An infamous cartoon has outdone itself. Ren & Stimpy - The Lost Episodes is, for the most part, a knee-slapping triumph. These adult-oriented installments of the dog and cat duo's exploits were written — and rejected — in 1991. Creator John Kricfalusi is back in control and once again performing as the voice of Ren. The six episodes are rife with slapstick humor of 'roid-rage intensity, profanity, borderline pornography, and chain-smoking characters.
Essentially, this is the same show you may have watched 15 years ago — in extreme form. Stimpson J. Cat is still a slow-witted goon and Ren Hoek still bashes him upside the head. During the introduction, Kricfalusi said that these episodes were crafted per fans' mailed requests.
The first episode, which aired on Spike TV in 2003, is aptly titled "Naked Beach Frenzy."
Inordinately voluptuous bimbos drawn by a female cartoonist are the centerpiece. The crackhead-looking chihuahua is quickly hopped up on testosterone with Stimpy soon to follow. In an apparent appeal to men with a cartoon fetish, Z-cup breasts bounce ad nauseum. Puerile fixations aren't limited to the female anatomy; testicles, hairy man ass and pierced Jim jugs are prominently featured. Recommendation: watch while drinking, not eating.
"Stimpy's Pregnant," on the other hand, was a product of brilliance. A characteristically abusive, narcissistic Ren is cast as subservient Stimpy's husband. Ren is selfishness incarnate regarding his wife's pregnancy. The characters' interaction is a wild social commentary on egoistic pigs and the doormats who are drawn to them. Stereotypes make for great comedy.
Just when you thought the sickly dog couldn't be more vicious and deranged, "Ren Seeks Help" shows you his savage side. Ren victimizes Stimpy in some unspeakable way, cries in remorse, and seeks psychotherapy. This episode reveals the the roots of his violent nature and ends with a twist that is among the greatest moments in cartoon history.
The Kricfalusi team did their worst in "Fire Dogs 2," which entails little more than Ren and Stimpy sucking up to a fire chief. This tribute to the human colon glorifies atrocious bathroom humor. Other prominent elements are profound squalor and the plethora of jelly rolls hanging from the guest character. Attention, bulimics; a five-minute dose of this optical ipecac will get you there.
Sympathizing with the desperate plight of a large-breasted woman, the duo takes extreme measures to help in "Altruists." The slapstick action and creativity typical of the series are offered in peak form.
One might have seen this story coming. In "Onward and Upward," Ren and Stimpy are a gay couple. The sexual references are graphic as the couple live in penury and soon move into what they perceive to be high society. It is entertaining and highly inventive. Unfortunately, hardcore vomit and phlegm pseudo-humor takes center stage.
A good amount of the jokes and random acts of insanity are hilarious. I found Ren's new level of madness to be a joy to watch. As for the mind-jarring bathroom humor, a creative team that is clearly high on twisted genius could have done better. I don't seek out nausea, but if you enjoyed the gross aspects of the television series, you'll be enamored with what they've done with the basest of bodily functions.
All things considered, I'll surely watch this one again — over a six-pack. Quality characters and unbridled creativity make this compilation worth watching.
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