MovieChat Forums > Beavis and Butt-Head (1993) Discussion > Not big on the political satire approach...

Not big on the political satire approach.

posted 13 years ago by jacobw-155-274244
18 replies | jump to latest

For the most part, the new episodes are good, even though I'm in the camp that favors the original series. Aside the reality TV commentary, one thing that has really put me off of the new series is the attempt at political satire. I've read a quote by Mike Judge somewhere a while back that he doesn't like political humor, but that must've changed over the years because King of the Hill was started to get a little preachy at the end of its run, and then Judge created the failed The Goode Family show which was outright political satire. The new Beavis and Butt-head isn't completely centered around political humor, but there's been more than a few episodes that have addressed political issues (environmentalism, Evolution vs. Creationism, No Child Left Behind, military/war, etc.). To me, political issues seem to be completely out of place in Beavis and Butt-head. I consider myself a person with a lot of political opinions, and I really enjoy shows that can do political satire right, like South Park, but addressing political issues in Beavis and Butt-head really seems to undermine the sense of humor that made Beavis and Butt-head classic. Maybe Judge is trying to capitalize on shows that have had success with political humor like South Park and Family Guy? Who knows.

Not saying the new series is entirely unfunny. But I've found the episodes that don't involve political humor to be much funnier, such as The Rat, Crying, Daughter's Hand, etc. Those are more classic B&B to me. Oh, and on a side note, not big on pop culture satire either. I didn't find Werewolves of Highland very funny either for some reason.

[–] nightbreed_16 13 years ago

I think Mike Judge got old enough to think about things about politics and stuff like that and also he probably had a cousin or someone in his family that got him to change his mind about politics anyway I don't really care about politics myself but everyone has a right to believe in what they want to believe in.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] JazukaiX 11 years ago

Well said

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"If I don't understand it, it's a plot-hole!"
-Typical Reviewer

[–] MrBook_ 11 years ago

You could even argue that the very existence of Beavis and Butthead is a comment on society. The idea that there could even be two kids this stupid, destructive, and thoughtless, existing in a society that is too stupid to know what to do with them, is some pretty heavy satire on the modern U.S.

HAIL SAGAN

[–] Primate84 13 years ago

I'm personally not big on how many episodes in just the one season seem to be focused on religion ("Holy Cornholio," "Dumb Design," "Whorehouse"). While he occasionally used B&B to make fun of politics in the past, he only once or twice used it to make fun of religion, and the way he portrays it in the new episodes, with the exception of 'Holy Cornholio,' isn't really funny.

[–] jacobw-155-274244 13 years ago

I agree with you on this. I don't really like the religious satire either. I'm not at all religious and I'm certainly not offended, but it seems that by having Beavis and Butt-head become associated with various religious groups or causes, it's like he's trying to draw a parallel, such as "These kids are stupid and these people are too." Just isn't very witty to me.

[–] coleburg83 13 years ago

It's not been too heavy and was funny so far, but I hope it doesn't turn into the Simpsons. That show went downhill fast when they start using it as just a political mouthpiece.

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You did just fine, Clarence. Now go git yo'self some hot cornbread!

[–] verycoolnin 13 years ago

Beavis and Butt Head made fun of Rush Limbaugh way back in the day when he had a tv show.

Mike Judge is pretty even handed when he lampoons a political issue.

[–] jacobw-155-274244 13 years ago

I remember the episode where they made fun of Rush, and it's a pretty good one. I don't think it was so much political in nature as it was just lampooning Limbaugh and other talk radio guys like him. I think it also focused on the recurring theme of different people putting false hope into kids like Beavis and Butt-head only to be severely disappointed, haha. They also did an episode on the original series where they addressed censorship, where they get electrocuted flying a kite and the woman blames it on music videos. I think that was more a response to all the backlash against Beavis and Butt-head more than a political statement though.

There's still sort of that theme of different people and groups putting false hopes into Beavis and Butt-head in the new series, but this time around it seems like Judge is trying to draw parallels between the duo and groups like creationists, pro-life groups, environmentalists, etc. It's like he's saying "Hey, these kids are stupid and they keep becoming associated with all these different groups, ergo, they're stupid too." At least that's what I take away from it.

[–] StarskyandChinaHutch 13 years ago

I agree, it's there. But even so, I hardly even noticed. That's more than I can say for other certain animated long-runners these days. And that's good enough. If this well-balanced, subtle method of satire is what Judge intends to do, I say let him do it. It doesn't drag the show down in the slightest.

Who busts the Crimebusters?

[–] tristan_taylor84 12 years ago

Pretty much this. I mean I hardly notice the political satire aspect of the show. The spirit of the characters is there just as strong as ever and they need something for these *beep* to do since they are leaning towards more cartoon time and less "riffing" time on music videos and MTV reality shows. It's actually pretty good. I prefer the more plot time to more riffing time; if they need to start digging into some topical stuff, then hey go at it. I am impossible to offend, and even if their comparisons are trying to make religious people look stupid, well.. Actually I'll stop there.

[–] byrnesnotice 13 years ago

Is Mike Judge a rightwinger or a leftwinger ? There is an episode where Beavis and Butthead wanted to hunt Obama, but there is also the Rush Limbaugh episode.

Or maybe he is a Libertarian who hates both Liberals and Conservatives.

[–] jacobw-155-274244 13 years ago

I don't think he's ever specifically said. King of the Hill seemed to border on conservative at times, but I think Judge was also lampooning a lot of conservative stereotypes. I kind of get the impression that he's a libertarian, but not one of those in-your-face about it types.

[–] 13 years ago

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[–] verycoolnin 12 years ago

Well said. As for Mike Judge's political views. He comes across as a Libertarian who can lampoon both sides at the same time. He's a satirist, that's just what he does so well.

[–] zinabaggins 12 years ago

Guys and gals, it's just an MTV show. I mean, how political could it be? :P

[–] cartoons-5 12 years ago

There was one when President Clinton came to their school. At least it's not as pandering as Futurama. I mostly like that show but got tired of all the Al Gore guest appearances.

[–] 12 years ago

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