The other day I was taping a show on my PVR for my 6-year-old when I saw, to my delight, that Ren & Stimpy was being played at midnight. I set up a series recording and we’ve been watching it ever since.
Her favourite TV episode ever is now “Stimpy’s Invention,” also known as the Happy Happy Joy Joy episode. I couldn’t be prouder. If there are twelve funnier minutes of television than “Stimpy’s Invention” I don’t know what they are.
I find R&S a fascinating show. Watching the old episodes it actually was not a perfect show - well, to be honest, it was far from it; there is a lot of filler, poor editing and direction, jokes that don’t work, and bad timing. The show was fought over constantly by an intrusive, bullheaded network and a creator who was, as near as I can tell, one of the most egotistical assholes in the world. It’s a miracle the show got made at all.
But at the same time the show was remarkably revolutionary, original and daring, and has been much copied since by an armload of other cartoons. And when it’s good - like “Stimpy’s Invention” - it’s just unbelievably hysterical.
Back in the 90’s I had a godawful back spasm and was out of work for a week, bedridden. However, that was the week that the very first episode of Ren & Stimpy aired, and I remember watching it disbelievingly and giggling like a lunatic while high on Vicodin. I think the first one was the “Muddy Mudskipper” episode, but I’d have to check my memory on that.
Funny, funny show. I’ll still occasionally watch the Happy Happy Joy Joy dance on youtube for a fast smile.
“No…but do you have any…rubber walrus protectors?”
Just weird as hell.
And let’s not forget: that theme song - I believe played by guys at Spumco - is rockabilly genius. That is some bright Telecaster coming at you.
I think Sven Hoek is the best single episode ever. The whole ending sequence where Ren describes in loving detail what he’s going to do to the two eediots while they cower and cry in fear is brilliant.
“My collection of infectious diseases! Violated! My dinosaur droppings! Painted like Easter Eggs!”
Space Madness and Firedogs are the two episodes that stand out for me. Although hearing Stimpy’s lost fart moaning that he’ll never find a home as “Warm and Snuggly” as his old one is hilariously creepy.
One thing I relly liked about the show was their use of sound effects. Like when Stimpy wakes Ren and Ren’s eyes snap open with a sound like a shattering window.
