Boondocks : Season 1

Huey Freeman is angry. And can you blame him? As a ten-year-old aspiring black revolutionary living in the almost entirely white suburb of Woodcrest with his stern, authoritarian grandfather and his thug-worshipping younger brother Riley after relocating from Chicago's tough South Side, Huey is faced with the grim realities of both white condescension and black ignorance as he tries to call to light the truths people would rather not face. In the opening scene of The Boondocks, Aaron McGruder's confrontational, profane, and brilliantly satirical adaptation of his comic strip, Huey envisions himself inciting a riot at an all-white garden party by reporting some unpleasant truths (at least in his mind) about Jesus, Ronald Reagan, and 9/11, but when he actually gets a chance to do so he merely finds himself praised for being "articulate." And when he tries to bring his vision of a black Jesus to the masses via his school Christmas play (with some help from Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, and Quincy Jones), his work becomes the target of a boycott by parents angry at the exclusion of their children. Not to mention, he has to watch a race-baiting white laywer exploit black-white divisions to get R. Kelly off on underage peeing charges, and witness two wanna-be master criminals exploiting wartime paranoia to rob a store when he just wants to get his friend out of jail. All in all, Huey faces un uphill climb in his quest to shake a comfortable populace out of its complacency. Huey's attempts at fomenting revolution, however, are just the tip of the iceberg in The Boondocks, which presents viewers with a mix of the political, social, philosophical and sentimental that I have yet to see in animated TV. It comes along at just the right time, too, as many cartoon giants have come to feel increasingly calcified: South Park, while still a frequently brilliant show, has become increasingly reliant on excessive toilet humor and often contrived topicality; The Simpsons ran out of ideas about eight years ago; and the "revived" Family Guy has become a lazy, unfunny mockery of its former self, weighed down by interminable, punch line-less "jokes" and rapid-fire successions of random, context-free pop culture references. Viewed in this context, the Boondocks feels refreshingly raw, witty, and character-driven in its approach; and more importantly, it's frequently, gut-busting hilarious regardless of whether you're always in agreement with its subversive viewpoint or whether you approve of its near-constant use of the N-word among other choice terms. There are some overtly topical episodes-taking incisive aim at such subjects at hip-hop culture (The Story of Gangstalicious); the legacy of the civil rights movement and the post-9/11 closing of the American Mind (The Return of the King); and traditional attitudes regarding Christmas (A Huey Freeman Christmas)-but they never diminish the episodes as vehicles for telling stories or exploring characters. Some of the best episodes are actually more personal and familial than political-in Riley Wuz Here, Huey's ignorant younger brother explores his artistic side with the help of a kindly but insane gun-toting art-teacher, while Wingmen sees both Huey and Granddad confronting figures from their pasts in a return to their old neighborhood for the funeral of Granddad's friend. And throughout, there's the show's examination of the generation gap and the dynamics of a decidedly atypical family, as we frequently see the size of the gulf between Huey, Riley, and their old-school, tough-loving grandfather. The voice acting is top-to-bottom terrific, starting with Regina King, who deserves special props for taking on double duty by performing the roles of both Huey and Riley (most impressively, I heard that she read all her Huey lines and all her Riley lines separately, no small task considering how different the voices are and how frequently she has to act against herself). In the other principal role, John Witherspoon is suitably grizzled and cantankerous as Granddad, while Gary Anthony Williams (aka Stevie's father from Malcolm in the Middle) is hilariously over the top as Uncle Ruckus, an elderly Uncle Tom with a freakishly large right eye who in one episode actually turns his hatred of his own people into a religion. An array of one-off and recurring guest stars including Adam West (R. Kelly's slimy lawyer), Ed Asner (rapacious capitalist Ed Wuncler), Charlie Murphy (inept criminal and George W. Bush mockup Ed Wuncler III) and Samuel L. Jackson (Ed III's partner in crime and Donald Rumsfeld caricature Gin Rummy) helps expand the show's stable of memorable characters even more, bringing it close to prime-era Simpsons in terms of creating a far-reaching and (somewhat) lifelike make-believe world. Where the Boondocks really outshines much of its competition, though, is its appearance. Simply put, this show looks incredible: rich, colorful, and expressive it a way most animation scarcely approaches. Owing a heavy debt to Japanese anime, especially in its occasional, but brilliantly shot, fight scenes, The Boondocks far surpasses the likes of Family Guy and South Park in its attention to detail, be it the astonishingly lifelike background scenery or the intimate (if not always pleasant) details of its characters' appearances. Hell, Huey's afro and Uncle Ruckus's oversized eye alone are practically worth the price of the DVD set. Along with the 15 episodes on these discs, the season one DVD set is laden with the kind of time-wasting extras hardcore fans crave: several insightful commentaries (plus two not-so-insightful ones with Uncle Ruckus, which are just plain funny), animatics, three deleted scenes (all of them hilarious), and a 20-minute featurette, heavy on McGruder's commentary, regarding the process of bringing his vision to the screen. In all, this season set is more than worth the price for those in the mood for a departure from the animated-TV norm.

Yes, Yes, and Yes I have waited for this DVD and I think everyone should be just as happy as me. The Boondocks is everything it looks to be and more. It goes with its comedy and Aaron Mcgruder goes even further with his take on today's government and today's society. If you don't already know the comic strip the Boondocks is about a nice grandfather (John Witherspoon) stepping up to take care of his grandkids so he moves them from the city to the suburbs. As soon as you start watching the series you'll notice he's not really a nice grandfather. He's got a short temper, a dirty mouth, and hates it when somebody drinks all his orange juice. Now Huey and Riley are two very interesting kids, Riley is a big follower but a leader at the same time. He chooses to go the opposite way in life than Huey but at the same time he follows the stereotypes while Huey is trying to destroy that cycle. The amazing characters definitely make this series what it is especially Ruckus who is given a name that fits his demeanor. I have never met a person so racist towards their own people the way Ruckus is and though that might sound crazy to some he is actually hilarious. He really reminds you of Clayton Bigsby from Chappelle's show. Thank goodness Adult Swim picked up this series because anywhere else it would have been canceled by now. Aaron uses an outstanding set of characters to put across messages and he assigns that power to Huey Freeman. Sometimes no matter how serious Huey tries to be you can't help but laugh at the things he does. He's a strong little man with a much different style than most 10 year olds you know. If you think the scene from the preview at the Garden Party when Huey gets on stage and makes an unforgettable announcement was funny wait till you see what else he's got for you. A great thing about this series is that it stays true to the comic strip and Mcgruder is allowed to go crazier than he does in the strip. If you ask me this show is exactly what we need, not only to give a few laughs but also to show what is being ignored. I think Mcgruder is absolutely right about R Kelly and somebody needed to say it again. Mcgruder's sketch on Martin Luther King and how he feels about what's going on with the youth is interesting and is probably accurate. Guest appearances kill and give the series that extra something especially Mike Epps when he plays Granddads old buddy that he absolutely hates. The series is unique and hilarious and no lie the more you see it the more you love it and I can't wait for season 2.

Boondocks is as relevant as South Park. I only say south Park because it tends to deal with issues of relevance through satire, extreme yes, but satire nonetheless. If one were to really examine it, a lot of African Americans are either a Riley, a Huey, a Grandad, an Uncle Ruckus, a Tom, etc. Each of the characters on THe Bonnodcks represents some level of the African American psyche. The genius of the show, is even it's criticism of certain stereotypes and complexes, at the end, it's still about unity, about loving each other despite our flaws. Each of these personalities co-exist amongst each other, despite their differences. Uncle Ruckus and Huey are on two compltetely different sides of the spectrum, yet they can sit and eat together, and disagree. Now yes, I would say that the show is hard on white people, but Ed Wuncler ("Mr. I Own Everything") does exist, and his heartlessness yet desire to identify with the Grandad is true, a lot of top white executives, politicians, white men of powerful means, love the blues, the struggle of the black man, yet are directly responsible for many of the conditions that oppress African Americans. But at the end of the day, they feel their pain, they just don't care. The episode where Ed Wuncler teaches Jazmine the meaning of "hard work" by exploiting her lemonade stand and her dream of owning a pony is real. We're all chasing that pony, and some of us will never get it, and the person who sees that desire exploits us for it. And yes. Ed Wuncler III is what the children of rich white people have become/are now. They love "nigga" culture, as there fathers loved the blues, but the difference is that they may one move on to inherit their father's wealth, while the people they emulate may eventually float away in a natural disaster to be abandoned, or however that goes. So you should by this DVD collection and watch it, and laugh, and think, and realize that some of the best humor is derived from pain and anger. Lenny Bruce, Richard Pryor, Martin Lawrence in his heyday, George Carlin, the list goes on and on. But also note that if the show offends you, I mean outright offends you, one, its just a cartoon, and two, maybe it offends you because in some way it is true, maybe it insults you, maybe one of the characters hits too close to home, and in that case, maybe the problem is not the cartoon.

In a word: hilarious. In more words: surprising, fresh, raw, and of course - offensive. The Boondocks is all these things because it is a true "insider's" show. Many of the things said, debated, and brought to light are talked about with the same vigor, energy, and controversial language behind closed doors. I wouldn't call it dirty laundry exactly, but it's real, genuine black comedy. It's akin to Martin Lawrence's show (via animation of course) in that certain phrases and expressions that (many, but not all) blacks share amongst themselves are now being broadcast to a much wider net of people. Some people will "get it" and many won't. And of course, some people laugh with the show and its characters and others laugh at the show and its characters, but that's the risk you run when you're on a major network (cable or otherwise). It's especially appealing to black people who grew up in predminantly black neighborhoods or households, then went outside (for work or college) and have a dual perspective. This show is a window into a segmented, cultural mindset and you may not like what you see or disagree with its validity, but you'll definitely get an eyeful. The DVD extras include a revealing interview with Boondocks' creator which gives some valuable insight. Bottom line: Do you have to be black to enjoy this show? No, but it certainly helps in some of the edgier scenes. The Boondocks doesn't shy from race and attacks internal and external issues of the black community with a vengeance. It's outside the box - that's why it's so great.

Being a fan of the comics, I was curious and excited when it was announced that there would be an animated version of the Boondocks. I was very disappointed after watching the first episode. It was not funny, boring, and seemed to lack some of the spirit of the comics. I had a hard time watching the series regularly. Besides the pilot I probably only saw two other complete episodes and bits and pieces of the others. Thankfully, one of the ones I saw was the Trial of R. Kelly episode which is my favorite episode. Based upon how good that episode was, I took a chance and bought the DVDs. I am so glad I did. This is now my favorite Adult Swim series. There are so many laugh out loud episodes, great animation throughout the series, good music, and a real message. The Return of the King should be shown uncensored during network primetime on MLK day in my humble opinion. I know that episode generated some controversy, but the only people it would offend are the people it who should have the most to learn from its message. Overall, this is highly recommeneded, although as much as I love it I still think the first episode was a huge disappointment, but hey my favorite episode is the second one so that shows how fast they hit their stride. I didn't like the Venture Brothers until about halfway through the season. Buy this and show it to your friends!

Classic

WOW! The first season of The Boondocks TV show is absolutely excellent! While I'm not overly fond of cursing and use of "the n-word", I must admit each episode is fabulous despite the language. There is an actual moral to each episode, which can be used as a teaching tool for pre-teen children. Of particular note is the episode "A Date With The Health Inspector" in which they have the single most awesome explanation of the steps leading to the war with Iraq that I've ever witnessed. Many would watch this episode and never catch it, so here's a clue: the character "Ed Wuncler, III" is a young George W. Bush (voiced by Charlie Murphy) and his "enforcer" friend, "Gin Rummy" (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) represents Dick Cheney. In the midst of an investigation of a real crime, they take a detour with the obvious intention of robbing a store (the owner's name is Aladin Husein). They accuse Husein of having a weapon ostensibly to justify what they are about to do. No matter how much Husein says he has no weapons, George ... er, ahem, I mean Ed, III and Rummy insist he does; so much so that even the security guard - who CLEARLY sees Husein has nothing - becomes convinced Husein must have a weapon! Funniest to me was Husein uttering, "Ed, you know me, your father helped me build this store! There are no weapons here. Perhaps you mean the Korean store north of here." If that ain't a blatant slap of truth, I don't know what is! lol. At the conclusion of this "war" Ed and Rummy are met by camera crews and America-loving spectators who know that they've just committed a crime, but since Husein is "of terrorist decent" they celebrate them. The purchase price is well worth it just for this episode alone, but there are 14 others on this 3 disc set, that you will watch over and over again. NOTE: please do NOT allow young children to watch this alone. Watch with them and explain the intent, both morally and politically, behind each episode.

Love this