Review: The Gorburger Show “Jazz Bender”

IT’S BENDER!

After The Gorburger Show debuted its spectacular “Vape is Life,” episode, “Jazz Bender” follows to equally hilarious and entertaining heights. In the T.J. Miller-created series, Gorburger is a large blue monster that commanders a Japanese television station.

On “Jazz Bender,” Gorbuger invites Dr. Drew in the series. The two discuss sex, Gorburger’s bloodlust, and more. “Sometimes I have bloodlust,” Gorburger explains. He further elucidates that he can eat anything other than ceramics for the most part.

I like the format. There’s a pleasant mix of interview and games. Initially, Gorburger and Dr. Drew converse before an out of “Rad or Sad.” The first question: “Going to a movie.” Dr. Drew posits that it’s sad. In which case I’ve had many “sad” moments in my life. because nobody else was keen to hit up that Evil Dead II and Halloween III double feature. Or that The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and Run Silent Run Deep double header, or…Ok, I should stop. “But it can be kind of rad to have the confidence to go and have a singular movie-going experience, right?” Gorburger wonders. I think I’ll side with Gorburger on this one.

The ridiculousness of a massive, blue monster that gets near-insatiable bloodlust leading a talk show makes The Gorburger Show incredibly entertaining. Its structure emulates that of a real-world talk show. There’s the banter with a featured guest, games, videos of the host doing something wacky (in this case twerking), and even the “welcome back” videos after commercial breaks.

I enjoyed the dialogue a lot. It’s pretty funny to hear Gorburger weighing in on such topics as attending a movie alone, or the confidence benefits of twerking. You can almost see the likes of Jimmy Fallon as the host. Minus the bloodlust.

As with any good talk show host, Gorburger has a band of sorts. But his band consists of a kidnapped Kenny G. I really appreciate the wacky elements mixed with the down-to-earth aspects. Just when a conversation or skit begins to delve into familiar territory, something occurs to remind you that it’s a bizarre trip.

It’s impossible to discuss The Gorburger show without touching on the presentation. As John discussed in his superb “Vape is Life” review, puppetry is a form of animation. The Gorburger Show is extremely colorful. There’s some sort of filter which lends an antiquated look to the show like it was shot in the 60s or 70s. A tube TV pops up and there are old microphones.

Overall, The Gorburger Show is one of the most unique shows currently airing. It’s not only a fantastic parody of talk shows but a character study of Gorburger. He’s a blue monster with bloodlust, and an addiction to smooth jazz. Superb dialogue, fun skits, and convincing yet fantastical elements make “Jazz Bender” an excellent episode.