Ep 14. Bloody Mary

South Park season 9 episode 14, titled "Bloody Mary," centers around the town's annual holiday parade where Randy Marsh, one of the show's main characters, gets heavily drunk and drives his vehicle while intoxicated. However, instead of being punished for his reckless behavior, he is told by the town's priest to attend an AA meeting to deal with his drinking problem. While at the AA meeting, Randy admits to having seen the statue of the Virgin Mary, who appears to him as a bloody and terrifying figure.

The episode tackles the sensitive issue of alcoholism and how people often turn to religion for support and guidance in times of need. The portrayal of AA meetings and the support they offer is both accurate and humorous, poking fun at the stereotypical behavior of some members. However, the episode also raises questions surrounding the power of faith and whether Randy is truly experiencing a divine intervention or simply hallucinating due to his alcoholism.

As the episode progresses, Randy's story gains national attention and the statue of the Virgin Mary becomes a popular tourist attraction, drawing in crowds of people seeking divine miracles and guidance. The town's priest, who initially supported Randy's AA attendance, becomes wary of the attention surrounding the statue and attempts to discredit Randy's claims of seeing the bleeding Virgin Mary.

The episode brings attention to the power of religion and the manipulation that can occur in its name. The episode showcases how people, including church officials, can become consumed by the notion of a miracle and forget the true message behind their faith.

In typical South Park fashion, the episode also features several subplots, including a satirical take on the Queens of the Stone Age's lead singer Josh Homme's assault on a concert photographer. The subplot mirrors the real-life incident and emphasizes the issue of violence against women and the consequences that should follow.

Overall, South Park season 9 episode 14, "Bloody Mary," is a satirical and thought-provoking episode that tackles sensitive topics such as faith, addiction, and violence. The episode serves as a reminder that no matter how sacred or popular a belief may seem, it is essential to remain true to its core values and not lose sight of its purpose.