Ep 5. Bookklok

In this episode of Metalocalypse, titled "Bookklok," the members of the heavy metal band Dethklok are hard at work on their literary debut. However, as they struggle to meet their publisher's deadline, tensions begin to rise and old wounds are reopened.

The episode begins with the band's lead singer Nathan Explosion trying to come up with a concept for the book. He suggests that they write about their experiences touring the world and meeting fans from different cultures, but the other members of the band are uninterested. This leads to a heated argument, with guitarist Toki Wartooth accusing Nathan of always wanting to take center stage.

Meanwhile, the band's manager Charles Offdensen informs them that their publisher has brought an editor to help them meet the deadline. The editor, named Cynthia, is a perfectionist and immediately clashes with the band over their lack of organization and preparation. She tells them that their initial draft is a mess and suggests they hire a ghostwriter to help get the book on track.

Despite their initial reluctance, the band agrees to hire a ghostwriter, a reclusive author named Rikki Kixx. Rikki is hesitant to work with Dethklok, as he has never written about anything as loud or chaotic as heavy metal music before. However, after spending time with the band and observing their interactions, he becomes intrigued by their unique approach to life.

As the group works to refine their book, they also find themselves dealing with personal issues. Nathan must confront his fear of abandonment when his girlfriend, Rebecca, leaves on a business trip. Skwisgaar Skwigelf, the band's lead guitarist, struggles with feelings of inadequacy and begins to doubt himself when Cynthia criticizes his writing. Meanwhile, bassist William Murderface must come to terms with his own mortality when he is diagnosed with a serious medical condition.

Throughout the episode, the tension between the band members grows as they work to meet their deadline. They begin to lose sight of the reasons they started making music in the first place, and the book becomes less about their experiences and more about proving something to themselves and each other. However, in a moment of clarity, they realize that their true passion lies not in writing but in performing, and they set out to get back on stage and reconnect with their fans.

Overall, "Bookklok" is a powerful exploration of the creative process and the struggles that artists face when trying to create something new. The episode features strong performances from the voice cast, including series creator Brendon Small as Nathan Explosion and Mike Keneally as Rikki Kixx. With its blend of humor, drama, and heavy metal music, Metalocalypse continues to be one of the most unique and innovative shows on television.