Synopsis
So after a somewhat shaky 4 episode run for Season 1 and a 6 episode showing of Season 2, the powers that be at HBO, apparently in between editing sessions of “Real Taxicab Divas,” or whatever, answered Bob and David’s pleas for an increased budget for Season 3. But they also wanted a 10 episode season, something that brought them to new heights of stardom, neuroses and some real good comedy. Saturday Night Live had started to see their stars leave for TV shows, movies, or they were just tir…d of the weekly grind of the show. Their then-new cast members (Will Ferrell, Tracy Morgan and Darrell Hammond, to name a few) were still pretty hit or miss at that time. I’d started to watch Mr. Show during Season 2, and was hooked in Season 3. For my money, they arguably put together some of the funniest sketches in recent memory in Season 3. Every episode comes up with a gem, the Oh, You Men episode being the funniest of the series’ run, in my opinion. The East Coast/West Coast Ventriloquist Feud is required viewing, along with the Sid and Marty Krofft parody Druggachusettes, two of the funniest comedy sketches in awhile. As funny as Christopher Walken demanding a cowbell may be, the sketches on Mr. Show were smarter, more inventive, and yes, didn’t have the restriction of being on network TV. This was the comedy show to watch in the late 90’s. Here’s the listing for Season 3 (with help from the book “Mr. Show, What Happened?!”) with major sketches included:
Heaven’s Chimney– David speaks to “The Bob” about going up Hell’s Chimney – Deprogramming – Crazy Religious Beliefs – Watch Us Have Sex – The Devastator – Directions – Medieval Science Films – Hail Satan
Peanut Butter, Eggs and Dice– A very special Mr. Show – David Comes Out – Ratings Man/Santa’s Workshop – Tatiana the Weather Hermaphrodite – Cock Ring Wearhouse – Marriage Announcement – Fuzz: The Musical – Terry Gets and Award – The Dewey Awards – The Bob Lamonta Story – You’re all winners!
Oh, You Men – Who Wants a Banana/Mayor of Television – Entertainment 4 Every 1 – East Coast-West Coast Ventriloquist Feud – The Hanged Man – The DeLongpre Dannon Show – Lie Detector – Druggachusettes – Lose the Lost Episode
Flat-Top Tony and the Purple Canoes – Mr. Show Morning Show – Womyn’s Solidarity Collective – Yeah, Yeah, Yeah! – VTV with Smoosh and Norma Jean Monster – Break Thru Weekend – Young People and Companions – Newscast Bloopers – Fashion Forecast – Indomitable Spirit – Apocalypse Drill
Please Don’t Kill Me – Swearing Jar – Swear to God, with Reverend Winton Dupree – Landlords – Victor & Dylan – Fad Three – Hunger Strike – Mayostard/Mustardayonnaise – Evil Genius Telethon
Goin’ On a Holiday– Age War – Our Secret Love – Photo Shop – Blowing Up the Moon – Spunk – Don Pratt – SMC – Streak Dome ’97 – The elderly Take Over – Goin’ on a Holiday
Bush is a Pussy – Kedzie Matthews, College Comic of the Year – The Worthington Law – Value Magazine – Siamese Twins – The Bad News Breakers – Mafia Mathematicians – Philouza – Mediocrity – Kedzie on the couch with Dr. Katz
It’s a No-Brainer – Li’l Devil Knee High Socks – Protesters – On the Spot News – Culture Hunt – Frankly Anne – Jack Webber – Dream of a Lifetime – Crazy Devil Kiddie Massage Cream – Anders’ Press Conference
A White Man Set Them Free– Viewer Hate Mail – Bob and David go to the Mail Box – Marriage-Con and Boat Show ’97 – Biosphere – The Last Indian – Night Talk with the Senate Subcommittee – All-Star Salute to the Last Indian
The Return of the Curse of the Creature’s Ghost – Moe Phelps – Happy Janitor – Local World News – Blowjob – Titannica – Try Again Adam – Pre-Taped Call-In Show – The Return of the Curse of the Creature’s Ghost – Chip on Your Shoulder Club – Up Your Mother’s Ass
Audio
Just like before, nothing but perfectly ordinary 2.0 audio.
Video
As is the case with Seasons 1 & 2, all episodes on this 2-disc set are full frame video, no new light can really be shed on what’s here. Various types of film are used in this season, and the transfer is OK.
Special Features
As also was the case with seasons 1 and 2, the cast provides a commentary for the set. Nothing outstanding here, as the group clearly is there to point out humorous things to friends, and everyone has a good time with what they’re seeing. The extras are much like the extras on the previous set also. Disc 1 has footage of Bob and David at the 1997 US Comedy Festival, held in Aspen. 2 promos from the festival are included, along with a 4 minute sketch from the show. Each segment is fairly funny, including the extended 2nd promo. The isolated score of Drugachusettes is included here, and in listening to it without the dialogue, it showed me just how much effort was put into it. 10 TV spots round out the disc 1 extras, including the last two that poked fun at their Monday at midnight timeslot they had to occupy. Disc 2 includes the Fantastic Newness special included on the first set that came out. I’m stealing from an earlier review I did on that set and using it here. The Best of Mr. Show is a full length show at almost 25 minutes, but it’s style is reminiscent of What’s Up Tiger Lily? as Bob, David and others redub a local 70’s news broadcast, while editing in clips from the show, most of which are also from Season 3. Another written feature called “Bob and David, Where Are They Now?” provides text description of what the boys have been up to.
Closing Thoughts
Awesome, hilarious stuff. A big bellyful of comedy which you eat and eat, until you vomit back the comedy that you’ve been eating. People will look at you funny for that, just as they will for you watching Mr. Show. But both are rewarding experiences. So I’m told.
Special Features List
- Episode Commentary
- Additional Footage
- Comedy Arts Festival Performance
- TV Spots
