{"id":4798,"date":"2010-01-10T16:57:14","date_gmt":"2010-01-10T21:57:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/?page_id=4798"},"modified":"2024-04-29T13:13:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-29T17:13:12","slug":"4798-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/?page_id=4798","title":{"rendered":""},"content":{"rendered":"

\n

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000
\nTHE UNOFFICIAL EPISODE GUIDE<\/h2>\n
\n

SEASON EIGHT: THE SCI-FI CHANNEL, 1997<\/h2>\n
\n

Episode Guide: 801- Revenge of the Creature<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-05-07 17:06:02 GMT. 198 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1955) Sequel to “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” in which the creature is at last captured and taken to a Florida aquarium for “study.”<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 2\/1\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Mike, Tom and Gypsy reappear on the bridge of the SOL. They find Crow already there, but he seems different. As they are about to crash into Earth, Mike saves the ship but cripples it. They contact the planet, and it\u2019s NOT Dr. Forrester who responds
\nIntro:<\/strong> After a good scream, Prof. Bobo and Dr. Peanut explain just what\u2019s been happening on Earth lately. Bobo sends a bad movie because it\u2019s \u201cApe Law\u201d
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Servo tries to repair the SOL\u2019s engines with a little help from the nanites. Crow still seems different
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> An irate Phil the alien demands to speak to Servo
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Crow may be different, but he makes a great espresso
\nEnd:<\/strong> The bots make an embarrassing discovery about the love lives of Mike\u2019s descendants. Then they learn who The Lawgiver is
\nStinger:<\/strong> John Agar swims softly and carries a big stick
\n

\u2022 When the show was canceled (by Sci-Fi), we learned that Sci-Fi was simply going to delete the MST3K section of their web site including the episode guide entries the cast had written. We asked if we could have them. They agreed, as long as we designed new web pages for the text. We took the stuff and ran. The upshot is that you can still read the episode guide entries they did for seasons eight through ten here<\/a>. You\u2019re welcome. Bill offers his thoughts on this episode here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in Shout! Factory\u2019s Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection: Vol XXV.
\n\u2022The stretch between the end of season 7 and the beginning of season 8 was 259 days, the longest amount of time MSTies had to wait between episodes (not counting wait between seasons 10 and 11, of course),
\n\u2022 I was incredibly nervous about this episode. I guess I should have had more confidence in them, but, at the time, I really didn\u2019t know what to expect. All that long summer, fall and winter I began to wonder if maybe MST3K was just a ridiculous chance thing, and whether they could catch lightning in a bottle again. And it seemed to me that in the last CC episode the writers had painted themselves into a pretty tight corner. Could they get out of it with their usual aplomb? Sci-Fi Channel sent me a preview tape of the first show, and on the day it arrived I practically dashed to the TV and shoved it into the VCR. I was pleasantly surprised and hugely relieved.
\nUsing the narrative economy this show is known for, it took them less than five minutes to extricate themselves from that corner, set the premise back up and get back into the theater. Was the opening bit terribly funny? No, but it was silly, and that was enough. I think that segment was much more about pushing the reset button than about the big yuks. And once they were back in the theater again, everything started to click into place. Almost immediately the riffs got funnier and funnier, and when Crow sings: \u201cEgrets, I\u2019ve had a few\u2026\u201d I cracked up and said to myself: \u201cThey\u2019re back.\u201d
\n\u2022 Of course, with this episode, we have another new version (or verse<\/a>, as I prefer to say) of the theme song, and all-new visuals. But the new lyrics were a bit of a problem. They set out the new \u201cendless chase\u201d premise, including the Widowmaker space ship, etc. The problem is that in this episode, the \u201cendless chase\u201d has not yet begun, and after coming to grips with that premise, viewers then have to re-adjust to the whole \u201cPlanet of the Apes\u201d thing that we are introduced to here. When this show first aired, more than a few viewers expressed confusion at this, wondering which premise the show was going with — the endless chase or the ape business. It would take several episodes before they figured out that the Ape premise was only a temporary sub-plot to the larger endless chase scenario.
\n\u2022 And, of course, with this episode Bill Corbett took over as Crow. Erhardt and I visited the studio the week before the show aired. See our report here<\/a>.
\nIt was there that Bill forthrightly said to us: \u201cCrow has had a stroke.\u201d And, yes, there definitely was a settling-in period for Bill\u2019s Crow (those with long memories will recall that it also took several episodes for Kevin to settle into the Tom Servo character and voice). But the process was already under way by the end of this episode.
\n\u2022 And there are an array of new characters: Drs. Bobo and Peanut, the nanites and a completely revamped Pearl. I really do give Mary Jo a lot of credit for finding the funny in her character. Even when she was essentially a straight woman, setting up punch lines for Kevin or Bill, she did it well.
\n\u2022 Younger fans may perhaps wonder why one of the apes is playing with a suitcase in the background. That\u2019s a reference to an old American Tourister commercial<\/a>, in which they demonstrated their suitcases\u2019 strength by throwing it into a cage with an angry gorilla.
\n\u2022 Gone, of course, is Deep 13. In its place (for now) is a set the cast called \u201cDeep Ape\u201d though it was never called that on the show.
\n\u2022 On the SOL, things are, well, darker. Gone for good is the brightly lit SOL of, say, season three. It\u2019s just part of the look of this later period, largely the creation of Jeff Stonehouse, who liked it better. It took some getting used to.
\n\u2022 I have to say that I was never really comfortable with the whole \u201cCrow doesn\u2019t remember Mike\u201d concept and I was glad when it only lasted a few episodes.
\n\u2022 In the opening, Crow is reading George Magazine, a \u201cpolitics-as-lifestyle\u201d glossy co-founded by John F. Kennedy Jr. It folded in 2001.
\n\u2022 Mike is almost unrecognizable in the ape makeup as Peanut, but the voice is a dead giveaway. That\u2019s Jim and Bill in the background in the ape costumes — the first time Jim actually appeared in a sketch in several seasons.
\n\u2022 Bobo says he is descended from Godo. Unfortunately Godo is a character in \u201cTime of the Apes\u201d who was NOT an ape. Oops.
\n\u2022 There were some complaints, I remember, following Mike\u2019s line: \u201cCrow, this is what we\u2019ve been doing for seven years!\u201d That\u2019s certainly not true of Mike\u2019s character, but then again, it\u2019s just a show, I should really just relax.
\n\u2022 Callback: During segment one, Tom says, \u201cjerking around must have cause a flameout,\u201d a line from \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d I also thought it was interesting that one of Mike’s first segments when he started as host had him on the floor helping the bots who were digging around in the wiring below the deck, and that\u2019s again what he\u2019s doing in one of his first segments on the new channel. Coincidence? Possibly.
\n\u2022 Segment 1, in which the nanites are introduced, is a lot of fun. Of course that\u2019s Kevin and Paul as Wade and Ned, respectively. It’s another tightly written, very funny, spot.
\n\u2022 Segment 2 introduces yet another running gag — the notion that Tom has had all sorts of wild adventures out in the galaxy. They kind of toy with the idea but it never really pays off. That\u2019s Bill, of course, as Phil the alien.
\n\u2022 Again and again in this episode, all sorts of odd fish float into view and the riffers give them all sorts of weird and silly voices. Funny stuff.
\n\u2022 Segment 3 is kinda silly but doesn\u2019t go much of anywhere.
\n\u2022 The final bit is carried entirely by Mary Jo\u2019s energy. Her explanations make no sense, but she makes them with such bravada that it works.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Okay, now begins a stretch of Universal B-movies, most of which were created by the same bunch of people. So strap in: producer William Alland also produced \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis\u201d (for which he also got a story credit) \u201cThe Space Children\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d Director Jack Arnold also directed \u201cThe Space Children.\u201d Scriptwriter Martin Berkeley also wrote \u201cThe Deadly Mantis.\u201d Somebody whip up some gowns! Jay A. Morley Jr. did for this movie and also did for \u201cThe Mole People\u201d and \u201cThe Deadly Mantis.\u201d Makeup guy Bud Westmore also worked on \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis,\u201d \u201cThe Leech Woman,\u201d \u201cSan Francisco International,\u201d \u201cThe Thing That Couldn\u2019t Die and \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d Hair stylist Joan St. Oegger also worked on \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Amazing Colossal Man\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.” Art director Alexander Golitzen also worked on \u201cThe Leech Woman,\u201d \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis,\u201d \u201cThe Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die,\u201d \u201cKitten With A Whip\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.” Set designer Russell A. Gausman also worked on \u201cThe Leech Woman,\u201d \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis,\u201d \u201cThe Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die,\u201d \u201cThe Brute Man\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d Set designer Julia Heron also worked \u201cThe Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d Sound person Leslie I. Carey also worked on \u201cThe Leech Woman,\u201d \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis,\u201d \u201cThe Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.” Music director Joseph Gershenson also worked on \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis,\u201d \u201cThe Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die,\u201d \u201cKitten with a Whip,\u201d \u201cThis Island Earth” and he produced \u201cThe Leech Woman.\u201d Score composer Herman Stein also worked on \u201cThe Mole People\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d Score composer Henry Mancini also worked on \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d \u201cThe Deadly Mantis,\u201d \u201cThe Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die\u201d and \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d
\nIn front of the camera: John Agar also appears in \u201cThe Mole People,\u201d and \u201cWomen of the Prehistoric Planet.\u201d Nestor Paiva also appeared in \u201cThe Mole People.\u201d Robert B. Williams appeared in \u201cThis Island Earth.\u201d Brett Halsey also appeared in \u201cGirl in Lovers Lane.\u201d Ned LeFevre also appeared in \u201cThe Deadly Mantis.\u201d Don C. Harvey also appeared in \u201cBeginning of the End.\u201d Bob Wehling wrote the script for \u201cEegah.\u201d Robert Hoy also appeared in \u201cThe Mole People\u201d and \u201cMaster Ninja II.\u201d Sidney Mason also appeared in \u201cTeenage Crime Wave.” Lori Nelson also appeared in \u201cUntamed Youth.\u201d
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: The \u201cproduced and directed by,\u201d \u201cdirected by\u201d and \u201cproduced by\u201d credits will change hands all season. This week the show was produced and directed by Jim, with Kevin listed as \u201cassociate producer.\u201d Jim is also listed as a contributing writer. Something called \u201cBlue Thumb Scenic\u201d gets a set design credit. Patrick Brantseg — intern in season 4 and \u201cutility infielder\u201d in seasons 5 and 6 (he doesn\u2019t seem to have worked on season 7) — now takes over as \u201cart director.\u201d Brad Keely returns as \u201ctechnical supervisor.\u201d Beth \u201cBeez\u201d McKeever takes the place of Jef Maynard, taking the title of \u201cprop diva.\u201d Barb Tebben takes the place of Julie Walker as \u201cInfo Club poobah.\u201d We say hello to production manager Jill Roozenboom, grip Mike Parker and interns Elliot Cobb and Mytch Parks.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cOf course, a couple of the chimps drowned\u2026\u201d Honorable mention: \u201cDoes he got a thing?\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode Guide: 802- The Leech Woman<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-05-18 17:31:03 GMT. 153 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1960) An aging woman travels to Africa to gain the secret to renewed (albeit temporary) youth. But murder is part of the recipe. <\/p>\n

First shown: <\/strong>2\/8\/97
\nOpening: <\/strong>Crow deals with the SOL’s prairie dog problem
\nIntro: <\/strong>The Apes discover that devolution can be fun
\nHost segment 1: <\/strong>The nanites are on strike
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Pearl is forced to give some laws, and asks M&TB for suggestions — and Tom has some
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Crow and Tom have a plan to get Mike’s pineal juices
\nEnd: <\/strong>Tom’s “Beverly Hillbillies” sketch ends in chaos, but the Apes are oh-so-civilized again
\nStinger:<\/strong> The wily cop outwits his suspect
\n

\u2022 The last time through, I put this one in the good-not-great category, but, again, I guess I was in the right frame of mind for this — I laughed a LOT this time. Maybe it’s because you can really see them settling in and really feel them enjoying themselves.
\n\u2022 Read Kevin’s take on this episode here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in \u201cMystery Science Theater 3000 Collection: The 25th Anniversary Edition, (aka Vol. XXVIII).\u201d
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Crow still cannot remember Mike. Not too much longer for that.
\n\u2022 Bill\u2019s version of Crow\u2019s voice is still all over the map in this one, but for the first time we begin to hear little snippets of the voice we would soon get to know.
\n\u2022 Cute prairie dog in the opening!
\n\u2022 Kevin is particularly funny in the intro. His mannerisms and his delivery are great.
\n\u2022 The “original Ray Kroc” was a popular piece of Universal set decoration — it was also on Exeter’s office wall in “This Island Earth.”
\n\u2022 Trivia: The African wildlife scenes were reused footage from Universal’s 1954 movie “Tanganyika.”
\n\u2022 Segment one is more clever than funny, but it’s such a change from the sort of host segment we used to get in the CC days that it’s kind of mesmerizing. The voices are Kevin and Paul as Ned and Wade again, along with Mary Jo as Jody.
\n\u2022 Kevin sings a little Zappa, when the soundtrack sounds like “Moving to Montana.”
\n\u2022 In segment two, we once again get hints at how Tom spent his time at the edge of the universe.
\n\u2022 This ep contains the first of what would be a running gag for most of the season: As Mala looks at her hands after becoming young, Tom says \u201cI thought I was Dale!\u201d What does this mean? Well, It’s actually a complicated goof, and thereby hangs a tale. <\/deep>Back in the 1970s, there was a series of commercials for Ivory dishwashing liquid, in which mothers were mistaken for their daughters, because the mom used Ivory and so her hands were young-looking. At around the same time, there was also a commercial for Grape Nuts, in which a teenage boy mistakes teenage girl Dale’s mother for Dale and utters the deathless line: “I thought you were Dale!” Best Brains only vaguely remembered these two completely unrelated commercials, and apparently mixed them up in their minds. There were apparently never any Ivory Liquid commercials in which a character said “I thought you were Dale!” And the Grape Nuts commercial in which that line was spoken had nothing to do with hands. So basically they goofed. But the writers thought<\/em> they were making a reference to the Ivory Liquid commercials.
\n\u2022 There were a total of 12 “Dale” riffs this season, and there were Dale riffs in 11 consecutive episodes beginning in episode 805- THE THING THAT COULDN’T DIE. (And there were some in previous seasons! For a complete list, visit Ward E<\/a>.) From this point forward, they will be referred to as “Daleisms.”
\n\u2022 LOTR reference: Tom gets all enty. (Hom-hoom!)
\n\u2022 Local reference: The Blainbrook Bowl<\/a>. Do a lot of drunk girls dance there?
\n\u2022 Obscure reference: Tom invokes Earl Camenbert, a character from “SCTV.”
\n\u2022 Mike and Servo take another brief swing around the dance floor, something they haven\u2019t done since 612- Starfighters.
\n\u2022 Firesign Theatre reference: Crow refers to \u201cArnie\u2019s Whole Beef Halves.\u201d
\n\u2022 What is with the HUGE front door on the house in this movie? Very weird.
\n\u2022 In segment 3, Mike crawls up in front of the “hatch.” First (and last) time for that, I think.
\n\u2022 The ending sketch is one of those sketches about not doing a sketch. They liked those. Not everybody did.
\n\u2022 The stinger in this one is rather unsatisfying. Feels like it was quickly plucked from near the end of the movie without much thought.
\n\u2022 For the record, Kevin holds that “Jeeeeed!” for 52 seconds.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Producer Joseph Gershenson also worked on “Revenge of the Creature,” “The Mole People,” “The Deadly Mantis,” “The Thing That Couldn’t Die” and “This Island Earth. He was also music supervisor on “Kitten With A Whip.” Scriptwriter David Duncan also worked on “The Thing that Couldn’t Die” and “Black Scorpion.\u201d Story writer Ben Pivar was the producer of “The Brute Man.” Cinematographer Ellis Carter also worked on “The Mole People” and “The Deadly Mantis.\u201d Costumer Bill Thomas also worked on “The Thing that Couldn’t Die.\u201d Makeup guy Bud Westmore worked on a ton of stuff. See last week’s list. Likewise art director Alexander Golitzen, set designer Russell A. Gausman and sound person Leslie I. Carey. Art director Robert Clatworthy also worked on “The Deadly Mantis.” Set designer Clarence Steensen also worked on “Rocketship X-M.” Sound guy Joe Lapis also worked on “The Brute Man.\u201d Score composer Irving Gertz also worked on “The Deadly Mantis” and “Jungle Goddess.”
\nIn front of the camera: Coleen Gray was also in “The Phantom Planet.” Gloria Talbott was also in “Girls Town.” Arthur Batanides was also in “The Unearthly.” Murray Alper was also in “Lost Continent.\u201d Charles Keane was also in “Project Moon Base.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim retains the producer title, but Kevin is listed as director and associate producer. For the last time ever, Jim is listed as “contributing writer.”
\n\u2022 Fave riff: “We’re all just so RESTLESS.” Honorable mention: “She’s lettin’ the hair play her.” \u201cAre you okay? How many fingers of whiskey am I holding up?\u201d<\/deep><\/p>\n

Episode Guide: 803- The Mole People<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-05-24 00:00:08 GMT. 160 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1956) Pompous archaeologists find a lost civilization underground.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 2\/15\/97
\nOpening: <\/strong>Crow’s thinks his goofy eyes make him a “space child”
\nIntro: <\/strong>The space child is overthrown. While Bobo suffers through the 32nd Annual Lawgiver Daze, Tom offers baked goods and Crow takes a fall
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Mike tries an imitation of the gesture professor from the movie. It brings everyone down…down…down…
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Tom tries–and fails–to sing a ballad about his adventures in space
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Crow the archeologist, searching for evidence of a previous him, has a breakthrough
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow believes there’s life beneath the floorboards…and he’s right. Meanwhile in Deep Ape, The Lawgiver is presented with a hunky gift
\nStinger:<\/strong> “The Load” hits the wall
\n

\u2022 We’ve had a number of examples where the riffing is good and the segments are good but the movie just drags everything down. Well, let’s also note when it’s other way around. I think this episode is a good one, but I think a lot of the credit goes to the wonderfully stupid movie. I mean, you got The Gesture Professor, Ward Cleaver, Alfred the Butler, John Agar and Nestor “The Load” Paiva. And you got ropes and asses, whipping the mole and all sorts of outlandish stuff. The segments are okay and the riffing is good, but I think it’s the movie itself that puts this one over the top.
\n\u2022 References here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Mike’s take on this episode can be found here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Pearl\u2019s float is not very convincing \u2014 but, then, it\u2019s pretty tough to approximate a full-scale parade in about 10 square feet of set space.
\n\u2022 The strange blue light still suffuses the set, and it’s especially strong in segment 2. Stonehouse was experimenting.
\n\u2022 The concept of \u201cthe sketch that never really gets started\u201d is a long tradition on this show (see \u201cThe Emotional Scientist\u201d or \u201cThe Life of Fu Manchu\u201d or “Joel wants to be a soda jerk”). This episode has not one but TWO such segments\u2014Mike\u2019s attempt at being the gesture professor and Servo\u2019s aborted folk song.
\n\u2022 Crow finally remembers who he is, and who Mike is. At last.
\n\u2022 Crow\u2019s voice begins to settle down a bit in this episode.
\n\u2022 Robert Smith was the first actual guest star for the show.
\n\u2022\u00a0Ward E has a list of the pastries<\/a> in the intro segment.
\n\u2022 That huge underground cavern and those Mole People should look familiar to you … they were briefly (and incongruously) seen in episode 515-THE WILD WILD WORLD OF BATWOMAN.
\n\u2022 It’s been widely reported that this movie’s original ending had Dr. Bentley and Adal happily strolling off together. The studio insisted that a new ending be shot two weeks after filming was completed, because there was reluctance to imply an inter-racial relationship. After all, Adal was a Sumerian. So she got clobbered with a column instead. Sheesh.
\n\u2022 By the way, Dr. Baxter, the gesture professor, was a University of Southern California professor of ENGLISH, not science.
\n\u2022 That’s Paul and Patrick, of course, as “pale day players.”
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Producer William Alland also worked on “Revenge of the Creature,” “The Deadly Mantis,” “The Space Children” and “This Island Earth.” Screenwriter Laszlo Gorog also worked on “Earth vs. The Spider.” Cinematographer Ellis Carter also worked on “The Deadly Mantis” and “The Leech Woman.” Editor Irving Birnbaum also worked on “The Phantom Creeps.” Special effects guy Clifford Stine also worked on “This Island Earth,” “The Creeping Terror” and “The Thing That Couldn’t Die.” Costumer Jay A. Morley Jr. also whipped up some gowns for “Revenge of the Creature” and “The Deadly Mantis.” Makeup guy: Bud Westmore worked on lots of MSTed movies. Hairdresser Joan St. Oegger also worked on “Revenge of the Creature,” “This Island Earth and “The Amazing Colossal Man.” Art Director Alexander Golitzen, set designer Russell A. Gausman, sound person Leslie I. Carey and music supervisor Joseph Gershenson worked on a bunch of MSTed movies too. Score composer Hans J. Salter also worked on “The Brute Man” and “This Island Earth. Score composer Herman Stein also worked on “Revenge of the Creature and “This Island Earth. Score composer Henry Mancini worked on “Revenge of the Creature,” “The Deadly Mantis,” “The Thing that Couldn’t Die” and “This Island Earth.”
\nIn front of the camera: John Agar also appeared in “Revenge of the Creature and “Women of the Prehistoric Planet.” Hugh Beaumont also appeared in “Lost Continent” and “The Human Duplicators.” Nestor Paiva also appeared in “Revenge of the Creature.” Robin Hughes also appeared in “The Thing that Couldn’t Die.” Marc Hamilton also appeared in “This Island Earth.” Patrick Whyte also appeared in “Kitten with a Whip.” Eddie Parker also appeared in “This Island Earth,” “Bride of the Monster” and “Undersea Kingdom.” Regis Parton also appeared in “This Island Earth.” Ben Chapman was production manager for “The Giant Gila Monster” and appeared in “The Killer Shrews.” Robert Hoy also appeared in “Revenge of the Creature” and “Master Ninja II.” Bob Herron also appeared in “The Slime People.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim gets the “produced and directed by” credit this week and Kevin gets the “associate producer” credit. This is the last episode, for the duration of the show’s run. for which Jim gets a “contributing writer” credit.
\n\u2022 Fave line: \u201cDisney\u2019s Dominatrix World!\u201d Honorable mention: “Why, thank you! Oh, you mean the flashlight.”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 804- The Deadly Mantis<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-05-31 22:43:40 GMT. 152 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1957) A monstrous praying mantis is awakened from hibernation, and attacks the East Coast. Smug scientists are dispatched to stop it.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 2\/22\/97
\nIntro: <\/strong>Tom sets the rules for the SOL’s “business casual day”
\nOpening:<\/strong> The apes fix their mutant neighbors’ malfunctioning thermonuclear device; an alarmed Pearl skeedaddles
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> The rumors of Pearl’s death are greatly exaggerated and she has a stowaway; Gypsy shakes her off their tail
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Mike searches for something good on the radio…and fails
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Tom hits something that really likes Crow!
\nEnd: <\/strong> Crow serves up juicy revenge, a letter from Dr. Peanut, a last word from Pearl
\nStinger:<\/strong> The smarmy corporal out Donny Most-ing
\n

\u2022 I love this one, largely because, after dopey rocketship movies, giant bug movies are my favorite kind of dumb ’50s sci-fi. I only wish MST3K had done more of them. But this one’s lots of fun. The riffing is also terrific and the promised “endless chase” premise finally kicks into gear, and does so with considerable flair.
\n\u2022 Mary Jo’s take on this episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in \u201cMystery Science Theater 3000 Collection: Vol XXVII.\u201d
\n\u2022 I think that\u2019s Beez\u2019 voice as the bomb recording, but it\u2019s uncredited and we neglected to ask at the time, so now I\u2019m sure they (including Beez) have probably forgotten.
\n\u2022 That’s Bill, Beez and Paul as the bomb worshippers. I believe this was the first time Bill face was actually shown on the show.
\n\u2022 The opening segment is LONG, at least compared to what we’re used to.
\n\u2022 Note that Mike does the patented Star Trek shirt tug (aka “the Picard maneuver”) before giving a command to engage.
\n\u2022 This marks the first appearance of the bridge steering wheel, which seems to materialize and dematerialize at will. It also marks the first appearance of The Widowmaker, Pearl’s VW astro-bus.
\n\u2022 Callbacks: Starfighters music, “Gamera!” “Shut up, Iris!” (The Beatniks) “Poopie suits” (Starfitghters) “Everyone’s<\/em> legs are sticking out!” (reference to a line in MST3K The Movie) Also: “Your crank is turned to Frank,” during the host segment.
\n\u2022 After several episodes in which the Sci-Fi Channel logo, or “bug” was obscuring Crow in the theater, fans began to gently gripe online about it (mindful that their incessant griping seemed to piss off the LAST channel that ran the show). In response, going WAY out of their way, they arranged to move the bug to the left side of the screen — just for this one show<\/em> (this apparently involved hacking some computer at the channel). By this episode, the bug had officially moved.
\n\u2022 Segment two features the voices of almost the entire cast as country music singers, radio announcers, etc.
\n\u2022 Crow\u2019s voice really settles in with this episode. Compare to his voice in 801, it’s much more natural, with more less strain, much more like Bill\u2019s real voice.
\n\u2022 Gypsy has a nice moment as the \u201cShirley Muldowney of deep space.\u201d Note that she uses the phrase “Out out out!” just as Mike did to her in MST3K: The Movie.
\n\u2022 I love the riffs as the old scientist. \u201cMarie died, ya know!\u201d
\n\u2022 Then-current reference: “The final desperate hours of the Dole campaign,” (might as well be the Dewey campaign, now) “Kelsey, throw us the keys!” (referencing actor Kelsey Grammar’s run-ins with the law).
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Patrick inside the big blue monster suit.
\n\u2022 Nice job on the digested version of Crow
\n\u2022 When Crow is doing the voice of the Mantis, he sounds just like Observer.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: producer William Alland also worked on “Revenge of the Creature,” “The Mole People.” “The Space Children” and “This Island Earth.\u201d Scriptwriter Martin Berkeley also worked on “Revenge of the Creature.\u201d Cinematographer Ellis Carter also worked on “Leech Woman” and “The Mole People.” Special effects guy Fred Knoth also worked in “This Island Earth.” Costumer Jay A. Morley Jr. also worked on “Revenge of the Creature” and \u201cThe Mole People. Makeup guy Bud Westmore did a whole slew of MSTed movies, as did art directors Alexander Golitzen and Robert Clatworthy and set designer Russell A. Gausman, sound person Leslie I. Carey and music supervisior Joseph Gershenson. Set designer Oliver Emert also worked on “Kitten with a Whip.\u201d Score composer Irving Gertz also worked on “Leech Woman” and “Jungle Goddess.” Score composer Henry Mancini also worked on “This Island Earth,” “Revenge of the Creature,” “The Mole People” and “The Thing that Couldn’t Die.” In front of the camera, John Close was also in “Slime People” and “Beginning of the End.” David McMahon was also in “It Conquered the World.” Paul Frees can also be heard in “War of the Colossal Beast,” “The Sword and the Dragon” and “The Beatniks” (which he also produced and directed).
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: This time the show is produced by Jim, directed by Kevin. “Additional music” (the various performances on the space radio) by the “Best Brains Ad Hoc Radio Band.”
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cGet back in your little boat, Grandpa!\u201d Honorable mention: “But ah got a mantis in mah pantis…”
\n\u2022 Great host segment line: \u201cFoghat, Lawgiver?\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 805- The Thing that Couldn\u2019t Die<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-06-07 23:07:39 GMT. 161 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"805\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1958) A traysure-hunting family at a dude ranch digs up a severed head with evil powers. <\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 3\/1\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Artiste Tom creates negative images of patron Crow
\nIntro:<\/strong> We meet The Observers, super-intelligent beings who carry their brains around with them. Pearl and Bobo are their guests
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> An irritating Observer arrives and observes
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> The Observers enable Mike to materialize anyone from his memory
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Crow premieres his documentary on the Civil War
\nEnd:<\/strong> Tom has a plan to make Crow do unspeakable acts; Pearl and Bobo get ready for bed
\nStinger:<\/strong> Observers
\n

\u2022 Check out Paul’s take on this episode here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection: Vol XXIX.
\n\u2022 This episode definitely causes me a lot of playsure, but it’s also a bit of a comedown after the wacky fun of “Deadly Mantis.” Some of the segments are more clever than funny, and this is a classic example of a movie that would be unwatchable without the riffing. But it’s there, and it is very good. That’s one thing I have to say about this whole period we’re getting into where some fans began to complain (about the loss of the stingers, about the sameness of the movies (see below), about the new premise, blah blah blah): I maintain that the riffing in all these episodes is as consistently good (and occasionally better) as what we saw in the Comedy Central years. There, I said it, I’d say it again if I had to.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 It was about at this point that the string of black-and-white Universal b-movies began to wear on some fans. In retrospect, the relief that was “Giant Spider Invasion” was only a few episodes away, but at the time the sameness of the movies irritated some. My sense is that Sci-Fi Channel lined these up for them, thinking that these were the sort of movies fans wanted them to riff. (Though, to be sure, there were at least two others reasons: because they were compatible with the channel, and because, at that time, the company that owned these Universal movies was the same one that owned the channel, making them cheap to acquire.) But the complaints were less about each movie taken by itself and more about the sameness of the sequence. Had they interspersed these movie with some other types of films, the issue might never have come up. The moral: a little variety is always nice.
\n\u2022 Of course, the big news in this episode was the introduction of The Observers, characters not directly from any particular “Star Trek” episode, but certainly reminiscent of many of the sort of supposedly omniscient beings that Captain Kirk seemed to encounter often.
\n\u2022 Tom notes that much of the music in the movie is essentially a needle-drop on the “This Island Earth” soundtrack. It’s hard to miss.
\n\u2022 Callbacks: \u201cShe\u2019s getting squishy!\u201d (A Young Man’s Fancy); “Old Timer Billy Slater” (Junior Rodeo Daredevils).
\n\u2022 Early in the movie, something called a \u201ctrade rat\u201d is mentioned. The writers apparently never heard the term before (neither had I), and so they have a lot of fun with the phrase. Well, the Columbia Encyclopedia says a \u201ctrade rat\u201d is synonymous with \u201cpack rat ,\u201d a rodent of the genus neotoma<\/em>, noted for its habit of collecting bright, shiny objects and leaving other objects, such as nuts or pebbles, in their place; also called trade rat or wood rat \u2026 the pack rat stores the objects it collects to decorate its nest.\u201d There, don\u2019t say you\u2019ve never learned anything from Satellite News. :-)
\n\u2022 As Jessica prepares to leave, Crow wonders aloud where the heck she\u2019s going. Pay attention, Crow. She said loud and clear she was going to her cousin\u2019s.
\n\u2022 Paul is hilarious as the Observer. “I hate him, and can take solace only in my own cool detachment.”
\n\u2022 There were a total of 12 “Dale” riffs this season, and there were Dale riffs in 11 consecutive episodes beginning in this episode. (And there were some in previous seasons! For a complete list, visit Ward E<\/a>.) From this point forward, they will be referred to as “Daleisms.” This episode’s Daleism: Mike the lunkhead (in the movie) looks at his hands and Mike (the lunkhead, in the theater) says \u201cI thought you were Dale.\u201d
\n\u2022 When Kevin’s appears as Hadrian, his helmet begins to come loose almost immediately and eventually falls off even though he attempts to secure it in mid-scene.
\n\u2022 Then Mike shoves Bridget in the face \u2026 THAT must have been a delicate rehearsal\u2026
\n\u2022 Obscure references: Larry Wilcox, who played Officer Jonathan “Jon” Baker in TV’s “CHiPs” and Tracy Gold, best remembered as daughter Carol on the TV’s “Growing Pains.”
\n\u2022 One movie complaint: Toward the second half of the movie, the inhabitants of the ranch decide to dig for the coffin containing the head\u2019s body. I have to ask: Why is the oily beat artist guy digging? He’s a GUEST at the ranch! Sure, both the ranch\u2019s hands are dead, but that\u2019s Flavia\u2019s problem, isn\u2019t it? If I were a guest at a dude ranch (an unlikely prospect, I assure you), you wouldn\u2019t catch me doing heavy labor for the ranch\u2019s owner without a serious cut in the room rate.
\n\u2022 There’s a classic moment in this one when the two women crawl into bed together, and Crow and Tom celebrate in great style.
\n\u2022 A lot of fans were very surprised and not many were pleased when the Observers usurped the stinger. It would continue for three episodes, and the howls of dismay grew louder each week.
\n\u2022 In a thread we did a while back, the consensus choice for the stinger was “You’re all evil and I hope you die!”
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Screenwriter David Duncan also worked on “Black Scorpion” and “The Leech Woman.\u201d Cinematographer Clifford Stine also worked on “This Island Earth,” “The Creeping Terror” and “The Mole People.” Costumer Bill Thomas also worked on “The Leech Woman.\u201d Makeup guy Bud Westmore blah, blah, blah. Same with art director Alexander Golitzen, set designer Russell A. Gausman, sound person Leslie I. Carey, score composer\/music supervisor Joseph Gershenson and score composer Henry Mancini.
\nIn front of the camera: Robin Hughes was also in “The Mole People.” Peggy Converse was also in “The Brute Man.” Phil Harvey was also in “The Deadly Mantis.” Thomas Browne Henry was also in “Beginning of the End.
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Bill’s credit as “Observer” begins; it will run though the end of the series. Paul and Mike’s credit as “Observer” begins and runs for three more episodes. Jim gets both the producer and director credit this time, and Kevin continues as associate producer. That’s Paul as Finnigan, Kevin as Hadrian and Bridget as Adrienne Barbeau.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cOh E.G. Marshall, you ARE a bold one\u2026\u201d Honorable mentions: “Well, there’s that all-night historical society.” “Now I want her more than ever!” and “Here’s lookin’ up your neck hole!”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 806- The Undead<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-06-14 23:59:21 GMT. 160 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1956) A “psychical researcher” hypnotizes a prostitute, causing her to regress to a previous life as a woman accused of witchcraft. <\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 3\/8\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Trying to fill in the viewers, Mike seethes about past injustices
\nIntro:<\/strong> The Observers test everybody and Servo tests well
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Servo becomes an Observer–then the spoons go missing
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> The witch from the movie appears, but she’s going through some changes
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Mike plays his Digger Smolken album
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow is an imp, Tom and Mike lash out at Leonard Maltin, and Bobo makes a brain sammich
\nStinger:<\/strong> Observers
\n

\u2022 My memory of this one was that it was all drab and smeary, kind of like the walls in the psychicical researcher’s office, but this was one of those episodes that was a lot wackier than I remembered. To start with, it’s Corman, and that means funny. And it’s the first non-Universal movie since the season started. Plus you got Billy Barty, the always-fun Bruno VeSota, Digger Smolken and the STAY! chorus. What’s not to love? Well, maybe the last host segment…
\n\u2022 Bill’s take on the episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in Shout Factory\u2019s \u201cMST3K: Volume XXXIV.\u201d
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 It’s in this episode that Bill breaks out and begins to become the Observer we know. He has some nice moments in this one.
\n\u2022 Why did Corman think audiences would go for this hokey tale of psychic regression? Well, it was, briefly, all the rage. In the mid-1950s, a book called “The Search for Bridey Murphy” became a best seller. It supposedly was based on a true story about a woman who regressed to former lives via hypnosis. In 1956, a movie based on that book, with the same title, was released, and did pretty well, well enough to get Corman working on a ripoff. But by the time he was able to get it filmed, the craze had peaked, and a new fad was hot: zombies. So they changed the title from “The Trance of Diana Love” to “The Undead,” even though there’s nothing particularly undead in the movie.
\n\u2022 When Livia and her imp change into bats, they may look familiar to you. Corman used them a year earlier in “It Conquered the World.”
\n\u2022 Daleism: As Quintus hypnotizes the girl, he says: “Do you see my hand?” Mike adds: “Do you think I’m Dale?”
\n\u2022 LOTR references: Rivendell, Strider, Mordor, Mithril.
\n\u2022 Bridget is lots of fun as the witch unable to control her shape-shifting.
\n\u2022 A rare riff retread: “This guy is Satan … from hell” is a riff originally done in “Santa Claus.”
\n\u2022 Callback: “You’re stuck here!” (Fugitive Alien)
\n\u2022 The old “spoons dropping from the sleeve” bit was probably most famously done in the 1930 Marx Brothers movie “Animal Crackers.”
\n\u2022 The “Servo as Observer” bit goes on a bit, I have to say. This long segment, plus the long segment at the end, are obviously drawn out because the movie is so short. A short might have served them better.
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Kevin singing on the Digger Smolken album, of course.
\n\u2022 I wonder if Leonard Maltin saw the bit at the end before he agreed to be a guest star a year later.
\n\u2022 The final bit\u2014the lengthy brain sandwich-making scene\u2014sparked fierce debate among internet fans. Some loved it, others saw it as long, labored, pointless and emblematic of a growing problem they were having with the revived series. It really is a tour de force for Kevin. On the other hand, it’s definitely a long walk for a little joke.
\n\u2022 One other note: Kevin, his hands — or paws — probably slippery with mayoNAISE — drops the tape and it rolls a little way away and he has to run after it. They keep rolling.
\n\u2022 The Observers steal the stinger again. What would be your nomination? Mine is: “STAY!”
\n\u2022 Executive producers Samuel Z. Arkoff and James H. Nicholson also worked on “The Amazing Colossal Man,” “It Conquered the World,” “Earth Vs. the Spider,” “Teenage Caveman,” “Viking Women and the Sea Serpent,” “War of the Colossal Beast,” “Night of the Blood Beast,” “Terror from the Year 5000,” “The She-Creature,” “I Was A Teenage Werewolf” and “The Screaming Skull. Producer\/director Roger Corman also worked on “It Conquered the World,” “Teenage Caveman,” “Viking Women and the Sea Serpent,” “Swamp Diamonds,” “Gunslinger,” “Night of the Blood Beast,” “Attack of the Giant Leeches” and “High School Big Shot.” Assistant director Lou Place directed “Daddy-O,” appeared in “Swamp Diamonds,” was a production manager on “It Conquered the World” (he probably wrangled those bats), and “Agent for H.A.R.M.\u201d Screenwriter Charles B. Griffith also worked on “It Conquered the World” and “Gunslinger.\u201d Screenwriter Mark Hanna also worked on “The Amazing Colossal Man” and “Gunslinger and was production coordinator for “Terror from the Year 5000.” Cinematographer William Sickner also worked on “The Phantom Creeps.” Prop Master: Karl Brainard also worked on “It Conquered the World,” “Teenage Caveman,” “Night of the Blood Beast” and “The She-Creature.” Choreographer Chris Miller also worked on “Gunslinger” (and appeared in it as well). Score composer Ronald Stein also worked on “It Conquered the World,” “Gunslinger,” “The She-Creature,” “Attack of the the Eye Creatures and “The Girl in Lovers Lane.” In front of the camera, Allison Hayes was also in “Gunslinger,” “The Crawling Hand” and “The Unearthly.” Bruno VeSota was also on “Daddy-O,” “Attack of the Giant Leeches,” “Gunslinger” and “The Wild, Wild World of Batwoman.” Richard Devon was also in “Viking Women and the Sea Serpent.” Aaron Saxon was also in “Gunslinger.” Richard Miller was also in was also in “It Conquered the World” and “Gunslinger.” Paul Blaisdell also appeared in “”It Conquered the World,” “The She-Creature” (for which he also did special effects), “The Amazing Colossal Man,” “Earth Vs. the Spider” and “Teenage Caveman.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim gets the producer credit and Kevin gets the director credit. A guy named John Sims joins the crew for six episodes. His credit is “SFX\/foley.” For some reason, interns Elliot Cobb and Mytch Parks, who worked the first five episodes of season 8, did not work this one and the next one. In their place are Lane Stiller and Steve Zocklein. They worked this episode and the next one, then Cobb and Parks returned for two more episodes. Hm.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: “You have one litter of toads and people won\u2019t drop it.” Honorable mention: \u201cI have never known more about what isn\u2019t going on in a movie\u201d and \u201cThis is one tough spelling bee.\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 807- Terror from the Year 5000<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-06-22 09:45:10 GMT. 130 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1958) A scientist builds a time machine, allowing a scary woman from the future to appear.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 3\/15\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Tom “comfort rates” everything
\nIntro:<\/strong> The Observers make Pearl and Bobo fight, but the M&TB aren’t getting the message
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> The Observers offer their superior food
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Mike sends Crow back in time, but soon regrets it
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> The Observers croon “When I Held Your Brain in My Arms”
\nEnd:<\/strong> Mike sets Crow up with a blind date from the year 5000, while Pearl declares her humanity
\nStinger:<\/strong> Observers
\n

\u2022 Get Kevin’s take here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This ranks up there as one of the most incompetent movies they’ve ever done and, as you know, that’s saying something. An amateur cast playing unlikeable characters, a glacial pace to a plot that makes zero sense. Laughable special effects and a story with no payoff. Bleah. The segments are all pretty good, especially the song, but I think the riffing is a bit sub-par this time. There are still plenty of great riffs, but they seem a little thinner than usual. All in all a fair-to-good outing.
\n\u2022 This episode has not yet been released on DVD.
\n\u2022 This was the seventh new show in seven weeks. I remember the incredible feeling of being overwhelmed with new MST3K episodes with barely enough time to assimilate it all (a little like getting 14 new episodes at once). I was almost happy to have the two-week break that followed this show, just so I could catch my breath (figuratively speaking).
\n\u2022 Daleism: As the nurse\/alien takes off her gloves, moist guy says \u201cYour hands!\u201d and of course the riff is: \u201cI thought you were Dale!\u201d
\n\u2022 For those who want a full list of the colors of Mike, Ward E has it<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Mike once again channels “The Frugal Gourmet” Jeff Smith. Last time was in episode 608- CODE NAME: DIAMOND HEAD.
\n\u2022 Then-current riff: “I’m Jaye Davidson.” Davidson was still being talked about for his performance in “The Crying Game” five years earlier. “Suddenly Susan” then a popular sitcom starring Brooke Shields.
\n\u2022 Obscure references: The short-lived 1995 series “The Single Guy,” Mrs. Pynchon, a character in the TV series “Lou Grant.” Also: Servo sings the jingle for the long-defunct Northwest Orient airlines. Also: Nice obscure Beatles reference: “He’s a clean old man.\u201d Classical music fans probably enjoyed the reference to the Brodski Quartet, a British classical string ensemble.
\n\u2022 Several Jimmy Carter references in this one, since the handyman vaguely resembles him. Of course, Carter’s administration was decades ago now. To a lot of this show’s young fans, they may as well be making Chester A. Arthur references.
\n\u2022 Kevin breaks out his great Flash Bazbo impression. The character was a creation of Chris Guest back when he was making records (and I do mean records, not CDs) for National Lampoon. “Hellooo?…Hellooo?”
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Beez as the sparkly \u201cTerror.\u201d Not sure how I feel about uglying her up (if such a thing is even possible).
\n\u2022 \u201cWhen I Held Your Brain in My Arms\u201d was an immediate hit and the channel was nice enough to put the entire song on their web site. It was the first song since Trace bid farewell to Frank, and it really brightens up an otherwise rugged episode. Note that Mike lip synchs to Kevin’s vocals but Bill lip synchs himself.
\n\u2022 Annoying commercial: The special message from America Online boss Steve Case. To refresh your memory, AOL went to a flat-rate, unlimited-use pricing structure and, naturally, usage skyrocketed. Problem was: AOL’s system wasn’t ready to handle the jump in usage. For a couple of months, connecting (for you kids, we used to have to connect to the internet via telephone lines … and we liked it that way! We liked it just fine! Now get off my lawn!) was hit-and-miss at best and busy signals were the order of the day. Anyway, in this commercial Case strolls through what is ostensibly an AOL customer service call center and apologizes for failing to remember the first day of Business 101, when they explained that when you cut the price of something, there’s more demand for it.
\n\u2022 This is another movie in which all the sets seem to have filth covering the walls. Weird.
\n\u2022 For non-Trekkies, Pearl\u2019s little speech about the nature of humanity is the sort of thing Captain Kirk would spout about once every third or fourth episode, usually after refusing to take part in some staged fight.
\n\u2022 The Observers steal the stinger again. What would you have picked? I think I would have gone with a shot of Angelo enjoying his magazines in his shack.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: No need to go through the Arkoff\/Nicholson litany again. Producer\/director\/scriptwriter Robert J. Gurney Jr. (the guy you can blame for this mess) also wrote the script (i.e. ripped off somebody else’s script) for “Attack of the the Eye Creatures.” Production coordinator Mark Hanna also worked on “Gunslinger” and “The Undead” and wrote the script for “The Amazing Colossal Man.” In front of the camera, Ward Costello was also in “Code Name: Diamond Head.” Frederic Downs was also in “The Hellcats,” “The Skydivers” and “Red Zone Cuba.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim gets the produced and directed by credit. Kevin is associate producer. As noted last time, Lane Stiller and Steve Zocklein were interns for only two episodes, the last one and this one.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: Of all the plot holes to fill, they choose the scuba gear plot hole!\u201d Honorable mention: \u201cDo you have cartoon music playing in your head, too?\u201d and \u201cThey are implying: POOM!\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 808- The She Creature<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-06-28 23:24:44 GMT. 93 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1956) A carnival mesmerist uses hypnosis on a woman to summon the spirit of a murderous female sea creature. A drab guy tries to stop him.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 4\/5\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Crow and Tom confuse similar sounding household products
\nIntro:<\/strong> The Observers prepare to dissect Bobo, Pearl begs for a distraction, Mike asks the nanites for help and they provide a Number 7
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Crow presents the “Tickle Me Carlo Lombardi” doll
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Pearl and Bobo have a stowaway
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Mike demonstrates the non-acting method of Lance Fuller
\nEnd:<\/strong> Questions about the movie, and M&tB find out they are being held in place by Observer’s mind
\nStinger:<\/strong> Bobo investigates a planet…closely
\n

\u2022 Mike’s take on the episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Shout\u2019s \u201cMST3K: Volume XXXIV.\u201d
\n\u2022 This one, despite being deep in the season-eight string of black-and-white B potboilers, tickles me in a weird way, kind of like what one might do to a Tickle Me Carlo Lombardi doll (ew!). While Lance Fuller drags down every scene he’s in, it’s balanced out by the weird vehemence of Chester Morris. The host segments are nearly all great, and the riffing was steady and reliable. Plenty of fun.
\n\u2022 This is the final episode in the Observer story arc and the last one with no stinger.
\n\u2022 Mike blows up a SECOND planet and Pearl gets a second sidekick, creating an terrific three-way personality dynamic that carries the series forward.
\n\u2022 Callbacks: “Guard! Sick man!” (Red Zone Cuba); and the ever-popular “Sleeeeep!”
\n\u2022 Like “The Undead,” this movie tried to cash in on the craze about regression to past lives via hypnosis, as popularized by the book (and movie) “The Search for Bridey Murphy.”
\n\u2022 The term “squarehead” was new to me when I saw this. They seem to be using it refer to Scandinavians, but apparently<\/a> it’s more popularly used to refer to Germans.
\n\u2022 Daleism: [Lombardi is hypnotizing the recumbent Andrea, waving his hand in her face.] Mike: Do you think I\u2019m Dale?
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Kevin as the voice of the Carlo Lombardi doll.
\n\u2022 Obscure riff: \u201c(flatly) Hello Max.\u201d A reference to Hymie the robot on the TV series \u201cGet Smart.\u201d
\n\u2022 The MSTie classic \u201cDoes this bug you?\u201d makes a return. As does another MSTie classic: \u201cSessions presents!\u201d
\n\u2022 The end of the ep brings the show to what later was called \u201cThe camping planet\u201d by BBI, though it was never referred to like that on the show.
\n\u2022 Mary Jo calls M&tB \u201cschmucks\u201d and got bleeped by a nervous channel. Fans were a bit upset about it at the time, but BBI seemed only to find it funny (or so they let on to fans).
\n\u2022 Suggestions for a stinger?
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: I won’t go through the Arkoff\/Nicholson again. Producer Alex Gordon wrote the story for “Bride of the Monster.” Screenwriter Lou Rusoff also wrote “It Conquered the World.” Cinematographer Frederick West also worked on “It Conquered the World,” “Swamp Diamonds” and “Gunslinger” (was she a pal of Beverly’s?). Editor Ronald Sinclair also worked on “The Amazing Colossal Man,” “Earth Vs. the Spider,” “Viking Women and the Sea Serpent,” “War of the Colossal Beast” and “Swamp Diamonds. Special effects guy Paul Blaisdell also worked on “The Amazing Colossal Man,” “It Conquered the World,” “Earth Vs. the Spider” and “Teenage Caveman.” Costumer Marjorie Corso also worked on “Earth Vs. the Spider,” “Teenage Caveman,” “Tormented” and “Bloodlust!” Makeup guy also worked “Bloodlust!” Supervisor\/assistant director Bartlett Carre was production manager for “Swamp Diamonds.” Set designer Harry Reif also worked in “Women of the Prehistoric Planet,” “I Accuse My Parents,” “Radar Secret Service” and was assistant director for “Gunslinger.” Prop master Karl Brainard also worked on “Earth Vs. the Spider,” “Teenage Caveman,” “Night of the Blood Beast” and “The Undead.” Sound guy Ben Winkler also worked on “War of the Colossal Beast.” Score composer Ronald Stein also worked on “It Conquered the World,” “Gunslinger” “The Undead,” “The Girl in Lovers Lane” and “Attack of the the Eye Creatures.”
\nIn front of the camera, Tom Conway was in “12 to the Moon.” Cathy Downs was in “The Amazing Colossal Man.” Lance Fuller was in “This Island Earth.” Frank Jenks was in “The Amazing Colossal Man.” William Hudson was in “The Amazing Colossal Man.” Jack Mulhall was also in “Undersea Kingdom.” Edward Earle was in “I Accuse My Parents.” Luana Walters was in “The Corpse Vanishes.” Paul Blaisdell was in “It Conquered the World” and “The Undead.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim gets the “produced & directed by” credit and Kevin gets the \u201cassociate producer” credit. After two episodes off, interns Elliot Cobb and Mytch Parks return for the first of two more eps.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cBig Balinese wheel money!\u201d Honorable mention: “He’s got a list of his facial expressions taped to her back” and \u201cI can\u2019t help but feel that was directed at me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 809- I Was a Teenage Werewolf<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-07-06 16:15:00 GMT. 120 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1957) An unethical doctor turns a short-tempered teen into a monster.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 4\/19\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Mike is to be removed as captain
\nIntro:<\/strong> While camping, Pearl lowers the SOL’s shields, and Tom meets a face-hugging alien
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Crow’s proximity detector malfunctions
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Servo goes after the alien
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> It’s alien egg omelets for everyone, but Crow is a critic
\nEnd:<\/strong> The alien is draining the SOL’s energy and Mike is forced to become really repulsive. And at camp, Pearl tells some scary stories
\nStinger:<\/strong> “People bug me, too!”
\n

\u2022 Get Mary Jo’s take on this episode here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode has not been released on DVD.
\n\u2022 This one is just irresistible. The riffing is great, the movie is an iconic bad movie with a great bad movie cast, the segments are some of the best “parodying the classic sci-fi conventions” stuff they did and the ending is a classic.
\n\u2022 This episode debuted just as the movie “Volcano” was gearing up to hit movie theaters, and after the opening segment, Sci-Fi ran a short bumper with the “Volcano” logo super-imposed over the door sequence. Which means somebody actually thought this movie would appeal to MST3K viewers specifically…
\n\u2022 Not-so-much-annoying-as-amusing commercial: A Radio Shack ad that takes credit for helping people “understand cellular phones.” What was to understand?
\n\u2022 In this, the first full episode with the new evil trio, Pearl clearly prefers Observer to Bobo. It’s a dynamic that doesn’t last very long.
\n\u2022 Tom is still wearing the alien facehugger when he comes into the theater for the first movie segment.
\n\u2022 During segment 1, Crow accidentally bumps the “Mousetrap” game Mike and Tom were playing and sets some of it in motion. Kevin and Mike just roll with it, so to speak.
\n\u2022 Movie observation: That song is weird. What is with the tempo of the lyrics??
\n\u2022 In segment 2 we get another recall of the “Tom did some stuff while on his own in the universe…” backstory, but I think maybe this is one of the last.
\n\u2022 Daleism: [As Michael Landon looks at his hand] Mike: “I thought I was Dale!”
\n\u2022 Then-current reference: The first of several episodes to make reference to Richard Jewel<\/a>. Now largely forgotten.
\n\u2022 This is the third straight movie featuring psychological regression!
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Beez in a now-rare appearance as Magic Voice.
\n\u2022 Most of the time, when an actor or actress from a popular TV show appears in a movie, they purposely limit themselves to only one or two jokes about it. They did that here with Guy Williams of \u201cLost in Space\u201d present: they limited themselves to \u201cYou\u2019re worse than Dr. Smith!\u201d
\n\u2022 Malcom Atterbury plays almost the EXACT same suicidal dad character he played in \u201cHigh School Big Shot\u201d!
\n\u2022 Tom enters the theater from the left after segment 2.
\n\u2022 In the ending segment, Tom uses the phrase “sour its milk,” a direct reference to a Star Trek: TNG plot line<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Once again in a moment of extreme stress, Mike’s preternatural ability to transform himself comes in handy. I gotta say I did NOT see the Adam Duritz slam coming. I consider myself a Counting Crows fan, but Mike was hilarious. Does anybody know if Adam ever commented on it?
\n\u2022 The camping planet story arc — such as it is — begins with this episode, and the stingers thankfully returned.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: I will not go through the Arkoff\/Nicholson litany again. Director Gene Fowler Jr. also worked on “The Rebel Set.” Assistant director\/production manager Jack R. Berne also worked on “The Amazing Colossal Man.\u201d Costume guy Oscar Rodriguez also worked on “The Magic Sword” and “Phantom Planet.” Set designer Morris Hoffman also worked on “War of the Colossal Beast.\u201d Score composer Paul Dunlap also worked on “The Rebel Set” and “Lost Continent.”
\nIn front of the camera, Yvonne Lime also appeared in “Untamed Youth.” Whit Bissell also appeared in “Lost Continent. Malcolm Atterbury also appeared in “High School Big Shot.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim gets a producer credit only. Kevin gets a director credit and is also listed as associate producer. Interns Elliot Cobb and Mytch Parks finish up their final stints as interns.
\n\u2022 Fave line: \u201cUm, mistakes were made?\u201d Honorable mention: “Boy, does he ever!” \u201cSir, I gotta get back and transfer Oswald.\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 810- The Giant Spider Invasion<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-07-13 14:38:57 GMT. 181 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1975) A meteor crashes in Wisconsin, laden with the eggs of otherworldly spiders. Incompetent local officials try to respond.<\/p>\n

First shown: <\/strong>5\/31\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Tom shows spirit, but Mike and Crow only offer MRxL
\nIntro:<\/strong> The campers recall their trip, Tom portages and Pearl shares some pod-like “zucchini”
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Pod-Gypsy suggests sleep, but Mike is suspicious
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Mike and the bots try to stay awake, while Bobo is skeptical
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Pod-Servo seems convincing, until asked about his “collection”
\nEnd:<\/strong> Bobo saves the day, but Pearl declares movie sign \u2026 again!
\nStinger:<\/strong> Pthpthpthp!
\n

\u2022 At last. With this episode you can sense that the channel begins to trust BBI more, and the result is a memorable gem. We get the first color movie of the Sci-Fi Channel era, and what a movie! A real departure from the sameness of the film choices up to this point. The segments playfully take on another classic sci-fi trope and the riffing is top-of-the-line. All-in-all a landmark, breakthrough episode.
\n\u2022 Get Paul’s rather dyspeptic take here<\/a>, which includes some mild satirical slander to which director Bill Rebane himself, in humorless email to us, took personal offense, causing us to add a disclaimer on that page.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Rhino’s The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 10
\n\u2022 Callback: “Down and down…” (The Mole People), \u201cSomebody tampered in God\u2019s domain,\u201d (Bride of the Monster), “Did you beef?” (I Was a Teenage Werewolf).
\n\u2022 During the intro, Tom gets even for getting clobbered during the very similar “board routine” in episode 614- San Francisco International.
\n\u2022 Of course, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers'” (and other pod-based horror movies) have their turn at being parodied.
\n\u2022 Bill Williams, who played bar owner Dutch, and Barbara Hale, who played scientist Jenny Langer, were real-life husband and wife, and their son is William Katt, best remembered for his starring role in TV’s “The Greatest American Hero.”
\n\u2022 Daleism: As the we see the dying girl\u2019s hand: \u201cHe thought I was Dale!\u201d
\n\u2022 When amped-up Crow is in the theater, a heart beating sound effect continues for several minutes.
\n\u2022 The giant spider sat on a Volkswagen chassis; a driver and another eight men were inside to control each leg. That must have been fun.
\n\u2022 Those who\u2019d never seen “MST3K: The Movie” were probably baffled by the host segment reference to Tom Servo\u2019s underwear collection<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Of course, the cry “PACKERS!!!!” became an immediate catchphrase.
\nIn fact in February of 2011, on the night the Packers DID, in fact, win the Super Bowl, I was retweeted hundreds of times after I tweeted this Youtube video<\/a>.
\n\u2022 In 2013, what was left of the giant spider, a rusting metal frame, was stolen from a field in Merrill<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Producer-Director Bill Rebane also did “Monster A Go-Go.” Assistant director\/unit manager Barbara Rebane did the costumes for “Monster A Go-Go.” In front of the camera, Steve Brodie was also in “Wild World of Batwoman.” Alan Hale Jr. was also in “The Crawling Hand” and “Angels Revenge.” Robert Easton (who also got a screenwriter credit for this movie) did the voices in the British 1965 TV series “Stingray,” episodes of which were included in the the TV-movie that was featured in episode K01-INVADERS FROM THE DEEP. He was also in “The Touch Of Satan.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Jim is listed as producer for the last time in the series. Kevin is director. He is also associate producer for the last time. Interns Tamara Melloy and Randy Smith begin a four-episode stint.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cI hate it when a movie kills off a beloved character \u2026 this is great, though!\u201d Honorable mention: “His Hagar slacks have a waistband with repressed memories.” \u201cAdmit it! You felt something when I rolled on you!\u201d
\n\u2022 Oh, and remember: honor the umlaut!<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 811- parts: the clonus horror<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-07-15 17:45:09 GMT. 173 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1979) At a remote facility, clones are being bred to serve as a source of replacement organs for the wealthy and powerful. <\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 6\/7\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Mike has a mustache and the bots like it — sort of
\nIntro:<\/strong> Three runaway space children awaken the campers
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> The campers are forced to play games with the kids
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> M&tB help Pearl out by putting on a public TV show
\nHost segment 3: <\/strong>Pearl, Bobo and Observer have “that” talk with the kids
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow has a nosejob, and Tom has written a poem for the kids
\nStinger:<\/strong> “Sure!”
\n

\u2022 This is a (comparatively) thought-provoking idea for a movie, even if it is hamfistedly written, acted and directed. Still, it’s in color, it’s in focus, and its budget was (compared to most other MSTed movies) pretty big, so it’s pretty easy to look at, which helps make it a very watchable episode. The riffing starts slowly, but builds, and by the time of the campfire love scene, they are really clicking. The segments \u2014- featuring a new, brief, story arc with the temperamental and omnipotent space children \u2014- are fun. Not sensational, but there are definitely some laughs there.
\n\u2022 Paul’s take on the episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Rhino included this episode in its The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 12.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 In 2005, when DreamWorks released “The Island,” also about a colony that breeds clones to harvest organs for the elite, the makers of \u201cclonus\u201d filed suit, claiming copyright infringement. DreamWorks settled out of court.
\n\u2022 As you enjoy Peter Graves’ performance, remember that he HATED MST3K.
\n\u2022 Just to make a fool of me, the guys completely disregard what I’ve said in the past about them usually showing restraint when a popular TV actor shows up. The presence of Dick Sergeant prompts quite a large number (this time I counted about 10) of “Bewitched” jokes and references. There are plenty of “Biography” references as well.
\n\u2022 I enjoyed Mike’s use of the famous Belloq taunt from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” I’ve used it myself a time or two since this episode aired. It does have a certain insouciance.
\n\u2022 Daleism: Shot of man’s hand on podium. Servo: “Hey it’s…oh, I thought it was Dale.”
\n\u2022 For those of you playing along at home, this movie was shot a year after Keenan Wynn did “Laserblast,” so pretty much the same Keenan-ey era.
\n\u2022 Speaking of Keenan, I always feel sorry for the Nobels. This complete stranger shows up on their doorstep and they pretty much do the right thing right down the line, and they get blown up as a reward. Sheesh.
\n\u2022 Nice use of Dorf<\/a>-style camera trickery during the segments. It works especially well on Paul, for some reason. Mike and Bridget are the other two children, of course.
\n\u2022 As Dr. F learned when he asked M&tB for help with his bed and breakfast, NEVER ask M&tB for help! Pearl learns this in segment 2.
\n\u2022 They would actually do a movie called “The Space Children” next season, but I don’t think they are really making a direct reference to that movie here.
\n\u2022 There’s a residual Adam Duritz riff.
\n\u2022 Best host segment line: \u201cTanta Bobo has to go see Uncle Reconstructive Urologist.\u201d
\n\u2022 Mary Jo is hilarious in the “facts of life” segment.
\n\u2022 Then-current reference: Tom\u2019s cry of \u201c50 free hours of AOL???\u201d Which was an offer Americans were getting at every turn.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: special effects guy Steve Karkus also worked on “The Touch of Satan” as did makeup guy Joe Blasco (he also did special effects for “Track of the Moon Beast.\u201d)
\nIn front of the camera, Peter Graves, of course, was in “It Conquered the World,” “Beginning of the End,” “SST: Death Flight” and was a narrator for “Attack of the the Eye Creatures. Keenan Wynn, as noted, was also in “Laserblast.” Lurene Tuttle was also in “Untamed Youth.” Greg Brickman did some stunts in “Hangar 18.\u201d
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Beginning with this episode, Jim gets an “executive producer” credit that continues through the end of season 10. Kevin gets the first of several “produced and directed by” credits this season. This is the last week Brad Keeley gets an “audio mix” credit. And this is the last week John Sims gets a “SFX\/foley” credit (but he’ll be back).
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cShe really WAS on top of old smokey, wasn\u2019t she?\u201d Honorable mention: \u201cJust making sure he hates this\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 812- The Incredibly Strange Creatures Who Stopped Living and Became Mixed-Up Zombies!!?<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-07-27 19:41:39 GMT. 157 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1964) A couple of slackers stumble across a cult of monsters at a carnival.<\/p>\n

First shown: <\/strong>6\/14\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> It’s walk-a-thon season
\nIntro: <\/strong>Pearl is taking the space kids home and has Bobo and Observer send the movie
\nHost segment 1: <\/strong>The bots try to read Mike’s future for 50 cents
\nHost segment 2: <\/strong>M&tB ask Shelli the Nanite for the “big hair” look
\nHost segment 3: <\/strong>Crow hires Ortega to cater the break
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow and Tom build a roller coaster; Pearl meets the kids’ parents
\nStinger: <\/strong>“What do you think we came here for … to eat?”
\n

\u2022 Ah, what’s not to like about this episode? Unless, of course, you count the movie itself, which is less a coherent story than a particularly vivid fever dream. Still, the riffing is great, the segments are funny and, if that wasn’t enough, there’s … MADISON!
\n\u2022 Paul’s take is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was released by Rhino on its The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 9 and was more recently re-released as a single disk by Shout!Factory.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Daleism: During the first dance number, during a shot of the dancers hands, all sing: \u201cI thought you were Daaaaale\u2026\u201d
\n\u2022 Obviously the idea for the acronym sketch came from the movie\u2019s very long title and accompanying acronym, TISCWSLABMUZ. The part where Tom keeps reciting the very long name of the charity is very reminiscent of the Monty Python sketch about Johann Gambolputty-de-von-Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crass-cren-bon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelter-wasser-kurstlich-himble-eisenbahnwagen-guten-abend-bitte-ein-n\u00fcrnburger-bratw\u00fcrstel-gespurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumeraber-sch\u00f6nendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittleraucher-von-Hautkopft of Ulm.
\n\u2022 It\u2019s with this episode that a new occasional character arrives: Ortega, who will occupy a similar spot in sketches that Torgo did in the Comedy Central days.
\n\u2022 Obscure reference: Theatrical director JoAnne Akalaitis.
\n\u2022 This is one of those movies that posits the existence of a burlesque\/strip joint in which nobody actually takes any clothes off and which is attended by as many women as men (see “Flashdance”). I maintain that such places never actually existed, especially in the time frame of this movie.
\n\u2022 Call back: \u201co\/` Night train\u2026\u201c
\n\u2022 Mike is still sporting his very high hair in the theater but only for about a minute.
\n\u2022 Tom has a brief freakout during the movie, but who can blame him?
\n\u2022 The Angel’s Flight trolley<\/a>, also seen in “Indestructible Man,” is briefly visited by a distraught Jerry.
\n\u2022 Some behind-the-scenes stuff about this movie:
\n–> It was shot on a budget of only $38,000. Can you tell?
\n–> It ran into trouble with Columbia Studios, which was releasing another long-titled movie: “Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb.” Apparently there was concern that people would mix up the two long-titled movies. To stave off Columbia’s lawyers, director Ray Dennis Steckler agreed to re-title this movie “The Incredibly Strange Creatures Etc.”
\n–> It was released in so-called “Hallucinogenic Hypnovision,” which basically meant that just after a turning hypnosis-inducing spiral would appear on the screen, a few people wearing rubber masks of the movie’s characters would run down the aisles and try to scare the audience. I don’t know how many theaters this happened in, but I can’t imagine it was very many.
\n–> Believe it or not, a soundtrack album was released.
\n–> Steckler directed and performed in 1962’s “Wild Guitar,” starring Arch Hall Jr., star of “EEGAH!” Steckler also appeared briefly in \u201cEegah!\u201d (You can see a poster of “Wild Guitar” in this movie: it’s on the wall of the boozing dancer’s dressing room).
\n\u2022 Then-current references: Crow mentions a \u201cC prompt.\u201d I think you have to be of a certain age to know what that is. During the fortune teller scene, Crow invokes Nancy Reagan. Again you would need to be old enough to remember that the former first lady had a personal astrologer.
\n\u2022 Bill and Kevin are the voices of the space kids’ dad and mom, respectively.
\n\u2022 The “space children” story arc ends.
\n\u2022 That’s Paul as the voice of Ned the Nanite and Mary Jo and the voice of Shelli the Nanite.
\n\u2022 Pearl calls Crow Art again.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Script writer Robert Silliphant also worked on “The Creeping Terror.” Cinematographer Joseph V. Mascelli also worked on “The Atomic Brain.” Editor Don Schneider also worked on “Eegah.” Assistant director Mike Harrington also worked on “The Skydivers.” Score composer Henry Price also worked on “Eegah”
\nIn front of the camera, Titus Moede a.k.a. Titus Moody was also in “The Skydivers.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Kevin gets the “Produced and directed by” credit. With this episode a new line in the credits appears: “Audio Post Production: Fred Street, PostAudio, Inc.” It will continue for the rest of season 8.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cYou know what I\u2019m looking at right now? That exit sign.\u201d Honorable mention: \u201cThis whole movie has an oily T-zone.\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 813- Jack Frost<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-08-06 03:26:37 GMT. 164 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1966) A Russian version of the Cinderella story includes a mushroom sprite, a bear-headed hero and house with legs.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 7\/12\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Mike Nelson IS Lord of the Dance!
\nIntro:<\/strong> Mike mediates a squabble between Bobo and Brain Guy
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Crow hires a Russian expert
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Crow’s a bear, while Bobo and Brain Guy find common ground
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Crow hires another Russian expert–or someone like him
\nEnd:<\/strong> Tom fails in his attempt to be cute; Bobo and Brain Guy discuss ape movies, but Pearl returns to settle the matter
\nStinger:<\/strong> “Bring on my fiancee!”
\n

\u2022 For the longest time, there was the “Russo-Finnish troika” of “Day the Earth Froze,” “Sinbad” and “Sword and the Dragon.” The Sci-Fi era needed one too, I guess, so now it’s a quartet, and wow, is this one ever out there. It’s not directed by Aleksandr Ptushko, as they other ones were, but it definitely has that weird vibe that gives them plenty of riffing fodder, and they do a great job with it. Some of the host segments are great, others don’t do much for me.
\n\u2022 Check out Mary Jo’s take on this episode here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included on Shout!Factory’s Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection: Vol. XVIII.
\n\u2022 To start things off, we get one of the host segment highlights of the season as Mike parodies human peacock Michael Flatley, especially his deeply self-satisfied, nose-breathing smirk.
\n\u2022 Mike almost puts one over on Brain Guy, who is almost sucked into the theater, but not quite.
\n\u2022 Obscure reference: Hildegard von Bingen<\/a>. Even I needed to look that one up. The next time somebody tries to tell you all MST3K does is fart jokes, remind them of THIS.
\n\u2022 The segment where Crow becomes a bear is another gem, a great example of Bill’s slightly demented Crow, very different from Trace’s Crow but very funny. Grr!
\n\u2022 Crow is still a bear when he returns to the theater.
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Patrick as Yakov Smirnoff; and that\u2019s Paul as Earl Torgeson. Both the “Crow hires an expert” segments didn’t do much for me. Yakov’s standup act wasn’t quite as lame as they make it out to be, and the second bit just sort of wanders off without a real payoff.
\n\u2022 In the comments, a number of readers have noted that by about eight episodes in, Bobo’s character had totally, well, devolved. When we first met him at the beginning of the season, he was a sophisticated gentleman and scientist. Slowly but surely the writers changed him into the happy-go-lucky, termite-eating dimwit who so exasperates Brain Guy and Pearl. Not really a criticism. Just an observation.
\n\u2022 Dalesim: As thug smells his hand, Mike: \u201cHm. I thought I was Dale!\u201d
\n\u2022 Cast roundup: Georgiy Millyar and Valentin Bryleyev were both in “The Day the Earth Froze.” That’s it.
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Kevin again gets the “Produced & Directed” credit. Following this episode, Grip Mike Parker takes two episodes off. And this was the last episode interns Tamara Melloy and Randy Smith worked on.
\n\u2022 Fave line: “Apparently there’s no Finnish word for ‘subtle.’ ” Honorable mention: “I thought Jerry Garcia was Father Mushroom.”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 814- Riding with Death<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-08-10 11:33:45 GMT. 210 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1976) Two stitched-together episodes of the TV series “Gemini Man,” about a hero who gains the power of invisibility.<\/p>\n

First shown: <\/strong>7\/19\/97
\nOpening: <\/strong>Mike, who was once a teppanyaki chef, has a relapse
\nIntro:<\/strong> Pearl and company are under fire! She begs Mike for air support … and she gets it, and then some
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Tom sings about the 70s (and the 50s, too)
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Tom acquires a buttless truck driver body
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Crow is Turkey Volume Guessing Man!
\nEnd:<\/strong> Mike, Crow and Tom spoof the end of the film, while Pearl is weighed down with medals
\nStinger:<\/strong> Jim Stafford is really happy!
\n

\u2022 I like this one. The movie — two poorly spliced-together episodes of a forgotten ’70s TV series (a la “Master Ninja”) — is not painful to watch, but gives them plenty to work with. The riffing is great and the segments are mostly pretty good. So rock it, you turkeys!
\n\u2022 Kevin offers his take here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in Shout’s “MST3K: Volume XXXVI.”
\n\u2022 The opening, with Mike as the mindless teppanyaki chef, is hilarious. “There’s about a 1-in-4 chance were gonna get out of this alive!”
\n\u2022 This episode is the last one in which Jim is listed as providing the voice and puppetry for Gypsy, but Gypsy isn’t in this one. I had thought that meant his last actual performance as Gypsy was the previous episode’s “Lord of the Dance” sketch, but a commenter corrected me. More on that in the next episode’s writeup.
\n\u2022 Daleism: During the bar fight, the big guy tries to punch Buffalo Bill, but his fist is held back by invisible Sam. He looks at his fist. Crow: “Thought I was Dale.” Big guy tries again, and is again held back. He again looks at his fist. “Again, I thought I was Dale.”
\n\u2022 I love the way Mike answers the phone in this episode. His cheery little “Helloo?” is great.
\n\u2022 Mike destroys his third planet so far this season. This sets up the premise for the segments in the next episode.
\n\u2022 Crow and Mike reenact a memorable moment from “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
\n\u2022 A perfect example of the genius of this show is the scene early on in which four characters are just standing around explaining the plot. Not much to work with. Then they pick up on Ben Murphy\u2019s boss compulsively wiping his (apparently filthy!) glasses and suddenly the otherwise dull scene is a riot.
\n\u2022 Tom’s songs about the 70s and the 50s are a lot of fun. “The apostle Paul traveled to Greece…”
\n\u2022 I think the “Tom’s trucker body” segment seemed funnier on paper. Nice job on the body creation, however.
\n\u2022 Tom still has his trucker body in the theater. Mike and Crow are already there.
\n\u2022 The Turkey Volume Guessing Man segment is another gem, another hilarious example of Bill’s slightly deranged Crow.
\n\u2022 The “Pearl gets medals” bit at the end is cute, but doesn’t really go anywhere.
\n\u2022 This movie has two completely baffling elements, which probably only made sense in the context of the series, context which is completely lost in the movie. First there’s this Elliot guy, who angrily, even bitterly, berates Driscoll, who I think is his boss. Why is he doing this? Is he working for Denby? Is he just naive? As the movie plays out, it becomes clear that Denby is exactly the elusive crime boss Driscoll thinks he is. But we never see Elliot admit he was wrong (though he does seem a bit less grouchy in a later scene — maybe by then he’s seen the light).
\nThen there are the shots of Abby in the lab, watching some sort of super duper camera feed (it can pan and change angles and do closeups). Apparently the makers felt the need to include Abby, but why? (Note: A commenter had a plausible explanation for this.)
\n\u2022 On a related subject, you’re not seeing things: two different actors appear as Driscoll: Richard Dysart portrayed Driscoll in the pilot (and is seen briefly in the flashback sequence, which was taken from the pilot), while William Sylvester played Driscoll in the series.
\n\u2022 Then current reference: Kelly Flynn<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Callback: “Look, a couple of VAAAAAANS!” (“Giant Spider Invasion”)
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: “Village of the Giants” also gives H.G. Wells an amusing story credit. Costumer Charles Waldo also worked on “San Francisco International.” In front of the camera, Ben Murphy was also in “Being from Another Planet.” William Sylvester was also in “Gorgo.” Ed Nelson was also in “Superdome,” “Teenage Caveman,” “Swamp Diamonds” and “Night of the Blood Beast,” plus he did costumes for “Attack of the Giant Leeches.” Austin Stoker was also in “Being from Another Planet.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced and directed by Kevin. Brad, who has been listed as “Editor” on and off since season five, is listed as “Editor” for the first time this season, a credit that will continue until the end of the series. Bob Seabold begins a two-episode stint as grip. Intern Joseph Olson begins a four-episode stint; intern Meshach Weber begins a six-episode stint. The music for “The Funky Seventies” and “The Fifties” was written by Michael J. Nelson, with lyrics by Bill Corbett.
\n\u2022 Fave line: \u201cDear, sweet, homicidal Murray.\u201d Honorable mention: “Okay, now, who wants their butts kicked first?”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 815- Agent for H.A.R.M.<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-08-17 00:39:33 GMT. 152 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1966) A fey spy is assigned to protect a scientist from foreign agents.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 8\/2\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> M&tB are into “extreme” things
\nIntro:<\/strong> Mike is put on trial for his crimes against the universe
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Pearl and Bobo give their opening statements
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> The bots give their video depositions
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Observer takes the stand
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow and Tom hold a candlelight vigil, and the judge gives his verdict and sentence
\nStinger:<\/strong> Spaz chop!
\n

\u2022 This is another one of those episodes where the segments kind of overwhelm the movie and the movie riffing. I hadn’t seen this episode in a while, and my memory of it was that the movie just kind of laid there and didn’t give them a lot to work with. I liked the movie segments more on this viewing, but still I think the segments are the real standout element. Kevin and Mary Jo are both terrific.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in Shout\u2019s \u201cMystery Science Theater 3000: Vol. XXXIII.\u201d
\n\u2022 Bill’s take is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 As Bill notes, that’s Bill as judge, except when Paul fills in at one point.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This was the episode in which Patrick took over as Gypsy\u2014and with his arrival every single actor who had been an on-camera regular when the show began had been replaced with other performers. Has that ever happened on any other show?
\n\u2022 I believe the opening segment features the first mention of Mike’s love of rice.
\n\u2022 As somebody noted in the comments, Mike is really not responsible for the first two planets being destroyed. The monkeys destroyed the first one and the nanites destroyed the second one. Camping Planet is on him, however.
\n\u2022 The one henchman looks vaguely like Prince, and that’s enough for an avalanche of Prince references. Mike tries to put an end to it, but then HE does one a little while later!
\n\u2022 The preppy looking henchman also prompts a lot of funny preppy voiced riffs.
\n\u2022 Mike wears his prisoner hat during all the movie riffing segments. No way to know for sure if he’s wearing the full costume.
\n\u2022 The last time we saw Brad “Little Amish Boy” Keeley on camera was in episode 507- I ACCUSE MY PARENTS when he played Rodney the exotic cake dancer.
\n\u2022 Oh, and: my copy has a commercial for Sci-Fi Channel’s “extra-sensory summer” that includes a mention of the “Making of MST3K” documentary.
\n\u2022 My copy also has a commercial for a repeat of episode 803- THE MOLE PEOPLE.
\n\u2022 Daleism: As Dr. Stefanik dies, he holds his hand up: Crow: He thought he was Dale! Note: This may be the final Daleism. It’s the last one I have a notation for.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Producer Joseph F. Robertson also produced \u201cThe Crawling Hand\u201d and \u201cSlime People.\u201d Special effects guy Harry S. Woolman also worked on \u201cHangar 18,\u201d \u201cThe Incredible Melting Man\u201d and \u201cLaserblast.\u201d Makeup guy Marc Snegoff also worked in \u201cCatalina Caper.\u201d Production manager Lou Place also worked on \u201cIt Conquered the World,\u201d he directed \u201cDaddy-O\u201d and was assistant director for \u201cThe Undead.\u201d He also acted in \u201cSwamp Diamonds.\u201d Score composer Gene Kauer also worked on \u201cThe Atomic Brain\u201d and \u201cBeast of Yucca Flats.\u201d
\nIn front of the camera: Wendell Corey also appeared in \u201cWomen of the Prehistoric Planet” and Rafael Campos also appeared in \u201cGirl in Gold Boots.\u201d
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced by Kevin Murphy and directed by Mike Nelson, the first time he’s directed this season. Patrick is listed as Gypsy for the first time. Bob Seabold finishes up a two-episode stint at grip.
\n\u2022 Fave line: “They\u2019re out of fumar! Now what do we do?\u201d Honorable mention: \u201cFirst rule of women everywhere: First, do no HARM.\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 816- Prince of Space<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-08-23 22:13:55 GMT. 183 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1956) When the chickeney Phantom of Krankor attacks Japan, a slim-hipped hero arrives to save the day.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 8\/16\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Crow and Tom’s “Dog and Bear” game gets out of hand
\nIntro:<\/strong> Bobo, then the Widowmaker, then the SOL are dragged into a wormhole
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> M&tB are unstuck in time
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Mike is transformed into a small robot
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> The wormhole deposits M&tB in a rather lovely sylvan glen
\nEnd:<\/strong> All seems normal again on the SOL (except for the presense of Krankor), but Pearl and Observer have arrived on Earth in Roman times!
\nStinger:<\/strong> The Phantom says: “Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah! Hah!”
\n

\u2022 Bridget’s take on this episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Of course, with this episode, into the wormhole we go. And while the “Roman times” story arc is, in my view, a mixed bag at best (more on that in the next installment), this episode, which takes place in the wormhole itself, is one of the best of season 8. The movie is profoundly stupid and feels very season-three-ish, the riffing is excellent and the host segments are clever and fun.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Rhino’s The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 7.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Is that “dog and bear<\/a>” dialog from something? (A commenter suggested it was inspired by Jack London’s “Call of the Wild.”)
\n\u2022 \u201cI like it very much!\u201d became an immediate catchphrase and soon appeared on an MST3k bumper sticker.
\n\u2022 Some fans got a bit fed up with all the Japan bashing in this episode, and while I don\u2019t agree that it was as bad as they made out, I WILL acknowledge that this show has FOUR \u201ccram school\u201d jokes.
\n\u2022 Did you enjoy the “Hardrock and Coco and Joe,” reference. Watch the whole thing here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Also: When there is a high-pitched, evil laugh, Crow intones \u201cRrrrraceway Park!\u201d that’s a reference to radio commercials for this drag racing venue,<\/a> (which is still in operation at this writing). I assume that riff came from Bill, who at this point replaced Frank as the source of East Coast references.
\n\u2022 Kudos to the Brains on getting the complicated time lag sketch<\/a> right! That must have been tough to write! After the sketch, Mike and Tom are already in the theater and Crow, still lagging, joins them.
\n\u2022 Robot Mike does a theater segment. I like a nice detail on the Mike puppet in theater \u2014 he has a headset!
\n\u2022 Very typical of this show, when Mike returns as himself, he simply announces that he \u201cgot better.\u201d Nuff said!
\n\u2022 Callback from the old days: a Gamera reference!
\n\u2022 Note that the door sequence leading to the \u201csylvan glen\u201d segment ends with a real<\/em> bone slamming over a wooden door. The segment is a little startling: It reminds you how studio-bound the show was. I don’t remember where I saw this, it may have been one of the Scifi.com IRC chats, but at some point one of the Brains said that the sylvan glen was only a short walk from the studio. I believe that. The area around the studio was definitely a mix of office park and what I presume was as-yet-undeveloped former farm land.
\n\u2022 That’s Bill as Krankor, or course.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: The producer of the American version, Walter H. Manley, did likewise for “The Green Slime.\u201d Screen writer Shin Morita also wrote — dull surprise — “Invasion of the Neptune Men.”
\n\u2022 Creditwatch. That’s Kevin, of course, as Callipygeas (which roughly means “fat ass”) and Bridget as Favia. Kevin produced and directed. Andrea Ducane did hair and makeup for every season 8 episode except this one, when one Sharon Davis filled in. Mike Parker is back as grip (after two episodes off) and will be for the rest of the season. John Simms, who had an “SFX\/foley” credit for six episodes earlier in the season, reappears as “boom operator,” which will continue for the rest of the season.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cOh, fer cryin\u2019 out loud \u2026 EACH OF YOU\u2026\u201d Honorable mention: “Oh the inanity! Oh the Japanity!” \u201co\/` Isn\u2019t she lovely\u2026 o\/`\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 817- Horror of Party Beach<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-08-31 16:37:57 GMT. 163 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1964) Teeners in a beach community are oblivious when dumped radioactive waste creates a batch of monsters.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 9\/6\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Tom harmonizes his overtones with the fundamental
\nIntro:<\/strong> Servo’s “fundamental” turns out to be pre-recorded; meanwhile “Apearlo” and “Brainguyus” settle in with a delighted Callipygeas and suspicious Flavia
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong>The manly beach dance is postponed because Mike’s trunks are a bit small
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Apearlo & Brainguyus’ jam becomes a beef commercial
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong>Tom’s a newsy with very up-to-date news
\nEnd:<\/strong> M&TB sing “Sodium;” meanwhile as Callipygeas and Brainguyus bond, Apearlo and Flavia trade…er…pleasantries
\nStinger:<\/strong> A less-than-manly beach dance
\n

\u2022 I was generally a fan of the “chase through time and space” thing in season eight, and I contend that more host segments worked than didn’t. But when it comes to the “Roman times,” story arc we’re now into, well, for me, not so much. Everybody tries real hard, and I bet it seemed funny in the writing room, but many of the Roman Times host segments just don’t come up to the level I expect from this show. Call it the exception that proves the generally witty and hilarious rule. Fortunately it only lasted a few episodes, and fortunately for this episode, the goofy movie, and the terrific riffing of it, more than make up for any shortcomings elsewhere.
\n\u2022 Paul’s take is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Shout\u2019s Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XXXVII
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Crow is referred to as a \u201cgolden spider duck\u201d\u2014that sounds like something that was in a fan letter, though I don\u2019t think they ever said that.
\n\u2022 One reference the reference guide doesn’t note: Observer mentions “Bitter Dregs,” during segment 2. He’s referring to tune sung in the Star Trek episode “Plato’s Stepchildren<\/a>.” Watch it here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 During that bit, they eventually begin playing Aaron Copeland’s “Rodeo,” and Kevin yells \u201cBeef!\u201d That’s a reference to the now-largely-forgotten “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner<\/a>” commercial campaign that featured that Copeland piece.
\n\u2022 By the way, the music is actually being played by Lisa Fuglie (of the group Monroe Crossing<\/a>) and Karen Mueller<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Movie comments: Did the makers of this movie really think the monsters would look scary? Really? Also: The voice of our heroine Elaine is dubbed. But I’ve never heard an explanation as to why.
\n\u2022 When this movie was in theaters, movie-goers had to sign a “fright release” before they entered the theater.
\n\u2022 I hadn’t seen this one for a while, and I’d forgotten Eulabelle. Wow. Were these kinds of characters really still acceptable in 1964?
\n\u2022 The movie was filmed in the Stamford, Conn. area, (although it has some very nice shots of 1964-era Manhattan, when our hero makes his Sodium run).
\n\u2022 According to this bio<\/a>, the Del-Aires broke up not long after shooting this movie.
\n\u2022 This movie “was billed as ‘the first horror musical,’ but we MSTies know better. The similarly-hyped 812-THE INCREDIBLY STRANGE CREATURES WHO STOPPED LIVING AND BECAME MIXED-UP ZOMBIES was released the year before.”
\n\u2022 The great \u201cSodium\u201d song has one extra joke connected with it\u2014check out the credits where the song\u2019s \u201clyric\u201d is credited.
\n\u2022 No cast and crew roundup: Nobody involved in this movie worked on any other MST3K movie.
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced by Jim, directed by Kevin. With this episode Patrick is added to the “Set Design” credit and he will be there for the rest of the run of the series. A Jennifer Turner helped Andrea with hair and makeup. Intern Joseph Olson finished up a four-episode stint. This is the last episode that “The authors of the First Amendment” would be thanked at the end of the credits.
\n\u2022 Fave line: “Look Polish, everyone!” Honorable mention: “Do farts have lumps?” \u201cI had a generally positive impression of white people before this movie.\u201d<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 818- Devil Doll<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-09-07 13:09:03 GMT. 187 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1963) The relationship between a ventriloquist and his dummy is even creepier than it seems.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 10\/4\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> It’s Friday at the dorm and M&tB have a window!
\nIntro:<\/strong> Tom agrees to send the window back, but a drunken Crow smashes it; meanwhile Apearlo and Brainguyus liven up a dull Roman party with pants
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Crow expresses interest in Pitch’s line of devil dolls, Mike disapproves
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> The bots set up a British pub, and it has a *very* stout ale on tap
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Pitch helps Crow transfer Servo’s soul, Mike disapproves.
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow dresses Mike up as Hugo, Mike disapproves. Meanwhile Apearlo and Brainguys, attending Lesser God Day at the Colosseum, see a familar face!
\nStinger:<\/strong> Hugo takes a licking and keeps on ticking
\n

\u2022 This movie is so weird, but it’s a little dark for MST3K and I think the darkness drags the episode down a bit. Still, the riffing keeps up for the most part. Host segment-wise, it’s a mixed bag. The Roman Times stuff is good for a chuckle, but not many. I do like the bits with reasonable, affable Pitch and intemperate, outraged Mike. Paul and Mike are both terrific. The British pub sketch, however, is too long for a one-joke bit.
\n\u2022 This episode is included in Shout\u2019s \u201cMystery Science Theater 3000 Collection: Vol. XIX.\u201d
\n\u2022 Paul’s take on this one is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 Not included in that list is \u201cPapers, Fawlty!\u201d which is an evocation of the gruff Colonel from the British comedy series “Fawlty Towers.”
\n\u2022 That’s Patrick, Beez and Paul as the “Roman day players.”
\n\u2022 As the Roman Times segment begins, Kevin is singing “And now to Eden<\/a>” from the “Star Trek: TOS” episode “The Way to Eden.”
\n\u2022 A nice callback to season four with “pants” business, but it takes a while to get there. Another callback from the old days: \u201cDoes this bug you?\u201d
\n\u2022 What\u2019s fairly clear, as you watch, is that they used a lot of real-life locations, not studio sets. Example: In the first scene with William Sylvester and his assistant, it appears they are in an actual office somewhere. As he dials the phone, watch the window sill behind him. A tiny shadow goes by. At first I thought it was a mouse but then something transparent goes by, and it becomes clear that that is actual city traffic going by outside the window.
\n\u2022 Callbacks: The appearance of William Sylvester prompts several “Robert Denby” riffs.
\n\u2022 If I recall correctly, there was some trepidation when the Sci-Fi Channel’s counterpart channel in the U.K. began running the show and this episode — featuring the observation that England is populated by \u201cchinless, jug-eared stomach eaters\u201d — first aired. From what we heard from MSTies in the U.K., they loved it.
\n\u2022 Then-current reference: Warren Christopher. The former Secretary of State was an easy target because of his dour persona.
\n\u2022 Servo the toaster strudel riffs for an entire segment.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: Director Lindsay Shonteff also directed “The Million Eyes of Su-Muru.” In front of the camera, we’ll see Bryant Halliday again in “The Projected Man.” William Sylvester was also in “Riding with Death’ and “Gorgo.” Alan Gifford was also in “Phase IV.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced and directed by Kevin. Intern Dan Breyer begins a stint that will last until the end of the season.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cLook! There\u2019s the proof: There\u2019s no God. Not a single God\u2026\u201d Honorable mention: “So how many hours have rotary phones added to movies over the years?”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 819- Invasion of the Neptune Men<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-09-13 23:35:49 GMT. 159 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1961) When robot aliens attack Japan, Space Chief takes to the air to battle them.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 10\/11\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Tom and Crow worry about Mike’s eyelash mites.
\nIntro:<\/strong> The nanites take on the mites; The Mad Goth (Bobo) is getting more attention than goddess Apearlo
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Mike’s love of Noh theater causes confusion
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Tom comes down with Roji Panty complex; Pearl and Observer have no luck with Bobo
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> M&tB are near despair, then Krankor visits
\nEnd:<\/strong> Crow has some suggestions, while a conk on the head from Pearl restores Bobo’s memory, with unfortunate consequences
\nStinger:<\/strong> Little boy faw down
\n

\u2022 This is one of those<\/em> movies. There are bad movies like, say, “Revenge of the Creature.” There are VERY bad movies, like, say, “Prince of Space.” And there are the dregs: “Manos,” “Fu Manchu,” “Red Zone Cuba” … and now this “little cockroach of a movie” (as Servo calls it in a fit of rage toward the end) joins that wretched roll call. Segment three works because (in addition to Bill’s hilarious return as Krankor) it so piquantly makes the case that, as Servo noted many seasons ago, “every time I think I’ve seen the worst movie ever made, along comes the worst movie ever made.” The final 20 minutes or so, which feature a solid 10 minutes during which essentially the same four or five shots are repeated again and again and again and again, is easily one of the most punishing bits of film MST3K has ever subjected its viewers to. Because of that, I predicted there would be wide differences of opinions on this one. Some MSTies love these bottom-dwellers; others will retreat to the oft-used line: “even Mike and the bots couldn’t save it.” Pro tip: One way to get through it: stop watching the episode just after segment three and wait a day or so before watching the final half hour.
\nThat said, the riffing is really quite good, all things considered, and, as in the other recent eps, the SOL segments are funny and fun (the wonderful “Noh Theater” sketch, especially) while the “Roman Times” segments are unremarkable, though I think Kevin’s performance is great.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Shout’s MST3K: Vol. XXXVII.
\n\u2022 Kevin’s take on this one is here<\/a>, including his wonderful reaction to the Hitler Building shot.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 That’s Paul as first hapless nanite soldier, and again Paul, Beez and Patrick are “Roman day players.”
\n\u2022 Kudos to Beez or whoever created the tiny garbage around Mike’s eyes.
\n\u2022 Yes, that’s Shinichi “Sonny” Chiba as Space Chief. Chiba would go on to star in many martial arts movies, most notably as Terry Sugury in the “Street Fighter” series.
\n\u2022 Then-current reference: At about the time of this episode the aging Russian space station began to have a series of mechanical failures. The Mir fell from the sky long ago.
\n\u2022 All I can say about The Noh Theater bit is: Somewhere Abbott and Costello are smiling.
\n\u2022 This show had several complicated moments \u2014 note that both Tom Servo and Bobo are on camera at the same time, then Callipygeas and Bobo are on screen at the same time, as are Krankor and Crow later on. Patrick was probably running the puppets in all cases.
\n\u2022 Servo has a breakdown, contracting Roji Panty Complex. He sure does break down a lot.
\n\u2022 This show explicitly answered the question that has so often been asked by fans: “why do Mike and the bots put up with these bad movies?\u201d In this show, Mike is so appalled he gets up to leave, only to realize that there is no air in the rest of the ship.
\n\u2022 Callback from the old days: Gooood morning!\u201d
\n\u2022 Cast and crew round up: Scriptwriter Shin Morita also wrote “Prince of Space” (dull surprise).
\n\u2022 Produced by Kevin. Directed by Mike. This was Jill Roozenboom’s last episode as production manager. It was also intern Meshach Weber’s last episode.
\n\u2022 Fave line: “Our quick and pointless plot cul-de-sac is over!” Honorable mention: “Say, has anybody seen my record?”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 820- Space Mutiny<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-09-21 10:04:15 GMT. 259 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1988) The leaders of a space colony must fight back when their security chief plans to take over the ship.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 11\/7\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Crow and Tom think Mike’s encyclopedias are outdated
\nIntro:<\/strong> Mike has new encyclopedias; Pearl, Bobo and Observer are in prison
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Mike’s tea time is interrupted by the bots trashing some escape pods
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Crow’s a Bellerian…or is he?; Bobo’s escape plan fails
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Servo installs railings
\nEnd:<\/strong> Tom is buff, Crow less so. Meanwhile Pearl, Bobo and Observer escape, and a fire begins!
\nStinger:<\/strong> Our hero bravely screams like a girl and bails out
\n

\u2022 First of all, has everybody signed Sherri’s birthday card?
\n\u2022 For several episodes now, the show had been going very strong, but many fans point to this show as probably the zenith of season eight, where everything worked and they were firing on all cylinders. It’s good, okay, at least in terms of the riffing. Still, a geeky scandal plagues this episode and many of the segments are only so-so. I’m not sure the next two eps aren’t just as good.
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 The many<\/a> many<\/a> names of Dave Ryder just got funnier and funnier\u2014and one, \u201cBig McHugelarge,\u201d later became a bumper sticker BBI sold. Scarcely a week goes by that someone doesn’t tweet that video.
\n\u2022 Paul’s take on this episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Rhino’s (and now Shout’s) “The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 4.”
\n\u2022 The big scandal about this episode was the “Battlestar Galactica” footage nobody at BBI recognized. I remember at the time that several online fans simply COULD NOT CONCEIVE of the POSSIBILITY that they would not recognize this footage. It seemed simply out of the realm of possibility to them. I said at the time that this lapse pointed up the painful lack of nerds on the Sci-Fi Channel-era writing staff. If Frank or Trace were still on the staff, I don’t think this would have been missed.
\n\u2022 The encyclopedia segment sort of predicts Wikipedia, which would launch a few years later.
\n\u2022 That\u2019s Patrick and intern Dan Breyer as the Roman guards, and that\u2019s Best Brains Controller Tim Johnson, hopelessly typecast as Mike Down, CPA.
\n\u2022 Classical music buffs: What is the piece Mike is listening to in segment 1?
\n\u2022 Movie observation: Reb Brown’s character is supposed to be a military officer, isn’t he? Then why the heck is he walking around in a wife-beater?
\n\u2022 Trivia: The Mitchell family infests this movie. In addition to Cameron Mitchell, his son Chip Mitchell portrayed mustachioed crew member Blake and his daughter Camile Mitchell provided the voice (but not the body) for Jennera.
\n\u2022 The rest of us may not enjoy Cisse Cameron’s portrayal as Lea (and btw I cannot BELIEVE they gave the female lead in a space action movie that name). But Reb Brown apparently liked what he saw. The two are now married and the set of this movie is where they first met.
\n\u2022 Callback from the old days: The line \u201cGuard! Guard! Sick man!\u201d is a bit from \u201cRed Zone Cuba.\u201d
\n\u2022 Of course, another classic moment in this movie is when the character we saw killed in the previous scene is quietly back at her station on the bridge.
\n\u2022 Mike does a very good impression of SCTV\u2019s Ed Grimley at a couple of points.
\n\u2022 Segment 2 is another of those “Crow is not right in the head” segments. I think they work because Bill really commits to the concept.
\n\u2022 Crow is still wearing his Bellerian costume in the theater.
\n\u2022 Mike, channeling protective father figure Joel, covers the bots eyes during some suggestive moments.
\n\u2022 Segment 3 gives Mike a chance to do some nice physical comedy. He nails it.
\n\u2022 Servo thinks the movie is Canadian. Nope, South African.
\n\u2022 Another closing credits conversation<\/a>.
\n\u2022 The final segment is not the first time the bots have bulked up. They also tried it in episode 410- HERCULES AGAINST THE MOON MEN.
\n\u2022 Cast and crew roundup: special effects guy Jerry Kitz also worked on “Soultaker.” Makeup person Debi Nichol worked on “Outlaw of Gor,” as did production designer\/art director Geoff Hill. In front of the camera, John Phillip Law was also in “Danger: Diabolik” and Cameron Mitchell was in “Stranded in Space.”
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced & directed by Jim. This was intern Todd Severson’s first episode.
\n\u2022 Fave riff: \u201cJUST STOP AND AIM, YOU IDIOTS!\u201d Honorable mention: “She’s presenting like mandrill!”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 821- Time Chasers<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-09-27 23:39:19 GMT. 216 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1990) A small-town inventor builds a time machine, only to see it misused by a greedy corporation.<\/p>\n

First shown:<\/strong> 11\/22\/97
\nOpening:<\/strong> Mike explains what’s happened since the last show, but Tom just needs him to say “Lost in Space”
\nIntro:<\/strong> Mike & Pearl have a nice chat
\nHost segment 1:<\/strong> Tom sends Crow back in time to convince Mike the dude to stop taking temp jobs
\nHost segment 2:<\/strong> Crow succeeds and, returning to the SOL, finds Mike’s big brother Eddie in Mike’s place, and learns that Mike’s new future was worse than the old one
\nHost segment 3:<\/strong> Having seen the future, Crow returns to the past to keep Crow from performing his mission
\nEnd: <\/strong>Mike refuses to say what needs to be said, and, during another nice chat, Pearl points out a troubling detail
\nStinger:<\/strong> “Matt, it’s time for you decide if you’re gonna be one of my team players or not”<\/p>\n

\u2022 Another very strong episode, with great host segments (now that the Roman Times stuff has mercifully ended), a baffling movie, great riffing and a guest star of sorts in the theater.
\n\u2022 Paul’s take is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode appeared on Rhino’s (and now Shout\u2019s) “Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 5.”
\n\u2022 Two notable things Mike’s surly, pun-hating older brother Eddie does: most notably he does two theater segments. Also, he pauses to grab a smoke at one point. It’s a very memorable turn for Mike.
\n\u2022 There was something very satisfying about Mike’s two little chats with Pearl.
\n\u2022 This episode got internet fans talking about the number of Crows that are out there \u2014 remember you also need to count the one that went back in time in episode 807- TERROR FROM THE YEAR 5000.
\n\u2022 Patrick gives his most powerful performance yet as the cheese factory worker. \u201cDude!\u201d
\n\u2022 Tom’s “Nicknicknicknicknick” is a Firesign Theatre reference. We don’t hear them as much anymore.
\n\u2022 Nice callback to the old days with Mike’s reference to “chinderwear,” an invention exchange in episode 505- MAGIC VOYAGE OF SINBAD.
\n\u2022 Cast and Crew Roundup: None.
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced by Kevin. Directed by Mike. An intern named Scott Bowman worked on this and only this episode.
\n\u2022 Fave line: \u201cI\u2019m gonna buy some Liva-snaps and a hosta!\u201d Honorable mention: “Oh, he’s like poo, alright.”<\/p>\n

Episode guide: 822- Overdrawn at the Memory Bank<\/a><\/h2>\n

Last modified on 2017-10-04 23:47:28 GMT. 214 comments<\/a>. Top<\/a>. <\/small><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Movie:<\/strong> (1983) In an dystopian future, a corporate drone discovers a way to project himself into his a favorite movie.<\/p>\n

First shown: <\/strong>12\/6\/97
\nOpening: <\/strong>Crow wants to cash in on his catchphrase: “You know you want me, baby!”
\nIntro: <\/strong>Mike tries to find himself a catchphrase, while Public Pearl TV begins its dubious pledge drive
\nHost segment 1: <\/strong>Crow and Tom order a monkey, which escapes and throws stuff
\nHost segment 2: <\/strong>While Mike continues to struggle with Henry the monkey, PPTV presents a preview of “Pearl! Pearl! Pearl! Pearl! Pearl!”
\nHost segment 3: <\/strong>Tom asks to be doppled to the nanite world, and soon regrets it
\nEnd: <\/strong>Bobo tries and fails to talk Henry down, so Mike takes deplorable action. Meanwhile, Pearl is counting her ill-gotten gain
\nStinger:<\/strong> “Mom … ‘m I nuts?”
\n

\u2022 And so season 8 comes to an end, and does so with a flourish. Another strange …er… movie, lots of great riffing and memorable host segments.
\n\u2022 Bill’s take this episode is here<\/a>.
\n\u2022 This episode was included in Rhino’s The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 4
\n\u2022 References<\/a>.
\n\u2022 The “You Know You Want Me, Baby” T-shirts hit the Info Club store very quickly after this show aired. The boxes we can see in the opening are probably real.
\n\u2022 This season started on the first of February and it was December when this last episode of the season aired. The first seven episodes were shown in seven weeks, an almost dizzying bounty of new MST3K. But after that we got exactly five episodes every three months. This would be the last new episode until season 9 began in mid-March of the following year.
\n\u2022 The “Public Pearl TV” pledge drive in the opening is inspired. And, of course, Ortega (that’s Paul under that mask) makes a return appearance. “The Nature of Bobo” bit-within-a-bit is great too.
\n\u2022 TV’s Frank is invoked twice, including an “eyukaeee!”
\n\u2022 Instantmonkeysonline.com actually exists<\/a> (update: it STILL exists). It allows you to send a cute ascii picture of a monkey to a friend via e-mail. It wasn’t very instant when I tried it, though.
\n\u2022 Mary Jo and Bill managed to top the pledge drive sketch with the instant classic “When Loving Lovers Love<\/a>.” The pair show a tremendous chemistry.
\n\u2022 The endless fat jokes might begin to seem unfair after a while, except, let’s face it, the movie itself keeps calling the character “The Fat Man.” That seems, to me, like permission to go nuts.
\n\u2022 Paul and Patrick are the voices of the hoodlum nanites. This is pretty much the one clunker segment in this episode.
\n\u2022 That’s Beez and then-recent BBI hire Peter Rudrud as the voices of the “Overdrawn at the Memory Bank Technical Support” team.
\n\u2022 By the way, the RiffTrax team actually did a very respectful, but still very funny riff<\/a> of “Casablanca.”
\n\u2022 Cast and crew round up: Another brief one, since this was mostly done by Canadians. Costumer: Mary Jane McCarty also worked on \u201cThe Last Chase.\u201d
\n\u2022 CreditsWatch: Produced and directed by Kevin. Fred Street, an audio guy who appeared in the credits in seasons 2 and 3 and then returned for season 8, falls off the regular credits after this episode, as does Post Audio Inc. (Both return one more time for special thanks in a season 10 episode.)
\n\u2022 Fave riff: “Thank you, Floyd the pervert.” Honorable mention: “Ah, the call to script rewrites.”<\/p>\n

\n

Season “Zero” (KTMA)<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season One<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Two<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Three<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | Season Four<\/a><\/strong> | <\/span>Season Five<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Six<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Seven<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Eight<\/strong><\/span> | <\/strong>Season Nine<\/strong><\/span><\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Ten<\/a><\/strong><\/span> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Eleven<\/a><\/strong><\/span> | <\/strong><\/span>Season Twelve<\/a><\/strong><\/span> | Season 13<\/a> | <\/strong><\/span>The Shorts<\/a><\/strong><\/span> | <\/strong><\/span>The TV Specials<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000 THE UNOFFICIAL EPISODE GUIDE SEASON EIGHT: THE SCI-FI CHANNEL, 1997 Episode Guide: 801- Revenge of the Creature <\/p>\n

Last modified on 2017-05-07 17:06:02 GMT. 198 comments. Top. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Movie: (1955) Sequel to “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” in which the creature is at last captured and taken to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-4798","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","odd"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4798","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4798"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4798\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34991,"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4798\/revisions\/34991"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mst3kinfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4798"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}