In South Park, progress usually comes out of the ballroom of the Airport Hilton. It’s where the Ginger Kids rallied, Jimmy Buffett sung for AIDS awareness and both NAMBLA organizations assembled. The notion that the religions can’t even agree on ending the world is quickly overshadowed by the realization that the cow is a prophecy agreed upon by all religious leaders. Matt and Trey highlight the unity with a hilariously over-the-top performance by Van Halen in Israel, using real shots of secular crowds to amplify the intensity of rock anthem “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love.” I think longtime South Park fans would agree that we’re at the point in our relationship with Cartman where we understand that he’s a boy who, to borrow a line from The Dark Knight, just likes to watch the world burn. Rather than let the religions be at peace, he decides he should admit that the cow is a false prophet. But Kyle, Mr. Righteous, couldn’t let that happen. He becomes a hero by putting the weight of the world on his little shoulders and stomaching the vile flatulence of Eric Cartman. The running joke in last night’s episode is Stan’s insistence that Kyle is being a dick for acting high and mighty. Stan’s point is that Gandhi wasn’t saying to his people “dude I’m so fucking awesome for starving myself check it out.” It’s a valid point. I think we can all assume that Gandhi went about his civil-disobedience business with a reserved determination. Sure Kyle embraces his role in saving the world, but who wouldn’t? In my mind, this episode sparks a worthy debate. What would you do for world peace? Some have tried to write a song that will bring the world together. Some have fasted, accepted jail time and given their life in pursuit of peace. But others are willing to take a punishment harsher than death if it means global salvation. Put yourself in Kyle Broflovski’s shoes. Would you suck down Cartman’s yummy, yummy farts if the world could finally set its religious turmoil aside? I have to think I would. If it means that Jews, Christians and Muslims could unite, ushering in ten years of Van Halen, then keep the farts coming. Prediction for Next Week:
