Mystery Science Theater 3000: Danger! Death Ray

Mystery Science Theater 3000: Danger! Death Ray is an episode from the seventh season of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), a beloved series that centers around a man and his robot sidekicks who are trapped on a space station by an evil scientist and forced to watch a seemingly endless marathon of bad movies. Released in 1995, the episode presents a unique blend of science fiction, comedy, and satire that demonstrates the sharp wit and unique comedic style of the series.

The episode features lead protagonist Mike Nelson played by Michael J Nelson, the mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester portrayed by Trace Beaulieu, as well as the iconic robot characters - Crow T. Robot voiced by Trace Beaulieu and Tom Servo animated by Kevin Murphy. As usual in the show, Jim Mallon voices Gypsy, another essential inhabitant of the Satellite of Love.

In this episode, our intrepid space-bound captives are forced to watch "Danger! Death Ray", a 1967 spaghetti spy film from Italy that is a not-so-subtle attempt to cash in on the James Bond craic. The film introduces us to secret agent Bart Fargo (yes, that's his name), and his valiant struggles against a nefarious organization that has stolen a destructive death ray for their mischievous purposes.

The movie within the episode, with its subpar plot, dubious acting, and ample material for mockery, sets the stage for the MST3K crew’s main task - providing satirical commentary on the film as it plays. Viewers are treated to a multitude of comments, jokes, and snide remarks, intended to mock the silliness, absurdities, and overall lack of quality of the film.

The humor thrives on a combination of references to pop culture, biting wit, and broad comedy, appealing to a wide array of comedic tastes. Particular attention is paid to the film's outlandish name, the peculiar physics of the death ray, the over-the-top villainy, and the curious fashion choices presented within the film. Viewers will roar with laughter at an array of spirited jape and joust delivered in the form of riffs and wisecracks.

Back on the Satellite of Love, Mike and his robot comrades also engage in various skits and comedic bits between movie segments. The host segments in this episode offer their own charm, satirizing various aspects of pop culture and cinema tropes, including secret agents, spy gadgets, and, of course, the ubiquitous death rays that seem to populate science fiction and spy films. It's an additional layer of entertainment along with the primary enjoyment provided by the riffing on the movie.

Meanwhile, on Earth, Dr. Forrester continues to relish in his cruel experiment. Beaulieu carries his role as the 'evil' mad scientist with much panache. His interactions with his assistant, TV’s Frank (played by Frank Conniff), provide additional humor and are integral to the overall comedic storyline of the series.

The effortless comedic chemistry between the characters, particularly Mike and his robot companions, is a key highlight of the episode, creating an engaging dynamic that plays well off the content in the atrocious movie they’re viewing. The distinct personalities of Nelson, Murphy, and Beaulieu shine through their respective characters, driving the episode's humor.

As with most MST3K episodes, an appreciation for 'so-bad-they're-good' films and a love for witty commentary make for the best viewing experience. While it can verge on the absurd, this episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000 never loses sight of its core purpose: to entertain through hilariously biting commentary.

With its mishmash of questionable spy movie tropes, secret agent shenanigans, and witty banter from our well-loved space-prisoners, Mystery Science Theater 3000: Danger! Death Ray shines as an example of MST3K's ability to take low-grade films and use them as fuel for high-grade humor. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, this episode will leave you chortling in your space boots.