Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants
| Company type | Television episode |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | November 7, 2001 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Animated television episode |
| Website | southpark |
Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants represents the ninth installment of the American animated series South Park during its fifth season. Marking the 74th episode in total, it was the first to be broadcast after the September 11 attacks, premiering on Comedy Central in the United States on November 7, 2001. This episode explores themes related to the post-9/11 climate and the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan, as the main characters encounter Osama bin Laden after mistakenly arriving in Afghanistan.
Plot
In the wake of the September 11 attacks, the boys stand at a bus stop donning gas masks amid widespread fears of an anthrax threat. A wave of patriotism sweeps through South Park, evident in the abundance of American flags, while Stan’s mother becomes unresponsive while watching continuous news reports. At school, President Bush's appeal for aid to Afghanistan prompts students to contribute one dollar each. The boys send their donation to Afghan children who resemble them; however, due to war damage and currency complications, the Afghan boys respond by sending a goat. Unable to care for the animal, the South Park boys try to return it by sneaking onto a U.S. military aircraft, which mistakenly identifies the goat as singer Stevie Nicks and transports them to Afghanistan.
Once in Afghanistan, they meet their Afghan counterparts who refuse to take back the goat, expressing animosity toward America as a symbol of imperialism—contrasting with the South Park boys’ expectation of goodwill from their Afghan peers. After tensions escalate, both groups are captured by terrorists and brought before Osama bin Laden, depicted as erratic and prone to repetitive speech. Bin Laden films a hostage video; meanwhile, U.S. forces misinterpret the goat for Stevie Nicks and organize a rescue operation.
The Afghan boys decide to save their American counterparts, underscoring shared humanity despite political conflicts. Amid a chaotic battle involving U.S. soldiers and terrorists, Cartman confronts Bin Laden in a sequence parodying World War II-style propaganda cartoons. Cartman deceives Bin Laden into donning an Uncle Sam costume and holding a lit dynamite disguised as a microphone; terrorists shoot Bin Laden just before the dynamite detonates, resulting in his death at the hands of American forces.
Following Bin Laden’s demise and the overthrow of the Taliban, the boys part ways with their Afghan counterparts, who continue to harbor resentment. Stan comments on how mutual hatred might develop over time. The episode closes with troops celebrating alongside a Fleetwood Mac concert while Stan reaffirms his patriotism by planting an American flag, highlighting loyalty despite national imperfections. The final scene shows Stan and Kyle saluting the flag with chants of "Go America" and "Go Broncos."
Production
According to commentary on the DVD release, the creators were motivated by concerns over potential subsequent attacks when developing this episode. The depiction of Bin Laden drew inspiration from vintage Looney Tunes cartoons created during World War II. Additionally, Matt Stone revealed his personal dislike for Stevie Nicks during the commentary.
In 2011, Comedy Central rebroadcast this episode alongside "It's a Jersey Thing" following news of killing of Osama bin Laden.
Reception
The episode earned a nomination for the 2002 Emmy Award in the category of Outstanding Animated Program, ultimately losing to the Futurama episode titled “Roswell That Ends Well”.
IGN awarded the episode a score of 9 out of 10, commending its clever wit and timely satire, particularly the parody of Looney Tunes showcased through the interaction between Cartman and Osama bin Laden. IGN emphasized that this installment offers a perceptive commentary on the national sentiment and global circumstances following the crisis, illustrating why South Park continues to stand out within the television landscape.
Home media
The episode "Osama bin Laden Has Farty Pants," along with all thirteen episodes from South Park: The Complete Fifth Season, was made available in the United States as part of a three-disc DVD collection released on February 22, 2005. This set includes short audio commentaries by creators Parker and Stone for every episode.
External links
- "Osama Bin Laden Has Farty Pants" Watch full episode at South Park Studios
- South Park season 5 episodes
- Aftermath of the September 11 attacks
- Cultural depictions of Osama bin Laden
- Fleetwood Mac
- Television episodes set in Afghanistan
- Television episodes about Islam
- Television episodes about terrorism
- War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) in popular culture
- Looney Tunes
- Parodies of films
- Anti-Americanism