I've been trying to hold off on posting before I really gave the new episodes a chance but hey, why let common sense get in the way of a little ranting?
For starters, I'm a pretty big fan of MST3K, specifically from the second season onward when they decided to create a real writing staff. I love Joel episodes, I love Mike episodes, I love Trace as Crow, I love Bill as Crow, and even though I'm a much bigger fan of Clayton and TV's Frank, Pearl, Bobo, and Brain Guy grew on me (Public Pearl turned me). My point is that I'm not afraid of change.
That being said, I'm struggling a bit with the eleventh season. The commentary and jokes hit and miss just as much as those in previous seasons, which is honestly really nice. I'd even go as far as to say I enjoy the riffing better in the new MST3K than Riff Trax or Cinematic Titantic despite the lack of alumni. But the pacing is a huge issue and sometimes--a lot of times--it seems like the actors are just reading off their lines as fast as they can to squeeze every possible ounce of joke into a scene. Which leads me to my next shoulder shrug: chemistry.
I'm not feeling it. The characters never feel like they're really talking to one another. This, in turn, kills a lot of jokes for me because it feels so damned scripted. The show has almost always been scripted, of course, but even when they first started doing this it felt more natural.
As far as the actual characters go...I'm going to give it more time. No one seems to have their own personality, really, or even noticeable character traits. But you know, it's early. The Mads are weak, however, this probably has to do with my own perception than an educated critical analysis. I see both Felicia and Patton as Felicia and Patton forcing bad acting, if that makes any sense. I think they both could work if they, well, really just relax(ed)?
Don't get me wrong; I like the new show. In fact, I love that the series has returned and that the theater experience is still very MST3K. Sometimes it's hilarious, other times it's the extreme opposite--but it's still MST3K. A little faster, sure, but as I said, it's early. And that's why I want another new season. Give the actors more opportunities to grow into their own characters. One new season isn't enough for everyone to find their groove.
Also, let's see some more shorts and black and white films. 16:9 be damned!