Ep 10. The Hobbit

The South Park season 17 episode 10 is titled "The Hobbit". In this episode, the boys at South Park Elementary School are excited about an upcoming field trip to see Peter Jackson's film, The Hobbit. However, when they arrive at the theater, they are disappointed to find that they are watching an extended cut of the film that is three hours long instead of the advertised two hours. They become increasingly restless and impatient throughout the film, which leads to them being kicked out of the theater.

The boys' frustration is further compounded by the fact that they have to take a standardized test the next day. They decide to protest against the school's policy of forcing them to sit still and watch a long movie instead of preparing for their exams. However, their protest quickly turns into a city-wide movement, as the citizens of South Park also begin to resent being forced to watch long, drawn-out films that they have no interest in.

As the protest gains momentum, the boys come into conflict with the theater owner, who is determined to defend his business model. Meanwhile, the school administration attempts to quell the rebellion by allowing the students to take breaks during the movie, but this only serves to make matters worse.

Eventually, the boys come up with a plan to sneak into the theater at night and edit the film down to a more manageable length. Their efforts are successful, and the shortened version of the movie becomes a hit with audiences. However, the school administration and the theater owner are not pleased with the boys' actions and vow to punish them.

"The Hobbit" is a commentary on the film industry's tendency to stretch out popular franchises in order to maximize profits. It also reflects a broader frustration with the modern education system, which many people feel places too great an emphasis on rote memorization and standardized testing. Despite its heavy themes, the episode is filled with the usual South Park humor and irreverence, making it a must-watch for fans of the show.