Why Netflix's MST3K Didn't Work [YouTube essay]
Mar 18, 2024 12:55:20 GMT -5
BoB3K and Megalon like this
Post by kooky on Mar 18, 2024 12:55:20 GMT -5
Wow, I cannot imagine sitting through that entire video. Way too pedantic and analytical.
In defense of the Nu-MST3K (which I find far inferior to the original series), MST3K was always somewhat politically correct. Aside from the personal appearance gags here and there, they mostly kept their ridicule tasteful and didn't lean on homophobia or racism as joke platforms. They were fairly progressive in the 90s, to be honest -- more so than a lot of Hollywood and New York based programs happening concurrently. The new iteration is probably WAY too sanitized in comparison, but you never went to MST3K for hard-edged shock content.
My single biggest problem with Nu-MST3K is that Joel did not include the original writers/performers. That's 10000 percent what this show is about and where the actual magic is. The depth of references, the upbeat attitude towards comedy, darkness and life, and the crazy refined experience they all have from years of post-MST3K riffing projects, and just the vibe of joy they bring to their fans are all reason enough to make them significant players. I understand that there are now too many cooks in that kitchen as well, with two Crows, two Servos, a few mads etc in the mix, but you can always come up with SOME solution to get these iconic comedy writers who made the show we all love - and who are all STILL working, btw - back in the drivers seat. I feel like Joel didn't want to share profit participation or creative control, but he avoided those risks at the show's peril, IMO.
It's just not clear to me who this show is made for at this point. If it's made for the lifelong fans, it needs to involve the original creators who we all know, love and still follow. If it's made for some new audience because, like Joel says, "it's like SNL", then it needs to do a better job of becoming something totally new and its own thing, using a straightforward revival of Joel's concept as a backbone.
In defense of the Nu-MST3K (which I find far inferior to the original series), MST3K was always somewhat politically correct. Aside from the personal appearance gags here and there, they mostly kept their ridicule tasteful and didn't lean on homophobia or racism as joke platforms. They were fairly progressive in the 90s, to be honest -- more so than a lot of Hollywood and New York based programs happening concurrently. The new iteration is probably WAY too sanitized in comparison, but you never went to MST3K for hard-edged shock content.
My single biggest problem with Nu-MST3K is that Joel did not include the original writers/performers. That's 10000 percent what this show is about and where the actual magic is. The depth of references, the upbeat attitude towards comedy, darkness and life, and the crazy refined experience they all have from years of post-MST3K riffing projects, and just the vibe of joy they bring to their fans are all reason enough to make them significant players. I understand that there are now too many cooks in that kitchen as well, with two Crows, two Servos, a few mads etc in the mix, but you can always come up with SOME solution to get these iconic comedy writers who made the show we all love - and who are all STILL working, btw - back in the drivers seat. I feel like Joel didn't want to share profit participation or creative control, but he avoided those risks at the show's peril, IMO.
It's just not clear to me who this show is made for at this point. If it's made for the lifelong fans, it needs to involve the original creators who we all know, love and still follow. If it's made for some new audience because, like Joel says, "it's like SNL", then it needs to do a better job of becoming something totally new and its own thing, using a straightforward revival of Joel's concept as a backbone.