Nothing related to Scientology is ever simple. I question whether they'll even let Hayes speak on his own behalf. Unless you're good and crazy like Tom Cruise, they keep their minions on a short leash.

I figured South Park would jump all over this debacle. I'd expect Scientology jabs to start flowing for the next 12 episodes.

I heard about this and I was very disappointed with the fact that they have to either have a new person voicing chef or have old chef move and bring in a new chef.

Either way, it doesn't sound too promising. Chef, Cartman and Kenny are probably the faces of the show, so losing one may cause some damage - especially since Chef is extremely popular.

Maybe if they bring in Samuel Jackson to voice a character...

Other than Hayes being a beaming hypocrit, I don't see what the big deal is. Chef isn't a pillar character. I mean, if they tried killing Kenny (for good), then Chef is certainly disposable. I just hope they don't replace him with Mr. Derp, full-time.

I also can't wait to see how badly they goad Hayes and Scientology in the 10th season.

It really wouldn't have been worth it to lose a major character (even if he hasn't appeared for a long time) for a single episode, especially one as lame as Trapped in the Closet. Obviously Isaac Hayes couldn't have been too offended, if he rejoined after such a short time. Perhaps he initially quit not because the episode offended his religion, but because the episode did so without being funny?

Also, wasn't there a show about Scientology a few years back as well?

So who watched the new episode tonight? It was the first one created since Hayes left. Without revealing anything specific, I'm just going to say that they don't hold back ripping into the Chef character, and they make jabs about Scientology and its influence over Hayes at the same time.

For those who can take big spoilers, here are some highlights of the episode:

And no, I'm not making any of this shit up. It's fucking hilarious. Trey Parker and Matt Stone win.

WARNING: Don't quote my post unless you mind seeing the spoilers.

It was, perhaps, the defining moment in the history of South Park. It brought together everything they believed in for one shining moment. South Park cannot possibly get any better. Consider the shark jumped.

If Matt and Trey have any sense of self-awareness, they'll know that the pinnacle of a show whose legacy is blistering parody is directing that sarcasm inward to mock itself.

The world could fall apart around us and South Park could lampoon every step of the way, but I doubt it gets much better than mocking a disgruntled, former cast member.

Best way to jump I suppose, doing it on a high note.

Linking to our form's themes, who else was thinking "Metal Gear Solid" thought with the music?

I watched it too, and...

I really wish someone could provide me with a cap of the ending. I need that to be my desktop. hahaha! brilliant.
it was such a heartbreakingly personal episode. you can tell that Matt and Trey really do love Isaac and really hate to see him go.

My favorite part was...

The new episode was very funny, with many parallels to the Scientology episode and themes. I'll try to post with no spoilers, but anyone who knows enough about this story would have by now tried to see it any way they know how.

It's sad to see him go, but South Park will certainly continue, and the message at the end certainly clarified Matt and Trey's stance on the subject (see Watts' spoiler).
South Park is more about exposing hypocrites and social commentary than it is about immature humor, but the immarture humor is thrown in to keep the episode light and funny during the heavier scenes.
Imagery aside, the show won't end simply because Chef left. As stated before, he isn't a staple character and his role in the show has often been replaced by other characters.
There are plenty of things South Park can still attack, and what's stopping them from re-attacking.
Still, I hope they get off this whole 'let's all get scientologists' kick and get back to being good ol' South Park (minus Chef).

Oh, and just to enlighten some people, another of my favorite shows has a scientologist at its helm: My Name is Earl. Jason Lee is a scientologist. :(
Jenna Elfman is also one.
It's just a new celebrity fad. Very few of the people in it actually know its true beliefs because you have to pay in and involve yourself for years before you get to find out. South Park tried to expose it, but being so biased it's hard to truly buy in to either side of the 'argument'.
Still, as a rule, any religion where you have to pay to hear the beliefs and stories is sketchy, dodgy, and should be avoided.

Others:
Celebrity Scientologists

Catherine Bell is a scientologist? That's pretty retarded.

Anyways, just caught the episode rerun tonight, and it was funny as hell. This coming from a person who thinks that South Park is one of the worst shows on TV.