[5.9/10] This episode is like half an idea in search of an episode. There’s the germ of something good here. The notion that Cartman wants overprocessed crap which makes him okay with new plant-based meat despite his prior objections is a decent kick. Randy trying to capitalize on the new plant-based burger craze by making patties out of marijauna isn’t bad either. But the show just doesn't know what to do with either of those ideas, giving us a tired There Will Be Blood spoof and a half-baked town conspiracy instead.
Cartman’s free speech trip went nowhere, and while there’s something kind of funny about Butters’ wariness about continuing the pair’s little lunchtime songs, the laughs just weren’t there. In the same way, Randy’s pot burgers are a one-joke premise and the show never finds another note to hit beyond him and Towelie shooting cows. Maybe there’s some commentary in that, with the idea that we enjoy eating meat but don’t normally see the ugly reality of it, but it feels more like Trey Parker and company just needing an out for the Randy storyline and enjoying the gory hijinks.
On the whole, this is a weak outing, with muddled at best commentary on the plant-based burger craze.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2020-02-12T15:57:10Z
[5.9/10] This episode is like half an idea in search of an episode. There’s the germ of something good here. The notion that Cartman wants overprocessed crap which makes him okay with new plant-based meat despite his prior objections is a decent kick. Randy trying to capitalize on the new plant-based burger craze by making patties out of marijauna isn’t bad either. But the show just doesn't know what to do with either of those ideas, giving us a tired There Will Be Blood spoof and a half-baked town conspiracy instead.
Cartman’s free speech trip went nowhere, and while there’s something kind of funny about Butters’ wariness about continuing the pair’s little lunchtime songs, the laughs just weren’t there. In the same way, Randy’s pot burgers are a one-joke premise and the show never finds another note to hit beyond him and Towelie shooting cows. Maybe there’s some commentary in that, with the idea that we enjoy eating meat but don’t normally see the ugly reality of it, but it feels more like Trey Parker and company just needing an out for the Randy storyline and enjoying the gory hijinks.
On the whole, this is a weak outing, with muddled at best commentary on the plant-based burger craze.