Ep 19. Invasion of the Neptune Men

Invasion of the Neptune Men is the nineteenth episode of the eighth season of Mystery Science Theater 3000. In this episode, the crew of the Satellite of Love introduces a Japanese science fiction film from 1961 called "Uchu Kaisoku-sen" aka "Space Blitz Ship S.S.S." released in America as the aforementioned "Invasion of the Neptune Men."

The film is set in the future when Earth is increasingly threatened by flying saucers that come from the distant planet of Neptune (hence the title). The aliens--who are decked out in shiny silver jumpsuits and motorcycle helmets with antennae--have a strange interest in our planet's oceans and continual interest in invading Earth.

The film follows a group of scientists, military personnel, and children who come together to stop the Neptune Men and save the planet. Interspersed throughout the film are scenes of space battles, scientific experiments, and the occasional song, all accompanied by the snarky commentary from the Satellite of Love crew, composed of Mike, Crow, and Tom Servo, as well as the Mads--Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank--who are still up to their usual antics and bent on breaking Mike's spirit with terrible movies.

As the film progresses, the team on the Satellite of Love continue to offer running commentary on the bizarre clothing choices of the Neptune Men, as well as the random acts of violence, questionable scientific explanations, and strange plot developments that characterize the movie. The highlight of the episode comes in the form of the "Neptune Men Song," a musical number that the Satellite of Love crew sings as a tribute to the many unexplained mysteries and oddities of the film.

Throughout the episode, Mike, Crow, and Tom Servo also engage in various skits and jokes, as is typical for the series. They ponder the human fascination with shiny objects, experiment with different ways to irritate the Mads, and engage in a mock debate about the merits of the film, all while providing sarcastic commentary on the onscreen action.

Invasion of the Neptune Men is an episode that highlights all the best elements of Mystery Science Theater 3000--zany humor, biting commentary, and a ridiculous B-movie with plenty of potential for mockery. Fans of the series will find plenty to love in this episode, from the absurd concept of aliens in shiny jumpsuits to the many musical numbers that punctuate the film. For newcomers to the series, this episode is a great introduction to the signature style and humor of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and is sure to provide plenty of laughs.