Ep 5. Stranded in Space

In the fifth episode of the third season of Mystery Science Theater 3000, Joel and his robot companions Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot find themselves stranded in space as they watch Stranded in Space, a cheesy sci-fi movie from 1973 directed by former Star Trek guest star Lee H. Katzin.

The movie follows Captain Larson and his crew as they go on a deep space mission to investigate a mysterious asteroid. However, their ship is sabotaged by a wicked scientist named Dr. Link who wants to use the asteroid's radioactive power for his own evil purposes. The ship is destroyed, and Larson and his crew are left stranded in space in a life pod with limited supplies and no means of communication to the outside world.

As Joel and the bots watch the film, they deliver their trademark snarky commentary and quips, making fun of the movie's cheap special effects and absurd plot. They also provide some interesting trivia and pop culture references, as well as some clever sketches and musical numbers that break up the movie and provide some much-needed comic relief.

Throughout the episode, Joel, Tom, and Crow also engage in a hilarious subplot involving a human-controlled mad scientist named Dr. F (portrayed by the show's creator Joel Hodgson) and his bumbling assistant Frank (portrayed by writer and actor Frank Conniff). Dr. F tries to create a machine that will allow him to control Joel's thoughts and actions, but his plans are repeatedly foiled by Joel and his robot friends, who use their own brand of science and humor to outsmart their arch-nemesis.

Overall, the episode is a classic example of the wacky humor and irreverent satire that made Mystery Science Theater 3000 such a beloved cult classic. Fans of sci-fi movies and cheesy B-movie classics will love the show's hilarious take on Stranded in Space, as well as its unique blend of skits, songs, and sketches that keep audiences laughing throughout the entire episode.