SOUTH PARK: The More Things Change…

After the game-changing mid-season finale “You’re Getting Old,” I was expecting big changes for South Park and its inhabitants. Matt Stone and Trey Parker had boldly transformed the landscape of the show and the lives of the characters; old friendships had ended, families were torn apart and new alliances were formed. It was refreshing and exciting after what can only be described as a lacklustre season  to see that the writers realized the show was going downhill and were taking active steps to change the show and to revamp what we expect from South Park. So have things really changed?

The episode got off to a bright start for one main reason–continuity! I was concerned that Trey and Matt would pretend the last episode never happened, which would be a shame after all the exciting developments that occurred, but I needn’t have worried. The episode picks up where we left off, with Stan still seeing the world and everything in it as shit. The shit jokes were still as unfunny as ever, but like the last episode they weren’t meant to be. Once again we weren’t treated to one of South Parks funnier episodes, as a lot of the jokes fell flat, but there were some great moments, like Mr Mackie’s insistence on calling Stan Debbie, Stan’s drunken antics, Cartman’s “special” burger ingredient, and my personal favourite, the two boys who commented that Wendy and Kyle should “just screw and get it over with,” which I thought was hilarious! The lack of great comedy wasn’t that important, though, as, similar to “You’re Getting Old,” the comedy in this episode wasn’t as important as the actual story being told.

Once again there were moments of raw emotion that I never thought I’d see in South Park. Stan’s breakdown in Mackie’s office was actually heart-wrenching, and it really hit home in that moment how awful his life has become. His conversations with Kyle also highlighted his inner turmoil, and it was sad to see how far he has fallen.

The Asperger’s disease and the Matrix parody came completely out of left field, but I did enjoy the twist–and I liked it even more because I wasn’t expecting it! I forgot to mention the tour of the Asperger’s Hospital as a highlight of the episode–I mean, if you can’t laugh at Stan getting pissed on, then there’s something wrong with you!

The ending was typically random by South Park’s standards, and at this stage in the show’s life when people from the Matrix and Fast Food Leaders have a gun fight, it’s not really surprising! What I did love about the ending was Stan’s speech, which promised so much, a change in the dynamic of the show and an exciting renovation of South Park. So you can imagine how disappointed I was when Randy returned and announced that he was back with Sharon and things were going to go back to the way they were. The whole thing left a sour taste in my mouth, but I was given a sliver of hope when I saw Stan was still reliant on whiskey at the end of the episode, a small thing but one which shows that Trey and Matt are still considering changing the dynamic of the show, something which I believe is sorely needed! Still, after everything that Stan’s speech promised, I was disappointed with how the episode ended.

So what we got was a decent episode of South Park, and definitely one of the better ones this season. I expected so much more, though, and after the creators teasing us with big changes and a new dynamic, I can’t help but feel let down with the episode’s conclusion. Luckily there’s still potential to give South Park the kick up the arse it needs, and any attempt at continuity is great, however small!