Ep 1. The Bucket of Truth

The Upright Citizens Brigade is a sketch comedy show that premiered its first episode titled "The Bucket of Truth" in 1998. The show was inspired by the New York City-based improv and sketch comedy group of the same name.

The episode opens with the Upright Citizens Brigade playing a game of "Bucket of Truth," a game that involves filling a bucket with various objects and then forcing a member of the group to reach inside blindly to retrieve and describe an item. The game is humorous and chaotic, setting the tone for the rest of the episode.

Following the game, the Upright Citizens Brigade perform a series of sketches. The sketches are centered around absurd and satirical themes, using both physical and verbal humor to convey their messages.

One sketch, in particular, involves a man who discovers he has the power to stop time. He uses his newfound ability to freeze the world around him while he goes on a crime spree, stealing without consequence. However, his actions have unforeseen consequences, leading him to realize that he must face the realities of his choices.

Another sketch centers around a motivational speaker who gives a seminar on why people should give up their dreams and settle for mediocrity. The speaker is theatrical and dramatic, using shock tactics to manipulate his audience into accepting a life without ambition.

The Upright Citizens Brigade also performs a skit that parodies a press conference with politicians answering questions from the media. The politicians are portrayed as bumbling and out of touch, with absurd notions on how to solve the world's problems.

As the episode progresses, the sketches become more surreal, culminating with a sketch that involves a man who changes into a chair. The other characters in the sketch are perplexed by his transformation, leading to a series of absurd and hilarious interactions.

The episode closes with the Upright Citizens Brigade playing another round of "Bucket of Truth," during which they reveal some uncomfortable truths about themselves. The game once again ends in chaos, as the group members struggle to maintain their composure while revealing awkward and embarrassing information.

Overall, "The Bucket of Truth" sets the tone for the Upright Citizens Brigade series, showcasing the group's unique brand of offbeat and irreverent humor. The sketches are sharp, witty, and unpredictable, making the show a comedic gem that has continued to entertain audiences for over two decades.