Movie: (2019) A paranormal investigator finds himself in the middle of a battle for possession of a magical talisman.
Host: Joel.
Opening: In the cold open, Kinga and Synthia are waiting for Dr. Erhardt to return with a host. When he arrives, the host is … Joel! And a somewhat older one at that. But Erhardt didn’t bring Joel’s bots, so Kinga grabs Emily’s bots.
Invention exchange: The Mads have electric lassos, but Joel explains their long history. Joel has given Tom a mood globe.
Segment 1: J&tB present “Fears,” a demon sitcom, but the bots have second thoughts.
Segment 2: Joel gives Tom Servo his original voice back. After intermission, Pearl introduces herself but Joel has no memories of Dr. F ever mentioning her.
Segment 3: J&tB DemonProv, a demon improv show. The Mads are impressed.
Close: The bots want to visit Emily’s again and Synthia and Pearl approve. The Mads have caught the improv bug.
Stinger: Nick makes his move.
Thoughts:
• This episode premiered on June 24, 2022.
• Joel has brought along with him a digital version of the episodes 101-512 door sequence.
• Fans of Cinematic Titanic know what a gift it is whenever J. Elvis riffs, and this ep demonstrated that again.
• Tom still has his J. Elvis voice in the theater, the first time since season 1.
• Long-time readers of this guide may be aware that I have exactly one criterion for whether I like an episode: am I laughing? In this case, oh my, I was laughing quite a bit. Some very funny stuff in this one.
• This week’s LOTR ref: “That’s a wrap on Sauron.”
• Callbacks: “Pretty niiice.” Somebody gets called a “dickweed.” “Lentils.”
• Fave riff: “Party invites. And cryptocurrancy. Okay, two things.”
• Honorable mention: “To be fair, he does have resting punch face.” “Pete Davidson out.” “All the same room.” “Pregnant pause…” “My one weakness: a firm but gentle push.” “Right in the mysogyny.” “I”m gonna need a larger hangar from which to suspend my disbelief.”
