For fans initiated into the bizarre and boundary-pushing comedy of Tim and Eric, “Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule” offers a uniquely structured dive into their signature style. Unlike the chaotic, anything-goes format of “Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!”, “Check It Out” channels its absurdity through the lens of a local access television show, hosted by the endearingly inept Doctor Steve Brule. Whether this shift in structure is preferable is subjective, but the result is undeniably hilarious, further cementing the comedic genius of Tim and Eric.
While Doctor Steve Brule may not have been everyone’s immediate favorite character from “Awesome Show” – with many gravitating towards figures like Richard Dunn or David Liebe Hart – “Check It Out” provides the perfect platform to fully explore Brule’s comedic potential. This show meticulously crafts a world around him, amplifying his already established quirks into a symphony of awkwardness and miscommunication. His consistent mispronunciation of guest names, the abrupt interruptions that plague his segments, and the vague hints at deep-seated family issues are not just random gags; they are meticulously woven threads that contribute to the rich tapestry of Doctor Steve Brule’s character. The comedic timing and editing, hallmarks of Tim and Eric’s work, are as sharp as ever in “Check It Out,” masterfully parodying the low-budget aesthetic and often nonsensical content of local access television. If one stumbled upon “Check It Out” without prior knowledge, mistaking it for a genuine local program wouldn’t be entirely far-fetched, a testament to the show’s commitment to its parody.
The brilliance of “Check It Out” extends beyond Doctor Steve Brule himself, with the introduction of new characters that are equally, if not more, captivating. Doug Prispreed’s bewildering sports reports, Terry Bruge Hiplo’s disjointed and off-kilter movie reviews, and Carol Krabit’s spectacularly inaccurate predictions each add layers of comedic gold to the show. These individuals, much like Brule, exist in a realm of comedic awkwardness that is both cringe-inducing and utterly captivating. The question of where Tim and Eric discover such unique comedic talents only adds to the mystique and appeal of their productions.
Structuring the often anarchic comedy of Tim and Eric might seem counterintuitive, yet in “Check It Out,” it proves to be a successful experiment. While it might not resonate with every viewer, for many, including myself, it feels like a natural and welcome extension of the “Awesome Show” universe. It’s less about declaring one superior to the other, and more about appreciating them as interconnected pieces of a larger comedic puzzle. Both shows, upon initial viewing, might appear haphazardly assembled, but beneath the surface of seemingly sloppy editing and bizarre transitions lies a carefully constructed comedic architecture. Every awkward pause, every jarring cut, every moment of perceived amateurism is deliberate, serving a specific comedic purpose. Tim and Eric have mastered a unique brand of meticulously crafted awfulness, and through shows like “Check It Out! with Doctor Steve Brule,” they continue to elicit laughter in a way that few others can.
