Since we’ve gotten started with favorite cast moments, let’s move on to everybody’s favorite mad scientist, Trace Beaulieu.
Here are mine, in episode order:
• 210- KING DINOSAUR–Crow asks “Am I qualified?” A classic bit, with great writing and a great performance. “Crush someone with an emotional word or an enigmatic look.”
• 307- DADDY-O–Trace is great as an increasingly frustrated Dr. F. in the famous “broken button” bit.
• 315- TEENAGE CAVEMAN–Dr. F and Frank battle it out. Great physical comedy.
• 323- THE CASTLE OF FU-MANCHU–Dr. F and Frank try to riff. Trace is great as he goes from supremely confident to dejected in a matter of moments.
• 320- THE UNEARTHLY–Hard pills to swallow. This may be my all-time Trace moment. This is about as mad as it gets.
• 403- CITY LIMITS–“Oh Kim Catrall.” Kim loved it. How can WE argue?
• 411- THE MAGIC SWORD–“Estelle.” The thing I love about when Trace sings is that, well, not to put too fine a point on it, um, he can’t (and I doubt he’d argue with that statement). But he totally commits anyway and that makes it work.
• 503- SWAMP DIAMONDS–The bots are obsessed with the ‘Spock in love’ “Star Trek” episode. A supreme geek moment, beautifully played.
• 609- THE SKY DIVERS–Swing choir competition. Another case where the bit only works if the performer totally commits. He does and it does.
• 624- SAMSON VS. THE VAMPIRE WOMEN– “Who will I kill?” A complicated number, with elaborate lyrics, carefully planned movements and a tune that’s not really in his key. He pulls it all together for a memorable moment.
• 706- LASERBLAST–Dr. F. becomes unstuck in time. The “2001” parody, his last performance on the show, became an immediate classic.
