Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars

What will now be known as the one-episode wonder, “Barstool Van Talk,” a unique talk show, still did as much as it could to provide their viewers with quality content. The series, which made its premiere Oct. 17 in the “coveted” 1 a.m. slot on ESPN 2, was canceled despite favorable viewership. On Oct. 23, ESPN President John Skipper mentioned in a statement regarding the matter that he “erred in assuming [ESPN] could distance our efforts from the Barstool site and its content.”

For many fans, this move probably does not come as much of a surprise. The fact that ESPN even wanted anything to do with Barstool in the first place, however, was a surprise.

The particular personalities “Barstool Van Talk” focuses on are of course Big Cat and a PFT Commenter from the media company’s popular sports podcast, “Pardon My Take.” The van talk concept stems from when “Pardon My Take” used their now-infamous Chevrolet conversion van known as “Vanny Woodhead” for interviewing guests on their podcast over this past summer.

The cancellation of this show does not reflect the quality of its lone episode whatsoever. Big Cat and PFT made a seamless transition into TV and did a superb job of making great use of this interesting aesthetic and complementing that with a plethora of creative segments.

One of the most notable segments was “Guy Lights,” in which Big Cat and PFT do what they do best, giving their unique take on the world of sports. It is also notable how the guys from “Pardon My Take” brings their style and make themselves right at home, rather than ESPN trying to mold this show into something more typical of their programming.

Another signature quality of “Pardon My Take” that is put to great use in this episode is Big Cat and PTF’s sarcastic tone and sometimes tension-producing interviews with their guests. They certainly delivered here, as they really made sportscenter anchor and short-time colleague of theirs Scott Van Pelt really sweat it out in the van.

Whether it is just fabricated for the sake of the show or Big Cat and PTF were actually sent an octopus in the closing scene, it is a strong taste of “Pardon My Take” and Barstool’s unique brand of comedy resulting in a great way to end the episode.

Of course, what makes this episode run so well is the performance and effort of these two aforementioned gentlemen. They each have their own well-established individual characters, while still being to work off of each other like it is second nature, thus producing a ferocious yet mystical work of comedy fans have come to know and love. As for the show being canceled, it is definitely unfortunate for everyone involved, as there really seemed to be something entertaining as well as promising with this show. In the long run though, ESPN’s choice to cancel the show is going to be a decision that will end up benefiting Barstool Sports more than hurting it.

Image from Barstool Sports via YouTube.com