Porcupine Racetrack

Because my brother brought it up in comments on my previous post about funny TV shows, I have to agree that this is my favorite skit from any comedy show every, hands down. Yes, even above the Blue Oyster Cult “cowbell” sketch. The State masterfully assembles every cliche from the 30’s and 40’s cine,a – but not even real cliches but the cliche of cliches – and puts them all in a 3 minute piece, complete with music, choreography. Then , they top it all off with that bizarre surreal thing they did so well.

This was my favorite comedy show at the time, and 15 years later it’s still my favorite sketch comedy show. The average quality of the sketches is higher than any other show (sorry Kids in the Hall, Python, and Benny Hill) but moreover I loved the ballsy transitions between them even better than Terry Gilliam’s cartoons. It was a great show, and one that really could benefit from a big groaning box set full of lots of extras. If you like Reno 911, Viva Variety, Stella, Wet Hot American Summer and any number of projects that have come since, this is the crucible from which all those metals were forged.