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South Park Season 23 Blu-ray Review

“South Park” is a shell of its former self.

In the 10 episode season 23 of the Comedy Central series, fans can expect an ongoing story arc about Randy’s Tegridy Weed Farm business, Cartman avoiding shots (which is the show’s 300th episode), plant-based burgers, sexism, Scott in love, a Strong Woman competition, a Mexican Joker, stories involving Halloween, Christmas, and Star Wars and more.

When South Park debuted in 1997 it was a breath of fresh air. The show’s oddball characters, small town setting and random weirdness (like Kenny dying and Mecha-Streisand) ushered in a new era of adult animation and brought forth new creativity to the TV landscape. Now, 23 years later, the show continues on, but the cult animated series is certainly not what it once was. 

Much like “The Simpsons,” “South Park” is long past its prime. The jokes don’t land the way they once used to, but, more importantly, the show has veered off course. I’m all for shows evolving, but compared to the great early seasons, “South Park” just doesn’t play the same way anymore. Trey Parker seems more concerned with chasing weekly headlines and being edgy and controversial. For example, take this season. Right out of the gate, the stories involve ICE, anti-vaxxers, and the China Market. Again, I have no problem with the show being satirical, political or current (especially when it’s funny), but when it overshadows the characters or feels shoe-horned in, it just feels like the show is being topical for the sake of being topical.

Going back to the jokes not landing, this is especially evident with Randy’s Tegridy Farms business arc. It wore out its welcome in the first episode and then it keeps going on and on. It’s essentially one big audience troll which is what Trey Parker and Matt Stone are famous for. Alas, the humor just isn’t there. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.78:1 1080p. How does it look? “South Park” animation has always been pretty bare bones, but the show still looks crisp in hi-def.

Audio Track: Dolby TrueHD 5.1. How does it sound? The 5.1 track does the job.

Extras:
* Concept art
* #SocialCommentary commentary tracks on all 10 episodes which consists of pop-up trivia essentially

June 21, 2020 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Animated Series, Cartman, Comedy Central, South Park, South Park Season 23 Blu-ray Review, Tegridy Farms