Ep 2. Ecoterrorists

The show Portlandia is a quirky and offbeat sketch comedy series that pokes fun at the eco-conscious, hip and hipster culture of Portland, Oregon. In season 4 episode 2 titled "Ecoterrorists," the show takes aim at the environmental movement and its more extreme and militant elements.

The episode starts with a skit about a couple who are trying to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing to walk everywhere instead of driving. They soon discover, however, that walking has its own set of challenges and dangers, including scary dogs, uneven sidewalks, and strange interactions with other pedestrians.

In another sketch, two friends open a bed and breakfast that caters specifically to eco-conscious travelers. They go to extreme lengths to make their establishment as green as possible, from using only solar power to collecting rainwater for their laundry. Their dedication to the environment is put to the test when a group of ecoterrorists take over their property and demand that they stop serving meat to their guests.

Another skit features Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein playing a pair of eco-activists who want to save a dying tree. They try everything they can think of to revive the tree, including singing to it, playing music, and even performing CPR. Their efforts are both hilarious and touching, as they demonstrate the lengths that some people will go to in order to protect the natural world.

The episode also includes a sketch about a group of radical environmentalists who have taken over a zoo and are holding the animals captive as a form of protest. The activists argue that zoos are inherently cruel and that animals should be left to roam free in the wild. Their actions, however, prove to be more harmful than helpful, as the animals begin to suffer due to the lack of proper care and feeding.

Throughout the episode, the show explores the complex and often conflicting beliefs of those who are dedicated to protecting the environment. It satirizes both the sincere passion and the self-righteousness that can sometimes be found within the environmental movement.

Overall, season 4 episode 2 of Portlandia is a clever and funny look at the intersection of environmentalism and activism. It showcases the show's unique blend of smart humor and absurdity while poking fun at some of the more extreme elements of the eco-conscious culture.