Ep 4. Poisoned by Relatives

In the fourth episode of Robot Chicken season 6, titled "Poisoned by Relatives," viewers are treated to a series of animated shorts that parody various popular culture references. As with previous episodes, the focus is on humor that is both irreverent and satirical. In many instances, the skits take familiar tropes and spin them in unexpected ways, providing a fresh take on widely recognized media.

One of the key themes of the episode is the concept of family and how it can sometimes be both a blessing and a curse. Many of the shorts focus on characters who are intimately connected by blood, but who are also capable of betraying each other in hilarious and absurd ways. For example, one sketch sees a father who encourages his son to follow his dreams, only to then sabotage him when he begins to succeed. Another segment features a family of superheroes who find themselves at each other's throats over a misunderstanding.

Other segments in the episode touch on themes such as politics, popular culture, and social commentary. For example, one sketch parodies the recent trend of rebooting classic television shows, with a hilarious take on the return of "Full House." Another segment offers a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the political machinations of the United States, depicting a dystopian future in which politicians are wholly consumed by their own egos and power.

As always, the humor in "Poisoned by Relatives" ranges from witty to crass, with jokes that run the gamut from clever wordplay to gross-out gags. There are also a number of pop culture references sprinkled throughout the episode, from nods to classic movies like "The Godfather" to more recent hits like "The Hunger Games." Fans of the show will undoubtedly delight in the show's trademark humor, once again brought to life with the help of stop-motion animation.

One of the standout sketches in the episode involves a parody of "The Wizard of Oz," with Dorothy and her friends faced with a new challenge: navigating the treacherous and cutthroat world of reality television. The skit manages to be both funny and poignant, with a commentary on the nature of fame and the toll it can take. The animation is also top-notch, with a lovingly crafted version of Oz that is both charming and surreal.

Another must-see segment is a take on the classic 1980s cartoon "Jem and the Holograms," in which the titular band finds themselves at the mercy of a ruthless record executive. The humor is delightfully meta, poking fun at both the original series and the contemporary trend of reviving classic properties for a new generation. The animation is also noteworthy, with a retro-futuristic aesthetic that perfectly captures the feel of the original cartoon.

Overall, "Poisoned by Relatives" is a hilarious and irreverent entry in the Robot Chicken canon, with plenty of memorable sketches and moments that will leave viewers laughing out loud. It's a testament to the show's ability to find humor in even the most unexpected places, and an excellent example of the type of clever and subversive comedy that has made the show a hit with audiences of all ages.