[7.3/10] I’m conflicted about this episode. I really dig half of it, and I have the other haf a little frustrating.
I’ll admit I haven't followed the royal family drama to the degree many people have. (To the point of the boys at the lunchroom table, it’s just not that interesting to me.) But I’ll confess that my sympathies are on the side of the people basically saying “I’m fed up with this nonsense” and leaving the whole dog and pony show behind.
I don’t mind poking fun at the hypocrisy of one of the most privileged people in the world playing the victim card, or the irony of people who object to constant media pressure going on a media tour. But the episode elides genuine harsh treatment by the tabloids and extra prejudice faced by an outsider. Ignoring that, and worse yet, playing into tired “manipulative wife” stereotypes, makes this whole routine a bit of a dud in my book
But I really like the takedown of the “managing your brand” industrial complex, especially when aimed at children. Even there, you have some unfortunate barbs about everyone claiming to be a victim which plays like the criticism of old cranks. But on the whole,, I really like the message of not trying to turn your life into a product, and instead striving to be your authentic self so that when people like you and respond to you, it’s because of who you are and not just a part that you play.
Kyle accepting his brother’s pain, even over something silly, because it’s okay to let stuff get to you, is really sweet. And the rest of the boys coming over because, despite being a little distant, they recognize that Kyle’s been having a rough time, is a surprisingly wholesome note for South Park to end on. Kyle's struggles with identity and fears of being discarded are universal, and the realization and resolution he comes to is, again, unexpectedly uplifting.
Overall, I’m a little disappointed with the show’s approach to the royal family drama, but the broader point about “brands” and authenticity is an on-point and ultimately wholesome critique.
Just finished watching season 1. A few points to bring up first.
1. Alan Tudyk is outstanding in this role
2. Every episode made me Laugh Out Loud several times in each episode, not just giggle
3. If you like off beat dark comedy - Watch This Show
Out the gate I have to say this is the funniest shows I've watched in years. Only Big Bang drew out belly laughs similar to Resident Alien. And Alan knocked it out the park in his delivery. Every character in the show has a story it isn't only about the alien. There's quite a bit happening in the show and I also appreciated the show having a Native American focus too. A nice touch considering we're focusing on Colorado rural area. I didn't see it just as a push for woke.
Big Black is a great addition and the deputy.
There are some fun surprises and seriously Resident Alien had me bursting out laughing many times mainly because I like dry wit, dark comedy, and plays on words. Last year sucked in so many ways. Resident Alien breaks those shackles, shows some amazing footage of Colorado, puts a smile back on faces and who doesn't need to exercise those smiling muscles and lungs again. WATCH THIS SHOW.
