Hmm.. The Onion interviewed Hayes a month or two ago and this episode came up. He didn't seem that pissed or at least pissed enough to quit the show. Since the Church of Insanity wasn't able to ban the episode in the US like they did in the UK, they probably put a lot of pressure on him.
Read this on yahoo this afternoon. Disappointing, but whatever...too bad Hayes, who seemed like a cool guy, has such double standards. Can't wait to see what those geniuses Matt and Trey come up with to off Chef...and Mr. Derp would rock.
I agree with Trey and Matt. No matter what Hayes says, it's because they made fun of his religion. How many things has South park crossed the line over? Everything. They made fun of African tribes, the US Government, the FBI, CIA, black people always being falsely accused/framed, Catholic church, Scientology, Metrosexuality, WalMart... The list goes on and on.
Wonder if they're gonna kill off Chef... Or maybe have him run off to become a Scientologist or something... Either way, I have a feeling Stone and Parker will make him fair game...
Never knew he was a scientologist, and don't really care. Chef's pretty much gone the way of the bus driver anyway. Truth is, the scientology (Trapped in the Closert) episode was brilliant (and I don't say that about everything I like), easily one of my favorites, though that has as much to do with it's running Cruise gag as it does it's lampoon of Scientology. For those who think it lost its way - it did, around the time of the South Park film, when not enough time was being given to the show. But I am amazed at how strong it's been since then. Shows of the past season (9) that I think show they still have it: Die Hippie Die Best Friends Forever Erection Day Two Days Before the Day After Tomorrow Marjorine Follow that Egg
A difference here is the way they were attacked. South Park didn't mock Catholic beliefs. At times they have had fun with misunderstandings, such as the boys crucifying Cartman to get Kyle's dad an erection, or the cripples go to hell episode, however, it was always pretty clear that the fun wasn't intended to be malicious. What they DID do was attack it for the child molestation issue, which most Catholics (myself included) were outraged over anyway. Here, they do openly mock Scientology's belief system, culminating with the head of the religion admitting it's a money making scam.They didn't tear into hypocrisies practiced by its priests - they tore at the very foundations of Scientology.
They also ripped the core of Jewish traditio nwith the passion of the jew. Jewish people forgiving catholics for the crucifixion? Yea, that'll go over well.
You beat me to it. Maybe Hayes wasn't intending to quit and the Church of Scientology forced his hand. Or maybe Tom Cruise is to blame. I can't say i'd miss the character really - they have plenty to work with.
