Post by sidmelton on Jan 8, 2015 14:19:22 GMT -5
I'm very curious to get a read on this board's feelings towards Season 6. For me, it's a very unique season. I'm rewatching it now and I feel like there are a bunch of factors and trends that are specific to Season 6.
It's Frank's last season. I feel like particularly around midway through the season, you can kind of tell. Or maybe it's just that I love the character (and performer) so much, that I start to get bummed out, realizing that it's his last run of episodes and I'm seeing a dynamic that isn't there. I adore Frank and am still sad to this day that he left the show early. He was always my favorite Mad and his delivery was just so hilarious.
The variety of movie genres is by far the most varied of any season. There are also more depressing, dreary movies than most seasons (which I actually think make great fodder).
I feel like Season 6 was also the beginning of a trend where the quality of the host segments fell significantly. The vibe of them changed as well. The permanent loss of the invention exchange, the phasing out of letters, the introduction and disappearance of The Umbilicus, the big lighting change where the SOL went from bright and cheery to very dark. Also, they just seemed to put less focus on them. Many of them are very short. There seem to be fewer songs and elaborate sketches.
Mike's performance seems to be evolving from the cultured, energetic Season 5 Mike to the more "regular Joe" persona that he had in the Sci Fi years. I personally prefer Season 5 Mike, but I love him throughout the series - he's always incredibly likable with a hilarious delivery.
Trace's Crow seems to evolve a bit too. A bit more effeminate? I'm not sure I can place it. Still absolutely hilarious but a bit different.
Servo seems the same.
Gypsy is more and more articulate and wise. I prefer the "Richard Basehart!" Gypsy, but, not a big deal.
Coleman Francis.
There are episodes that are among my all-time favorites: San Francisco International, High School Bigshot, Zombie Nightmare, The Violent Years, The Dead Talk Back (except the short) to name a few....and then, there are some that I find tough to get through: Colossus vs. the Headhunters, The Sinister Urge, Racket Girls, The Amazing Transparent Man.
All in all, I feel like it's a transitional, very up and down season. I love it - but, I also find it to be one of the most challenging. It's kind of like their White Album.
Other thoughts?
It's Frank's last season. I feel like particularly around midway through the season, you can kind of tell. Or maybe it's just that I love the character (and performer) so much, that I start to get bummed out, realizing that it's his last run of episodes and I'm seeing a dynamic that isn't there. I adore Frank and am still sad to this day that he left the show early. He was always my favorite Mad and his delivery was just so hilarious.
The variety of movie genres is by far the most varied of any season. There are also more depressing, dreary movies than most seasons (which I actually think make great fodder).
I feel like Season 6 was also the beginning of a trend where the quality of the host segments fell significantly. The vibe of them changed as well. The permanent loss of the invention exchange, the phasing out of letters, the introduction and disappearance of The Umbilicus, the big lighting change where the SOL went from bright and cheery to very dark. Also, they just seemed to put less focus on them. Many of them are very short. There seem to be fewer songs and elaborate sketches.
Mike's performance seems to be evolving from the cultured, energetic Season 5 Mike to the more "regular Joe" persona that he had in the Sci Fi years. I personally prefer Season 5 Mike, but I love him throughout the series - he's always incredibly likable with a hilarious delivery.
Trace's Crow seems to evolve a bit too. A bit more effeminate? I'm not sure I can place it. Still absolutely hilarious but a bit different.
Servo seems the same.
Gypsy is more and more articulate and wise. I prefer the "Richard Basehart!" Gypsy, but, not a big deal.
Coleman Francis.
There are episodes that are among my all-time favorites: San Francisco International, High School Bigshot, Zombie Nightmare, The Violent Years, The Dead Talk Back (except the short) to name a few....and then, there are some that I find tough to get through: Colossus vs. the Headhunters, The Sinister Urge, Racket Girls, The Amazing Transparent Man.
All in all, I feel like it's a transitional, very up and down season. I love it - but, I also find it to be one of the most challenging. It's kind of like their White Album.
Other thoughts?