Ep 3. World War Zimmerman

In season 17 episode 3 of South Park, titled "World War Zimmerman," the residents of South Park become increasingly fearful and paranoid after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. Cartman takes advantage of the situation to pretend to be a victim and attract attention to himself, while Randy Marsh becomes obsessed with home defense and the idea of war.

The episode takes its name from a combination of "World War Z" and George Zimmerman's name, as the tension in South Park reaches a boiling point. Randy enlists the help of his friend Jimbo to turn his house into a fortress, complete with a moat and an arsenal of weapons. Meanwhile, Cartman convinces everyone that he was attacked by a homeless person who was actually just trying to give him change, in an effort to become a symbol of the community's fear.

As the paranoia reaches its peak, the state of Colorado declares a state of emergency and calls for a "black Friday-style event," where citizens can buy guns and other weapons at discounted prices. The boys, still worried about their safety, try to convince Token's father to buy them weapons, but he refuses and tells them that he doesn't believe in guns or violence.

The climax of the episode involves Zimmerman himself appearing in South Park, seeking refuge from the "lynch mob" that he believes is coming for him. The residents, armed to the teeth, mistake Zimmerman for a zombie due to his bloodied appearance and chase him through the town. The boys, who had been searching for Cartman, get caught up in the chaos and end up confronting Zimmerman themselves.

"World War Zimmerman" is a biting commentary on the aftermath of Trayvon Martin's death and the resulting trial, as well as the American obsession with guns and violence. The episode skewers both sides of the debate, showing how fear and paranoia can lead people to do irrational things, while also acknowledging the very real problems of racism and police brutality in our society.

Overall, "World War Zimmerman" is a clever and thought-provoking episode that both entertains and challenges its audience. Its message is as relevant today as it was when it first aired, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the ongoing struggles for justice and equality in America.