If you ever thought “South Park” couldn’t get any more relevant, think again! Season 28 is diving headfirst into today’s hot topics, and in the latest episode titled “Sora Not Sorry,” the beloved show takes a sharp jab at the chaotic world of AI deepfakes. This episode has it all: humor, controversy, and a commentary that resonates with the challenges of our digital age.
## A New Kind of Chaos
The episode opens with Red going door to door, seeking signatures for a petition. Sounds innocent, right? But things quickly spiral into absurdity when she reveals her goal is to get people to smell her farts. Just when you think it can’t get weirder, Santa shows up, declaring he’s going to pee in her face. Surprise! This is all an AI deepfake video crafted by Butters, seeking revenge using OpenAI’s Sora 2 model.
Kyle and Stan, the voices of reason, watch in dismay as the outrageous video circulates through the school. Red’s reaction to the deepfake? Instead of reporting it, she retaliates with a video depicting Butters in an inappropriate scenario with Totoro from “My Neighbor Totoro.” The episode hilariously critiques how far technology can stretch the limits of decency.
## The Dark Side of AI
As the chaos unfolds, Kyle attempts to broker peace with Red, but the digital war intensifies. Kenny becomes the victim of another AI-generated video, where he’s assaulted by Popeye the Sailor Man—thankfully offscreen. The sheer absurdity reflects a disturbing truth about how easily AI can manipulate beloved characters. Even Kyle finds himself uttering words he’d never say, only to be met with the visual of Droopy Dog committing a bathroom faux pas.
In a world where characters like Bluey are exploited in shocking ways, it’s hard not to see the satire in Stone and Parker’s approach. The episode’s absurdity mirrors real-life concerns about intellectual property and the manipulation of digital content. Studio Ghibli’s representatives, portrayed in the episode, are rightfully furious about their work being twisted into offensive AI creations, echoing Hayao Miyazaki’s disdain for such technology.
## A Disturbing Reality Check
One of the most striking elements of “Sora Not Sorry” is how it reflects real-life events. Less than 12 hours after the episode aired, Disney announced plans for its users to create their own AI-generated content, raising eyebrows everywhere. The irony of a company known for creativity charging fans to create their own AI-driven desecrations of its work is not lost on viewers.
The toilet humor may seem like classic “South Park,” but it carries a more profound message about the fine line between art and artificiality. The show cleverly references a recent AI video featuring Donald Trump, showcasing how digital manipulation can blur the lines of reality. In the episode’s B-plot, Trump and lil JD Vance find themselves entangled in yet another outrageous scenario, further amplifying the chaos.
Cartman, always the troublemaker, struggles with the fallout of AI-generated videos portraying him in unflattering lights. Ultimately, it’s Butters’ confession that leads to the unraveling of the madness. The episode leaves viewers with a stark reminder: the transparency of these digital trickery can be both alarming and entertaining.
In this era of misinformation, Stone and Parker’s critique serves as both a warning and a call to action. As technology evolves, the potential for misuse grows, making it crucial for creators and audiences alike to remain vigilant.
Every episode of “South Park” continues to push boundaries and spark conversations, and “Sora Not Sorry” is no exception. With its humorous yet thought-provoking narrative, it’s a reminder of the challenges we face in a world increasingly driven by technology.
You can catch all the antics of South Park streaming now on Paramount+!
