Path:
senator-bedfellow.mit.edu!bloom-beacon.mit.edu!newsfeed.internetmci.com!news.mathworks.com!uunet!in2.uu.net!news.cybercom.net!kalypso.cybercom.net!not-for-mail
From: fringe@kalypso.cybercom.net (Matthew Duhan)
Newsgroups:
rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc,alt.tv.mst3k,alt.fan.mst3k,alt.fan.tom-servo,alt.bonehead.tom-servo,alt.tv.comedy-central,rec.arts.tv,rec.answers,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Frequently Asked Questions
Followup-To: poster
Date: 18 Jan 1996 06:15:42 -0500
Organization: fRiNgEnEt, on the edge of WWW technology
Lines: 1854
Approved: news-answers-request@MIT.EDU
Message-ID: <4dla4u$aju@kalypso.cybercom.net>
NNTP-Posting-Host: kalypso.cybercom.net
Summary: FAQ for MST3K
Keywords: MST3K FAQ Tom Servo Crow Mike Joel Gypsy Dr. Forrester Frank
Xref: senator-bedfellow.mit.edu rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc:21895 alt.tv.mst3k:53497
alt.fan.mst3k:7329 alt.fan.tom-servo:666 alt.bonehead.tom-servo:510
alt.tv.comedy-central:2997 rec.arts.tv:201125 rec.answers:17805 alt.answers:15020
news.answers:62583
Archive-name: tv/mst3k/faq
Posting-Frequency: monthly
Last-modified: 1996/01/18
_Mystery Science Theater 3000_
Frequently Asked Questions
This version is edited and modified by Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net)
from a version edited by Lisa Jenkins (jenkins@rrnet.com) from
an originally compiled list from the _Satellite of Love Newsletter_ edited by
Rich Kulawiec (rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu). As you can see, a lot of people went
into making this possible. Special thanks to Julie Walker, Jim Mallon, and
Best Brains, Inc for providing a wonderful show and valuable information. And
for allowing this FAQ to circulate.
_Mystery Science Theater 3000_, its characters and situations are copyright
1995 Best Brains, Inc. This publication is not meant to infringe on any
copyrights held by Best Brains, Comedy Central or its employees. This FAQ is
free to distribute not-for-profit as long as this notice remains intact. If
you would like to reprint any part of this publication, please drop me a line,
so I can add it to the FAQ. No part of this publication may be reprinted, in
whole or part, for profit or in hard printed form without express written
permission of the maintainer, Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net).
Last updated: January 18, 1996
New to this version:
Season 7 news
New song lyrics
Book news
CD news
Con news
Torgo
Timmy
Crow
Updated 'Bot list
obscure references
many minor addendums
And of course more FTP/WWW sites
Note: Mystery Science Theater 3000 has undergone many changes since it was
first aired on November 24, 1988 on KTMA. Thus, for the more efficient
organization of questions, I have divided the show roughly into six phases
of evolution.
Phase 0 KTMA days
Phase 1 Comedy Central season 1 (episodes 101-113)
Phase 2 CC season 2 & 3 (eps. 201-405)
Phase 3 CC season 4 & 5 (eps. 406-512)
Phase 4 CC season 5 and 6 (eps. 513-624)
Phase 5 CC season 7 and up (eps. 701-706)
When answers refer to a particular phase, this is what is meant.
/----CONTENTS----\
Notes Notes on authors and organization of the FAQ
Contents See Contents
The Basics Simple information to get started
Song Lyrics The Love Themes
Fan Club Best Brains' information club.
Electronic Forums Various computer forums
Other Guides Other informational guides also available
Other Stuff Interesting stuff that doesn't fit anywhere else
Props and Sets What the 'bots and sets are made of
'Bot Stuff Questions about the 'bots not covered elsewhere
The Obscure Questions asked, but out of date
Credits Thanks to people who helped
/----THE BASICS----\
Q: What's this all about?
A: Way back in November, 1988, a new show aired on a TV station in Minneapolis.
The date was "Turkey Day," November 24, Thanksgiving. The station was KTMA
TV23, a small independant station. The show was Mystery Science Theater 3000.
_Mystery Science Theater 3000_, also known as MST3K or MST 3000, is a
program carried by Comedy Central on various cable companies. It was
originally shown in Minneapolis, Minnesota on an independent station, KTMA
TV23 (see "The Obscure"), and then was picked up by HBO's Comedy Channel which
later merged with Viacom's HA! and became CTV which was later renamed Comedy
Central (whew!). The show's basic premise is to view really bad movies and
heckle them.
Mike Nelson, a hired temp, was blasted into space by his evil bosses in Deep
13. They force him to watch bad films and then monitor his reactions.
Mike, in order to keep his sunny disposition and his sanity, heckles the movies
with the help of three robots constructed from parts of the satellite.
On Earth, the mad scientists select the cinematic horrors, disguising them as
experiments to inflict on Mike and the robots. They in turn respond by
unmercifully riffing the movies from beginning to end. We see the show from
behind their seats in the theater, seeing their silhouettes in the bottom of
the screen and hearing their comments. The heckling draws mostly from pop
culture, but also from every other imaginable source, including science,
philosophy and history, and many times consist of current issues in the news
and media. Three times during the film (roughly every half hour), Mike and the
'bots are given a break, at which point they do host segments. During the
"host segments" they do parodies and annoy the mad scientists.
Q: How did the show come to be called _Mystery Science Theater 3000_?
A: Jim Mallon said in an interview on CompuServe, "When the show was to debut
on KTMA we didn't have a title. So I said to Joel [Hodgson] 'what do you
think?' And without blinking he said "Mystery Science Theater 2000". But since
we were so close to the year 2000 we decided to shift it up one thousand
years.' The show does not take place in the year 3000, but with the millenium
so close, MST 2000 could have been interpreted as taking place in the year
2000.
Q: I heard that Comedy Central cancelled MST3K. Is this true?
A: Sadly, yes. For more details, see the Save MST3K FAQ by Matthew Duhan
(fringe@cybercom.net) or the Save MST3K WWW Page
(http://fermi.clas.virginia.edu/~jcp9j/cancelled.html)
Here's the Press Release:
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release.
December 3, 1995
Contact Julie Walker
612-941-8024
Best Brains to tape last Mystery Science Theater 3000 for Comedy Central.
The final episode of the Peabody Award winning series Mystery Science Theater
3000 (MST 3K) will be taped on December 22. The program which features Mike
Nelson and robots Tom Servo and Crow lampooning the worst movies ever made,
will finish its commitment for Comedy Central this month.
According to Producer Jim Mallon, "Comedy Central has indicated to us that they
will not be renewing the series." Contractually, Best Brains, Inc. which owns
the copyright on the series will be free to negotiate for new episodes with a
different network beginning in January of 1997.
Fans of the series will have a feature film, book, CD-ROM, and a second
convention to look forward to. In April of 1996 Gramercy Pictures will be
releasing Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie which was shot last summer
in Minneapolis. Also in the spring, Bantam Books will be publishing the
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Amazing Colossal Episode Guide, the
definitive review of all the episodes and Voyager will be publishing a MST 3K
CD-ROM . Over 4000 people are expected to attend the 2nd Conventio-con Expo-
fest-a-rama which will be held on Labor Day in Minneapolis.
The show which began on UHF station KTMA in Minneapolis in 1988 has shot 132
episodes in the course of its 7 season run. Over 60,000 fans have registered
with its Info Club and some 2000 fans attended its first convention in 1994.
In addition to the Peabody Award MST 3K has garnered two Emmy and six Cable Ace
nominations.
Q: Who is this Joel that people talk about and appears occasionally?
A: (Phase 0-3) Joel Robinson was the original character blasted into space by
the mad scientists. He worked at Gizmonics Institute as a janitor. In 512
"Mitchell," he managed to escape from the ship (see "Other Stuff"). Joel is
the one who originally built the robots to keep him company (see "Song
Lyrics").
Joel Hodgson, who plays Joel Robinson, is the original creator of Mystery
Science Theater 3000, and one of the founders of Best Brains.
Q: I heard Frank left. Is this true?
A: Sadly, yes. Frank Conniff, who plays TV's Frank on the show, left Best
Brains in January. His last episode was 624: Samson vs. the Vampire Women.
Here is the letter which Frank wrote:
As of this January [1995] I'm leaving my job at "Mystery Science Theater 3000".
Why? Because I've lost my mind. But there are also a few other reasons.
I've discovered that after 5 seasons and 109 episodes, I have a need for
change, even if change means losing the best job Ive ever had and most
likely will ever have. I have a need to grow and evolve and to find new
challenges and adventures in my life.
The hardest part about leaving MST3K will be having to say goodbye to
everyone here at Best Brains. It is unlikely that I'll ever be able to
find a group of people as intelligent, kind and down right fun as the BB
staff. I will miss them all dearly. They will no longer be my co-workers
but they will always be my friends.
This has been a hard decision for me to make, but everyone here has been
extremely supportive. I'd like to thank all you fans for your love and
support throughout the years. I hope all you Misties out there will be
equally understanding. If any of you run into me in the future, I hope
you'll be nice and tell me how much you enjoyed my work on MST3K and how
much you admired me for taking that big risk in my life when I left the
show. If you do, I promise Ill give you one of my patented TV's Frank
smiles, look you straight in the eye and say, "would you like some fries
with your order?"
Frank Conniff
___________________________________________
Frank will be working on new projects including a humorous
autobiographical book and has, as he describes it, grandiose plans for
screenplays, TV shows, plays novels, etc.
I'm sure you all join us here at BBI in wishing Frank all the best albeit
with a tear in our eye.
Jim Mallon
push the button frank
Q: Is there any way to keep up with what Frank is doing now that he's left BBI?
A: Yes.
For those of you who've turned your crank to Frank, and now don't know which
station to turn to...twirl your dial to FCIC!
The grand premiere of "The Drive-Up Window," official newsletter of the Frank
Conniff InfoClub, will be sent out to all FCIC members. It is a 12-page
bonanza...which includes an exclusive interview with Frank about his stand-up
comedy act, his style of humor, and other news.
For info about FCIC, the official InfoClub for fans of Frank Conniff, contact
FrankCIC@aol.com
Please note: The FCIC is in no way affiliated with Best Brains.
Q: How did Frank leave?
A: Frank recieved a fortune cookie fortune which told him to prepare for the
coming of someone who would take him to a better place. Torgo the White then
appeared to take Frank to Second Banana Heaven, where all the sidekicks go.
Q: So who replaced Frank?
A: Mrs. Pearl Forrester, Dr. Clayton Forrester's mother, joined him down in
Deep 13. Mrs. Forrester first made her appearance in episode 607 "Blood Lust".
She will be played by Mary Jo Pehl, one of the writers at BBI.
Q: What's the deal with the new season?
A: Season 7 (Phase 5) is the next season of episodes due out. They premiered
on Turkey Day 1995 (Thanksgiving). There will be only 6 episodes, due to the
MST3K movie (see later in "The Basics"), the fact that BB wants to get more
recent films, which cost more to get ahold of the rights, and the fact that
Comedy Central has decided to cancel MST3K (see the Save MST3K FAQ available
from Matthew Duhan (fringe@cybercom.net)). Mrs. Forrester will be in these
episodes, not Frank.
Q: What's this I hear about episode 701?
A: Best Brains filmed two entirely separate host segments for episode 701
"Night of The Blood Beast." One version will air on Thanksgiving 1995. The
other, regular host segments will be shown in 1996 along with the rest of
season 7, so be sure to watch/tape 701 twice.
Q: When will the regular season 7 shows begin airing?
A: Every Saturday starting February 3, 1996
Q: This "new guy" Mike Nelson looks familiar. Where have I seen him before?
A: Mike Nelson is already known for his special characterizations of Jack
Perkins, Michael Feinstein, Gamera, Mothra, Morrissey, Torgo, and hexfield
viewscreen guests (Phase 1-3) among many others. Mike began hosting in 513
"The Brain That Wouldn't Die" (Phase 4).
Q: Who's better, Joel or Mike (Phase 3/4), Larry, Frank or Pearl (Phase 1/2/5)?
A: Everyone has their own opinion as to who is better. Please do not waste
time and bandwidth by repeatedly bringing up this topic. Think about it, won't
you? Thank you.
Q: Why did Joel "step down" from his on-screen role (Phase 4)?
A: Joel Hodgson decided to take it easy for a while and not host the show
anymore. He has other plans in the making, including other television shows
and movies. As of episode 512 "Mitchell", Joel was replaced by Mike Nelson,
head writer for MST3K.
Q: So what is Joel Hodgson doing now?
A: Joel is now working in LA. He is no longer working at Best Brains, nor are
there any plans for him to in the future. He has done writing for the Paula
Poundstone Show, and Space Ghost: Coast to Coast, among other things. He also
filmed a new show called "The TV Wheel" which he hopes to sell to HBO as either
a special or a series. This experimental sketch/variety show features a
locked-down camera, a 32-foot turntable, and some of the best creature and
model builders, magicians, and real time performers alive. This show is
recorded live-to-tape and will not be edited. The way the show works is there
is a large circular platform with a camera in the center and the skit areas on
the outside. The camera rotates between skits to the next area. The entire
show is filmed in one long go without interruptions. At this point in time,
HBO wants to air the pilot show as a comedy special in a late night (about
midnight) slot.
Q: Why did the Mads send Mike into space (Phase 4)?
A: Because Joel had escaped with the help of Gypsy, and they needed someone to
replace him (see "Other Stuff").
Q: Why did the Mads send Joel into space/why didn't they like him? (Phase 0-3)?
A: Because he came up with better inventions, and he was only a janitor.
Q: What is Deep 13?
A: Deep 13 is the sub-basement of Gizmonics Institute where the mad scientists
are located and perform their experiments. According to phases 1-3, it is
located near the atomic pile under Gizmonics Institute, presumably the 13th
level below ground. If one takes the picture shown during the opening theme of
phase 4 as accurate, then Deep 13 is located in the mantle of the earth, with
the entrance to the surface beneath the Aleutian Islands.
Q: Will the Comedy Channel 1989/90 season (Phase 1) be shown on Comedy Central
again?
A: No. Although Comedy Central has shown clips on _Short Attention Span
Theater_ and during Turkey Day of the first Comedy Channel season, Best Brains
feels that at that time, they did not have their "chops down". In addition,
BBI does not have the rights to some of the movies any longer.
Q: Then what's this about Season 1 episodes being shown on Turkey Day, 1995?
A: Comedy Central decided to show several episodes of the first season MST3K
without first consulting Best Brains. Originally to be 8 episodes, CC and BBI
negotiated down to 4, as BBI does not want these episodes shown for the reasons
stated above. For more information, see the Season 1 FAQ by Steven K. Manfred
(stevenma@pressenter.com).
Q: When is the show on?
A: (All times Eastern/Pacific)
Saturday evening 5:00 PM (Seasons 4, 5, & 6)
Sunday morning 10:00 AM and 2:00 AM (Seasons 4, 5, & 6)
Monday - Friday 2:00 AM (Seasons 2-6 in order)
Q: Where can I get a list of MST3K episodes which will be airing every month
on Comedy Central?
A: You could call Comedy Central's Schedule line.
(212)767-8851
This is a regular toll number (i.e. neither 800 nor 900) so you'll be charged,
but not charged excessively
In addition, it is posted to rec.arts.tv.mst3k and alt.tv.mst3k (see
"Electronic Forums") every Saturday by Mike Pearce (mike@his.com). Also,
tomservo@access1.digex.net (Scott Fabbri) keeps them in his .plan if you finger
him. And if you have WWW access, several of the MST3K Web sites keep schedules
(see "Electronic Forums").
Q: What is the Mystery Science Theater Hour?
A: The Mystery Science Theater Hour (MSTH) are normal episodes of MST3K split
into two one-hour parts. Best Brains and Comedy Central decided to divide the
normal two-hour shows into two-part one-hour shows in part to more easily allow
it to go into syndication.
Q: What's the difference?
A: The Mystery Science Theater Hour has introductory host segments given by
Jack Perkins, first seen in 310 "Fugitive Alien" (played by Mike Nelson). In
order to fit these introductions, about 5 minutes have been cut from each
episode. As with the reruns, Best Brains has only done MSTH versions of
Phase 2 up.
Q: So who is that guy introducing the Mystery Science Theater Hour?
A: In real life, this is Mike Nelson. However, he is supposed to be Jack
Perkins, the host of A&E, another cable channel. Jack Perkins typically
thinks that everything is "wonderful" and "what good TV is made of," even
if it is really trash.
Q: Is there ever going to be a theater release of MST3K?
A: Yes! Best Brains managed to sign a deal with Gramercy Pictures. Filming
has been completed, with a new and more elaborate set. The host segments will
be a bit longer, but basically it will be like a regular episode. TV's Frank
will not be in the movie. Gramercy will be in charge of distribution. The
film runs approximately 88 minutes and will likely be released April 19, 1996.
The title is "Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie".
Q: So what's the film going to be?
A: "This Island Earth," which was done at the 1994 Conventio-Con-Expo-Fest-A-
Rama. Rest assured, however, that it will be a good MSTing. Many of the
jokes are the same, but others have been changed for various reasons, including
royalties issues and out-of-date jokes.
Q: Any other MST3K related projects in the works?
A: Why yes! Best Brains just finished writing _Mystery Science Theater 3000:
The Amazing Collossal Episode Guide_ with Bantam Books, due out in March 1996.
It is mostly about the episodes done and production aspects of the show, but
does contain some trivia as well. It is reported to be "really big and really
funny." Song lyrics are not included, but it's been hinted that if this book
sells well, then a second book may include lyrics to most of the songs done on
the show.
In addition, a CD-ROM is in the works with Voyager which will hopefully
coincide with the release of the movie (similar to Laurie Anderson's "Puppet
Motel" CD-ROM/Tour). Among the things rumored to be on the CD are trivia, a
mock-up of the SOL, a "DOOM-like flight simulator game," cheating chess and
solitare games, and two shorts, "Mylar: What's it to You?" and "Assignment:
Venezuela" which will have randomized comments so that they are never the same.
Also planned to coincide with the movie release are new MST3K T-shirts
(licensed to outside companies) and "MST3K toys." We don't know what kind of
toys yet, though. Perhaps figures of the 'bots.
Q: What's all this about a con?
A: Last year for Labor Day weekend 1994 Best Brains had a Conventio-Con-Expo-
Fest-A-Rama (CConEFAR) in Minneapolis where the show is taped. There was a
live show, autograph session, Q&A session, guests, and lots of fun. Next year
for Labor Day weekend 1996 BBI is having the CConEFAR2: Electric Boogaloo, with
many of the same events planned and lots of fun! The cost is $50 plus tax,
plus $10 if you want a studio tour. Hotel, etc is extra. Contact
juliewa@aol.com for more info.
Q: Labor Day weekend 1996? Isn't that the same weekend as WorldCon?
A: What the heck is WorldCon?
(Seriously, since BBI is not big in the SF convention circuit, they didn't
know about WorldCon when they planned this event.)
Q: Is this the only con planned?
A: Not quite. BBI is currently thinking about touring various colleges in
spring of 1996. This will include an autograph and Q&A session. Please note
that this is NOT being run by CC, as were the "Free Cheese" tours. Also, it
likely won't be free, as BBI is charging to come to campuses.
Q: So is there going to be another "Free Cheese" tour?
A: At this time there are no plans for a CC sponsored tour.
Q: I'm thinking of starting an MST3K group/club in my school/area. How can I
get permission to show episodes?
A: To screen episodes at conventions or public group meetings at no cost to
the public, contact the following person:
Tony Fox, Vice President Media Relations
Comedy Central
1775 Broadway
9th floor
New York, NY 10019
Office: (212) 767-8746
FAX: (212) 767-8582
Q: Can I buy or rent episodes on tape or disk at my local video store? How
about ordering them directly from Best Brains?
A: Best Brains does not yet have episodes on video because of both an exclusive
rights agreement with Comedy Central, and the nature of the rights BB gets from
the companies whose films they show. There are plans to release episodes soon
with Rhino Records, however.
Q: So then how can I get to view episodes I don't have or missed on CC?
A: Post your request to the newsgroups or the newsletter (see also "Electronic
Forums") Alternatively, you might want to try sending mail to someone else
(check From: lines) who has commented on the particular show you want.
Also, Brian Dunkle (bdunkle@hinet.medlib.arizona.edu) and Kevin Days
(dayscott@wn.net) have many episodes, including all the KTMAs available,
which they sell for reasonable prices, including shipping. E-mail them for
details. Please note that Brian Dunkle only deals with KTMA and season 1. Do
not ask him for recent episodes. Kevin Days only takes 8 orders a month.
Q: Any other way? Can we expect MST3K to go into syndication anytime soon?
A: Why yes! Right now, MST3K has been syndicated to about 75% of the country
by local TV stations. BB is going through a syndicator, and is offering both
the regular two-hour format and the Mystery Science Theater Hour format. Most
stations have picked up the MSTH format, due to it being shorter. However, no
additional footage will be cut. In either case what you see on CC is what you
will see in syndication.
Q: So what stations are showing MST3K?
A: That list is too long to include here. For a copy, check the excellent list
maintained by Steven K. Manfred (stevenma@pressenter.com) and posted
periodically to rec.arts.tv.mst3k.announce (see "Electronic Forums").
Q: I just saw a station in my area carrying MST3K, but it's not on the list!
Should I post it?
A: No. Please e-mail Steven K. Manfred (stevenma@pressenter.com) instead, and
he will add it to the master list.
Q: Hey, I'd really like to see them do a GOOD movie. Why do they only show
bad films?
A: The point of the show is that these are movies that deserve to be made fun
of and will torture Mike. It is not merely a matter of it being a bad film, or
bad plot, or cheesy effects, but all of these, along with bad acting, bad
camera work, excessive padding, etc.
Q: So how come they don't do "Plan 9 From Outer Space" which is touted the
worst movie of all.
A: Best Brains has said that they do not want to do this movie for two
reasons. First, the voice-over from Criswell would interfere with the
commenting that Mike and the 'bots would make. Second, the movie already
pokes fun at itself.
In addition, while "Plan 9" certainly is awful, Misties know better. MST3K has
unearthed several cinematic train wrecks that make it look like "Citizen Kane."
/----SONG LYRICS----\
Q: What are the lyrics to the opening song?
A: There are three different versions of the opening song.
Phase 0
"Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] 3000"
Lyrics: Joel Hodgson and Josh Weinstein
Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson
Sung by: Joel and the Joels [Joel Hodgson]
In the not-too-distant future--
Next Sunday, A.D.--
There was a guy named Joel,
Not too different than you or me.
He worked in a satellite loading bay,
Just polishing switches to pay his way;
He did his job well with a cheerful face,
But his bosses didn't like him
So they shot him into space.
We'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst ever made.
Joel says when you got lemons,
You make lemonade.
Now keep in mind he can't control
When the movies begin or end,
Because he used the extra parts
To make his robot friends.
Robot roll-call--
Cambot
Servo
Gypsy
Crow!
If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
And other science facts,
Just repeat to yourself "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000."
Phase 1-3
"Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] (3000)"
Lyrics: Joel Hodgson and Josh Weinstein
Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson
Sung by: Joel and the Joels [Joel Hodgson]
In the not-too-distant future--
Next Sunday A.D.--
There was a guy named Joel,
Not too different from you or me.
He worked at Gizmonics Institute,
Just another face in a red jumpsuit.
He did a good job cleaning up the place,
But his bosses didn't like him
So they shot him into space.
We'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst we can find (la-la-la).
He'll have to sit and watch them all,
And we'll monitor his mind (la-la-la).
Now keep in mind Joel can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la-la-la)
Because he used those special parts
To make his robot friends.
Robot Roll Call: (Let's go!)
Cambot! (Pan left!)
Gypsy! (Hi, girl!)
Tom Servo! (What a cool guy!)
Croooow! (What a wisecracker!)
If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
and other science facts (la la la),
Then repeat to yourself, "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"
Phase 4
"Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] (3000)"
Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson
Lyrics: The Brains
In the not-too-distant future
Way down in Deep 13,
Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank
Were hatching an Evil Scheme.
They hired a temp by the name of Mike,
Just a regular joe they didn't like.
Their experiment needed a good test case,
So they conked him on the noggin
And they shot him into space. (Get me down!)
We'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst we can find (la-la-la).
He'll have to sit and watch them all,
And we'll monitor his mind (la-la-la).
Now keep in mind Mike can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la-la-la)
He'll try to keep his sanity
With the help of his robot friends.
Robot Roll Call:
Cambot! (Show yourself!)
Gypsy! (I'm not ready!)
Tom Servo! (Hello there!)
Croooow! (That's one "o"!)
If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
and other science facts (la la la),
Just repeat to yourself, "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"
Phase 5
"Love Theme from Mystery Science Theatre [sic] (3000)"
Music: Charles Erickson and Joel Hodgson
Lyrics: The Brains
In the not-too-distant future
Way down in Deep 13,
The evil Dr. Forrester
Was hatching a nasty scheme.
He hired a temp by the name of Mike,
Just a regular joe he didn't like.
His experiment needed a good test case,
So he conked him on the noggin
And he shot him into space. (Get me down!)
I'll send him cheesy movies,
The worst I can find (la-la-la).
He'll have to sit and watch them all,
And I'll monitor his mind (la-la-la).
Now keep in mind Mike can't control
Where the movies begin or end (la-la-la)
He'll try to keep his sanity
With the help of his robot friends.
Robot Roll Call:
Cambot! (Show yourself!)
Gypsy! (I'm not ready!)
Tom Servo! (Hi ho there!)
Croooow! (That's one "o"!)
If you're wondering how he eats and breathes
and other science facts (la la la),
Just repeat to yourself, "It's just a show,
I should really just relax
(Did I tell you my mother's here?)
For Mystery Science Theater 3000!"
Q: In Phase 4 and 5, why is it so difficult to understand what is said during
the "Robot Roll Call?"
A: The Brains have said that they intentionally made it difficult to understand
what was being said so that people would tune in and listen more. It also adds
a sense of mystery (at least until it is posted in the FAQ :).
Q: Where have I heard "Satellite of Love" before?
A: The Jerry Lewis Telethon people call the satellite which receives their
signal the "Satellite of Love." It is also the title of a song recorded by Lou
Reed on his 1973 _Transformer_ album produced by David Bowie. This was
mentioned in 307 "Daddy-O". In addition, the words are sung in Def Leppard's
song "Rocket".
/----FAN CLUB----\
Q: How do you join the MST3K fan club?
A: To join the fan club is free. Just write them at the following address:
MST3K Information Club
P.O. Box 5325
Hopkins, Minnesota 55343
Alternately, you can e-write Julie Walker, Info Club Liason, at juliewa@aol.com
Q: What do you get when you join the club?
A: You will receive your official MST3K fan club card, attached to a flyer.
Your membership number is printed at the bottom left of the address label. The
flyer entices you to buy MST3K merchandise, including t-shirts and the Life
Survival Kit (a fan club kit).
You are also put on the MST3K mailing list and receive a lifetime subscription
to the MST3K _Satellite News_ (formerly _The Binding Polymer_) and receive
updates on Best Brains activities such as live appearances and special events.
Q: Do I have to order a fan club kit to stay in the club?
A: No. The club is free. The newsletters, postcards and flyers are sent to
you free of charge, just because you took the time to write a letter and lick
a stamp.
Q: I want to order a fan club kit. How do I do it?
A: Write to the fan club address and join the mailing listirst. They'll
happily send you details on all their available merchandise, including the kit.
Q: What's in the MST3K Life Survival Kit?
A: It may or may not contain the following items:
A folder stating, "Classified--contains top secret MST 3000 fan club
material." Unfolded, the inside is the "MST 3000 'MOVIE SIGN' Home Viewing
Simulator (MSHVS)," which has the picture of theater seats with Joel or Mike
and the 'bots at the bottom, with the instructions:
1) Cut out
2) Tape to your TV screen
3) Say stupid (but clever) things
Other items which may or may not be included in the kit:
The MST3K Experiment Guide--a list of episodes.
The lyrics to the current "Love Theme."
MST3K Wacky Rolling Action Figure (marble not included).
Fan photos of Mike and the 'bots lounging in the Satellite of Love, with
Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank in the hexfield viewscreen.
The MST3K Price Rebel Icon Merchandise Temple-Catalogue, which may include
such items as the MST3K Fluid Containment Vessel (MST3K mug), the MST3K Maus
Pad, the MST3K Official Command Cap, MST3K Bumper Sticklers, t-shirts, posters,
etc. (The items in the catalogue are subject to change.)
Q: What if I'm in the fan club and I want to write another letter?
A: Letters are always welcome at the fan club, but make sure you put your
membership number on your envelope *AND* your letter so you won't be put on
the mailing list twice.
Q: Where is the membership number?
A: It is in the lower left corner of the mailing label for the first item you
receive from them. It is currently above 60000.
/----ELECTRONIC FORUMS----\
Q: Do the Brains at Best Brains, Inc. have an e-mail address?
A: Yes. Write to Julie Walker, the official spokesperson for Best Brains on
the 'Net and Info Club Poobah, at juliewa@aol.com. She also has addresses
GBBU80A@prodigy.com and 74201,1550@compuserv.com, but the AOL is the preferred
address.
Q: Don't any of the other Brains have e-mail addresses?
A: Yes, they do. However, in order to give them a little more privacy, they
are not included here. If you do know one of the Brains' e-mail addresses,
please do not post it. Thank you.
Q: Are there USENET newsgroups?
A: Yes. Currently, there are several active USENET newsgroups devoted to MST3K.
The primary ones are rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc for miscellaneous information, and
rec.arts.tv.mst3k.announce for official announcements. Soon there may also be
rec.arts.tv.mst3k.mstings, for fan MSTings to be posted. Before the
hierarchical split, there was one rec group, rec.arts.tv.mst3k. However, this
newsgroup ceased to exist around the end of July, 1995 as per USENET procedure
regarding a split. There are two other newsgroups, alt.tv.mst3k, and
alt.fan.mst3k but they are not available at all sites. Most articles posted in
rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc should be crossposted to alt.tv.mst3k and sometimes
crossposted to alt.fan.mst3k. In addition, there are the newsgroups
alt.fan.tom-servo and alt.bonehead.tom-servo, which were not originally created
as MST3K groups, but have since been taken over. Sounds confusing? Don't
worry, it'll all make sense later.
Q: Should I post at rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc, alt.tv.mst3k, or alt.fan.mst3k?
A: For a wider reading audience, you should post at rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc and
crosspost to alt.tv.mst3k. Some people posting at alt.fan.mst3k will receive
an error message from USENET stating the newsgroup is redundant or bogus.
Q: Should I post something to rec.arts.tv.mst3k.announce?
A: *ONLY* if it is an official announcement, and you are the relevant party.
(i.e. an announcement about *YOUR* WWW page/BBS/FTP site/etc.). The FAQ will
be posted there, as well as official announcements from juliewa and Mike
Pearce's schedule. Rec.arts.tv.mst3k.announce is a moderated newsgroup, and
Mike Pearce, the moderator, has said he will do nasty net.god things to you if
you try to post non-relevant drivel.
Q: Hey, I just got a really neat MST3K picture/sound. Should I post it?
A: No, you should not. This wastes time and bandwidth, and money for those
people who pay for their access. Instead, put it in one of the FTP sites and
post a pointer to it.
Q: Where are anonymous FTP sites for MST3K related things?
A: There are several sites:
Site: clover.cleaf.com
Directory: /pub/mst3k (pictures, sounds, R#9 Newsletter, transcripts, much new)
Site: ftp.ee.pdx.edu
Directory: /pub/mst3k (sounds, pictures)
Site: ftp.cs.odu.edu (128.82.4.1)
Directory: /pub/mst3k (sounds, images, Fanfic, FAQs, LPBN back issues, MST3K
Wallpaper, just about everything)
NOTE: This site is closing! Please inform me when things here get moved
elsewhere.
Site: spider.navsses.navy.mil (157.187.16.101)
Directory: /pub/mst3k (sounds, pictures)
Site: gynko.circ.upenn.edu
Directory: /pub/rsk/mst3k (SOLN back issues)
Site: isis.dccs.upenn.edu (130.91.16.6)
Directory: /pub/mst3k (pictures)
Site: ftp.netcom.com
Directory: /pub/caddy/mst3k (sounds, MST wallpaper)
Site: vincent.iastate.edu
Directory: /mst3k
Site: mmg.im.med.umich.edu
Directory: /usr/anon/mst3k/sounds (sounds)
Site: grind.isca.uiowa.edu
Directory: /info/journals/lpbn/ (Load Pan Bay News)
Site: ftp.ids.net
Directory: /mst3k.dir/
Site: ftp.cdrom.com
Directory: /pub/cica/misc/mst3k.zip
Site: ftp.umd.umich.edu
Directory: /people/nhughes/mists (MSTings)
Site: ftp.u.washington.edu
Directory: /pub/user-supported/starfish (QuickTime movies of MST3K. Large!)
Site:ftp.digex.net
Directory: /pub/access/tomservo (QT movies and other things)
Site: sumex-aim.stanford.edu
Directory: /info-mac/gui/ad (Torgo AfterDark screen saver)
Site: ftp.gmd.de
Directory: /if-archive/games/infocom/mst3k1.zip (MST3K Infocom-style game)
/if-archive/infocom/interpreters/zip/ (Infocom interpreter needed)
Site: fas.harvard.edu
Directory: /pub/hrsfa/SIGs/MST3K (FAQ, Episode Guide, KTMA pics)
NOTE: This site is currently down and will be moving to a different location.
Please remember to limit your down-loads to less than 1 Meg per day and
to use off peak hours. This will help to ensure that sites like these
will continue to provide access to these files.
Q: Are there any World Wide Web (WWW) sites for MST3K?
A: Yes. There are several currently known.
*The official FAQ page can be found at:
Matt "fRiNgE" Duhan's Official MST3K Periodicals Page
http://cybercom.net/~fringe/mst3k.html
Others include:
Deus Ex Machina
http://sunsite.unc.edu/lunar/mst3k/mst3k.html
The Web Site of Love
http://www.usgcc.odu.edu/~ty/mst3k/MST3K.html
Oh No It's Movie Sign!
http://www.rain.org/~roryh/mst3k
John's MST3K WWW Page
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~jgotts/mst3k.html
Web Site Number 9
http://www-personal.engin.umich.edu/~mneylon/mst3k/
BioKen's MST3K Page
http://mendel.berkeley.edu/~frauwirt/HomePage/MST3K/
Sherman's First MST3K Page
http://serial.music.uiowa.edu/~sherman/mst3k.html
Rocket #9
http://grove.ufl.edu/~cirop02/mst_html/mst3k.html
Oh No! We got WWW Sign!
http://www.traveller.com/~bill/mst3k.html/
Steve Adelson's MST3K Page
http://www.c3.lanl.gov/~adelson/funlinks/mst.html
MST3K Catch Phrase Catalog
http://www.cs.utexas.edu/users/chaput/catch.html
Hello, Joker
http://www.primenet.com/~lathrop/mst3k.html
La's MST3K Page
http://linex.com/~la/mst3k.html
artitude homepage (MST3K merchandise)
http://www.skypoint.com/members/artitude/
Croooow's MST3K Page
http://www.together.net/~croooow/mst3k.html
the illustrious "-mikeyboy" MST3000 Page
http://www.servtech.com/public/mikeyboy/mst3k.html
Agent J's Workshop
http://rrnet.com/~jenkins
I Love MST3K! Bite me!
http://www.teleport.com/~lynsared/mst.shtml
Mitchell!
http://www.mvp.com/~pravn
Mystery Science Theater 3000
http://maya.lib.utk.edu/mst3k.html
The MSTed Movie Gallery
http://fermi.clas.virginia.edu/~jcp9j/mst3k.html
Mike's MiSTing Page
http://rtt.colorado.edu/~barklage/mst.html
MST3K Schedule
http://cfd10.eng.buffalo.edu/~stein-c/mst3k/mst3k-sched.html
Hunka Hunka Burnin' Cheese
http://198.106.64.22/mst3k/mst3k.html
Ryan's MST3K Movies
http://www.eskimo.com/~rkj/MST.html
The Not-Too-Distant Future (MUST be using Netscape or other HTML 3.0 browser)
http://www.cis.ufl.edu/~fiser/MST3000
The New Satellite of Seth
http://www.marshall.edu/~floyd3/index.html
Satellite of Love Page
http://kelvin.seas.virginia.edu/~cac2g/html/mst3k.html
TOYBABBLE!
http://pages.prodigy.com/NY/toybabble/toybabble.html
Crow's Nest
http://www.evansville.net/~davej/crowsnest.html
The MST3K Movie Review Guide
http://www.webcom.com/~cgould/mstcrit.html
Ultimate TV List
http://www.tvnet.com/cgi-bin/searchTV.pl?Mystery+Science+Theatre+3000
KLUB KAATTARI!!!
http://watt.seas.virginia.edu/~dak7e/
K-Mac's MST3K Clips & Stuff
http://www.neosoft.com/~kmac/mst/mst.htm
MSTie-Eyed Page
http://www.cpeq.com/~evilbob/mst3k.html
Mystery Science Theater Adventures
http://www.cais.com/jdfalk/html/mst3kadv.html
YPN MST3K
http://www.ypn.com/trek/a258.html
Comedy Central's Web Site
http://www.comcentral.com/com-menu.htm
Yahoo's list of MST3K sites
http://www.yahoo.com/Entertainment/Television/Shows/Comedies/
Mystery_Science_Theater_3000/
Megaweapon Home Page
http://www.contrib.andrew.cmu.edu/~nyarl/megaweapon/megaweapon.html
jenny anderson's home page
http://www.well.com/user/jennya/
Katie's Home Page of Love
http://rhf.bradley.edu/~bayberry/index.html
Mike Harney's MST3K Page
http://www1.usa1.com/~mharney/
The Andersons at the Con
http://www.well.com/user/fritza/bbicon.html
MST3K Appreciation
http://users.aol.com/mezany1/mst3k.htm
http://www.cris.com/~outlawyr/mst3k.htm
Load Pan Bay
http://www.physics.duq.edu/~sensor/mst3k.html
The Booze Council
http://nyx10.cs.du.edu:8001/~vkochend/booze.html
Tom Servo Fan Club
http://sebago.internet.com/tsfc/
Tom Servo Fan Club (old)
http://www.wpi.edu/~gamera/mst3k/tomservo.html
NEMESIS - MST3K
http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~ifgw727/mst_main.htm
MSTied: ST: Generations
http://www.ghgcorp.com/rbigoness/trek-mst3k.html
MSTied: Worlds Apart
http://pixel.ora.com/jphekman/ftp/mst.txt
MST Page
http://www.ilstu.edu/~bakobul/mstpage.htm
MST3K Sites
http://www.astro.psu.edu/users/smaene/mst3k.html
I want my MST3K!!
http://www.netwave.net/members/sftoday/sftmst3k.htm
Killer Shrew
http://www-personal.umich.edu/~smkenned/
webdog's MST3K Gallery
http://www.webdog.com/mst3k.html
guide to MST3K on the internet (out of date)
http://www.ee.pdx.edu/~alf/html/mst3k.html
MST3K Links
http://www.eskimo.com/~mrme/mst3k.htm
David Eanes' MST3K Page
http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~dte/mst3k.htm
Hello There!
http://grove.ufl.edu/~folkstep/pic_html/servo_html/index.html
Deep 13 (over a year out of date)
http://www.ssc.com/~roland/mst3k/mst3k.html
Mystie Web (under construction)
http://www2.msstate.edu/~gec2/mst3k.html
MST3K Stuff
http://info.pitt.edu/~rwdst6/mst3k.html
MST3K Room of Love
http://ids.net/~scottder/mst3k.html
MST3K FAQs (old)
http://www.cis.ohio-state.edu/text/faq/usenet/tv/mst3k/top.html
3L1T3 Warez (MST3K theme)
http://www.shore.net/~tdubro/warez.html
MST3K Audio Files
http://science.widener.edu/~schultz/mst3k.html
MST3K Page
http://www.cs.bsu.edu/homepages/back2day/mst3k.html
MST3K
http://k2.scl.cwru.edu/~amv5/mst3k.html
Homepage du Mammon (MSTings)
http://www.tiac.net/users/mammon/index.html
MST40K (GIF of beefed up 'bots)
http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu:80/~dvandom/mst40k.GIF
MST3K and SI Units
http://packrat.aml.arizona.edu/~dsew/Netwriting/mst3k.html
TV Themes Homepage
http://www.parkhere.com/tvbytes/comedy.html
Not-Really-But-Sort-Of-Related to MST
http://web.idirect.com/~mst/index.html
LlamaWeb
http://www.webcom.com/~degraham/
Please e-mail me if I left any off. Thank you.
Q: Are there any FIDONET echos?
A: Yes. There is an echo titled MST3K that is totally separate from the
Internet group. Anyone with a Fidonet access can request this echo. It is
listed in FIDONET.NA. Also, FidoNet Node: 1:228/90 archives the Load Pan Bay
News.
Q: Are there any WWIV Based Net groups?
A: Yes. There is a new group called Ground Zero Retrieval Sub-Station.
WWIVNet @1518
IceNet @5433
WWIVLink @15433
Host is The Gizmonics Institute BBS in Louisiana (504) 733-6671
The SubType is 'BOTS' for all of the above nets.
Q: Are there any BBS sites with MST3K rooms?
A: Yes, there are several currently known about.
America OnLine aol.com room: MST3000
Sunset BBS paladine.hacks.arizona.edu login: bbs
Itchy & Scratchy Show (916) 721-1701 login: guest
Gizmonics Institute BBS (504) 733-6671 login: ?
Deep 13 (407) 862-4835 login: ?
Deep 13 (215) 943-9526 login: ?
Deep Thought (916) 452-9501 login: ?
Phoenix Starfighter BBS (404) 869-3410 login: ?
Rad Systemz BBS (903) 832-6213 or 838-4039 login: ?
Satellite of Love BBS (901) 664-8188 login: ?
Renfield's BBS (703) 356-6627 or lellis@clark.net login: ?
Eclair BBS (818) 288-0573 login: ?
Afterworld BBS (616) 458-8767 login: ?
GameBoard BBS (716) 423-0484 login: ?
Q: Is there an electronic mailing list?
A: Yes. It is called _Load Pan Bay News_ or LPBN for short and is edited by
Scott Dexter. It is a fan-run electronic newsletter that started in the late
summer of 1993. The items in the newsletters are contributed by its readers,
of which there are several hundred, and generally consist of detailed reports
of tours, lengthy discussions on the show, reports on the Brains,
transcriptions of favorite skits, and (unauthorized) reprints of newspaper and
magazine articles. In addition, there is a mailing list devoted to MiSTing
USENET articles, and calling dibbs on them (see "Other Guides").
Q: How do I join the mailing list?
A: For LPBN: send mail to Scott Dexter (scottder@conan.ids.net).
For MiSTing: send mail to mneylon@engin.umich.edu with a subject line
containing 'DIBS-SUB'.
Q: How do I submit items to the newsletter?
A: For LPBN: send mail to Scott Dexter (scottder@conan.ids.net).
For MiSTing: send mail to mneylon@engin.umich.edu with a subject line
containing 'DIBS'.
Q: How do I get back issues of the newsletter?
A: Check the anonymous FTP sites.
Q: Are there any MUSHs with MST3K areas?
A: Yes, there's one on TinyTIM.
Telnet: myelin.uchc.edu 5440
or yay.tim.org 5440
Where: Plane 36 from the Nexus.
/----OTHER GUIDES----\
Q: Where can I get *MOST* these guides in one fell swoop?
A: Most of these guides are available at the FTP sites or WWW pages listed in
the "Electronic Forums" section. Good places to check are
http://www.cybercom.net/~fringe/mst3k.html or clover.cleaf.com. ftp.cs.odu.edu
also had many files, but the site is closing.
Q: Is another FAQ available (see "Other Stuff")?
A: The original FAQ, first edited from SOLN submissions (see "Electronic
Forums") by Richard Kulawiec (rsk@gynko.circ.upenn.edu) and the FAQ that this
one was modified from, by Lisa Jenkins (jenkins@rrnet.com), are not posted
anymore.
However, there is a FAQ compiled by Chris Cornell (MSampo@aol.com) and Brian
Henry (Erhardt4@aol.com) which is intended for America OnLine MSTies. It is a
bit "friendlier" and does not deal with any internet information.
Q: Is a FAQ for the USENET MST3K newsgroups available?
A: Yes. A FAQ devoted to the USENET newsgroups rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc and
alt.tv.mst3k (see "Electronic Forums") is available from Matthew Duhan
(fRiNgE@cybercom.net). This FAQ deals with aspects of the newsgroup and
the people on it more than MST3K itself.
Q: Is an episode guide available?
A: There are several episode guides, most of which are posted periodically to
the USENET newsgroups rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc and alt.tv.mst3k (see "Electronic
Forums"). An ASCII episode guide which can be used with a mail merge program
(such as on Word Perfect) was created by Brian Siano (revpk@cellar.org). It
also includes information such as host segment scripts and notes on the movies.
Also around are Malcom Austin's episode guide which began the SOLN (see
"Electronic Forums") episode guide and the SOLN episode guide which includes
most of the information found in all of the episode guides. One of the most
complete guides is the one posted with this FAQ by Matthew Duhan
(fRiNgE@cybercom.net).
Q: Is there a brief episode guide available, which just lists name and episode
number?
A: Yes. The Brief Episode Guide is available from Matthew Duhan
(fRiNgE@cybercom.net)
Q: Is there an index to the episode guide?
A: Yes, it is available from Mark Meyer (mmeyer@dseg.ti.com). It lists the
movies and shorts in alphabetical order, and gives the episode production
numbers.
Q: I really like the short films they do, but I forget which episode they're
from. Is there a guide just to the shorts?
A: Yes. A Shorts Guide is available from Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net).
It contains all the shorts shown by episode and alphabetically.
Q: I've seen some people MiSTing USENET articles. Is there a guide to the
proper format for doing this?
A: Yes, it is available from Matt Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net) or Michael
Neylon (mneylon@engin.umich.edu). Be sure to put 'DIBS-FAQ' in the Subject:
line! In addition, there is a mailing "dibs" list. To subscribe, e-mail
mneylon@engin.umich.edu with a subject line containing 'DIBS-SUB'.
Q: Is there an "invention"-only guide?
A: Yes, one was compiled by Phil Mueller (pamuelle@ingr.com) and is available
from Matt Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net) or FTP sites.
Q: Is there a cast and credits guide to the show?
A: Yes, it was incorporated with the SOLN (see "Electronic Forums") episode
guide.
Q: Is there a guide that lists all the various repeated jokes within a
particular episode?
A: Yes. A List of Lists Guide is available containing such lists as the names
for "Touch" Connors and things thrown at the blackboard during commercial
breaks (Phase 4). For a copy, e-mail Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net).
For submissions, e-mail Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net) with "LOL" in
the Subject: line.
Q: Can I get magazine and newspaper articles on the show?
A: An index of interviews and reviews guides are available from Lisa Jenkins
(jenkins@rrnet.com). Many of the articles have been typed to
ASCII files and are in the back issues of SOLN (see "Electronic Forums") and
can be requested by publication and date from Lisa Jenkins.
Q: Is there a list of the most-often used lines on the show?
A: A catch-phrase catalog is available from Cliff Chaput (chaput@ils.nwu.edu).
Q: Has anyone transcribed song lyrics from the show?
A: A song title guide and song lyrics are available at various FTP sites.
Q: Is there a compiled list of "dirty quotes" from the show?
A: Yes, it is available from Chuck Jordan (jordan@castor.cs.uga.edu).
Q: What are all the silly names the Mads' have called Joel & Mike, and vice
versa
A: A nickname file is slowly being accumulated. It also includes "first
heard lines" which are now mainstays in the MST "language." Phase 1 has been
compiled by Paul Ashley (current address unknown). Phase 2-4 have been
compiled by Michael J. Zavisca (mjzavisc@eos.ncsu.edu).
Q: Is there a list of all the times one of the 'bots has said "Meanwhile"
during the film?
A: Yes, a "Meanwhile" list is being compiled by Doug Geiger
(geiger@niktow.cs.canisius.edu)
Q: Is there a list of all the times the 'bots have done a particular shtick?
A: Yes, the Completed MST3K Comedy Concordance is available from Jess Nevins
(jnevins@bgsuvax.bgsu.edu)
Q: Is there a "drinking game" for the show?
A: Yes, it is available from Jonathan Hughes (vapspyo@hydra.gatech.edu).
Q: What is "Rock Climbing"?
A: There is no easy way to answer this, so see the Rock Climbing FAQ available
from Jason Corley (corleyj@gas.uug.arizona.edu).
Q: What is the "Stack O' Love"?
A: This is a Hypercard stack created by Lynn Siprelle (Sorry PC users). It
contains this FAQ, the Rock Climbing FAQ, an episode guide, a cookbook, a song
guide, and a bunch of neat sounds and stuff. It is available via the FTP sites
or at America Online (see "Electronic Forums").
/----OTHER STUFF----\
Q: How did Joel manage to get off the ship (Phase 3, ep. 512)?
A: Mike Nelson's character was introduced at the beginning of 512 "Mitchell" as
a temp in Deep 13. Through the course of the skits, Gypsy heard the Mads
talking about getting rid of him, and thought they meant Joel. She then
managed to get Joel off the ship with Mike's help (by using Frank's keys).
Joel was put in an escape pod named the "Deus Ex Machina" (located in a box
marked "Hamdingers") and launched towards Earth. The Mads, needing a
replacement, hit Mike on the head and send him up.
Q: Just what IS a hamdinger?
A: Hamdingers are miniature microwavable hamburgers made out of processed ham.
Originally intended to be a quickie snack-meal item, they tasted so bad that
most wound up being used as chum, or fish bait.
Q: What's the address of Comedy Central, so I can complain about yet another
screw up involving MST3K?
A:
Comedy Central
1775 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 767-8600
In addition, their e-mail address is: EKHA72A@prodigy.com
The president of CC is Doug Herzog. His phone number is (212) 767-4071.
His fax number is (212) 767-8590
Q: If I happen to be in the Minneapolis area, can I tour the Best Brains
studio?
A: At this time, the tours have been cancelled, as BB has too much else to do.
However, the address (NOT the mailing address) is:
Best Brains, Inc.
7615 Golden Triangle Drive, #J
Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Office: (612) 941-8024
FAX: (612) 941-8250
Q: Who plays what part in the show?
A: Here's a list of character names and the people who play them (and other
stuff they do as part of the Best Brains production staff).
--GOOD GUYS--
Mike Nelson (Phase 4-5): Michael J. Nelson (head writer)
Joel Robinson (Phase 0-3): Joel Hodgson (creator, executive producer, writer)
Crow T. Robot: Trace Beaulieu (writer)
(Tom) Servo (Phase 0-1): Josh Weinstein (writer)
(Tom) Servo (Phase 2-5): Kevin Murphy (associate producer, writer)
Gypsy (Phase 0): Josh Weinstein (writer)
Gypsy (Phase 1-5): Jim Mallon (president of Best Brains, executive producer,
director, writer)
Magic Voice (not shown in credits; the voice has been done by all the
individuals listed below at various times): Jann Johnson (production manager),
Alexandra Carr (production manager), Kevin Murphy (associate producer,
writer), Mary Jo Pehl (writer)
Cambot (Phase 0): Kevin Murphy (associate producer, writer)
Cambot (Phase 1-3): Himself
--BAD GUYS--
Dr. Clayton Forrester: Trace Beaulieu (writer)
Dr. Larry Erhardt (Phase 0-1): Josh Weinstein (writer)
"TV's" Frank (Phase 2-4): Frank Conniff (writer)
Mrs. Pearl Forrester (Phase 5): Mary Jo Pehl (writer)
Gerry: Brent Peterson, Nathan Molstead, James Smith, Christopher Wurst
(interns)
Sylvia: Alex Carr, Amy Kane, Robert Czech (interns)
--OTHER GUYS--
Intro Voice "Show XXX reel 1" (Phase 3-4): Timothy Scott (editor)
Jack Perkins, Torgo, Morrissey, and other extra characters (Phase 1-3):
Michael J. Nelson (head writer)
Miracle Growth Baby (After): Timothy Scott (editor)
Miracle Growth Baby (Before): Eli Mallon (Jim Mallon's son)
Robert Plant, Leech, and other extra characters: Kevin Murphy (associate
producer, writer)
Jan the Head and other extra characters: Mary Jo Pehl (writer)
Helen, Nuveena, and other extra characters: Bridget Jones (writer & wife of
Mike Nelson)
HoloClown, Mr. Pitch, and other extra characters: Paul Chaplin (writer)
Q: Why are the Mole People (the Mads' assistants) named Jerry and Sylvia?
A: The names are taken from Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, who created many super-
marionation films such as "Thunderbirds Are Go."
Q: Why do the Mole People no longer appear on MST3K?
A: The production reason is that the interns did not want to wear the hot,
heavy rubber masks on screen any longer.
Q: Who is Timmy?
A: Timmy is a Dark Spectre who appeared in episode 416 "Firemaidens from Outer
Space." He looked like Crow painted all black. He terrorized the SOL and was
thus expelled, where he appeared in Deep 13. He has not appeared since.
Q: What is Film Ventures, International?
A: Film Ventures is a company that obtains the rights to films after the
copyright has expired, and then re-releases the film under a different name
with a new credit sequence. This is how BBI was finally able to get
"Marooned" (401 "Space Travelers").
Q: So what are the names of the original films?
A: There are six films thus far given the Film Ventures, International
treatment, plus the television episodes of "The Master." They are:
213 "Godzilla vs the Sea Monster" = "Godzilla vs the Sea Monster"
301 "Cave Dwellers" = "Ator The Blade Master"
303 "Pod People" = "The Unearthling"
305 "Stranded in Space" = "The Stranger"
322 "Master Ninja I" = "The Master," episode 1 and 2
324 "Master Ninja II" = "The Master," episode 3 and 4
401 "Space Travelers" = "Marooned"
405 "Being From Another Planet" = "Time Walker"
Q: Who is Torgo, and why does he keep showing up with that annoying theme
music?
A: Torgo is the "monster" from 424 "Manos: The Hands of Fate." He has big
knees and serves the Master, who has a nifty cape. He is incredibly slow,
annoying, and talks in odd speech patterns. He was supposed to be a satyr
(half-man half-goat), but the audience never got to see his legs. In addition,
he has his own theme music (doot doot deet deet, doot doot deet deet).
Q: What is the actor who played Torgo doing now? Is he in any other movies?
A: Sadly, no. John Reynolds, the actor who played Torgo, committed suicide a
few months after Manos was released. His death was completely unrelated to the
film, he was just a rather depressed man.
Q: What is "Keep Circulating The Tapes"?
A: At the end of the episode, MST3K has a line in the credits to "Keep
Circulating The Tapes." When MST3K first started, BBI encouraged people to
copy episodes to show to friends, as CC is not available in all areas.
Beginning with the fifth season, the tag line does not appear anymore, due to
BBI's lawyers recommending that it be removed. This is because BBI has talked
about selling episodes once the movie comes out (see "The Basics"). BBI still
allows copying of the show for private use, however.
Q: What happened to 204 "Catilina Caper"? Why won't CC show it any more?
A: The rights Best Brains had for showing this movie expired. Thus, CC can
no longer show it unless they renegotiate the contract. Since they are to be
shown on Comedy Central, it is they, and not Best Brains, who must renegotiate
the contracts.
/----PROPS AND SETS----\
Q: What are the robots made of?
A: This list is very general.
***CROW***
Mostly made of sporting equipment:
Eyes and head -- glow-in-the dark ping-pong balls; pupils are square bits of
electrical tape. His head (around his eyes) is a soap dish. Top of head is a
lacrosse mask (Cooper XL7FG).
Mouth -- plastic bowling pin cut in half.
Arms -- adjustable desk lamp parts, with closed-cell foam tubing (the kind
used to insulate water pipes) on the upper part. Popeet toys for part of
upper arm. Toy claws for hands.
Neck -- a Popeet toy.
Torso -- a set of Tupperware from a set called "Floralier" plus part of
another set. It was a flower-arranging set. No longer made. The set consists
of a tall conical vase that snaps into a short conical vase that then snaps
onto a tray. Two trays, face to face make his shoulders and the vases are
below, turned upside down. A short section of drainage hose separates the two
trays.
Legs -- more lamp parts.
The whole thing (save eyes) is then spray-painted gold over its original
plastic.
***TOM SERVO***
Mostly made of toys:
Head -- gumball machine (it comes in that red color, although the head and
torso have been painted from time to time to keep the same consistency in
color) made by Carousel Industries of Des Plains, Illinois; the name for it
is "executive snack dispenser." His beak is spray-painted silver after the
manual dispenser handle is removed. In addition, a second "cap" is glued under
the clear plastic "head" to provide a bit extra height.
Torso -- barrel from "Money Lover's Barrel Bank" originally found in Mexico
(no longer made). Chest is a toy engine block (both now made from a mold).
Shoulders -- Eveready flashlight heads.
Arms -- The arm assembly is from a "Mr. Moonie" doll. Once all the rage, it
is now fairly difficult to find. This doll would drop its pants and "moon"
people when a rubber bladder was squeezed. The entire assembly, including the
rubber bladder, is kept intact when installed into the barrel.
Hands -- Doll hands. Also now made from a mold.
Hoverskirt -- A plastic Halloween "Boo Bowl." Base is made of foam tubing.
Black decorations are made from plastic that has been vacu-formed around a toy
train.
***GYPSY***
Made of household items:
Eye -- Eveready flashlight, minus the hood.
Head -- "Century Infant Love Seat" from Century Products, Inc. No longer
made. The top of the head is the outside of the seat turned upside down. The
lower part is made from the inner liner of the seat and is connected to the top
by a PVC tube.
Neck -- Hose "drain tile."
Lips -- foam tubing.
***CAMBOT***
Phase 1
Some sort of metal part. Sphere in middle.
Phase 2-3
Rotating alarm light on top. Neck is some sort of hose, a la Gypsy.
Phase 4-5
Two fruit ripening bowls joined to form a sphere. Battery from a pack of
Polaroid film. Gypsy tubing. No hamster inside.
The original Gypsy from KTMA TV23 was made of parts which became part of
Comedy Channel's Cambot, but both robots have been revised since then.
Q: I'm building robots. Where can I find parts?
A: Wherever you can find them! Tom Servo's gumball head can be found at Mr.
Bulky's or other candy shops around the country. You might want to look for
various items at Everything's A Dollar store where everything's a dollar
(price check, Bill!). However, Tom Servo's hands and chest are hard to find,
and Best Brains generally creates more from molds. Crow's main body is also
hard to find as that Tupperware set is no longer made.
Q: What are some of the items on the set (Phase 2-4)?
A: There are seven panels and half-panels in the bridge set and what follows
is a list by panel numbered stage right to stage left. Some of these items
are off-screen most the time and will rarely if ever be seen on TV.
Upper half of stage rightmost panel -- motorman's helper; potty seat;
crescent wrench; badminton racquet; bendable Gumby doll (screwed on to wall
through the "heart"); Hot Wheels storage case; flatware trays; LEGO carrying
case; shoe lasts; model train tracks.
Lower half of stage rightmost panel -- Speak 'N' Spell; flower pots; plastic
baseball bat; Tupperware grater; ice cube trays, toy jeep; plastic ketchup
bottle.
Half panel stage right beneath window -- hair curlers; toy truck; toy golf
club; ice cube trays; Hungry, Hungry Hippos game; toy pistol; Millennium
Falcon model (this might also be the action playset); film reel; Star Wars
Snow Speeder.
Panel areas surrounding Hexfield Viewscreen -- flower pots; speaker; toy
dinosaur; toy telephone; Trouble Pop O Matic game; toy trumpets; telephone
handset; hair curlers; mouse exercise wheel; toy race car; baby rattle.
Also on stage right -- bendable Poky; Big Bird head; plastic bowling pins;
Playschool ball with shaped holes in it that kids put shaped blocks into; egg
tray; two clocks.
Pentagonal panel above door to theater -- flatware trays; kneepads; two
potty seats; Hungry, Hungry Hippos game; plastic Christmas reindeer cut in half
(upside down); front of a castle-shaped action toy playset; bird cage cut in
half (one on each side).
Hexagonal panel with hose -- speaker; flatware tray; plastic dish drain
rack; hair curlers; Jello mold; plastic baseball bats; half a plastic horse;
toy trumpets and horns.
Half panel stage left under window -- toy ukulele; toy pistol; toy boat;
hair curlers; bowling pin; ice cube tray; Darth Vader Action Figure Storage
Case; small pitcher; small toy car.
Stage leftmost full panel with hose -- motorman's helper; toy push mower;
Santa's head; toy trucks; bowling pin set; baby rattles; toy pistols; large
flashlights; canteen; pitcher; toy brontosaurus; mug rack; toy fire truck;
wrench; shoulder pads; flower pots; sections of slot car track; model train
tracks.
Also on stage left -- Fozzie figure sitting in cup; Playschool shape-ball;
toy fencing sword; plastic ladle; plastic toy shovel; toy boat; toy crane; two
kitchen clocks (one is a large "sun"); kid's doctor kit case; baby's busy box.
Desk front -- two bird bath bases (upside down); whiffle ball; toy bowling
ball; hair curlers; seven 35 mm cameras; one Polaroid camera; birdcage cut in
half (one on each side); plastic angel; doll's face; toy bird whistle.
Controls on top of desk -- spray can tops (for the buttons).
All over the set -- assorted trays; drawer organizers; bowls; divided dinner
plates; cups; silverware drawer trays; heart-shaped bowls.
Q: What is the Mads' keyboard made out of?
A: A teletype.
/----'BOT STUFF----\
Q: Which way do the 'bots face when in the theater? It looks like they
actually face away from the screen if you look at Crow.
A: The 'bots, in addition to Mike and Joel, face toward the screen, with their
backs to Cambot and thus the audience. In the opening sequence (Phase 2-3),
the shot is reversed (Joel's "Gizmonics" logo is backwards) because the shot
was set up with Crow on the left of Joel but looked better reversed, so that
they matched their order during the show. In the theater, Crow's head creates
an optical illusion due to trying to view a three-dimensional object two-
dimensionally. However, it has been seen both from the CC special "This is
MST3K" and from the tour that the 'bots do in fact face toward a white screen,
with their backs to the camera. (Actually, there is also a teleprompter on the
floor in front of them, not to mention this is where Trace and Kevin lie).
Q: Is Crow a woman? Doesn't CROW stand for something?
A: No. In the episode K19 "Hangar 18," also on the scrapbook tape, one of the
skits shows Crow's first memory, where Joel reveals that CROW stands for
Cybernetic Remotely Operated Woman. However, Joel quickly explains that he
intentionally implanted that memory and that it was all just an elaborate joke.
Q: Why does Pearl Forrester call Crow "Art" and seem to know him?
A: The name Art comes from episode 203 "Jungle Goddess" when Joel was calling
Crow Art. This reappeared in episode 402 "The Giant Gila Monster" when they
read a letter from a child who apparently had seen 203, as she called Crow Art
in the letter. As for how they know each other, we're not sure.
Q: Who is this Richard Basehart that Gypsy is so fond of?
A: He is a long-time movie and TV character actor, best known as the star of
the 1960's TV series _Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea_.
Q: Was Servo's name always Tom Servo?
A: No. The earliest incarnation of Tom Servo was named Beeper and could not
speak. Instead, Crow and Gypsy MSTiesd the films with Joel. Beeper was given
a voice and a new name very early on. Since then, his name has been Tom Servo,
although during the KTMA episodes he was usually referred to as just
"Servo."
Q: I've seen the episode in which Tom Servo gets a new voice. What was his old
voice like?
A: In episode 201 "Rocketship X-M," along with the introduction of Frank
Conniff as TV's Frank, Kevin Murphy assumed the duties as Tom Servo's voice.
Before that, Josh Weinstein, who also played Dr. Larry Erhardt, was Tom's
voice. Weinstein as Servo used a deep, profundo voice as Tom, so as to not to
be confused with the high-pitched, squeaky voice he used as Dr. Erhardt,
although the two mixed somewhat. Kevin appears to have tried to imitate Josh
in the early going, before settling down to the Tom voice we have all come to
know and love.
Q: Why is Tom Servo's head look a cylinder in several episodes of the Comedy
Channel's 1990/91 season (Phase 2)?
A: Servo was given a "haircut" in episode 205 "Rocket Attack USA."
The production reason is that BBI briefly experimented with a thinner head
hoping to cut down on the amount of screen blocked. This was abandoned after a
few episodes, however.
Often, you can find this thinner Servo head at the same places you find his
normal gumball head.
Q: How can Servo zoom up and down the theater seats with no problem but needs
to be carried in the theater by Mike or Joel?
A: In episode 110 "Robot Holocaust" Servo reminds Joel to carry him over the
heating grid. Mike is also informed of this fact in 513 "The Brain That
Wouldn't Die." Apparently Servo's hoverskirt has difficulty providing enough
force to carry him over on his own, although he has done it on occasion.
The show-production reason for this is that when they enter the theater,
Mike can walk in, and Trace can slide Crow over from the right, but Kevin
must be already sitting down under where Tom Servo sits. Mike has to carry
Tom Servo in and hand him to Kevin Murphy, and carry him out at the end.
Q: How does Tom Servo know when it is time to leave the theater?
A: Because he was built with those "special parts" (see "Song Lyrics") that
tell the time.
Q: Why can't we see through Tom Servo's head in the theater when we know his
head is translucent?
A: Puppet doubles are used for filming the theater segments for the show.
These doubles are painted black (such as the evil dark spectre "Timmy" in show
416 "Firemaidens from Outer Space"). The doubles make better outlines for the
final mix and don't glare back at the camera. (Although they stick their
tongues out occasionally. *grin*)
Q: Was Servo's head always painted black?
A: No. In the KTMA episodes (Phase 0), the original 'bots played their own
parts in the theater segments, not stand-ins. Therefore the movie could be
seen through Servo's head then.
Q: Sometimes Tom Servo's hands flesh colored and sometimes they are white.
Why?
A: They are created from a mold using the same plastic as hearing aids are
made from. Sometimes Best Brains forgets to paint them.
Q: How many times has Servo's head exploded?
A: As far as we can tell, 5 (not counting when everyone blew up in 406 "Attack
of the Giant Leeches" during "We're a Danger to Ourselves and Others" song).
Tom's head first exploded trying to think of a good thing about 105 "The
Corpse Vanishes". In 107 "Robot Monster" it was figuring out how bumblebees
fly. In 211 "First Spaceship on Venus" his sarcasm sequencer overloaded. In
318 "Star Force: Fugitive Alien II" his head came apart completely. And in
419 "Rebel Set" it was thinking about Merritt Stone.
Q: Why are there so many questions about Servo?
A: For the same reason Gypsy doesn't "get" him: he's the wind, baby!
Q: Can Gypsy enter the theater?
A: Yes. Gypsy has entered the theater in 3 episodes, including 112 "Untamed
Youth" and 207 "Wild Rebels". She even participated in the first part of the
experiment in 412 "Hercules and the Captive Women."
Q: How many times has Cambot actively participated in the films?
A: 4. In 202 "Sidehackers" he put up an ESPN-type scorecard. In 301 "Cave
Dwellers" he helped Joel redo the opening credits. In 423 "Bride of the
Monster" he re-edited the final scene. In 620 "Danger - Death Ray" he was
saddened by the film.
Q: How can we see Cambot in the opening credits?
A: Because he's looking into a mirror.
Q: Then why, in the opening credits of Phase 2-3, when Cambot looks at himself
in the mirror and pans left, the image on the set DOESN'T?
A: Because we're looking at the mirror via rocket number 9? (An oversight by
the filmmakers)
Q: Is that a hamster inside Cambot in the opening credits? (Phase 4)
A: No, it is just the light reflecting off the lens as Cambot moves slightly.
/----THE OBSCURE----\
Q: What is KTMA TV23?
A: It was an independent station in Minneapolis, Minnesota where MST3K first
aired on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1988. The station went bankrupt
shortly after putting MST3K "on hiatus," but has since returned and become
KLGT. KLGT was first "Sonlight 23," a religious broadcasting station, and is
now a Warner Brothers affiliate.
Q: What is "The Green Slime"?
A: "The Green Slime" was the pilot episode that Best Brains filmed to promote
the show and try to sell to KTMA. However, since only about a half hour was
necessary in order to sell the show, the episode was never finished.
Q: What is "Play MST for Me" and "Play MST for Me 2"?
A: They are videotapes made available for members of the fan club only. They
contain 30 minutes of songs from the various MST3K experiments. PMFM is from
the first 4 seasons (Phases 2, 3) and PMFM2 contains songs from seasons 5 and
6 (Phases 3, 4).
Q: Who is Dr. Larry Erhardt (Phase 0-1)?
A: Dr. Larry Erhardt, played by Josh Weinstein, was the other original mad
scientist (see "The Obscure"). He left the show after Phase 1 and was replaced
by TV's Frank, who is only an assistant, not another scientist.
Q: Why is Josh Weinstein who played the original Tom Servo and Dr. Larry
Erhardt no longer with the show (Phase 0-1)?
A: It was never publicized why he left the show. The best guess is that he
needed time to mature (he was 18 at the time of his departure) and make his
own name in comedy. He now performs stand-up in Los Angeles and has written
for various comedy shows, including Later with Greg Kinear.
Q: Is this Josh Weinstein the same Josh Weinstein whose name occasionally
appears in _The Simpsons_ credits?
A: No, it is not the same person.
Q: What happened to Dr. Larry Erhardt (Phase 0-1)?
A: He was reported to be missing in episode 201 "Rocketship X-M" by TV's Frank.
At that time, his face was also shown to be on a milk carton. In episode 313
"Earth vs. the Spider" it looked as though he was in the film, to be eaten by
the spider (It was in fact just an actor who looked like him). Joel even
commented "So that's what happened to him!" Some new invention to put Joel IN
the films gone wrong? No one knows for sure.
Q: Where do the names Dr. Clayton Forrester and Dr. Larry Erhardt come from?
A: They are the names of the heroes from the 1953 George Pal film adaptation of
H. G. Wells' "War of the Worlds".
Q: Why is Frank listed in the credits as "TV's" Frank?
A: Originally, it was just Frank. As time went on, however, Frank adopted the
name "TV's" Frank, similar to hosts of older TV shows where the host would
buddy up to the viewer. When a TV personality became big, he would be
introduced as "TV's" so-and-so.
Q: Why does TV's Frank sometimes call Dr. Clayton Forrester "Steve"?
A: The best explanation so far is that it is a reference to the movie "To Have
and Have Not", starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, screenplay by
William Faulkner. Throughout the movie, Bogart calls Bacall "Slim", which
ticks her off, so she retaliates by calling him "Steve", which isn't his
character's name.
This is a good explaination, but it is incorrect. It turns out it was just a
random thing Frank Conniff decided to do one day.
Q: How do you pronounce Trace Beaulieu's (Dr. Forrester and Crow) last name?
A: Buh-LOO, as in "it...is...buhLOO!"
Q: What was Best Brains' favorite episode?
A: Hands down, it was 424 "Manos: the Hands of Fate."
Q: What was, in Best Brains' opinion, the worst episode they ever did?
A: Hands down, it was 619 "Red Zone Cuba."
Q: What is the most obscure reference BBI has ever had for an episode?
A: In one episode there was a scene with an Asian woman running and carrying a
device that looked like a keyboard. One of the writers quipped, "Hey, she's
got Mike's keyboard!" in reference to the fact that an ex-girlfriend of Mike
Nelson had stolen his keyboard. They wound up not using it in the final edit.
Q: Why is the Comedy Channel 1989/90 season production numbers different than
the original air dates (Phase 1)?
A: We honestly don't know. It is obvious from viewing the episodes that they
were shown in a different order than the production numbers tell us.
Q: What are the differences between the Phases?
A: There are several differences:
Phase 0
Earliest version of the robots and the SOL. Looks low budget ('cause it was).
The riffing was few and far between, mostly because it was done on the spot.
Phase 1
First year episodes were shown on Comedy Central (then the Comedy Channel).
Hexagonal panels on the SOL with plain gray fronts.
There is a new theme song.
There is a new door sequence.
There is a new commercial break sequence.
The opening credits are different/more elaborate
In the opening credits, the film clip shown is from 101 "The Crawling Eye."
Phase 2
The assistant/mad scientist is Frank instead of Larry.
Tom Servo's voice is different.
The opening credits are different/more elaborate.
There is a new commercial break sequence.
SOL background is 3D (toys) instead of painted set.
Robot Roll Call has identifying letters instead of Joel staring into the
camera.
Cambot is different.
Joel sometimes wears different colored jumpsuits.
Joel no longer eats grapes after hitting buttons.
Joel actually has buttons on the desk.
Phase 3
The length of an episode (without commercials) is now 92 minutes as opposed to
97 minutes of the earlier phases.
In the opening credits, the film clip shown is from 212 "Godzilla vs.
Megalon."
Before the opening credits, there is now a still from the movie with recording
info and a voice-over, "Mystery Science Theater 3000 show XXX reel 1" instead
of a black screen with "Turn Down Your Lights (Where Applicable)."
There are now commercials shown 15 minutes before the show airs on CC that
show a clip from the movie and have either Joel and the 'bots or Dr. Forrester
and TV's Frank talking about it.
Phase 4
The human host on the SOL is Mike Nelson, not Joel Robinson.
There is a new theme song.
The opening credits are different/more elaborate.
In the opening credits, the film clip shown is from 513 "The Brain That
Wouldn't Die."
There is a new commercial break sequence identifying the movie.
There is a new door sequence.
Cambot is different.
The Gizmonics Institute and "G" logo is gone.
The 'bots appear to be more in charge.
Phase 5
There is a new theme song.
The opening credits are different/more elaborate.
In the opening credits, the film clip shown is from 617 "The Sword and the
Dragon."
There is a new commercial break sequence identifying the movie.
TV's Frank is no longer Dr. Forrester's assistant.
Dr. Forrester's mother, Mrs. Pearl Forrester, is now also down in Deep 13.
There are only 6 episodes instead of the usual 24.
Q: What's a "stinger"?
A: The stinger is the clip shown at the end of the episode, after the credits.
The Brains have said that their usual way of choosing the stinger is everyone
decides on what clip to use, they put it on a post-it note which gets lost, and
Tim Scott (editor) chooses one.
Q: Why does Gizmonics Institute and the "G" logo no longer appear (Phase 4)?
A: The Mads do not work for Gizmonics Institute, they are renegades who used to
work there, before blasting Joel into space.
The real-life reason is that Joel Hodgson owns the rights to these things.
Now that he no longer appears on the show, they have been removed.
Q: What was the quote on the plaque that Joel left the 'bots as his final words
in episode 512 "Mitchell"?
A: The quote is from The Circus of Dr. Lao.
To all on the Satellite of Love from Joel:
"The world is a circus if you look at it the right way. Every time you pick up
a handful of dust, and see not the dust but mystery, a marvel, there in your
hand. Every time you stop and think, "I'm alive. And being alive is fantastic."
Every time such a thing happens, you are part of the circus of Dr. Lao..."
Q: Why does Mike (and Joel) watch these bombs? What would happen if he refused
to enter the theater?
A: Since this is part of a mad experiment, Mike is forced to watch the movies.
In Phase 1, Joel was allowed to eat a grape every time he hit a button. Thus,
he was trained to watch the films (since he can't control when they run, see
"Song Lyrics"). In 208 "Lost Continent" he refuses to enter the theater, and
is zapped by remote control by the Mads. The 'bots watch because they were
programmed to by Joel and help Mike out (although they sometimes leave).
Q: Is Joel left-handed?
A: Yes, Joel is a southpaw (which leads to being weird, which results in
creativity).
Q: What is "Hi-keeba!" and where does it come from?
A: It comes from episode 104 "Women of the Prehistoric Planet". A character in
the film is trying to show off his martial arts skill, so he shouts "Hi-keeba!"
and promptly hits himself in the head.
Q: I remember a debate about computers in one episode. Which computer does
BBI prefer?
A: In 304 "Gammera vs. Barugon" there was a debate over whether Macs or IBMs
were better. The debate was not resolved, but was ended when Joel asked if
anyone had seen the mouse for his Amiga. In real life, BBI likes all three
types of computers. When they started they could only afford one computer and
had some debate about going Mac or IBM. Now they have 8 IBM's, 5 Macs, and
one Amiga. The writers tend to prefer Mac, though.
Q: When door 3 closes during the door sequence of Phase 2-3, it sounds like a
woman saying "pizza." What is that?
A: It is simply the sound effect and was not intended to sound like anything.
Q: Just after door 6 closes in Phase 4, there is something scurrying across the
floor. What is this?
A: It is a wind-up cockroach.
Q: Does MST3K ever appear in any other places?
A: Yes. Many writers or other media people are fans of the show, and often
include "MST3K" or some other reference to the show in their work. Examples
include "MST3K" in an Animaniacs episode ("Potty Emergency"), Crow and Tom in
several comic books (that's graphic novels) including Transformers, the
Incredible Hulk, and MAD Magazine, "Tom Servo's Used Robot Parts" listed on the
Prominade directory on Deep Space 9, a direct parody on a Sesame Street episode
(2 muppets were heckling a farm film), references in several video games (such
as "X-Wing" and "Off-World Interceptor"), and a thanks to MST3K in a Nintendo
game, several 3DO games, and Rush's CD "Counterparts". In addition, there's a
version of the MST3K opening theme song (Joel era) on "Destroy All Astromen" by
Man Or Astroman (1994, Estrus Records).
Q: Why do Joel and the 'bots say "Jimmy Smitts" when someone on screen says
"switch?"
A: A few years ago Jimmy Smitts was in the movie "Switch" with Ellen Barkin.
In the ad campaign, Smitts insisted that his name immediately follow the
title, without a preface such as "also staring" or "with."
Q: Who or what is a Woozle named Peanut?
A: It is a ventriloquist act by stand-up comic Jeff Dunham (no relation). He
has a character named Peanut who claims to be a woozle.
Q: Why does Joel Hodgson hate Gallagher?
A: When Joel was performing stand-up before MST3K started, he was working at
the Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa Beach, CA with Gallagher. Backstage
before the show Gallagher went through all of Joel's props without permission
and complained about all the gimmicks Joel was using (when Gallagher also uses
"gimmicks" in his shows). Supposedly Gallagher was very rude and insulting.
Also, he's evil.
Q: What does Gizmonics Institute do (Phase 0-3)?
A: It is the Institute for the Advancement of Naive Science.
/----CREDITS----\
Q: If I have a correction or additional information to add, who do I send it
to?
A: E-mail it to Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net) with "FAQ" in the
Subject: line.
Q: Who are some of the contributors of this information?
A: Among the many folk who have sent along information, notes, and general
ideas are--
Stephen Adelson, Jennie Andreasen, Matthew Arndt, David Arnold, Paul "Monty"
Ashley, Amy Ashton, Malcolm Austin, Gregory S. Bandy, Mike Barklage, Keith
Barrett, Trace Beaulieu, Andy Bell, David J. Bianco, Jeremy Billones, A. Wright
Blan, Robert Buttram, Joseph Cadotte, Jeff Caradona, Mark Carson, Erin Cash,
Cliff Chaput, Kevin Cheek, Richard Clark, Stephanie M. Clarkson-Aines, Terri
Clendenin, Mike Cohen, Chris Cooley, Jason Corley, Chris Cornell, Donald
Cotnoir-Strong, Scott Crabtree, George Crawford, Charles Daniels, Kevin Days,
Markus De Shon, Rob DeMillo, Patrick Delahanty, Bill Dennen, Scott Dexter, Dave
Van Domelen, Theodore Dubro, Matt Duhan, Brian Dunkle, David Eanes, Lorenzo
Ellis, Nina Eppes, Scott M. Fabbri, Anthony Fiarito, Patrick Fitzgerald,
Christopher Forman, Lynn-Anne Friese, Greg Galcik, Pat Gomes, John Gotts, Chad
Gould, Jamie Green, Gerald M. Guglielmo, Andrew Hannah, William Harrison,
Justin Hart, Cullen Hartley, Larry Hastings, Ron Hitchens, Marty Hoff, Dale
Holod, Mark Holtz, Charles R. Hoynowski, Ed Hughes, Jonathan Hughes, Ian
Ingham, Mike Inglis, Chad Jackson, Lucy Jaffe, Lisa Jenkins, Brian Johnson,
Mary Lynn Johnson, Ryan K. Johnson, Todd Johnson, Chuck Jordan, Norman Joseph,
Brad Keely, Sean Kennedy, Ed Klein, Johnny Klonaris, Vance Kochenderfer,
R'ykandar Korra'ti, Rich Kulawiec, Donna K. Lang, Tony Lash, Douglas Lathrop,
Pat Lawrence, Sharon Levy, Bob Linehan, Stephan A. Manchir, Steven Manfred,
Chris McCullough, Dan McKenney, Jane Melander, Mark Meyer, Stephen Morgan, Will
Morgan, Phil Mueller, Kevin Murray, Katie Muzik, Frank G. Neves, Michael K.
Neylon, Synth F. Oberheim, Mark Odell, Mary Pat, Brian Perler, Marc Peters,
Jamie Plummer, Kevin Podsiadlik, Lon Ponschock, Joshua R. Poulson, Ed Powell,
Rob Quianthy, Ellen Sasse, Joel A. Schenkenberg, Leo Schwab, Michael Sensor,
Jeff Shapuras, William Sherman, John D. Shull, Brian Siano, Will Silver, Steve
Simmons, Sarah Skovronsky, Mike Slusher, Matt Soffen, Spatch, Dave Spensley,
Craig Steinberger, Steve Strassmann, "The Punster," "Tazer One," Steven Thorpe,
Paul Thrasher, Chuck Tomasi, Lance Visser, Julie Walker, Mark Weissburg, John
Wiggins, Monty Wilson, Tom Wilson, Patty Winter, Kate Wrightson, Michael J.
Zavisca.
And many other MiSTies from coast to coast.
_Mystery Science Theater 3000_, its characters and situations are copyright
1995 Best Brains, Inc. This publication is not meant to infringe on any
copyrights held by Best Brains, Comedy Central or its employees. The
information herein is subject to being wrong. This FAQ is free to distribute
not-for-profit as long as this notice remains intact. If you would like to
reprint any part of this publication, please drop me a line, so I can add it to
the FAQ. No part of this publication may be reprinted, in whole or part, for
profit or in hard printed form without express written permission of the
maintainer, Matthew Duhan (fRiNgE@cybercom.net).
|
