South Park Season 13 Episode 5 Fish Sticks

Okay, let's talk Fish Sticks. You know, the South Park episode everyone loves?

I have a confession. I think it's... overrated. There, I said it!

The Setup: Simple Silliness

The premise is classic South Park. Kanye doesn't get the joke. He really, really doesn't get it.

It's two things, in my head: funny and mean.

Why the Hype?

Everyone remembers Kanye's meltdown. It's GIF gold! But does that make the episode *good*?

I'm not so sure. I think nostalgia plays a big part. It came out in 2009. We were all younger and dumber then, too.

Kanye: The Butt of the Joke

The episode portrays Kanye West as incredibly arrogant. Also, incredibly clueless. Basically, a caricature.

Is it funny? Yes, at times. Is it fair? Eh, debatable.

I've watched it multiple times, and I still question the punchline. I kind of feel like the episode is one big long roast of the guy.

Is it REALLY that funny?

I find myself asking the same thing about other classic comedy episodes.

Some of the jokes land flat for me, especially now. Comedy ages, you know?

My (Possibly) Unpopular Opinion

Hear me out. Other South Park episodes are funnier. They're smarter. And the social commentary is much more sharper.

Think about "Trapped in the Closet" or "Scott Tenorman Must Die." Those are masterpieces.

Fish Sticks is... fine. Just fine. It's a solid B, maybe a B+ on a good day. But a masterpiece? Not even close.

The Legacy: Catchphrases and Controversy

The episode did give us some great catchphrases. "Gay fish," anyone?

And it definitely stirred up controversy. That's South Park's bread and butter, though.

"I'm a genius!" - Kanye West (as portrayed in South Park)

In Conclusion: A Decent Episode, Not a Legend

Look, I'm not saying Fish Sticks is terrible. It's not. It is worth watching.

But I think it's gotten more praise than it deserves. I mean, I am not saying it is a bad episode.

Maybe I'm just a contrarian. Maybe I'm missing something. But in my book, Fish Sticks is a mildly amusing, slightly offensive, and ultimately forgettable episode of an otherwise brilliant show.

Am I alone here? Or do others feel the same?

Okay, please don't hate me.