Ep 13. Episode #213

MadTV was a sketch comedy show that aired from 1995 to 2009 on Fox. Season 2, Episode 13, also known as Episode #213, aired on February 4, 1997.

The episode begins with a parody of the popular sitcom Friends, in which the characters discover that one of them is secretly a millionaire. The sketch features spot-on impressions of the main cast and clever references to the show's running gags and storylines.

Next, a commercial spoof for "Joe's Used Cars" takes a hilarious twist when a woman tries to return a faulty vehicle and Joe (played by Phil LaMarr) can only offer her ridiculous alternatives like a horse-drawn carriage or a unicycle.

One standout sketch involves a fake TV show called "Jurassic Park: The Sitcom," which imagines the characters from the hit movie franchise living together in a house and engaging in wacky hijinks. The sketch is both absurdly funny and impressively detailed, with dinosaurs wandering around the set and catchy TV theme song.

Another highlight is the recurring sketch "Lowered Expectations," a dating show for people with low standards. In this episode, we meet lonely bachelor Dave (played by Pat Kilbane), who chooses between three potential dates who are all more than a little quirky. The humor here comes from the contestants' eccentricities as well as their embarrassing feats, leading to a stand-out moment that involves a woman literally eating a shoe.

One of the more topical sketches involves a fake interview with former president George H.W. Bush (played by Michael McDonald), who defends his legacy amidst a barrage of negative media coverage. The sketch pokes fun at both the fickle nature of the news and the elder Bush's often awkward public persona.

A running gag throughout the episode involves a fake commercial for the "Mississippi Nights" club, which features increasingly absurd messages from the club's owner (played by Will Sasso) about everything from the drink specials to the cleanliness of the bathrooms.

The final sketch of the night features a man (played by David Herman) who wakes up with no memory of the previous night and embarks on a quest to piece together the events of a wild party he attended. The narrative structure of the sketch is cleverly done, and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way.

Overall, MadTV Season 2 Episode 13 is a strong showcase for the show's sharp writing and talented cast. With its mix of classic sitcom parodies, absurd comedy, and topical humor, it's a great example of what made the show such a beloved part of '90s pop culture.