Running from 2003-2007 on American network SpikeTV, "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge" (better known simply as "MXC") was a warped, sometimes twisted but always consistently amusing experimental program that supplied endless laughs and even an occasional pained groan from viewers. The premise is simple: take a classic extreme Japanese game- show known as "Takashi's Castle" and re-edit the footage, overdubbing the original dialog with a small group of talented voice-over artists in order to give it a new, creative spin for the sake of comedy. And my god, does it work!
The series follows two "teams" in every episode who are forced to go through frankly demented physical challenges in order to earn points. The teams are often amusing contradictions of one another ("Cops VS Cons", "Donors VS Addicts", etc.) or just nonsensical groupings created for the sake of random comedy. ("Meat Handlers VS Cartoon Voice Actors" being one that pops into mind) All the while, our two hilarious announcers Kenny Blankenship (voiced by Chris Darga) and Vic Romano (voiced by Victor Wilson) provide us with amusing banter and play- by-plays to often laugh-out-loud effect.
The highlight of the series is definitely the insanity of some of the physical challenges players are forced into and how it is contrasted with the great overdubbed humor. You'll see people being thrown about, having their bodies slammed into walls, falling into pools of water, and just generally being brutalized in a series of events each episode. My personal favorite has always been "Log Drop"- a challenge where contestants must run over a series of rollers that will inevitably begin spinning the second one foot is placed on them. It makes for some of the most insane spills and bails I've ever seen.
Our two leads are just a blast and a half. Blankenship is portrayed as a High School dropout with an unprofessional work ethic but a bubbly attitude that only got the job because his "uncle owns the network." He is balanced by "straight man" Romano, who takes his job perhaps a bit too seriously, causing him to often become angry with his co-host. Supporting characters on the show also include the creepy Guy LeDouche (voiced by John Cervenka)- a pith-helmet wearing weirdo with a French accent and a questionable sexuality, and Captain Tenneal (also voiced by Cervenka)- a gruff field-captain who often introduces each episode's teams and stands by during the challenges.
It is without question that the series is definitely going for the low-brow end of humor, but I think that it works well and compliments the original footage that is being subverted by the new editing and narration. This is not the type of series you watch for complex satirical analysis of modern social/political issues. This is good, old junkfood TV. The type of show you pop on when you get home after work and just wanna relax and have a few silly belly- laughs. I also will comment however, that there's plenty of really subtle recurring gags that do make it worthwhile should you decide to watch throughout the entire series. You may notice recurring characters, family names and even one or two very minor sub-plots here and there that reward long-time viewers.
As it stands, even nearly ten years after production ended, I still find myself loading up old episodes of MXC to watch. It's just good fun and I honestly think its a shame that it ended when it did. It could have kept going forever as far as I am concerned. Silly, fun and broad humor like this never goes out of fashion. I give it a very strong 9 out of 10.
