For many years I've been trying to remember the name of a sketch comedy show that played on HBO way back in the 'Nineties. It was made for adults, because there was cursing and nudity. I remember I'd originally watched it with my cousin, Erik, at his place, because at home I was not allowed to watch anything for adults. If it was the day before my thirteenth birthday, and I wanted to see a PG-13 movie, I had to wait another day until I was actually thirteen. I got to watch lots of stuff at Erik's place that I shouldn't have.
Every once in a while, the subject came up over the next few decades, but I never gave it much thought. Finally, the other day I posted a meme with a Bob Vila reference (who is still alive, by the way), and I realized, holy shit. I live in the future. I have the internet at my fingertips. Why not look it up?
So I did and found Hardcore TV! I watched a few sketches, and some of it is still funny. The segment I'd been thinking of in particular all this time held up well. We'll get to that one in a moment.
As I watched these, especially "Fairy Tales From the Dark Side," I realized maybe this show had more of an influence on me than I thought. "Raging Bullwinkle" is exactly what you think it is, only much more profane. "Bensonhurst 11210" is . . . just watch that. You might see a familiar face.
But the skit my pervy ass wanted to see again was "This Old Whorehouse." Yes, it's a parody of Vila's This Old House, but the house in question is indeed, a brothel. If you've read some of my erotica, like, say, 6669: Demon Porn, then maybe you can see the seeds of, uh, forget the metaphor. It's for the best.
Too bad they didn't last very long. If they'd done it today? I think they'd be very, very successful. Tim Blake Nelson was one of the writers, by the way. I wonder if he ever thinks about resurrecting the show.
