Ep 5. I Am Chris Farley

I Am Chris Farley is the fifth episode of the first season of Spike TV Specials, and it takes a loving look at the life and career of one of the most beloved comedians of our time. Chris Farley was a larger-than-life figure, with a physicality and energy that seemed to fill up every room he entered. From his early days at Chicago's Second City to his rise to fame on Saturday Night Live and his later successes in Hollywood, Farley left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.

The episode begins with a glimpse of Farley's childhood, growing up in Madison, Wisconsin. We hear from some of his closest friends and family members about his early years, and they paint a picture of a kid who was always clowning around, always looking for a way to make people laugh. From there, we move on to his time at Marquette University, where he began to hone his skills as a performer. We see footage of him performing with the school's improv group, and it's clear that even at this early stage, he had a natural talent for physical comedy.

Next, we delve into Farley's time at Second City, where he was discovered by Lorne Michaels and offered a spot on Saturday Night Live. We hear from some of his fellow cast members from those early days, and they remember him as a force of nature, constantly pushing the limits and taking risks. One of the most memorable moments from this segment is when David Spade recounts the first time he met Farley; Spade was unimpressed, but Farley won him over with his charm and his infectious laugh.

From there, the episode touches on some of Farley's most iconic sketches from his time on SNL, including his performances as Matt Foley, the motivational speaker, and the Chippendales dancer. Watching these sketches again is a reminder of just how talented Farley was; his physicality was unmatched, and he had a way of imbuing even the silliest characters with a sense of pathos.

The episode also covers Farley's struggles with addiction, which ultimately led to his death at the age of 33. Many of his friends and family members speak candidly about this part of his life, and it's clear that the toll of his addiction was immense. But even in the face of such struggles, Farley never lost his sense of humor or his spirit. The episode ends on a poignant note, with footage of Farley performing one of his final sketches on SNL—an ode to the bands of the '70s—and it's a reminder of just how much joy he brought to audiences in his short time on this earth.

I Am Chris Farley is a moving tribute to a comedy icon, and it's clear that everyone involved in the episode has a deep love and admiration for the man and his work. It's impossible not to feel a sense of sadness and loss when watching this episode, but it's also a celebration of Farley's life and his legacy. There will never be another performer quite like Chris Farley, but his work will continue to bring laughter and joy to audiences for generations to come.