I really enjoyed this. I'd never seen a full standup of his. The clips I'd seen were ok. This particular one was about as personal and intimate as a standup could be. I'd heard he came out in this one, so I was interested in watching. He did a really good job conveying his feelings and perspective. I felt like he was just telling a story with jokes sprinkled it. Very conversational and got some genuine laughs out of me.
2. "I'm very jaded by comedy specials in general." In response to Reply # 0
As some know - I work in comedy and I see thousands of comedians a year, produce comedy specials, and (while I've always thought he's special) I've been a bit of a Jerrod critic in the past.
This is something truly remarkable.
It's almost post-stand up, in a way. It's not overtly FUNNY - though it has its moments, and it has jokes.
MOST specials don't really need to exist. Most of them are collections of jokes rather than a fully formed piece - like an album, or whatever. But this one? This is somewhere between a stand up special, a one man show, and a therapy session. It's BEAUTIFULLY shot - and as a producer, I just have so many questions as to how it was put together.
But I watched it twice yesterday. It's a masterpiece.
3. "lol if i didn't already like him, this might deter me" In response to Reply # 2
when i hear things like post-stand up/therapy session, i automatically think Hannah Gadsby nannette. Which I respected, and if people are into it, that's great, but it definitely wasn't for me.
that said, i'm still gonna check this out.
weird, i re-watched Mid 90s last week and i forgot he had a funny ass scene in it.
13. "This is exactly right." In response to Reply # 6
The 2nd half was def not traditionally funny. Lot of looooong drawn out moments of silence. And like 10% jokes/laughs
I mean I loved watching it, and I'm happy for him. So I'm not really complaining about the special on a personal level. I just wonder if like, people in the audience paid to see a comedy show and ended up running a therapy session for him ? Haha.
58. "Haven’t seen the new special, but Jerrod uses silence well" In response to Reply # 13
I would argue that the only currently active comic I’ve seen who uses silence better is Dave.
I generally skip specials where the run up is based on a deeply personal revelation tho. Like if some famous comedian got divorced and did a whole show around it, I would not be rushing to see it. What I gather from this is Jerrod came out during the special and a lot (or some) of his family didn’t know beforehand? It feels like overhearing something I shouldn’t even be privy to. And if it’s not actually overtly hilarious, it would feel more like a diary entry/work in progress than a special to me.
8. "Very well said!" In response to Reply # 2 Sun Apr-03-22 05:20 PM by Boogie Stimuli
>This is something truly remarkable. > >It's almost post-stand up, in a way. It's not overtly FUNNY - >though it has its moments, and it has jokes.
The only thing I'd say differently is that the jokes just seemed to flow naturally like they were part of a conversation... because they were. I found myself wondering if he even wrote all of those jokes in or if he was just coming up with them on the spot. That makes a great comedic performance imo.
>MOST specials don't really need to exist. Most of them are >collections of jokes rather than a fully formed piece - like >an album, or whatever. But this one? This is somewhere between >a stand up special, a one man show, and a therapy session. >It's BEAUTIFULLY shot - and as a producer, I just have so many >questions as to how it was put together. > >But I watched it twice yesterday. It's a masterpiece.
I completely understand watching it twice. I'll probably watch again as well, and I very rarely watch stuff twice.
33. "IMO, he did a masterful job of setting the table throughout" In response to Reply # 2
he goes through these moments of serious, deep introspection, lulls the crowd into that state of empathy, and then hits us with a crack to break the tension.
And he hit on those cracks at a very high rate. And I think that's the special part of this. It's not unique by any stretch, but given the weight of the personal subject matter, it represents a high bar for the approach.
The whole thing was personal and intimate and real.
7. "Wife was just telling me about it, this morning…" In response to Reply # 0
and that we needed to watch it. We were big fans of the Carmichael Show and were bummed out, when it didn’t come back. We watched all his stand up specials and documentary where he went back to his home. It seemed like in that one, he sort of came out to his mother, but we weren’t sure. I’m just glad he’s back doing stuff.
...I'm from the era when A.I. was the answer, now they think ai is the answer - Marlon Craft
9. "I didn't think his sitcom was funny." In response to Reply # 0
At all. Granted in my older age ANY comedies with laugh tracks are just cringe worthy. I've always thought dude was smart and I always felt The Carmichael Show was not truly utilizing his talents. THIS was an amazing piece of work from him.
I loved this. As Ryan stated above, beautifully shot. I need to watch it again.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79600 posts
Mon Apr-04-22 08:54 AM
11. "yeah.. we didnt find his show funny at all but we watched every ep" In response to Reply # 9
wife and I were rooting for it but his family was the only thing that was funny.
I might check this out.
Not sure how I feel about him as a comedian
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
12. "I've been a big Jerrod Carmichael critic...but this was very good. " In response to Reply # 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
14. "Was curious about this as well." In response to Reply # 12
>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.
^^ likewise. I was preparing myself for some homophobic bullshit during every long moment of silence and was happy when it never came. But then I wondered the same: whether or not they just cut that stuff 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.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79600 posts
Mon Apr-04-22 02:30 PM
17. "examples of the anti-Black vibe? " In response to Reply # 12
I never got that from him.
I always got the “I’m the awkward Black guy who thinks a lot and has a dry ass delivery.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
18. "Watch the first 10 minutes of Love at the Store" In response to Reply # 17
I thought I might have been misremembering him so I went back to watch his first special. Like the Trayvon joke is my introduction to him. I didn't try and watch the whole thing again but the first 10 minutes is a lot of nigga jokes for a white audience.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
21. "RE: Watch the first 10 minutes of Love at the Store" In response to Reply # 18
i rewatched his first special as well after seeing this one...he's definitely evolved in that regard, but i get where you're coming from to a certain extent
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79600 posts
Tue Apr-05-22 01:49 PM
26. "well, 10 years ago you COULD do that" In response to Reply # 22
nowadays you have people who attend comedy shows waiting for a comedian to slip up so they can get a few minutes of twitter fame.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
19. "I think you'll get out of this whatever you put into it" In response to Reply # 0
If you expect nothing, you'll get something, because there's a lot here.
But otherwise? It does feel more one man show than comedy special, though I sometimes wondered how much Bo Burnham brought to this considering Chris Rock's last special felt more like a comedy show when he went back and re-edited it.
The crowd work is interesting, you have to wonder if/how/why/when/what etc. anyone was encouraged to speak during his performance(s) for this special. Or how many times they filmed it, I guess?
In any case, I like a lot of Carmichael's friends and a lot of the things they say he's influenced but I can't say I've ever been fully blown away by anything he himself has done. I love him as an interview subject, as a thinker, as a writer, as a speaker...I'm not saying he doesn't deserve what he's got, y'know?
Glad he's finding a happy place for himself and I hope this leads (which given the streaming wars I'm sure it will) to a really creative series on HBO or Hulu.
23. "I was curious about this too." In response to Reply # 19
>The crowd work is interesting, you have to wonder >if/how/why/when/what etc. anyone was encouraged to speak >during his performance(s) for this special. Or how many times >they filmed it, I guess?
Like, at one point I was like, "How many people are going to yell out questions?" Like that last 15-20 almost turned into a Q&A from the audience which to me made it seem a little staged.
Human nature would tell you once 2 questions got out, a whole bunch of people would now feel motivated to get their question in.
And while I kiiiinda like the moment of the woman calling him out for not revealing his name half way through the show, if I was Jerrod I'd be kinda upset that his end of the show reveal was rushed/ruined. Like when he set that up in the beginning, I knew it was coming at the end.
This is my only critique on what I thought was a solid special.
25. "I think it is fairly obvious he wants crowd participation." In response to Reply # 19
>The crowd work is interesting, you have to wonder >if/how/why/when/what etc. anyone was encouraged to speak >during his performance(s) for this special. Or how many times >they filmed it, I guess?
His delivery, especially the long pauses, encourages it. He did the same thing and had the same types of crowd reaction in 8.
28. "I have some insight here. " In response to Reply # 19
>The crowd work is interesting, you have to wonder >if/how/why/when/what etc. anyone was encouraged to speak >during his performance(s) for this special. Or how many times >they filmed it, I guess?
Having talked to some people who were there…there were a number of tapings (usual stand up shows tape 2) and there were pauses where he very clearly WANTED questions. The best reactions and questions were edited in.
Definitely could have gone off the rails but the way it was shown was a great device for a special.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79600 posts
Tue Apr-05-22 08:01 AM
20. "So his mom isn’t happy about his coming out? " In response to Reply # 0
or is there more to it?
Like she wasn’t happy he chose to do it on camera vs privately?
Always wondered how family feels when they are “used” as props by comedians.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
BrooklynWHAT Member since Jun 15th 2007 85073 posts
Sat Apr-09-22 08:16 PM
30. "she just a Christian old black woman from NC " In response to Reply # 20
i dont think it's much deeper than that really. she had her own hopes and dreams for him as a man. her own values and beliefs over 60 some odd years to reckon with in processing this about him. can't just flip a switch and rock w/ it. and she may never come to that point where she can happily accept him as a gay man. tolerating it might be as much as she can do. and him putting it in this standup will probably make it harder for her not easier cause she has to confront his read on her immediately if she watches it
im curious if he still lives in Winston because my gay friends all had to leave to be themselves and they don't come home outside of holidays because you have to come home for holidays.
one of my best friends since 6th grade i was amazed when he started bringing his boyfriend home, but i know his family realized they'd lose him forever if they didnt get over themselves and all the Christian bullshit
34. "then she shouldn't be surprised ." In response to Reply # 30 Sun Apr-10-22 11:09 PM by rdhull
>i dont think it's much deeper than that really. she had her >own hopes and dreams for him as a man. her own values and >beliefs over 60 some odd years to reckon with in processing >this about him. can't just flip a switch and rock w/ it. and >she may never come to that point where she can happily accept >him as a gay man. tolerating it might be as much as she can >do. and him putting it in this standup will probably make it >harder for her not easier cause she has to confront his read >on her immediately if she watches it > >im curious if he still lives in Winston because my gay friends >all had to leave to be themselves and they don't come home >outside of holidays because you have to come home for >holidays. > >one of my best friends since 6th grade i was amazed when he >started bringing his boyfriend home, but i know his family >realized they'd lose him forever if they didnt get over >themselves and all the Christian bullshit > > > > >
37. "Awesome that your guy even had the nerve to bring buddy home" In response to Reply # 30
My sister is bi and the only reason I even know is she's brought these girls around me, she only shows up to family events with a boyfriend and even then, because it's Nebraska and she likes some specific dudes, it's about time main courses come out that he/they get questioned for being teetotaling office workers instead of whiskey-drenched farmhands
32. "RE: Jerrod Carmichael - Rothaniel" In response to Reply # 0
I was waiting for someone to ask if he was angry that his mom forgave his dad, but can't accept him for who he is. Also wondered if the mom is as distant to Jerrod's father as she is to Jerrod.
His secrets are none of my business, but I have to say this showed a lot of bravery on his part.
38. "Maybe its obvious what's dope about the structure of the story he told i..." In response to Reply # 0
that his parents/family felt the need to honor his grandfathers who were clearly pieces of shit with all these side children, but can't handle him being gay.
I mean you can put it on religion but adultery is a sin too, and his mother is able to manage his fathers adultery but not her son's homosexuality.
I don't think the point is to call her out, clearly he loves her and wants to have that relationship back, but its worth pointing out the double standard.
My friends pops was a huge anti-gay advocate within the black episcopolian church. Was ready to split the church over it....while having a gay daughter. We went to her wedding but her parents didn't. Its so dumb. Now that they have grand kids they seem to be over it but I think about all the pain that must have caused that daughter. For what? How you going to put religion over family?
We can handle drug addict family, criminal family, but can't handle family?!?!
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
>I mean you can put it on religion but adultery is a sin too, >and his mother is able to manage his fathers adultery but not >her son's homosexuality.
This definitely stood out. And completely relatable for any of us that grew up in traditional Black churches in terms of the culture of what is talked about as sin and what blatant sins get ignored. And not just the Black church, since you can easily relate this to scandal in the Catholic Church, or the current scandal with Hillsong.
BrooklynWHAT Member since Jun 15th 2007 85073 posts
Mon Apr-11-22 11:42 AM
42. "Male Adultery is an understandable transgression in our society tho" In response to Reply # 38
I mean what do they say in life, the easiest way to get a woman is to already have one because she validates you to everyone else.it ain’t right but it’s damn true.
46. "Homosexuality is often treated as a special sin, all it's own" In response to Reply # 38
This still boils down to religion, by and large.
Not solely, but even the general negative view of homosexuality is still rooted in religious dogma.
Even if other things are considered sin- a bs concept on its face- people, and entire congregations, as you point out below, can and often do have "pet" sins that they attack with greater fervor.
>This still boils down to religion, by and large. > >Not solely, but even the general negative view of >homosexuality is still rooted in religious dogma. > >Even if other things are considered sin- a bs concept on its >face- people, and entire congregations, as you point out >below, can and often do have "pet" sins that they attack with >greater fervor. > >Homosexuality is arguably chief among them.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79600 posts
Mon Apr-11-22 05:01 PM
50. "they even accept the Uncle you can’t leave around kids" In response to Reply # 38
but gay?
oh hell nah
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
52. "The bible literally tells you to put religion over family." In response to Reply # 38 Mon Apr-11-22 05:58 PM by Boogie Stimuli
>How you going to put religion over family? >
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.
Matthew 10:34-37 (from the central figure of the religion, himself) “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
The hypocrisy comes in where people pick and choose what "sins" they accept. Funny thing about that Corinthians verse is that "sexual immorality" would apply to both her husband and son, so that wouldn't even excuse the double standard.
It's all stupid to me and you, but coming from that world, I know how the mentality works. It's a mindfuck, even for a long time after you break free.
56. "Damn. Literal cult shit." In response to Reply # 52 Tue Apr-12-22 09:51 AM by Brew
Brainwashing like crazy.
>>How you going to put religion over family? >> > >1 Corinthians 5:11 >But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who >bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality >or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or >swindler—not even to eat with such a one. > >Matthew 10:34-37 (from the central figure of the religion, >himself) >“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. >I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come >to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her >mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a >person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever >loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and >whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of >me." > > >The hypocrisy comes in where people pick and choose what >"sins" they accept. Funny thing about that Corinthians verse >is that "sexual immorality" would apply to both her husband >and son, so that wouldn't even excuse the double standard. > >It's all stupid to me and you, but coming from that world, I >know how the mentality works. It's a mindfuck, even for a long >time after you break free.
57. "I mean if we are quoting bible verses I got Matthew 22:36-40" In response to Reply # 52 Tue Apr-12-22 01:12 PM by Buddy_Gilapagos
New International Version
36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
This verse makes clear enough that not all commandments are the same and the second most important one is love your neighbor as yourself.
So I think Jesus' commandment trumps Paul's guidance.
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
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