Post-episode: Ass Burgers

This was an A until the last scene. I was very excited to see the continuation of the last episode, and Stan being depressed was actually funny. As was Cartman in a very limited role (loved the literal Ass Burgers) and both the Cynics and the heads of all the fast food places, which normally I wouldn't find as funny. And Stan getting shitfaced in order to stop seeing all the shit. (Though honestly it would have been better if virtually all the fans didn't already think that, say, "Jack and Jill" or "Terra Nova" was terrible already. But moving on.) The only negative I had was the vaccination plot, which can only popularize the myth that vaccines cause autism, but that's minor.

Then came the last scene, which normally I'd call a fuck-you ending. The instant Stan started on his "I learned something today" speech I knew it would end with one giant push of the reset button. Then "Landslide" again, only this time "ironically." Wish it hadn't been as blatant as it turned out to be, and that knocked the episode down.

But the final shot of Stan getting drunk before going out with the other boys? Normally I'd read a lot into it and say that Matt and Trey are metaphorically saying that they have to continue with the status quo even if they'd really like to take it in a new direction. Or more likely it won't be brought up again. Still a very powerful way to end an ep.

In general this was better than "You're Getting Old," but it lacks a standout moment. Probably a B+, maybe an A- depending on how the season turns out.