Ep 8. Episode #208
- December 7, 1996
In Episode #208 of MadTV season 2, viewers are treated to a suite of satirical skits and sketches that lampoon popular culture, politics, and daily life in the United States. The episode begins with a segment entitled "The Mob Steeling," in which cast members depict a group of thieves who have stolen a car belonging to the famous TV show "Wheel of Fortune." After their initial excitement, however, the thieves find that the car is actually one of the program's famous puzzle boards, leading to hilarious hijinks.
In another segment called "Bigger and Blacker," comedian Mo Collins parodies the famous comedian Chris Rock in a talk show format. Collins' impersonation of Rock is both spot-on and hilarious, as she skewers Rock's signature brand of incisive, politically-charged comedy.
The episode also includes a parody ad for a fictional product called "Slangies," a toy designed to teach young children the latest street lingo. The skit cleverly skewers both the trend of slang language as an indicator of hipness and the crass commercialization of children's toys.
In addition to these more explicitly comedic skits, "Episode #208" also features several musical performances that parody popular songs of the time. One of the standout performances is a rendition of "Macarena Mama" by guest star Monique, which pokes fun at the seemingly endless proliferation of "Macarena" remixes that dominated airwaves at that time.
In another skit, cast members parody the popular game show "Jeopardy!," with Will Sasso portraying a hilariously dim-witted contestant who repeatedly fails to answer even the easiest questions. This skit is a testament to the cast's ability to create imaginative and memorable characters that continue to resonate with viewers years later.
Overall, this episode of MadTV season 2 is emblematic of the show's unique style of humor, which combines biting satire, irreverent parodies, and surrealistic absurdity. Despite being more than two decades old, the episode continues to evoke laughter and nostalgia in equal measure, making it a must-watch for fans of this groundbreaking comedy series.
