3x13 Starvin' Marvin in Space

[6.2/10] I don’t love the second half of the Starvin’ Marvin duology much more than I liked the first, but this one does have a few things going for it. One of them is sheer absurdity. An Ethiopian boy randomly getting access to a UFO and using it to search for a home for his people is pretty out there premise, in keeping with South Park’s style.

I’m not a big fan of the show’s depiction of Africa, but despite that fact, the episode isn’t punching down. Once again, the ire is pointed at the people trying to use those grappling with starvation for their own ends, rather than purely trying to help them. The show’s main targets are missionaries who are more interested in slinging religion than providing sustenance to those in needs, and the 700 Club types cajoling viewers for cash for ridiculous things rather than just providing people with basic necessities. The simple bit of Marvin trying to find a place to relocate his people that doesn’t have missionaries, because they’re so patronizing and annoying, is a solid one, and you can tell who Matt and Trey’s disdain is reserved for.

Oddly, the show is kind but not nice to Sally Struthers. Doubling down after pushback from her depiction in the last episode, they turn her into an ersatz Jabba the Hutt this time around, which is pretty classless (even if the Star Wars spoof is spot on). And yet, she ends up siding with the good guys, realizing the boys were inspired to help Marvin by following her example, to where she stops the CIA and the missionaries to let them free.

The gags are hit or miss, but there’s some solid jokes in there. The whole Marklar aliens using the name of their species like smurf terminology wears out its welcome, but is worth a chuckle. The running gag with the cheesy, inspirational music while the UFO is flying is good stuff, especially when the music turns out to be diegetic. And the CIA’s torture turning to be the annoying noise that comes when you rub a balloon is a laugh.

Overall, still a little below the show’s batting average, both in terms of story and humor, but it has its moments.