Poll: South Park... Ending?

[BanthaFodder]

So yeah, this is kinda late, but I'm curious to see what the Escapist has to say on the matter. For the uninformed, this all has to do with the Season 15 Mid-Season Finale of South Park, "You're Getting Old".

Spoiler

Basically, the episode revolves around Stan's 10th birthday. He begins to turn into a cynical asshole, seeing everything and everyone as shit... literally. Stan's new cynical nature cause a rift between him and Kyle. Meanwhile, Randy, in an attempt to prove that he's still "cool", surrounds himself in Tween Wave music and culture (despite all of it sounding like shit to him). This causes a rift between him and Sharon. The episode ends with Randy and Sharon having a huge fight, arguing about how it's the same shit, over and over. Every week is the same shit, with Randy picking up some stupid hobby (playing WoW, fighting at baseball games, becoming a celebrity chef, etc.). Randy finally admits that it's because he's unhappy, and has been for a long time. Sharon agrees. The episode comes to a close with Randy and Sharon getting a divorce, the Marsh's selling their house in South Park, Kyle and Cartman beginning to become friends, and Stan, Sharon, and Shelly moving into a new house.

Suffice to say, this has caused a MASSIVE shitstorm amongst fans. Matt and Trey's contract was only good through 2011... is this truly the LAST season of South Park?

We won't know for sure until October, but personally, I think it'll play out a bit like this:

Spoiler

Everything is back the way it was. No one really comments on it (in the same way that they brought Kenny back in "Red Sleigh Down" (the whole time he was just "over there")). Just think about it; so far, Season 15 has ranged from great ("Crack Baby Athletic Association", "TMI") to 'meh' ("Funnybot", "Human CentiPad"). TONS of people have gone all Douchey McNitpick on Matt and Trey, saying that they've "run out of ideas" and such. So perhaps this whole thing is just one big middle finger to that crowd.
"Oh, what's that? South Park sucks now? Well fine, we'll just stop making it..."
*the fandom grieves*
"OH YOU LIKE SOUTH PARK? OH, WE THOUGHT YOU SAID IT SUCKED? Well if it's so bad, why were you so heartbroken when we hinted we were going to end it? Well, luckily for you, it was all a hoax. Don't you feel stupid now."
*the fandom rejoices*
C'mon, don't tell me that doesn't sound like Matt and Trey.

Here's hoping that, no matter WHAT happens, this wonderful piece of art doesn't leave the airwaves anytime soon.

Also, I think that there's an equal chance that THIS will happen:

Spoiler

"And now, the epic conclusion to "You're Getting Old"... WILL NOT BE SEEN TONIGHT!"

EDIT: aw, c'mon guys. people who WANT South Park to stay on the air are in the top 3 in the polls, yet there's only like 2 people (including myself) defending it. well, it's like the episode says, as you get older, everything starts to look shitty. people, music, movies, tv shows, everything just looks like shit. there's a medical term for that, it's called being a CYNICAL ASSHOLE*.
*(note: their (Matt & Trey's) words, not mine)

 

[Laser Priest]

I sure wouldn't mind. I've never liked South Park.

 

[Klumpfot]

I would not mind if Trey and Matt did something else with their creativity, before the show gets even more stagnant than it already is.

 

[razer17]

Here's hoping that, no matter WHAT happens, this wonderful piece of art doesn't leave the airwaves anytime soon.

Also, I think that there's an equal chance that THIS will happen:

Spoiler

"And now, the epic conclusion to "You're Getting Old"... WILL NOT BE SEEN TONIGHT!"

Well, they are contracted through the end of season 15, as has been said. These rumours started when season 14 started airing, even though they were contracted up till 15.

Basically what it comes down to is that there is no need to renew the contract just yet, since they are still on. So, if the viewership, DVD and merchandising is still of an acceptable level, then I can't see Comedy Central not offering them a new contract, unless Trey and Matt suddenly asked for ridiculous wage increases, which seems unlikely considering they haven't done it in the last 15 years or so.

In essence, I don't think this will be the last season, I think it's probably your idea of Matt and Trey making a joke about the fans saying the new episodes suck, OR they are taking the piss out of everyone thinking it is the end.

 

[moose49408]

South Park used to be one of my favorite shows, but I have to say that I've really stopped caring about it in recent years. In fact, I don' think I've seen a new episode since last year sometime. I can't quite put my finger on it, but some where along the line the number of shows per season that I found myself really laughing at began to dwindle, and these days it's rare that I find the show funny anymore. Maybe it's because I just got desensitized to that kind of humor, maybe its because the show stopped being about the hi-jinx of four boys in a small mountain town and started being just another parody of pop-culture. Either way, I think I'd rather see Trey Parker and Matt Stone move on to something new.

 

[BanthaFodder]

Said like 'Trolling' has any meaning left.

It should die for those stupid episodes full of fart noises and random shit coming out of every where. Go see what Futurama did if you want to learn how to do commentary on current affairs.

just out of curiosity... what commentary DID Futurama have on current affairs?
It's a fantastic show, don't get me wrong, but... there were a few environmental episodes (on global warming and pollution and such), there was one about evolution... one about God... I'm just saying, Futurama mainly comes up with it's own storylines as opposed to focusing one current social commentary, which is what South Park does.
and most of the episodes aren't "stupid", but actually very very clever. take "Royal Pudding" for example. the entire thing is like a silly parody of the Royal Wedding, but is actually a very cleverly hidden metaphor for the death of Osama Bin Laden. as a matter of fact, there's TONS of episodes like this ("Medicinal Fried Chicken", "Dances With Smurfs", etc.)
as for the random humor, that's the genius of it. they use crude humor as a front for very intelligent and well thought-out messages. it takes a sort of "Refuge in Audacity" approach to comedy.

to be honest, I don't really get what you're complaining about. the fact that you call the show "stupid" means you either: A. haven't watched any episodes with a hidden message, or B. watched the episode, but the overall point just went over your head

 

[ReservoirAngel]

Part of me doesn't want it to end, but part of me has never been able to look at it the same way recently. Lemme tell you, nobody mentions the show-ruining effect fanfiction can have...

Still, odds are this is just South Park fucking with us. Setting up bad shit then just bringing it right back to the way it all is within an episode. Or maybe just having it all back to normal with nobody ever mentioning anything that happened ever again.

 

[Phlakes]

[This post has been removed because I'm tired of the fanboys getting all defensive]

 

[SnowyGamester]

This is the first thing I thought when I saw the episode, but it happened mid-season, with the next episodes not being for months. Unless it becomes a big wind-down series I doubt it will be the end.

 

[BanthaFodder]

South Park used to be one of my favorite shows, but I have to say that I've really stopped caring about it in recent years. In fact, I don' think I've seen a new episode since last year sometime. I can't quite put my finger on it, but some where along the line the number of shows per season that I found myself really laughing at began to dwindle, and these days it's rare that I find the show funny anymore. Maybe it's because I just got desensitized to that kind of humor, maybe its because the show stopped being about the hi-jinx of four boys in a small mountain town and started being just another parody of pop-culture. Either way, I think I'd rather see Trey Parker and Matt Stone move on to something new.

my suggestion would be to check out last season's "Medicinal Fried Chicken". I'm not exaggerating at all when I say it is easily one of the funniest episodes of all time. check it out, it involves Randy, Marajuana, Cartman, KFC, and testicular cancer. it's a delight.

 

[Olorune]

South Park started sucking around Season 13 and it just keeps getting worse so I kind of hope it does go off so at least the series can maintain some of its value. To be honest, I don't think Comedy Central has that much longer, either. South Park was the only good show they've had for the past couple years. That live action show "Workaholics" is god awful and will probably mysteriously disappear from their line-up sometime soon. Then what'll they have? Mad TV re-runs and old stand-up?

 

[crudus]

Seeing as how I never liked South Park, I am kinda glad. Trey Parker and Matt Stone are clearly funny people who should spread their creativity beyond the confines of the show.

I would not mind if Trey and Matt did something else with their creativity, before the show gets even more stagnant than it already is.

Their Broadway musical (<a href=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Book_of_Mormon_%28musical%29>The Book of Mormon) just won 9 Tony awards. Clearly they have other ideas than just South Park. I would like to see those.

 

[aksel]

I sort of hope it ends this season. The glare is sort of starting to fade out, and I hope they stop making episodes before it is gone completely.

15 seasons, well over 200 episodes is a good run.

I highly doubt it will end now, seeing as there are seven episodes left, and it is highly unlikely they will make a continuous plot, or seven-parter, of them.

I guess we just have to wait and see.


On a different note, The Simpsons should have ended a few seasons ago (around the 15th or something), Family Guy should have ended when it did, Cleveland Show shouldn't exist and American Dad should end next season.

Here's hoping Futurama will keep on shining.

 

[BanthaFodder]

or B. watched the episode, but the overall point just went over your head

Of course. Because obviously if someone has a different opinion than you, they don't understand.

Personally, I've seen the six earliest seasons. They were stupid. I saw the point to the ones that had a point, and it was still stupid. Some people don't enjoy crude humor because it's immature. No matter how well-written it is or what message it's a front for, it's still immature.

*stereotypical joke about wearing your finest coattails as you ride your high horse to the local opera/gala/high-brow comedy festival for the local nobility*
yes, it's immature. but since when did "immature" translate into "stupid". it's okay to laugh at jokes about fecal matter and fish sticks, we won't think any less of you.
if you don't think it's funny, fine, but not being considered funn and being stupid are two very different things. as a matter of fact, using immature humor to get across an intelligent point is the exact OPPOSITE of stupid. Two and a Half Men isn't funny. Family Guy (post-revival) is stupid. Carlos Mencia is both of these things. South Park, whether you think it's funny or not (honestly, it's cool if you don't, I don't really care), the episode-long punchlines and hidden meanings are undoubtedly clever.

 

[Klarinette]

I saw that episode and wondered whether or not it was ending. I didn't quite get what was going on.. did Stan move away?

 

[BanthaFodder]

South Park started sucking around Season 13 and it just keeps getting worse so I kind of hope it does go off so at least the series can maintain some of its value. To be honest, I don't think Comedy Central has that much longer, either. South Park was the only good show they've had for the past couple years. That live action show "Workaholics" is god awful and will probably mysteriously disappear from their line-up sometime soon. Then what'll they have? Mad TV re-runs and old stand-up?

like I said to Moose, check out "Medicinal Fried Chicken". not only is it considered to be the best episode of Season 14, it was voted, BY THE FANS, as one of the top 15 best episodes EVER.
and I agree, aside from South Park, Futurama, Ugly Americans, Tosh.0, and the occasional good stand-up act, Comedy Central has NOTHING. it's funny, pretty much all of their best shows are animated. and yeah, most of the stuff like Workaholics seem to be reserved for the college stoner crowd... if they're already stoned...

 

[ZeroMachine]

Spoiler

"And now, the epic conclusion to "You're Getting Old"... WILL NOT BE SEEN TONIGHT!"

That almost undoubtedly WILL happen.

But as for me? I think South Park needs to end. Other than just two episodes, I've hated this season. They've been going downhill.

They need to end the series with a bang. Go out fighting. I hope they make it a good ending.

 

[BanthaFodder]

I saw that episode and wondered whether or not it was ending. I didn't quite get what was going on.. did Stan move away?

I believe so.
here's what I know:
1. this is NOT the last episode. there are 7 more that they are contractually obligated to make this season. this may be the last season, but it's not the last episode of that season.
2. Stan DID move away, seeing as how they showed the Marsh house going up for sale and Stan, Sharon, and Shelly unpacking in a new house.

I certainly hope it's not the end. South Park is one of the funniest, smartest shows on TV. this season was a low point (except for a few gems, again, "Crack Baby Athletic Association" and "TMI"), but it'll be sad to see this gone. just the fact that South Park may end before Family Guy or the Cleaveland Show is incredibly depressing.
not to mention, I want a new Christmas episode: "Mr. Hankey Meets Wunterslaush"

 

[theironbat46]

I'm pretty sure their contract is through 2013. I love South Park and have been with it from the beginning. I will continue to watch it till it officially ends. But I will consider this the series finale. To see friends growing apart no matter what they have been through. A great way to end the show if it were true.