Midway through Season Two, we will be exposed to some of Awesome Show’s most gruesome sights as well as hitherto unexplored depths of tenderness. Marrying the grotesque, the sentimental, and the downright delightfully weird, Episode Five, “Forest,” is like a hike through the woods--dangerous, sometimes uncomfortable, but ultimately, rewarding.
Theme:
Parenthood, as it has been pictured in Awesome Show, is usually explored through the lens of fatherhood. Whether constantly mocking the pseudo-machismo of fatherhood or lampooning the culture of competition that comprises modern-day parenting, Awesome Show takes a pretty dark, if often completely surreal, approach to fatherhood. “Forest” is unique in that it looks at motherhood--specifically, the bond between Chippy and her mother (played with aplomb by Eric). Whereas the fathers of Awesome Show tend to be abusive, neglectful, or simply inept, Chippy’s mother is seen as a powerful, strikingly destructive force. Her attack on Tim is sudden, brutal, and unmatched in its heinousness by anything short of the blood-drenched Season Cinco, but all this horror is posited as part of protecting Chippy. Later in the episode, the mother Chippy is seen cradling and consoling a crying younger Chippy. Even Tairy Greene’s appearance as the Snuggler is an antidote to the toxic masculinity Awesome Show has so much fun skewering. While he descends into an incoherent, shrieking rage now and again, Greene saves Tim’s life through the restorative power of pine cone puppet shows, motivational speeches, and, of course, snuggling. This detour into the more “traditionally feminine” is a surprisingly nurturing world for Awesome Show, even as it delves heavily into the horrific.
Hi-Lights:
Tim in the Woods (part 2)/The Snuggler Intro.
Tim’s desperate cries summon the Snuggler, a fictional hero played by Tairy Greene, who springs into action to save Tim’s life. Playing the reality of the show, it’s impossible to determine if Greene’s character is real and actually saving the Awesome Show host or if Tim is simply portraying a character within “The Snuggler” universe. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter--all logical concerns melt away in the brilliant strangeness of the 80’s power ballad that calls the Snuggler into action and the sight of Zach Galifianakis in jorts, running full tilt at the camera with his hands in his pockets.
Chippy’s Mom
Portrayed by Eric Wareheim, Chippy’s mom has a level of ferocity and humanity that makes her unforgettable. Seen here adorned with multiple nipples and cradling a distraught little Chippy, the image of a blood-matted mother Chippy roaring and then smiling is something that’s liable to haunt you for longer than you would like.
Tim in the Woods (Part 3)
We get to see the Snuggler at work here, performing pine cone puppet shows and interacting with his stuffed fox, Michael J., all in an effort to rehabilitate the physically devastated Tim. There are so many delights here, from Tairy Greene openly weeping as Tim runs for the first time, to the in memorium screen for Michael J. (dates: 2003--2007), to return to the present that features Tim and Eric staring into the camera and dispassionately waving goodbye to the audience. It’s a parfait of weirdness, just one delicious layer on top of another.
Anatomy of an Episode:
Tim in the Woods (Part 1)
Tim takes pictures of all of nature’s glory, but when he trains his camera on a baby Chippy, things take a turn for the worse.
Only Married News Team: Video Games
Dr. Brule wants to tell us about his favorite video game...if he could only remember the name...
Tim in the Woods (Part 2)/The Snuggler Intro
See Hi-Lights. Tim is on the brink of death, but have no fear, the Snuggler and his jorts are on the way.
Uncle Muscles Emergency Broadcast: Horse and Buggy Ride
Casey and his brother give us a stirring rendition about a simpler time...and a simpler mode of travel. Casey’s squeal of anguish as the video cuts off makes this worth the price of admission alone.
Video Match: Greg
Greg sounds like a catch: He can fix your fax machine, but he has petite feet. Sounds like an even trade-off to me.
Chippy’s Mom
See Hi-Lights. Chippy’s overprotective mother comforts her daughter.
Petite Feet
Greg and his ladylike step make a guest appearance as Tim and Eric serenade him about his small feet.
Snuggler Video Game Interlude
We discover what video game Dr. Brule was trying to tell us about. They say tie-in video games usually suck, but having a robotic voice congratulate me on finishing a mission with a triumphant “Snuggle Complete!” is everything I need in my life.
Slideshow
Tim shows an unimpressed Eric some snapshots from his trip to the woods. This segues to--
Tim in the Woods (Part 3)
See Hi-Lights. The Snuggler, with a little help from his stuffed fox, nurtures Tim back to health. Which segues us back to:
Return to Present/Farewell
Back in the present, Eric is still unimpressed by Tim’s misadventure and isn’t shy about telling him.
Winner:
Way to step things up, Wareheim. For imbuing Chippy’s mom with a many-nippled fierceness to the deadpan nonchalance of the present-day segments, Eric walks off with this one. It’s half-time again, folks, and things are all tied-up again. Will Eric reclaim his honor? Stay tuned.
Pennie Sublime