Space Ghost Coast to Coast/Banjo

Banjo
Season 1, Episode 6
Airdate	September 10, 1994
Production Number	9406-06
Written by	Chris Feresten Matthew Maiellaro
Directed by	C. Martin Croker
← 1x05 Bobcat	1x07 → Punch
Space Ghost Coast to Coast — Season One

Space Ghost talks with rapper Schooly D and novelty artist "Weird Al", but his interviews are interrupted as he takes care of his new Sea Monkey friend, Banjo.

Guests

Schooly D - Rapper.
"Weird Al" Yankovic - Novelty musician.

Plot

In the first really plot-centric episode of the show, Space Ghost has gotten a new pet, a sea monkey named Banjo, while Zorak begins to work on his hypnotism skills. After giving Banjo some super vitamins at the beginning of the show, Space Ghost talks to Schooly D about super powers and they argue about who, exactly, is the man. Space Ghost checks on his monkey colony to find a little sea monkey named Banjo is growing.

Space Ghost returns to find Banjo is growing quickly, and he almost bites Space Ghost's hand off. He talks with "Weird Al" Yankovic, possibly the first get to really get and play along with the show. In the interview, both Space Ghost and Weird Al are hypnotized by Zorak, who gives them commands such as contorting their bodies and sayinig stupid things.

Towards the end of the show, Banjo finds his way to the set. He ends up blasting Zorak, several times. Space Ghost fears what he has unleashed, and is forced to kill Banjo with his destructo-ray. Space Ghost ends on a classic line: "Why do we always hurt the ones we love? Why Banjo? Why?!! Banjo. Banjo! Banjo!!!" The episode ends in memory of Banjo, September 23rd, 11:00 pm - 11:15 pm.

Notes

• This is the first Space Ghost episode to have the usual feeling of random comedy and absurdity that would make the series work.
• From this episode and on, Schooly D has had an oddly good relationship with Williams Street.
• The original air date and the date on the end tribute to Banjo don't match.
• Banjo was liked enough that it became a running gag on the show.
• First episode with writer Chris Feresten.