1. Hamlet (episode 1009)
I guess I can't really blame fans for hating this one. The dreary set and uninspired costumes (that stay the same through the
entire movie) of this made-for-German-public-television production don't really do the immortal Bard's work justice. While he's written some of the most inspiring prose English has ever seen, without solid actors or good delivery, it's easy to tune it all out. This one comes up a lot in fan communities when the discussion turns to everyone's least favorite episode, and for good reason. Somehow, still,
I freaking love it. The host segments, for one, are great. The "Alas Poor Who?" sketch in particular tickles me to no end. I also love how they took the omission of Fortinbras (remember, made-for-TV production) and turned it into its own joke in one of the sketches. The fact that they're riffing on Shakespeare at all is also just a brilliant concept. Even more so because many of the riffs are not at this particular (and particularly awful) rendition of Hamlet, but at the play itself. At least half of the jokes or even more could be replayed over a respectable RSC production and still be relevant (and funny). In my mind, this episode, like almost no other, goes to show just how well-read the MST3K writers were. Even if the poor production values of the movie can make it kind of a plod to watch, the joke-writing in this episode springs from at least a competent understanding of the play and its language, if not a nuanced one. Sitting in front of a screen and making fat jokes about Joe Don Baker is one thing; punning on Shakespeare is another.
Do you have any pet MST3K episodes of your own? Or ones that everyone else but you seem to love? Share them in the comments.