MST3K - The Touch of Satan

MST3K - The Touch of Satan is one of the episodes from the eleventh season of the cult television show Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), an American comedic series known for its unique premise featuring a man and his robot sidekicks aboard a space station, riffing on bad movies sent their way by mad scientists. The episode, starring Kevin Murphy, Michael J. Nelson, Bill Corbett, Patrick Brantseg, Paul Chaplin, Beth McKeever, and Mary Jo Pehl, in their respective roles from the series, offers the same brand of humor and unique comedic commentary that MST3K is loved for.

The premise of this episode sees Mike Nelson (Michael J. Nelson) and his robot friends Tom Servo (Kevin Murphy) and Crow T. Robot (Bill Corbett) forced to watch and provide humorous commentary on 'The Touch of Satan,' a 1971 horror film. The series is situated in the not-too-distant future, where for an unknown crime, Nelson is sentenced by mad scientists (Mary Jo Pehl and Paul Chaplin) to stay aboard the Satellite of Love. There, he is subjected to a series of earth's worst films with the intent of driving him mad.

'The Touch of Satan' unfolds an eerie tale about a wandering man who stumbles onto a seemingly tranquil farm, hidden away from the chaos of the world, only to realize that there’s a terrible secret harbored by the young woman living there and her aged, mute grandmother. As the plot unravels, Nelson, Tom Servo, and Crow T. Robot offer their characteristic wisecracks, parodying some of the movie's over-the-top scenarios, cheesy dialogue, and faulty logic, making the viewing experience more entertaining.

Directed by Don Hertzfeldt, MST3K – The Touch of Satan maintains the series' quirky humor, with its jokes usually revolving around pop culture references, observational humor, and often the technical errors, absurd dialogue, or bizarre plot twists in the movies being screened. Some of the best laughs in this episode are generated by the satirical commentary and unique reactions from the cast to the melodramatic plot of 'The Touch of Satan.'

Playing Nelson, Michael J. Nelson brings his sharp comedic timing and deadpan performance, delivering a relatable everyman amid the madness. He, along with his robot friends voiced by Kevin Murphy (Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow T. Robot), take the audience on a laughter-ride by riffing on the strange and outlandish elements of the film. Their witty banter and clever riffing are the real standouts of the episode.

Mary Jo Pehl and Paul Chaplin support the central premise as the mad scientists, providing an absurdly humorous ground set to the show, their laughs often bordering on the surreal. Pehl's bold and unapologetic portrayal makes her a character to watch, while Chaplin's quirky humor adds another layer of jollity in the series. The rest of the cast, including Beth McKeever and Patrick Brantseg, contribute to the enjoyable ensemble and the overall comedy.

MST3K - The Touch of Satan is a classic example of the series turning an otherwise conventional horror film into a light-hearted, entertaining romp filled with sarcastic quips and zany humor. The sharp writing, zippy jokes, and the series' knack for identifying the most ridiculous aspects of 'The Touch of Satan' to parody make this episode a must-see for both long-time fans of MST3K and newcomers looking for a unique TV experience.

This installment of MST3K stands out especially for its dry humor, detail-oriented comedy, and expert riffing on a cult horror film. Not only does it showcase the witty and inventive spirit of MST3K at its best, but it also acts as a powerful reminder of how smart comedy can transform even the mundane into something refreshingly entertaining.

Get ready to dive into the amusing world of MST3K with The Touch of Satan, as you join Mike Nelson and his robot cohorts in a hilarious take on an old-school horror film. It's sure to leave you laughing and appreciating the comedic genius inherent in the series.