Product: Clone High: Complete 1st Season (2003)
Rating: 5.0
Great show!
Possibly the most quotable show in history (and about history).I came into Clone High a little late, I remember seeing the show on MTV at the time it was on (the no sleep episode), but didn't really watch it all till about 6 months ago, when I discovered most of the 13 episodes could be seen on youtube for free.That said, after seeing 3 episodes on youtube, I immediately bought the DVD. This is an awesome show, its wacky, immediately funny, and subversive all at the same time. It literally has something for everyone. There's immediate, stupid humor, historical humor, stuff thats much more subversive, parodies of everything from teen dramas to looney tunes to Benny Hill to Christmas specials and beyond.Its a shame that this show was shut down because it apparently offended Indians due to its portrayal of Ghandi. I can understand why Indians wouldn't like the Ghandi character, but seriously, they make a point several times of saying that its a CLONE of Ghandi. Oh well, pick a less iconic historical figure next time, I guess (though no one complained about "Hesus Christo").But the writing, seriously. SO good. These guys knew how to take a joke to its breaking point. They would run things about two beats further than they should, and it would end up super funny. Family Guy could learn a few things from this show.That said, I'm actually not sure how they would've worked a 2nd season. Over the course of 13 episodes, they had slowly driven the episodes so over the top (example: compare the amount of bloodshed on the first disc to the second disc) that by the end of everything I don't really know where they could've taken it. Any further and it would've been WAY TOO FAR over the top (a line they already were skipping across by the end of everything) or they would've repeated themselves. Either way, great show, but it had its own self-imposed limits. I suppose the cancellation makes it sort of a mini-series. And thats fine, I guess. It works perfect that way.Still, great parody of teen dramas, and great writing. Not only was I laughing my butt off, but by the end of everything I actually found myself caring whether or not Joan and Abe would get together. Pretty impressive that a parody show would still make its characters emotionally resonant.If you can get it for a decent price you totally should. If not, well, there's always youtube.POST SCRIPT EDIT: If you're a fan of Clone High and you haven't already done so, please go watch Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. It was written and directed by the creators of Clone High. Its obviously a bit more family friendly than Clone High is, but it has the same sense of humor, the same ability to stretch jokes to hilarious proportions, and the same sharp eye for witty satire (this time taking on action-disaster movies). It features none of the cliches of most kids movies (no songs, no big stupid message at the end), and really plays as more of a straight comedy than a kids flick. Plus it was WRITTEN and DIRECTED by Mr. B and Scudworth, how awesome is that? Trust me, if you liked Clone High you'll like Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs.