Episode Nine, “Hamburger,” makes use of an extended guest appearance, introduces us to the future Winterman, and gives us an extended look at the barely contained chaos that constitutes the creative process behind an episode of Awesome Show.
Themes:
Awesome Show has looked at the “behind the scenes” ideas of creation, teamwork, and creativity in the past. In Episode Two, “Friends,” the boys experiment with writing a jingle, while in Episode 4, “Salame,” Eric has to take on the burden of “making” the Awesome Show himself. However, the entire conceit of “Hamburger” deals with the stress of deadlines and the ways the outside world inspires and inhibits a creative person.
Throughout the episode, Tim and Eric are harassed, verbally assaulted, and annoyed to the point of mania by their cantankerous cab driver. As they fight their way across a city laden with traffic jams and tiny dancing men, the integrity of Episode 9 is constantly under threat. Conversely, with the first Awesome Show appearance of Michael Q. Schmidt (of “Tom Goes to the Mayor” fame, and our future Winterman), we are shown how artists can pull moments of beauty from the chaos of the everyday world. One of the through-lines of “Hamburger” is the Uncle Muscle’s Grand Championship, and as all fans of the show know, it’s pretty much a given that Casey and his brother will take the crown. However, Michael Q. Schmidt just might eke out a victory when he watches the aftermath of a traffic accident and is suddenly inspired. While Awesome Show generally takes a dark view of most things, it’s consistently weirdly upbeat in its celebration of the myriad ways the absurdity of life can make for--if not great-- then, at the very least, strangely compelling entertainment.
Hi-Lights:
Tonight on Channel 5
Nostalgia junkies will rejoice at the early 90’s “Tonight on Channel 5” screen. Not only does it serve a narrative function (something most sketches and segments on Awesome Show refuse to do), it boasts an adorably kitschy design. The main joy of this segment is the gentle absurdity in the hype given to the Uncle Muscles Hour. A narcotized announcer brags that “Dennis Harrity, Rhymes the Rapping Dog, and Michael Q. Schmidt” will be performing before topping it all off with the station’s simply amazing tagline, “Tonight’s on Five’r.” Oh yeah.
3 Minutes to Air (Up Ahead)
Tim and Eric are stopped on their way to Adult Swim studios while two men bicker about a fender bender. They decide to settle things, “like men,” and pull out miniature versions of Tim and Eric. These tiny avatars engage in a spastic dance battle that sees Eric literally crushed by defeat and Tim breaking into an unrestrained dance of celebration.
Uncle Muscles Grand Championship
The denouement to this episode. While we do miss a “flawless” performance by Casey and his brother, we are treated to Michael Q. Schmidt, in all his naked glory, performing a dance inspired by the battle-dance Tiny Tim he saw during the aftermath of the traffic accident. We’re left to wonder if the future Winterman triumphed, but ultimately, it doesn’t matter. Yeats once observed, “How can we know the dancer from the dance?” and here, all boundaries between artist and art, between subject and self are eliminated in the joy Michael Q. Schmidt brings to the proceedings.
Anatomy of an Episode:
A Message from Adult Swim
Adult Swim regrets to inform us that Tim and Eric might not meet their deadline.
Tim and Eric: We Did It
But no fear--Tim and Eric complete the episode, with minutes to spare. The boys take a moment to celebrate with a quick song and dance before calling for a cab. They are surprised by the arrival of Neil Hamburger:
Control Room: Adult Swim Headquarters
We get a privileged glimpse inside the Adult Swim headquarters.
Only Married News Team
Dr. Brule explains, to the best of his ability, the “greatest mystery in the scientific world.” Then, Jan and Wayne regale Dr. Brule with a special rendition of the timeless classic, “Rip Tita Lit, It’s Your Birthday.”
6 Minutes to Air
Tim and Eric are unnerved by their driver’s erratic behavior.
Tonight on Channel 5
See Hi-Lights. Watch out, tonight’s on five’r.
Uke Problem
“Tom Goes to the Mayor” style animation is used to show Tim prank calling a computer store while Eric giggles helplessly in the background.
4 Minutes to Air
Tim and Eric are stuck in a traffic jam while their driver harangues the victims of an accident.
3 Minutes to Air
See Hi-Lights. A tiny Tim and Eric fight a proxy dance battle.
Chippy Interlude
We’re treated to double Chippy--one in the claw machine, and a slightly older child-Chippy. This serves as Episode Nine’s “Great job!”
Brule’s Rules: Expired Milk
Thank you, Dr. Brule, for helping us viewers at home not drink expired milk.
1 Minute to Air
The boys excitedly pull up to Adult Swim studios, but realize at the last minute they forgot to rewind the tape. C’mon guys. You had one job.
Uncle Muscle’s Grand Championship
See Hi-Lights. We might miss a performance from Casey and his brother, but at least we get “Raise My Roof” courtesy of Michael Q. Schmidt.
Winner:
In Episode Nine, Tim and Eric work like two beautifully oiled machines--serenading Dr. Brule, joining forces to stay sane against the onslaught of Neil Hamburger, but ultimately, Tim wins here. From his winsome charm as the tiny dancing man (who could resist his ecstatically whispered, “Don’t worry. I love you.”) to the joy of his victory dance, Tim takes Episode Nine. The way things stand, the best Eric can hope for is a tie for Season 1. So, tune in next time to see who earns the title of Winner, Season 1.
Pennie Sublime