This slightly less than brilliant episode of the generally brilliant TV series begins when Chris (
Chris Elliott) discovers that the local playground, site of his bizarre precious childhood memories (heard in audio flashback), has been condemned, and is to be replaced by a parking lot. Aghast at what he calls "this stinking nihilistic world," Chris sets out to save the playground. He tries to raise money by selling seafood drink and his old sneakers, by performing on the street (a rollerblading mime puppet show that is not to be missed), and by becoming a gigolo, all to no avail. Even his own parents, Fred (Bob Elliott) and Gladys (
Elinor Donahue), are more interested in the upcoming
Jack Jones concert than in helping their son. Chris eventually hits on the idea of breaking the world record for having junk stacked on him. "Chris Peterson's Save the Park Stack-On" is underway! With the help of his friend, Larry (
Sam Robards), he charges his neighbors to stack items on top of him. His neighbors are eager to squash Chris, and continue to stack junk on him, even when it seems it may cost him his life. When Mr. Pipp (
Clive Revill), an official from the Big Book of Records, shows up to validate Chris' feat, everyone is in for an unpleasant surprise. But their disappointment turns to enchantment when
Jack Jones himself makes an appearance, does a terrific number atop Chris' "pile of death" and helps save the playground. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide