Mystery Science Theater 3000/Recap/S08/E04 The Deadly Mantis

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.


Film watched: The Deadly Mantis

The Mystery Science Theater 3000 presentation includes the following tropes:

  • Continuity Nod: The jazzy refueling music from The Starfighters.
    • Apparently, Radio Frank is still in operation many centuries into the future.
  • Dress Code: In the opening host segment, Servo announces it's "Business Casual Day" on the SOL and berates Mike for his alleged violations of the (non-existent) dress code.

"Let's review: No chaps without pants...Mike. Number two: No sheer camisoles...Mike. Number three: No toeless shoes or sandals or spike heels...Mike."

  • I Am a Humanitarian: During a host segment, the SOL runs into a space creature. Bringing it aboard, it takes a liking to Crow and tries to eat him. In the last host segment, Crow reveals that he cooked it and served it as a meal in response.
  • Interspecies Romance: At the end of the episode, Mike and the Bots receive a letter from Peanut (Bobo's assistant). It's revealed he survived Earth's destruction - getting blasted into 2112 Wisconsin and meets "a nice girl" - a Nelson woman.

Crow: It's certainly a joyous day for any Nelson woman when she meets the ape of her dreams.