A Ladder to Heaven
| Company type | Television episode |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | November 6, 2002 |
| Products | Animated television episode |
A Ladder to Heaven is the twelfth installment of the sixth season and marks the 91st episode in total of the Comedy Central animated series South Park. It was first broadcast on November 6, 2002.
The storyline follows the boys as they endeavor to construct a ladder reaching heaven in order to recover a winning ticket that Kenny possessed prior to his death. Their well-meaning project unexpectedly ignites a media sensation across the nation.
Plot
Stan, Kyle, and Cartman win a prize allowing unlimited candy grabs, but require the ticket stub to redeem it. They remember having given the stub to Kenny before he passed away. Upon visiting Kenny’s home, they discover an urn containing his ashes, which they take during the night. Not understanding cremation, they anticipate finding Kenny’s body; Cartman confuses the ashes for chocolate milk powder, mixes them with milk, drinks it, and substitutes the ashes with cat litter.
The trio resolves to build a ladder ascending to heaven to locate Kenny and retrieve the ticket. When questioned about their motivation, they withhold mention of the candy prize, stating only their desire to see Kenny again. This heartfelt explanation resonates with adults nationwide, transforming ladder construction into a mass movement. Country singer Alan Jackson appears, performing a commemorative song.
On an international scale, Japan erects a competing ladder, prompting the U.S. military to respond by building a fortified tower as a show of superiority. The ladder eventually extends beyond the clouds, yet the boys observe nothing at its summit.
Photographs depicting clouds fuel speculation that Saddam Hussein, believed dead and residing in heaven, operates a weapons factory there. Concerned about potential nuclear armament development, the U.S. plans an aerial strike on heaven. President George W. Bush addresses this issue at the United Nations General Assembly.
Meanwhile, Cartman begins to experience memories belonging to Kenny following head injuries. Adults clarify the concept of cremation for the boys; Cartman realizes he consumed Kenny’s ashes. After further head trauma, he recalls that Kenny had hidden the ticket stub in his room. The boys recover it, claim their candy reward, and lose interest in continuing with the ladder project. The confusion resolves with contemplations on mortality and the afterlife, though Alan Jackson’s musical tribute fails to inspire. Cartman discovers that Kenny’s spirit now inhabits his body after mocking himself in Kenny’s voice.
The episode concludes by revealing Saddam Hussein is indeed constructing a weapons facility disguised as a chocolate chip factory while deceiving God.
Production
The episode satirizes country artist Alan Jackson and his song "Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)", which reflects on the September 11 attacks. Co-creator Matt Stone criticized Jackson for exploiting emotional responses related to remembering 9/11.
Home media
"A Ladder to Heaven" was included among sixteen episodes from South Park's sixth season released as a three-disc DVD collection in the United States on October 11, 2005. This set featured brief audio commentaries by creators Trey Parker and Stone for each episode. The season received a 9/10 rating from IGN.
External links
- "A Ladder to Heaven" Watch full episode at South Park Studios