Even after 27 years, “South Park” remains to be always evolving. The animated collection not solely appears to be like totally different than it did in its early days, however its jokes, themes, and characters have additionally modified with the years. Alongside the way in which, “South Park” has discovered from its personal errors and even improved on a few of its worst tendencies, be it by apologizing to Al Gore, phasing out insensitive, one-joke characters, or making the Black household important to the present.
In season 27, “South Park” is as soon as once more rectifying a few of its earlier decisions, like having Mr. Garrison (voiced by co-creator Trey Parker) function a stand-in for Donald Trump. As an alternative, the season premiere declares warfare on the indicted felon who presently occupies the oval offie, and it additionally makes it clear one other character has modified … or, a minimum of, the world round him has. It is true: Eric Cartman (additionally Parker), one of the vital despicable but humorous characters in fashionable TV historical past, has been a bigoted sociopath on the heart of a few of the best episodes of “South Park” ever made On prime of that, his hateful demeanor and opinions have lengthy been a supply of mockery for the cartoon. In season 27, nevertheless, it is grow to be obvious that even Eric Cartman is past parody in at the moment’s upside-down world — and he is aware of it.
Eric Cartman in disaster
Earlier than anybody will get the unsuitable thought, let’s make one factor clear: Eric Cartman isn’t a hero, a cool man, or something apart from just a little sociopath with no redeeming qualities. Actually, ever for the reason that present’s pilot episode, “South Park” has made it abundantly apparent Cartman is its main villain. This additionally speaks to the weather that make “South Park” a Rorschach check, as sure viewers have decidedly misguided opinions about Cartman and who he’s. Certainly, there are many of us on the market who (incorrectly) imagine Cartman is humorous and likable for saying outrageous and hateful issues.
However season 27 is exploring a special facet of the character. You possibly can hint this again to “South Park” creating Cartman’s mom, Liane (who’s presently voiced by April Stewart), over the course of 20 years from a punchline to a three-dimensional character. Now, season 27 is making it clear that Cartman isn’t altering, however the world round him is. His bigotry has grow to be the norm, anti-semitism is all over the place, and racism is now the official coverage, all of which is, hilariously, killing Cartman. Within the season 27 premiere, Cartman is severely depressed, mourning that “woke is useless” as a result of bigots are actually proudly and overtly spouting off hateful messages, all whereas NPR and different public packages are being shut down left and proper. He even tries to kill himself relatively than proceed residing on this merciless, fascist world.
What place does Eric Cartman have when he isn’t probably the most hateful particular person alive? If he is not the supply of shock in South Park (which, as he sees it, means he is additionally not particular), then what’s he? Properly, in season 27’s second episode, he goes on the offensive. Outraged that folks like Clyde (Parker) are monetizing their bigotry, Eric tries to grow to be a “grasp debater” and podcaster.
May Cartman change?
The concept of Cartman going by means of an id disaster as a result of the world has matched his evil is totally hilarious, as it could actually solely escalate from right here. Suffice it to say, it is extremely unlikely Cartman will really change for good and grow to be a social justice warrior who rallies towards the bigotry he as soon as embraced wholeheartedly.
However there may be one factor the present can do. Absolutely the funniest factor “South Park” may do could be to have Cartman’s present arc culminate in him begrudgingly teaming up together with his mates to convey woke again — a minimum of in South Park itself. There’s little likelihood “South Park” will deviate a lot from our actuality that it’s going to kick Trump out of workplace and enhance our political local weather, however it could actually remodel its titular mountain city right into a protected haven whereby Cartman is really the worst of the worst, and out of doors influences do not actually contact the locals’ lifestyle. Both that or Cartman might be compelled into discovering one thing else that makes him stand out. Maybe he’ll decide up crochet.
Each season of “South Park” is presently streaming on Paramount+.
