Yeah, I Accuse My Parents was a really good episode that I enjoyed.
With the departure of Joel, this marks the halfway point of the nationally broadcast series. Mike Nelson (the head writer for the series) was promoted up to the new human host (as handpicked by Joel.) He would remain as the human aboard the SOL until the series ended.
I know a lot of people wonder why Joel left. Some say it was because he was uncomfortable being recognized by strangers, some say it was because he didn't want to do a movie, some say it was a feud with Jim Mallon (the executive producer/voice of Gypsy.) I think Joel himself has switched stances on each one over the years, but (according to a relatively recent interview with Joel,) the problem was that Jim Mallon wasn't offering Joel equal status on a potential movie. Seeing as he created the show, he felt like he was being slighted, and left.
On a more personal note: up until I began this project, I had only seen a handful of Joel-era episodes (Manos, SCCTM, and a few others). I can say now that I enjoy both Joel and Mike equally as hosts. Both brought in funny riffs, and their takes on how to riff are equally good. Here's hoping the series stays as good for Mike as it did for Joel!
I really enjoyed Joel's half of season five. Lots of great and memorable episodes. It's better than season four, that's for sure. It helps that there wasn't that many episodes (and less of a chance of an outright terrible episode.)
Here are the rankings for season five (Joel):
T-1st. Eegah 10/10
T-1st. Mitchell 10/10
3rd. Secret Agent Super Dragon 9.5/10
T-4th. I Accuse My Parents w/short The Truck Farmer 9/10
T-4th. The Girl in Lovers Lane 9/10
T-6th. Hercules 8.5/10
T-6th. Lassie: The Painted Hills w/short Body Care and Grooming 8.5/10
8th. Warrior of the Lost World 8/10
9th. Swamp Diamonds w/short What To Do On a Date 7.5/10
10th. The Magic Voyage of Sinbad 7/10
11th. Operation Double 007 6.5/10
12th. Gunslinger 5.5/10
Season Averages:
T-1st. Season Three: 8.3/10
T-1st Season Five (Joel): 8.3/10
3rd. Season Four: 7.6/10
4th. Season Two: 7.5/10
5th. Season One: 5.7/10
I'm considering taking a week off to recharge my batteries for this show. I love MST3K and all, but watching 5-6 shows a week starts wearing down a person! I'll make sure to keep this bumpaged so the purge monster doesn't get it.
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http://www.gamefaqs.com/boards/8-gamefaqs-contests/61035294 - My MST3K Watchthrough topic.