Review: South Park “Members Only”

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Spoilers Below

“Members Only” was yet another triumphant episode in South Park’s stellar season 20. There were several moments during the episode that really hit home how poignant the satire is when it’s thick, and how much we’re going to need parody and laughs in President Trump’s USA.

Season 20 of South Park has been truly intense. We’ve seen the rise of internet trolling with shankhunt42, and the Danish trying to expose everyone’s internet histories. We’ve also seen Garrison’s rise to power, clearly satirizing Trump– in this episode, with a stronger spray tan and more helmet-like hairpiece. We’ve also been witness to Cartman getting a girlfriend, and trying to escape to Mars.

The main running theme through this season’s South Park episodes, however, are the member berries. They desperately want everyone to be nostalgic for a better time, much as the citizens of the USA are, for this magical time in history when things were “better” or “great”. But ironically, such a perfect time didn’t exist. It’s all just nostalgia through rose-colored glasses.

The member berries have little clubs, and all advance on the White House, as Garrison is discovering a lot more trouble is brewing in the world than he had realized (sound like anyone?) Also, the music that plays when Garrison walks is reminiscent of the Imperial March (from Star Wars) mixed with the U.S. presidential theme. Pretty hilarious.

Also, after a talking-to from Bill Clinton in last week’s episode, Butters is ready to forgive the girls. He also wants to leave Earth to go to Mars with Cartman and his girlfriend. Elon Musk gives a tour of SpaceX. Meanwhile, Gerald tries to frame Ike (his own son!!) because he’s trapped in Denmark, and is being punished by the Danish with the rest of the internet trolls.

“Members Only” is a seriously great South Park episode all around. I’m very much looking forward to next week’s episode, as I always am this season. There are constantly new surprises in store, both visually and via the stellar writing. Every new episode I see, I just can’t believe how much I enjoy it. South Park is still on top of its game!