Ep 1. Mac and Me

In the first episode of season 12 of Mystery Science Theater 3000, the gang tackles the infamous 1988 sci-fi movie, Mac and Me. The movie follows a "Mysterious Alien Creature" (MAC) who befriends a young boy in a wheelchair and his family, as they attempt to help the alien reunite with his family and save them from being captured by the government.

As always, the MST3K crew brings their trademark comedic commentary to the film, riffing on the many strange moments and plot holes throughout. From the questionable CGI of the alien, to the blatant product placement for McDonald's and Coca-Cola, nothing is safe from their quips.

The gang also takes aim at the film's many bizarre choices, such as the inexplicable dance sequence in a shopping mall, and the completely out of place performance by Ronald McDonald. They also poke fun at the film's attempts at emotional moments, particularly with the young boy in the wheelchair and his family, which often come across as forced and manipulative.

Throughout it all, the jokes come fast and furious, ranging from pop culture references to puns and one-liners. The crew also take time to acknowledge the film's cult status, with references to the oft-memed scene where a child falls off a cliff in his wheelchair.

In addition to the main feature, the episode also includes a host segment where the crew unveils their latest invention, a "mystery button" that has unpredictable effects when pushed. They also engage in a trivia game with fan-submitted questions about the show's history.

Overall, the episode is a fun and lighthearted romp through a truly bizarre film, with the MST3K crew at the top of their game. Fans of the show will no doubt find plenty to enjoy, while newcomers to the series might just find a new favorite guilty pleasure in Mac and Me.