The now-vergingin-on-legendary Scientology episode of South Park is finally to be aired again on Comedy Central.

The first repeat was axed, with rumours flying that Tom Cruise had been involved in the decision. Matt Stone, co-creator of South Park, had told the magazine Variety that "If they hadn't put this episode back on air...we wouldn't be doing anything else with them."

Cruise also had to deny reports that he was going to refuse to promote Mission Impossible 3. That film was released by Paramount, who are owned by Viacom, who also own Comedy Central.

The episode, which broadly speaking merely adds Scientology to the extremely wide range of things that Stone and his writing partner Trey Parker have targeted, also led to Isaac Hayes leaving the show.

South Park is, frankly, well known for justifying it's offensive content by pointing out that they target everyone indiscriminately, including Christianity, well known Hollywood actresses, rock bands, countries - as I said everyone.

It seems remarkable that intolerance against comedy seems as strong as ever in some cases.