Of all days for the dog to get out. Idjit Galoot, the senescent bassett hound, chooses Moving Day to slip his leash and go Walkabout. Now he's wondering where everybody's gone, and his charmingly dysfunctional master, whose sole focus heretofore has been getting high, watching TV, and diggin' Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, is galvanized into action. Find that dog! How hard can *that* be?
In the classic tradition of dark satire from Gulliver to Billy Pilgrim, from Curious George to Candy, the nameless protagonist of "Smashed, Squashed, Splattered, Chewed, Chunked, and Spewed" by Lance Carbuncle sets out on a simple mission - go back and find that silly old dog before something happens to him - and finds himself on an out-of-control joyride that makes the Temple of Doom look like a Dream Vacation.
Perhaps things'd've gone more smoothly if he hadn't gotten conned out of his soul. And no question the whole operation would've gone down more simply if he'd left Daddy at home, since Mom had honored Dad's final wishes by having him stuffed and mounted in his favorite recliner. And certainly being wanted in connection with destroying a national landmark, as well as unspeakable sexual atrocities, can add a ... complication, or two. Not to mention the embarrassment of having your vintage high school picture (with a mullet for godssake) all over the TV.
Throw Skunk Apes, mystic visions, a hurricane, a giant Bratwurst, and a 102-year-old Bluesman into the mix and you've got yourself one wild ride. Think Wonderland and Oz. Think Uncle Scrooge, only without the benefit of a Junior Woodchucks Manual and Survival Guide. Think Good Clean Fun, only ... without the Good and Clean.
One caveat: Laughter, it is written, is Powerful Mojo. Be prepared for sudden bouts of involuntary spasms and nasal ejecta. Get "Smashed," and L, as they say, OL!
treplovski 08/19/08