Mystery Science Theater 3000/Recap/S03/E03 Pod People

""Your film today is called Pod People. It has nothing to do with Pods. It has nothing to do with People. It has everything to do with hurting.""

- Dr. Forrester

""You have to wonder why this race of aliens ever came to Earth. They appear, they stand around looking at us, whimpering; then all of a sudden, at the least sign of any questioning or concern, they start killing us! I mean, excuse me - what do you want? Have you been helped?""

- Paul Chaplin, Mystery Science Theater 3000 writing staff

Film watched: Pod People

Naturally, this trainwreck provided perfect fodder for a thorough riffing by the Mystery Science Theater 3000 crew. In particular, much fun was had at the expense of the fictional pop band's performance of "Burning Rubber Tires", whose unintelligible lyrics prompted Joel and the bots to misinterpret the chorus, "Hear the engines roll now", as "idiot control now", among others. In addition, the lead singer's after-song gesture of making the OK sign, smiling, and saying, "It stinks" became a recurring in-joke on Mystery Science Theater 3000. (The OK sign makes more sense in Spain, where the film was made, because the gesture is similar to "the finger" there.)

You can watch this little gem here.

The Mystery Science Theater 3000 presentation has examples of:
"Tommy: "You know how to play, Trumpy?"
 * Big Eater:

Crow: [As Trumpy] "Like hell, more food!""

"Joel: [As Tommy] "Hey what gives? I'm on the milk carton"."
 * Breaking the Fourth Wall: At one point, Servo directly apologizes to the audience for the film's convoluted plot. Considering the quality level of most of the movies on this show, this should tell you something.
 * Catch Phrase: "I'm a Virgin" and "It stinks!"
 * Downer Ending: As Crow points out, Trumpy was raised by a child, and as such won't last too long in the woods.
 * Face on a Milk Carton

"Idiot Control Now!
 * Meanwhile Back At The: "Meanwhile, in another movie..."
 * Mind Screw: The third host segment. Judging by the Mads' reactions, it's even one in-universe.
 * Notable Original Music

Clown in the Sky"

"Crow: "We rented the van, we're gonna film it!""
 * The former has even been covered by Lemon Demon.
 * Running Gag: "Chief?" "McCloud?"
 * With a name like Smucker's...
 * And Trumpy's name would continue to be invoked in the future as well.
 * Crow giving Trumpy a voice based on that of The Elephant Man.
 * "With (x) on drums"
 * Shave and a Haircut
 * Shoot the Money

"Rick: "She isn't dead is she?"
 * That Was Not a Dream
 * Worst Aid: Lampshaded by Joel and the bots.

Other Camper: "Don't think so but she's in bad shape. Grab her legs"

Crow: "Yeah, move her spine around a lot!"


 * The Mystery Science Theater 3000 gang make cracking noises*

Crow: "Dope.""

"Mother: "A good night's rest, and she'll be right as rain!"
 * Tommy's mother isn't much better:

Joel: Yeah, that's the cure for a crushed spine.""


 * Word Salad Lyrics: "Idiot Control Now" consists of Mondegreens of the "Burning Rubber Tires" song from the film.
 * You're Not My Father