The Official and Very Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thread
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Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
I was reading a Q&A with Joel from a couple of years ago, in which he confirmed that Mike did call him and ask if he wanted to be a part of Rifftrax, either regularly or as a guest, but Joel was also launching Cinematic Titanic around the same time, so due to being busy with that he had to decline. Made me think that I'd love to hear Mike and Joel riffing on something together.
I know CT has gone on an indefinite hiatus, so maybe there's a possibility of him doing a guest spot on a Rifftrax release someday. Hey, a guy can hope, right?
I was reading a Q&A with Joel from a couple of years ago, in which he confirmed that Mike did call him and ask if he wanted to be a part of Rifftrax, either regularly or as a guest, but Joel was also launching Cinematic Titanic around the same time, so due to being busy with that he had to decline. Made me think that I'd love to hear Mike and Joel riffing on something together.
I know CT has gone on an indefinite hiatus, so maybe there's a possibility of him doing a guest spot on a Rifftrax release someday. Hey, a guy can hope, right?
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
I hope so too. Joel showed up in an episode of Mike's MST3K ("Soul Taker", first episode of Season 10 (the final season of MST3K.) Joel shows up on the SOL to do some repairs on the malfunctioning ship and there's a warm greeting between Joel and the bots and friendly interaction between Joel and Mike. I really, really wish they had done at least one theater segment with Mike, Joel and the bots in the theater.
I'd love to see him do a stint on RT.
I hope so too. Joel showed up in an episode of Mike's MST3K ("Soul Taker", first episode of Season 10 (the final season of MST3K.) Joel shows up on the SOL to do some repairs on the malfunctioning ship and there's a warm greeting between Joel and the bots and friendly interaction between Joel and Mike. I really, really wish they had done at least one theater segment with Mike, Joel and the bots in the theater.
I'd love to see him do a stint on RT.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
What really annoys me is the whole idea of "Joel vs Mike", perpetuated by a certain number of the MST3K fanbase, which has lead to both Mike and Joel being asked in multiple interviews about the existence of a rift between them. There's nothing to suggest that there was ever any animosity between them, and they have both refuted it numerous times. I'd love to see them work together again, even if it's just to shut that crap down for good.
Also, I think the contrast between Joel's laid-back style of riffing, against Mike's sharper, on the nose riffs would be great fun to listen too.
What really annoys me is the whole idea of "Joel vs Mike", perpetuated by a certain number of the MST3K fanbase, which has lead to both Mike and Joel being asked in multiple interviews about the existence of a rift between them. There's nothing to suggest that there was ever any animosity between them, and they have both refuted it numerous times. I'd love to see them work together again, even if it's just to shut that crap down for good.
Also, I think the contrast between Joel's laid-back style of riffing, against Mike's sharper, on the nose riffs would be great fun to listen too.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
The big thing is that Mike was the head-writer on MST3K from the first day he started working there. He was HAND PICKED by Joel to take over when Joel left and Joel left of his own decision making in order to pursue other interests (his comedy career, IIRC.) The two were never at odds with one another, were friends and respected one another. Again Mike took over because Joel WANTED him too. And, IIRC, Mike was reluctant to and only did so because Joel convinced him he'd be good.
I did like Mike's sharper wit and bit harsher attitude towards the Mads so I prefer him over Joel, but Joel certainly did make me laugh and their contrasting approaches would make for a funny riff. It'd also be funny to hear Kevin acting "conflicted" on how to behave, whether he should cater his riffing/attitude to Joel's humor or Mike's. (Considering even the attitude of the bots changed between Mike and Joel because of their very different relationships. Servo and Crow both became a bit harsher after the switch and Mike didn't admonish them as much about being "dark" or cruel with their humor.
The big thing is that Mike was the head-writer on MST3K from the first day he started working there. He was HAND PICKED by Joel to take over when Joel left and Joel left of his own decision making in order to pursue other interests (his comedy career, IIRC.) The two were never at odds with one another, were friends and respected one another. Again Mike took over because Joel WANTED him too. And, IIRC, Mike was reluctant to and only did so because Joel convinced him he'd be good.
I did like Mike's sharper wit and bit harsher attitude towards the Mads so I prefer him over Joel, but Joel certainly did make me laugh and their contrasting approaches would make for a funny riff. It'd also be funny to hear Kevin acting "conflicted" on how to behave, whether he should cater his riffing/attitude to Joel's humor or Mike's. (Considering even the attitude of the bots changed between Mike and Joel because of their very different relationships. Servo and Crow both became a bit harsher after the switch and Mike didn't admonish them as much about being "dark" or cruel with their humor.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
Since Joel created the 'Bots he always seemed to act like more of a cool dad to them than Mike did. Mike tended to be the handsome frat boy buddy that would occasionally chastise them for doing something outlandish or disturbing (as when he freaked out and sternly lectured both of them when Crow did his "Girl in the Gold Boots" dance on top of the table), but at the end of the day he was the one host that Crow and Servo could torture mercilessly and play pranks upon without much if any fear of reprisal (can you see the 'Bots doing the tied-and-gagged "Thunderdome" skit with Joel? Don't think so).
Joel was their father who'd frequently drink a cold one and bond with the kids. Mike was treated like their little brother and they could get away with more obnoxious behavior around him.
Since Joel created the 'Bots he always seemed to act like more of a cool dad to them than Mike did. Mike tended to be the handsome frat boy buddy that would occasionally chastise them for doing something outlandish or disturbing (as when he freaked out and sternly lectured both of them when Crow did his "Girl in the Gold Boots" dance on top of the table), but at the end of the day he was the one host that Crow and Servo could torture mercilessly and play pranks upon without much if any fear of reprisal (can you see the 'Bots doing the tied-and-gagged "Thunderdome" skit with Joel? Don't think so).
Joel was their father who'd frequently drink a cold one and bond with the kids. Mike was treated like their little brother and they could get away with more obnoxious behavior around him.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
I don't know for certain, but my guess would be Joel, who seemed to be the driving force behind the prop choices and the overall "look" of the show. I never noticed this until you mentioned it, though, and it pleases me that a. I've noticed something new about my favorite show and b. it reinforces my good opinion. It is clever, isn't it?
You know, when you put it like this, MST3K is a coming of age story for the Bots.
I don't know for certain, but my guess would be Joel, who seemed to be the driving force behind the prop choices and the overall "look" of the show. I never noticed this until you mentioned it, though, and it pleases me that a. I've noticed something new about my favorite show and b. it reinforces my good opinion. It is clever, isn't it?
You know, when you put it like this, MST3K is a coming of age story for the Bots.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
I do get that such a big change was probably pretty jarring for some hardcore Joel fans, who probably saw things like the dropping of the invention exchange as a sign that Mike was stamping his own personality on the show too soon after Joel's departure, but it was simply a case of working to different comedy strengths. Joel is more adept at prop-based comedy, whereas Mike is stronger when playing comic characters.
This is why I like them both equally, because of their differing styles. If they'd just brought someone in to try and ape Joel's style, it wouldn't have worked, at least not in my opinion.
I agree with this entirely.
I do get that such a big change was probably pretty jarring for some hardcore Joel fans, who probably saw things like the dropping of the invention exchange as a sign that Mike was stamping his own personality on the show too soon after Joel's departure, but it was simply a case of working to different comedy strengths. Joel is more adept at prop-based comedy, whereas Mike is stronger when playing comic characters.
This is why I like them both equally, because of their differing styles. If they'd just brought someone in to try and ape Joel's style, it wouldn't have worked, at least not in my opinion.
I agree with this entirely.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
Well, I'd say Mike was more like a cool OLDER brother, since he was the one they'd turn to when there was a problem that needed solved and Mike was the only (from lack of options) capable of doing it. But, yeah, the dynamic there was much more fun as the trio would goof around, pull pranks on one another and such. And, yeah, they could pull pranks on Mike, make fun of him, insult him and abuse him. And, besides, in the end who did they settle down with once the SoL returned to Earth?
(But, YIKES! How does Mike go to work every day leaving Servo and Crow behind all day? I'd be afraid of them burning the place down in some mishap!)
And, naturally, Joel was like a father to them since he literally created them.
(Though, I always sort of wondered if in some-part Gypsy didn't already exist in some manner on the ship already. Maybe Joel adapted her in order to give her "life" but since it was Gypsy who was tasked with running the ship it seems to me she was always there to run/fly the ship so Joel wouldn't have to while imprisoned there.
And how fortunate for The Mads that Joel used the "special parts" that could control the movies to build the robots. Otherwise how else could they have forced him to watch them?! (I know, I know, it's just a show...)
The "invention exchanges" were just an outlet for Joel's prop-comedy, "in-universe" I think it was once explained that the "invention exchange" was a "corporate culture" artifact at Gizmonics and since Mike wasn't an employee at Gizmonics -just a temp hired during an audit- he wasn't worthy of the invention exchanges.
Which, really, I was glad for as I never got much humor out of the invention exchanges and things like the letter reading made the show just feel too much like a "kid's show."
Well, I'd say Mike was more like a cool OLDER brother, since he was the one they'd turn to when there was a problem that needed solved and Mike was the only (from lack of options) capable of doing it. But, yeah, the dynamic there was much more fun as the trio would goof around, pull pranks on one another and such. And, yeah, they could pull pranks on Mike, make fun of him, insult him and abuse him. And, besides, in the end who did they settle down with once the SoL returned to Earth?
(But, YIKES! How does Mike go to work every day leaving Servo and Crow behind all day? I'd be afraid of them burning the place down in some mishap!)And, naturally, Joel was like a father to them since he literally created them.
(Though, I always sort of wondered if in some-part Gypsy didn't already exist in some manner on the ship already. Maybe Joel adapted her in order to give her "life" but since it was Gypsy who was tasked with running the ship it seems to me she was always there to run/fly the ship so Joel wouldn't have to while imprisoned there.
And how fortunate for The Mads that Joel used the "special parts" that could control the movies to build the robots. Otherwise how else could they have forced him to watch them?! (I know, I know, it's just a show...)
The "invention exchanges" were just an outlet for Joel's prop-comedy, "in-universe" I think it was once explained that the "invention exchange" was a "corporate culture" artifact at Gizmonics and since Mike wasn't an employee at Gizmonics -just a temp hired during an audit- he wasn't worthy of the invention exchanges.
Which, really, I was glad for as I never got much humor out of the invention exchanges and things like the letter reading made the show just feel too much like a "kid's show."
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
At a public appearance of some of the cast members Joel admitted that Trace Beaulieu was responsible for choosing the bone shape for the Satellite of Love to directly reference the imagery of the bone tossed into the air by the proto-human ape at the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Back in the early days of the show's development both Trace and Joel were heavily involved in designing props and sets.
At a public appearance of some of the cast members Joel admitted that Trace Beaulieu was responsible for choosing the bone shape for the Satellite of Love to directly reference the imagery of the bone tossed into the air by the proto-human ape at the beginning of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Back in the early days of the show's development both Trace and Joel were heavily involved in designing props and sets.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
That's an awesome explanation!
I agree with Servo. I never felt like Mike was trying to become Joel or even really replace Joel, he was just very much himself. By letting him play to his strong suit--comedic characters--they were able to take the show in a fresh direction that felt fairly seamless. I was neither here nor there on the invention exchanges, but when they worked as comic sketches they only worked because Joel and the Mads (particularly Trace) were able to really sell them. Once Joel left, I can't see how that could have continued without becoming very, very stale.
Honestly, the only real cast change that was jarring for me was when Trace left. For a long time I couldn't watch the Pearl episodes--it's only in the past few years that I have come to appreciate Mary Jo Pehl's segments.
That's an awesome explanation!
I agree with Servo. I never felt like Mike was trying to become Joel or even really replace Joel, he was just very much himself. By letting him play to his strong suit--comedic characters--they were able to take the show in a fresh direction that felt fairly seamless. I was neither here nor there on the invention exchanges, but when they worked as comic sketches they only worked because Joel and the Mads (particularly Trace) were able to really sell them. Once Joel left, I can't see how that could have continued without becoming very, very stale.
Honestly, the only real cast change that was jarring for me was when Trace left. For a long time I couldn't watch the Pearl episodes--it's only in the past few years that I have come to appreciate Mary Jo Pehl's segments.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
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Did anyone else watch the pilot for "The TV Wheel"?
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Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
I do.
The set was innovative and they did some really interesting things with perspective, but the show was all sizzle and no steak. Watching it, you could tell that their energy and focus was on the novelty of the revolving set and not on the substance of the skits or stories.
In a "behind the scenes" segment (maybe aired on Comedy Central?), Joel seemed pretty enthusiastic about the whole concept, but I personally couldn't imagine the show lasting long as a series.
BTW, anyone plan on going to the Rifftrax Live: Sharknado 2 screening next week?
I do.
The set was innovative and they did some really interesting things with perspective, but the show was all sizzle and no steak. Watching it, you could tell that their energy and focus was on the novelty of the revolving set and not on the substance of the skits or stories.
In a "behind the scenes" segment (maybe aired on Comedy Central?), Joel seemed pretty enthusiastic about the whole concept, but I personally couldn't imagine the show lasting long as a series.
BTW, anyone plan on going to the Rifftrax Live: Sharknado 2 screening next week?
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
Today:
Watched "Soultaker" and "Devil Fish."
Today:
Watched "Soultaker" and "Devil Fish."
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
You bet! I'll probably go July 16th if I can. Bring it on!
You bet! I'll probably go July 16th if I can. Bring it on!
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
It's been almost a quarter of a century since I first watched the MST3K riff of "City Limits" with Kim Cattrall and James Earl Jones and it's just as funny now if not funnier than it was when the episode was new.
It's been almost a quarter of a century since I first watched the MST3K riff of "City Limits" with Kim Cattrall and James Earl Jones and it's just as funny now if not funnier than it was when the episode was new.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
Loved this show! Can't remember when I started watching it exactly but I would have been in my teens.
Always preferred Mike to Joel (although that may be partly to seeing the Mike-era episodes first)
I think there are some real gems in the Scifi Channel era:
From Giant Spider Invasion
Unpleasant Farmer and his alcoholic wife standing in a field with dead, mutilated cows.
Servo - "Were we supposed to be feeding the cattle?"
An establishing shot on the couple's run-down, decrepit-looking farmhouse
Mike - "Guess they saved a lot by buying the old Gein place"
Farmer take a geode full of diamonds to his cousin, the town jeweller
Jeweller (Examining the geode) - "It's not from round here..."
Crow - "So lets beat it up!"
Two scientists taking geiger readings out in a field startled by sudden shots
Scientist (panicked) "What was that?"
Servo (boldly) - "It was Toursim, Commerce and Industry coming together in beautiful Wisconsin!"
Easily one of my favourites. It also had the running gag of the "Packers win the Superbowl!!" and I think Mike was from Wisconsin so the Bots made several digs about that as well which were pretty funny.
Loved this show! Can't remember when I started watching it exactly but I would have been in my teens.
Always preferred Mike to Joel (although that may be partly to seeing the Mike-era episodes first)
I think there are some real gems in the Scifi Channel era:
From Giant Spider Invasion
Unpleasant Farmer and his alcoholic wife standing in a field with dead, mutilated cows.
Servo - "Were we supposed to be feeding the cattle?"
An establishing shot on the couple's run-down, decrepit-looking farmhouse
Mike - "Guess they saved a lot by buying the old Gein place"
Farmer take a geode full of diamonds to his cousin, the town jeweller
Jeweller (Examining the geode) - "It's not from round here..."
Crow - "So lets beat it up!"
Two scientists taking geiger readings out in a field startled by sudden shots
Scientist (panicked) "What was that?"
Servo (boldly) - "It was Toursim, Commerce and Industry coming together in beautiful Wisconsin!"
Easily one of my favourites. It also had the running gag of the "Packers win the Superbowl!!" and I think Mike was from Wisconsin so the Bots made several digs about that as well which were pretty funny.
Re: The Official and Most Rifftastic Mystery Science Theater 3000 Thre
I wish I could remember the name of the first MST3K I ever saw. I saw a screening in the student center during my undergraduate years, and the sound was so awful that I could barely make anything out. I didn't fully understand the concept so I was a bit confused by it all. All I remember is that it was color, made probably in the 1980s, there were kids playing baseball in it, and there was a scene with someone staggering next to a waterfront with the guys making a Duran Duran reference (I was a big Durannie at the time). I think it was a Joel episode, but I can't even be sure about that. Oh, I was young and stupid and not paying attention!
I wish I could remember the name of the first MST3K I ever saw. I saw a screening in the student center during my undergraduate years, and the sound was so awful that I could barely make anything out. I didn't fully understand the concept so I was a bit confused by it all. All I remember is that it was color, made probably in the 1980s, there were kids playing baseball in it, and there was a scene with someone staggering next to a waterfront with the guys making a Duran Duran reference (I was a big Durannie at the time). I think it was a Joel episode, but I can't even be sure about that. Oh, I was young and stupid and not paying attention!
