Warning do not read unless seen episode.This episode is another honorable mention and is also one of the saddest episodes I've ever seen. It was part 2 for the cliffhanger left in season 9, though due to Isaac leaving the show due to his misguided beliefs (Scientology, yeah, I know bummer), Trey and Matt had to change certain things. Which makes me sad, this isn't a bad episode it's a good one; but all the same it one of those episodes that makes you wonder what would have happened in season 10 had Isaac not left, I'm sure Trey and Matt had further plans for Chef in this season, but we'll never know. Though I'll admit this episode is even sadder as it hits a little too close to home as Isaac Hayes passed away two or three years latter; which is one of the reasons why I sometimes get choked up watching this episode.
Isaac Hayes didn't voice act in this episode so technically part one of the two parter was literally his last. So, the staff had to voice edit Issacs vocal clips, and I think they did an excellent job I honestly didn't even notice and at the time I saw this episode I didn't know Isaac departed early. This is also a different kind of episode for that show as it's indeed not all laughs but a tragic drama.
The only bad thing about the episode was some of the final minutes at the end which was a sequel baited ending, which obviously didn't happen due to the actor passing away, but it was just one of those clichés I feel need to die, don't advertise if you're not going to deliver. Just push stop once Kyle finishes his elegy, to me that is where the episode really ended.
Other than that, everything else is fine. When we first see Chef, we know there is a funk in his groove, your kind of already know he's been brainwashed as you see he's repeated certain exact words and answered in one to two word responses. You really hoping somehow the South Park kids will be able to save Chefs soul from the Super Adventure Club which isn't very adventurous at all. It's a sect full of child molesting scumbags and since Chef is a person that is good with kids they want to use him to extend their reach. This sect is obviously representing Scientology and the bull crap they sell, which is always the same with every cult making false promises while having corrupt ulterior motives and using people to fulfill them.
For a while we see the South Park kids get the upper hand in their rescue mission, really like it when Kyle hit one of the scum bags with a bat, I wish he kept at it little longer would have liked to of seen Kyle or any of the other characters beat the crap out of those scum bags.
It then comes down toward the pivotal moment when the kids cross the bridge to salvation, Chef is so close as he is one foot away. But suddenly temptation rears its ugly head as the scum leader of the cult then keys in on Chef's deep desires. It's really heartbreaking as we just see the looks on the kids and what they say to Chief, it's exactly what we're all thinking, that last thing Stan said "We love you Chef" that really tugged a heartstring, it's reflected exactly what Trey, Matt, I and every other fan felt for Isaac. I remember thinking, "Chef, I understand your wants and desires, we all have them, but this is not the way to get them, their promises are empty." But unfortunately, Chef's unfulfilled desires override his better judgement, and starts to go back on the wrong path; it was just heart sinking because it was like Chef was abandoning his family and worst of all us. Fate or God doesn't look kindly upon the terrible choice and punishes Chef for it, though to me it was really that terrible sect that killed him with promises of adventure that turned out to be one big lie.
What Kyle said at the end I thought was beautiful, to remember Chief for all the things he's done right and not for what he did wrong. This I also can't help but feel is a little elegy to Isaac himself which is part of what makes this episode put a tear in my eye.
Farewell Isaac Hayes, I and everyone else are going to miss you.
Rating: 4 stars
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