Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return

Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return, abbreviated as MST3K: The Return, is a revival of the iconic 1988 cult television series, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K). This comedic science fiction series once again fuses the ridiculousness of B-grade films with the humorous commentary that made the original show a classic. The show aired in 2017 on Netflix, drawing fans new and old to the latest escapades in celluloid assault.

The series continues the scenario that was developed in the original show, starting with an ordinary guy trapped in an outer space research facility by mad scientists. The captive, Jonah Heston (played by Jonah Ray), is forced to engage with some of the worst movies ever made, dissecting their outlandish plots, shoddy production values, and ludicrous inconsistencies. The real focus of the show is not the movies themselves, but the running commentary provided by Heston and his robot companions.

Joining Jonah in this oddly entertaining torture are Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, and Gypsy. The robots, each with their unique personalities, were created by Jonah during his captivity to keep him company. As they accompany Jonah through each cinematic disaster, their relentless wit and mockery provide much of the show's entertainment. Crow T. Robot prides himself on wit and sarcasm, Tom Servo is the smooth, cultured one, and Gypsy manages the ship's operations.

On the other side of the story is the duo of mad scientists, Kinga Forrester (played Felicia Day) and TV's Son of TV's Frank, aka Max (played by Patton Oswalt). Following the tradition of the original series, they continue to be the creators of the demented experiments inflicted on Jonah. Kinga Forrester, the daughter of the original series' mad scientist, Dr. Clayton Forrester, combines her demented enthusiasm for terrible films with her father's infamously twisted sense of humor.

In each episode, Jonah and the robots are subjected to a new film, each more ridiculously bad than the last. The trio ensconces themselves in silhouette at the bottom of the screen, improvising a sarcastic commentary that ridicules the absurdities and hilariously bad qualities of the movie on display. Their commentary runs the gamut from quick one-liners to more elaborate parodies, often referencing pop culture, political, or historical events in a bid to keep the viewers entertained.

MST3K: The Return employs a visual aesthetic that is purposefully reminiscent of the original series, blending low-fi special effects and design elements together. This contributes to the show's retro charm, grounding the series in its roots while also opening up new possibilities for humor within the antiquated visual confines.

The “movie within a show” format of Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Return allows for a blend of narrative and observational comedy. While there are segment breaks where viewers can see the relationships and interactions between Jonah and his robot friends, as well as between Kinga and Max, the bulk of the humor comes from the snide, off-the-cuff commentary the characters make about the movies they are subjected to.

It's worth noting that the movie selections for MST3K: The Return include an eclectic mix of forgotten, obscure, and just plain terrible films. This assortment of cinematic missteps includes an array of films that culls from diverse eras, genres, and styles. From lowly B-grade horrors and extraterrestrial disasters to medieval fantasies gone horribly wrong, each chosen movie offers a new platform for the characters and their derisive sketch comedy.

MST3K: The Return keeps the spirit of the original series alive while making the necessary updates for contemporary audiences. The surreal premise and the uniqueness of its format, combined with the clever writing and performances, ensure that the series has high re-watch value. It appeals to pop culture junkies, fans of the original series, and anyone who revels in the audacious pleasure of seeing bad movies made fun of with intelligent, sharp humor. Whether you are an aficionado of the original or a newcomer to this uniquely entertaining world, MST3K: The Return ensures you're in for a ride filled with countless laughs and cinematic oddities.