TVSquad

(S02E17)

This is an early review. You can watch the episode here, or watch it Sunday night on Adult Swim.

Orel: Gosh, Doughy, I never dreamed that Christian men would be this eager to do God's work.

Doughy: I wonder why Christian women aren't as enthusiastic?

Orel: Well, saving souls is obviously a man's job.

This episode seemed to combine the best elements of the first few episodes of the series with the best elements of later episodes. Like the first several episodes, Orel tries to do a good deed but ends up doing something morally reprehensible (in this case, getting hookers for all the married guys in Moralton). This episode, had it been made during the first part of the first season, probably would have focused entirely on Orel, but the secondary characters are now developed enough to make them just as much a part of the story, and the result is a plot that was much funnier and much more substantive.

Okay, I'll admit the "I'm a Catholic" gag didn't do much for me. I understand the citizens of Moralton are fundamentalist Christians and all other religions frighten them, but the joke seemed a little too easy. I'll forgive one clunker though, because the final scene with Orel and his father on adjacent payphones was one of the funniest bits I've seen on the series.

I also loved it when Clay informed Orel that Orel's soul was the property of Orel's parents until he turns 18, and Doughy worrying about taking a trip to Sinville, where people have "unclean things done to their tarnished little dirties."

The double entendres in the opening song and in Reverend Putty's speech after he scores with three hookers were also a nice touch. All in all, a lot of layers to this episode. It may be my favorite one of the season, or at least one of my favorites.

Also, yet again, Orel tries to point out to his parents that "Shapey" isn't really Shapey. I wonder if this is building up to something?