Ep 17. Episode #117

In Episode #117, MadTV brings its signature satirical humor to a variety of sketches and musical performances. The episode opens with a parody of the popular game show "Jeopardy!" with contestants including advertising icons like Tony the Tiger and the Pillsbury Doughboy. The sketch plays with the absurdity of these characters competing against each other for cash prizes.

Next up is a skit taking aim at the self-help industry, with a motivational speaker named Tony Robbins (played by cast member Phil LaMarr) pushing his "Unleash the Power Within" program on a group of skeptical audience members. The sketch pokes fun at the often dubious claims made by self-help gurus, and Robbins' over-the-top performance adds to the comedic effect.

Later in the episode, MadTV spoofs the popular children's show "Barney & Friends" with a sketch titled "Barney's Death," in which the lovable purple dinosaur meets his untimely demise and his human companions are left to mourn. The sketch takes a dark turn, but the absurdity of the situation generates laughs.

Musical guest Naughty by Nature performs several of their hits in between the comedy sketches, including "Hip Hop Hooray" and "Uptown Anthem." The group's energetic performances add to the high-energy vibe of the episode.

Other sketches in Episode #117 include a parody of the TV show "COPS," with a focus on a bumbling police officer named Officer Clumsy (played by cast member David Herman) who keeps causing accidents. A commercial parody advertising a fictitious product called "The Fart Master 2000" also generates laughs, as the product purports to help users achieve the perfect fart.

Overall, Episode #117 of MadTV is a fast-paced and irreverent experience that showcases the show's unique brand of humor. From sketch comedy to musical performances, the episode delivers a variety of laughs that are sure to appeal to fans of the show and new viewers alike.