12. "I've been a big Jerrod Carmichael critic...but this was very good. " In response to In response to 0
There has always been an anti-black thread in his humor to me. Not everyone sees it but it was there for me. I described him before as the black comedian that white folks felt comfortable laughing at him making fun of black people.
I thought his show was unfunny.
He always seemed to have something against older black people. This special explained a lot of that in a way that made me much more sympathetic to him and could see where he was coming from. Dude has a lot of anger directed at his parents (though you could see his desire to connect with them).
I use to not be annoyed with his style of delivery. The start a thought, pause not finish, move on to something else. That style actually worked to great effect in this special because dude had a big secret and had a hard time sharing it with the audience. I almost wish I didn't know what the big reveal would be going into it.
I don't know how they managed that conversation with the audience with out it going off the rails. Ever audience interjection was in great service to the special. It had me wondering if there were parts they cut out.
People talk about it being not all comedy and some times serious but it was waaaaay more powerful than Dave Chappelles specials trying to do the same thing. Dave has taken to lecturing and knows that he is this great voice that people need to listen to. Folks have been gassing him up and he believes it all.
Jerrod was waaaay more humble and introspective. Way more directly connected to his audience. He legit asked the audience for advice. Can never imagine DC doing that these days.
It will take time to see if it is great but it was a very good special.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson