Ep 8. Mafia

The Upright Citizens Brigade season 0 episode 8, titled "Mafia," showcases a group of four comedians who engage in various skits and improvisational comedy. As the episode begins, viewers are introduced to various characters who are associated with the Mafia. The comedians later proceed to play out different improvised sketches based on the Mafia theme. The episode includes different scenes that take place in various settings, including a diner, a funeral home, and a street corner.

The first skit in the episode sees two members of the Mafia discussing the various ways they can kill their victims. The scene is interrupted by a third member of the Mafia who is trying to sell them insurance. The comedy in this skit arises from the stark contrast between the serious nature of the conversation about murder and the absurdity of the insurance sales pitch.

In another scene, the comedians create a sketch that features a Mafia boss visiting a funeral home to find a hitman to kill a rival Mafia leader. The funeral home director suggests that they should use the urn instead of a gun to do the job. The urn is then used to play out a hilarious sequence of events that involves the Mafia boss and the hitman trying to figure out how to kill their target with the urn.

The street corner scene takes a different approach, as it involves a spoof on Sesame Street. The Mafia characters are portrayed as puppet versions of themselves, living in a world where they operate their criminal business on Sesame Street. The scene highlights the absurdist humor of the show and provides a unique twist on the standard Mafia theme.

In another skit, a Mafia boss attends a business meeting where he tries to convince the other bosses to switch from guns to knives. The other bosses are skeptical, and a heated debate ensues. The absurdity of the situation is emphasized through the use of props, such as a switchblade comb and a toy gun, as the characters argue about which weapon is more effective.

The final scene in the episode features a group of Mafia members who are gathered in a diner to discuss their plans for the future. The conversation takes an unexpected turn when one of the members reveals that he has opened a dance studio. The other members are initially skeptical, but they soon join in on the fun as they perform a comically awkward dance routine.

The Upright Citizens Brigade season 0 episode 8, "Mafia," is a prime example of the show's innovative approach to improvisational comedy. The episode combines a well-known theme with absurd humor to create a unique and entertaining experience for viewers. The actors' quick-wittedness and ability to think on their feet, combined with their excellent comedic timing, make this episode a standout in the series.