Mystery Science Theater 3000 Season 5 Episode 20 Radar Secret Service

In season 5 episode 20 of Mystery Science Theater 3000, the crew of the Satellite of Love discover they are going to be subjected to another installment of "Commando Cody," a series of short films from the 1950s that follow the titular hero as he battles various science-fiction villains. In particular, the crew will be watching "Radar Secret Service," in which Cody confronts a gang of crooks who are using stolen radar equipment to rob banks and jewelry stores.

As usual, the crew of the Satellite of Love are in rare form, peppering the movie with sarcastic comments, jokes, and running gags as they watch. The film itself is a classic piece of 1950s sci-fi, full of cheesy special effects, wooden acting, and a plot that strains credulity at every turn. Cody himself is a square-jawed hero with a sleek flying suit and a nifty rocket-shaped helmet, who always seems to have a gadget or two up his sleeve to save the day.

The main plot revolves around Cody's efforts to stop a gang led by a mysterious figure known only as "The Ruler" from using their stolen radar equipment to pull off a series of heists. Along the way, Cody teams up with a plucky female reporter named Joan Gilbert, who is determined to uncover the truth behind the crimes. Together, they dodge bullets, outwit villains, and even do battle with an evil robot before finally bringing the crooks to justice.

Despite the movie's flaws, the crew of the Satellite of Love find plenty to make fun of, from the corny dialogue to the implausible action scenes. They also take shots at the film's Cold War-era political subtext, in which The Ruler and his minions are meant to be stand-ins for communist infiltrators. Throughout it all, the crew's banter is as rapid-fire and irreverent as ever, with Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, and host Joel Hodgson delivering one zinger after another.

However, like all good episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000, the real fun is in the details. The crew expertly skewer the film's dated special effects, including one memorable scene in which a miniature car is used to simulate a high-speed chase. They also poke fun at Commando Cody himself, mocking his stiff posture and tendency to recite speeches about patriotism and the dangers of foreign enemies.

As the movie rolls on, the crew begin to develop their own narrative, weaving a complex tale of romantic intrigue, corporate espionage, and killer robots. Their riffing is relentless and hilarious, with every scene providing fodder for a new joke or quip. By the time the film reaches its explosive finale, the crew have built up a head of comedic steam that is both impressive and hilarious.

Overall, season 5 episode 20 of Mystery Science Theater 3000 is a classic example of the show at its best. With a cheesy movie to riff on, a talented crew of performers, and a seemingly endless supply of witty one-liners, the episode is a masterclass in comedy and satire. Whether you're a fan of classic sci-fi, bad movies, or irreverent humor, this episode is a must-watch for anyone looking for some laughs.