We Pick Five Episodes of Harvey Birdman That Are Still Relevant Today

4) Season 2, Episode 11: “Guitar Control”

 

What this was about:
Quick Draw McGraw (in a then-timely impression of previous NRA president Charlton Heston), is arrested for having a concealed guitar and gives a speech about the importance of a right to bear musical instruments. While this is happening, Phil runs for president and gets major funding from the guitar lobby and Peanut (Harvey’s assistant) accidentally kills Quick Draw’s sidekick with a guitar in his house. Do I really have to tell you what this was about?

How it relates now:
Yep, this is the big one. The topic of gun ownership and regulation has only become even more frequent in the U.S. in recent years due to the depressingly high rates of shootings. And each time, the cycle of discussion goes through again and again about what should or shouldn’t be done. This episode takes on all sides of the argument, though mainly leaning on the aspects that the NRA funds politicians to look the other way on things and that lack of proper care or handling of a firearm, even in the home, can lead to pretty gruesome fates. It’s probably easiest episode of the show to both laugh and cry at.