"South Park" has cranked out some very funny episodes, ranging from plain silly to brilliantly political. Following are my favorite ten episodes. I've chosen episodes that ring true with me or just make me blow milk out my nose.
1. "Trapper Keeper"
In this episode, Mr. Garrison orders a recount when the race for kindergarten president is too close to call. Meanwhile, a life form from the future appears in the school yard at South Park Elementary.
I love this episode for two reasons: The parody of the 2000 Presidential election is brilliant; I have fond, nostalgic memories of Trapper Keepers from when I was a kid.
2. "Fat Camp"
Cartman is sent to a camp for obese youngsters by concerned family and friends. The comparison to life in prison, including Cartman's "smuggling" items in, makes me giggle every time.3. "Gnomes"
The boys work on a project with high-strung Tweek, who sees Gnomes, but no one believes him. Ah, that's pretty much the story of my life.4. "Proper Condom Use"
The kids at South Park elementary go through a sex education class. Seeing Mr. Mackey and Ms. Choksondik get it on is hilarious and disturbing at the same time.5. "The Passion of the Jew"
The "Passion of the Christ" has an unusual effect on Stan, Cartman, Kyle and Kenny. Again, a political episode nails the controversy, and truth, surrounding a hot button in America. Poor Mel Gibson.6. "The New Terrance and Phillip Movie Trailer"
The boys look forward to the newest "Terrance and Phillip" movie. They sit through an entire episode of "Russell Crowe: Fightin' 'Round the World." "South Park" manages to parody celebrities so bitingly well. But are they making mockery of Crowe, or the media's depiction of said actor? Consider that!7. "Bebe's Boobs Destroy Society"
When Bebe begins to develop, the boys' friendship is threatened. This episode gets me because it makes men out to be the animals they are, and women to be the jealous fiends they are. Or are they? Consider that!8. "Red Hot Catholic Love"
The Catholic Church scandal begins to effect the town. Here's another example of a political "South Park" episode that makes you squirm, but nod your head, at the same time.9. "Free Hat"
The boys try and stop famous directors from ruining their favorite films by enhancing and re-releasing them. I love this episode because I hate it when directors do exactly what this episode depicts: ruin great movies for the sake of "updating!" Lucas I'm talkin' to you!10. "Damien"
As Cartman celebrates his birthday, Jesus Christ and Satan duke it out on a pay-per-view TV special. How could you not love to see Christ and Satan fighting in a ring?
