South Park Season 12 XII Episode 7 ‘Super Fun Thyme’

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is that time of year again, when the creators of South Park find it necessary to tease their audience, like the selfish harlots they truly are. They get us salivating and guffawing with their 7 stellar episodes, then they take their mid-season hiatus to go do whatever it is that famous television creators do (drugs). So alas, while I will take this opportunity to comment a little on last weeks episode, I am sullen, for tonight I will have no South Park to accompany my glass of whiskey.

Last Wednesday’s episode was the seventh in what I have already referred to as a stellar season. While it is virtually impossible for me to rank the individual seasons or episodes, season 12 has so far shown a high level of insight into the mind of a child as well as a high level of social relevance: two key components of SP over the years. Additionally the episodes of season 12 have taken some of the characters to a new place, a place we have never seen but from which there is no retreat.

In “Major Boobage” we saw a softer side to Cartman. Not the usual feigned compassion to reach his own ends. Cartman exhibited real, genuine concern for the kitties of South Park. Some may say it was selfish, just so he could keep his kitty. But then why would he take in all of his neighbors’ kitties too? It figures that Cartman’s glimmer of compassion was shown toward cute fuzzy animals, rather than humans, but we still got to see a softer side to Eric Cartman.

Another interesting character development in the same episode was that portrayed by Gerald Broflovski. Gerald has always been the smart one, the responsible one, the level-headed parent. And while he has had his lower moments-like jerking off in a hot tub with Randy Marsh- Gerald is still one of the most respectable characters in South Park. It is unfortunate that he had to suffer such a traumatic episode when he was reintroduced to his old-tyme fix of cheesing his fucking brains out on cat piss. His plummet to rock-bottom and ascent back on top makes Gerald a more flawed, more real character-and one to admire.

The final character development I would like to talk about happened in last week’s episode: Super Fun Time. Pretty much all the kids in South Park fell into their usual personalities as their Pioneer Village field trip turned into a hellish nightmare. As usual, Cartman had the perfect plan to undermine the authority figures: ditch the trip and spend the day at Super Phun Thyme: the phunnest place in South Park (aside from Casa Bonita.)

Little did Cartman know that he would have to deal with the antics of the Stotch boy. Butters showed a new level of dogged determination, and endearing friendship in his refusal to release Cartman’s hand. We are used to Butters always following the rules, but we’re also used to him breaking them, getting grounded, and learning from his mistakes. It makes sense that this is one rule he would not break. He was commanded by his teacher to never release his partner’s hand, and that is just what he did. Butters’ refusal to let go proved to save the boys’ lives after they fell from a street light and hung only from their entwined hands. Butters displayed compassion, friendship and strength, an odd combination for the Stotch boy.

Another notable occurrence in the episode was the non-death of Kenny. They almost killed him, and easily could have, but thanks to Stan’s quick thinking, Kenny’s death has been postponed.

Also hysterically funny was the resolve of the residents/employees of Pioneer Village. They never broke character. Even as the smithie faced a loaded gun, he still would no acknowledge the modern world. His final words were of brave resoluteness, and Smithie died both nobly and needlessly- a unique achievement.

I hope you all enjoy your South Park-less Wednesdays for the time being. Maybe I’ll take up a hobby, ship in a bottle?