park, preferring the deep meaning infinitely over their occasional tendencies towards gratuitous crudity. I also like this review, and I like American Dad and the occasional new episode of Family Guy, plus a lot of its old stuff. Some might want to stay in the shallow end, some might prefer the deep. Me, I’m going to keep swimming back and forth according to what I feel in the moment.
Slamalam

The episode wasn’t about the show as much as it was about the complacent fans thinking the show is shit. The fact that you called it shit made their joke all the better because people like you didn’t get it.

They insulted you to your face and you didn’t get it.

Funny.
AngryMan9000

I couldnt really care aless if they quit or not. The fact is 4 out of 5 episodes are complete and utter shit its very rare there will have one that make it worth watching like that ipod episode
Ryan

Through out my entire life I havewatched south park and I believe this was a well written review I do believe this episode wasn’t halarious but thats because it couldn’t because the point they where making thinking about this show ending actually makes me cry because south parks never ending ability to over exatureate how stupid things people or even celebrities are through fantastic humor has always amazed me and almost made me feel closer to the writers and even though mat and Trey may think it’s time to end the show I feel there will always be a need for south parks outrageously exatureated humor what makes this show so great is that at the end of it you get to see mat treys view or openion on the subject and it actually has a point that’s what makes south park special and more meaningful then family guy and shows that really are just shit maybe I’m just one of the fans that dont think This show is shit but I don’t see how a show like south park could be yess they over exaturate things to a REDICKULOUS point but that’s the whole point of this beautiful show I don’t think it’s south parks time to go but if Trey and mat do I respect that and thank them for all the great laughs and just making people and things look fucking retarded and for never holding back so if this really is the end I hope the people who understand this show look at all the great views and points mat and Trey have made

Please excuse the spelling
Pam

I agree with this completely. At one point, even if the jokes were funny they kept going on and on and on! It’s like cracking a joke, and explaining it twice. At first it’s funny, then it’s less funny and sometime later it’s not funny anymore. The ending really caught my attention, It made me sad, seeing how two super best friends aren’t as close as they used to and seeing Kyle and Cartman being close friends really surprised me! South park has been one my favorite shows, and in respect for Matt and Trey I would definitively buy the seasons and not download them. It’s sad to know season 15 is the last season and this was one of the episodes that really shows that it’s coming close to an end.
Maria

Personally, everyone griping for the old days of southpark is so strange to me. When the show first started, it actually was pretty stupid (i.e. 15 years ago when trey and matt began) and slowly over many seasons they built their storylines and improved their social commentaries to the point when they were winning emmys. Now, it’s not south park that’s too old: pop culture updates continuously, and South Park will always find new material. It’s the fans who are too old. You little f**kers have outgrown South Park. You’re too old. Deal with it.
TRUTH HURTS

IS THIS STUPID PILE OF SHIT SHOW STILL ON THE AIR? IT CEASED BEING FUNNY ABOUT 6 YEARS AGO.
PLEASE BITEME

THIS SHOW WAS NEVER FUNNY. JUST VILE.
Kafkaesque

Great episode, I will be truly sad to see this show end. The title also hits the spot, I am getting old, maybe that’s why I haven’t found the recent episodes as funny, but I will still watch this series until the very end.
maumau321

well said i hope south park doesn’t end i love this show. i’m 14 but started watching 2 years ago. It was pretty sad at the end when stan’s parents separated and that kyle and cartman seem to begin a friendship. please continue sot park.
P.S there suppose to go until 2013

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