MST3K: Episode K12 - Fugitive Alien

I've decided to watch all the Mystery Science Theater 3000 episodes. Background on this is here and here.

Episode K12: Fugitive Alien

First aired: KTMA on 5 February 1989
Availability: MST3KVideos.com

Since the recordings from the KTMA season (Season Zero) are from over-the-air recordings on a VCR in 1989, the quality isn't the greatest. This episode is a little dark, for instance. But, my copy is as good quality as is available.

Joel & Servo, but no Crow

Trace Beaulieu wasn't available for this episode (the 3rd time this has happened) so no Dr. Forrester and no Crow. They explain it by having Dr. Erhardt speaking on the phone with Dr. Forrester, who's in Las Vegas, attending the Mad Scientists convention. Joel wonders throughout the first movie segment where Crow is. At the second break, he finds out: Servo and Gypsy took Crow apart.

Not Yul Brynner

Josh (Servo) seems to love making fun of the Yul Brynner anti-smoking commercial he recorded shortly before his death. He referenced the ad during an earlier episode, and again in this episode when the bald alien is shown at the beginning of the film.

The movie is a Sandy Frank import from Japan. No flying turtles or hot Japanese she-villains -- all the villains are men -- just bad sci-fi action.

Dance contest

One thing Servo said that I absolutely agreed with: the dance contest was one of the stupidest things I've ever seen. It was funny, though.

Despite missing one-third of the riffing crew, the riffing is good. I do miss Crow, but Joel and Josh (Servo) play together well.
I wonder sometimes if the worse the movie is the better the riffing seems. That could explain it. I didn't care for the movie at all. But then, again, that's the whole point of the show, isn't it?

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