After the 'Netflix'/'Gizmoplex' era came to a rumbling halt. The IP for 'Mystery Science Theater' was purchased by 'Shout! Studios' who decided to contact the chaps and chapettes behind 'Rifftrax' to see if they'd fancy having a go at making a few episodes of the show. Which…well, they did (otherwise I wouldnt be writing about this right now).
'The Rifftrax Experiments' is more of a 'homecoming' experience, than an experiment to modernize. Whereas the 'Netflix' era of the show wanted to experiment and grow MST3K into a more modern iteration of the show started on public access nearly 3 decades prior. The Rifftrax Experiments aims to preserve as much of the core foundations of MST3K from 'The Mike Years' but simply update and modernise the technical standards of the old show to a more modern sensibility. If the Netflix era of the show was taking the house back to its bones and remodelling with 'tasteful' sensibilities, the 'Rifftrax experiments' is very much renovating the place while trying to retain as much of the original structure, design and aesthetics as possible.
And they've really gone all out on that front bringing back Bill, MIke, Kevin, Mary-Jo, Trace, Frank and as many of the original 'Mike Era' production staff as could be traced and willingly pulled back into the mad house. all older, all wiser and all ready and willing to go with the paint rollers and spackle.
My biggest concern with this iteration was that it may pander a bit too much to 'fanwank' as its dubbed. I love MST3K when its good, and something that would stop that dead in its tracks would be a show that was overly self referential, a little TOO happy to pat itself on the back, and willing to sacrifice quality for easy 'low hanging fruit' style gags.
And Im VERY pleasently appeased to say that while this very much has the face of the 'Sci Fi' years, its absolutely moved with the times and is embracing the new world. Mike and the bots glide naturally back into their roles, the humour is a 'moved with the times' update on their original patter. It feels different to their 'Rifftrax' offerings in terms of joke structure. but it feels more open to darker or stranger humour than the original MST run. And while their are still obscure witticisms to be had, they never go for the easy targets.
A big critique I had with the 'Netflix' years was the quality of jokes felt a bit inconsistent, and the pacing was so breakneck that it meant there wasnt room for the humour to breath. While we're only one episode into this 'limited time event' series. I felt the humour was consistently good, the tone was well balanced between whimsy, dark humour and goofball riffs. and the pacing was WAY more in line with the original MST3K giving the audience some time to process what was ACTUALLY being said.
To that end, 'Sting of Death' is a fantastic choice for an opening gambit, giving me mild 'Blood Waters of Dr. Z' vibes its a cheesy pseudo 'monster movie' from the 60s comeplete with a 'hick-a-doo-la' soundtrack. its just the kind of thing that viewers need for familiarity. Its a truly cheesy movie, and the gang relish the chance to take it to town. I dont know if I could stomach watching it 'unriffed' but riffed, it definitely takes on a new dimension.
In short, this is a REALLY strong start for the new era of the show. One im glad I backed on kickstarter, and if you had any doubts about the quality of this run, I can absolutley confirm, this is very much like slipping into some well worn and very comfy shoes. With a strong personality and sense of familiarity. 'The Rifftrax Experiments' are definitely worth checking out if your an old school MSTiE. And im very much looking forward to seeing what comes next.
source https://letterboxd.com/tytdreviews/film/mystery-science-theater-3000-the-rifftrax/
