TALKIN' VIDEOS

November 11, 2005

The Boondocks: Episode I

Yeah, I know its a few days late but here’s my first of what will be many postings about Aaron McGruder’s “The Boondocks.”

First off, I give Cartoon Network a lot of credit for taking a chance on such a controversial show. And if what I hear is correct – the network is said to be collaborating with Andre 3000, David Banner and MF Doom on individual projects – it sounds like this is just the beginning.

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Written by Dark Kent on November 11, 2005 5:09 PM

November 14, 2005

The Boondocks: Episode 2- Even More Fun Saying "Nigga"

They did it again! Aaron McGruder and the team at “The Boondocks” not only touched on hot-button issues with their second episode… They slapped the shit out of them.

As Huey put it… “Niggas are crazy.” I couldn’t agree more. And for those of you who couldn’t tell or were too slow to get it in my last post, I am a BLACK MAN, so I can say that. It’s not that I want other races to know that some of my own are crazy, but it is what it is and sometimes you have to call cats on it.

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Written by Dark Kent on November 14, 2005 5:01 PM

November 21, 2005

The Boondocks: Granddad's Ho

Last night, “The Boondocks” posed an age-old question. A question that has haunted and taunted man since the beginning of time… “Can you turn a ho into a housewife?”

I know it is something I have pondered time in again as I am in the club. Who hasn’t? But do you really think you can take the chick in the club who is dropping like she’s got the night off from Magic City home to meet moms? Or that mami in the tight jeans and tube top at the sneaker spot is worthy of meeting your kids? Well, Grandad did last night when he “picked up” Cristal (“like the champagne”) at the grocery store.

From the start, all the tell tale signs were there… She always wanted money, ran real fast in high heels, kept asking if he was a cop and always ducked when she was a man in a purple suit (No, not Barney). Everyone saw it but good ole Grandad. Damn.

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Written by Dark Kent on November 21, 2005 4:22 PM

November 28, 2005

The Boondocks- "Episode 4" The Best One Yet?

Aiight…. So, I missed last night’s episode of “The Boondocks” but it wasn’t for me not trying. A big “fuck you” to DirecTV for that. You would think in an age of Xbox 360s ($400 damn dollars?!?!? Anyone remember Super Nintendo?) and iPod Videos, you could get satellite TV without aiming the damn satellite dish directly into the sky.

I bet if I was running from “The Man” the feds could find me with those same satellites. Speaking of which, I often have a sneaking suspicion that the TiVo receivers are often recording our favorite TV shows and us… But I digress.

Since I didn’t see the episode (which from what I hear from my esteemed colleagues here was “the best yet”), I would like to hear your thoughts. I am always dropping the witticisms on you and yours, now it’s your turn. Tell me what you thought was so good, bad or ugly about last night’s episode.

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Written by Dark Kent on November 28, 2005 12:54 PM

December 5, 2005

Boondocks Episode #5, Guest Starring Samuel Jackson

So, I am back in effect… thanks to my new friends at Comcast. And just in time because last night’s episode did not disappoint. (Note: Yeah, I know I sound like a real fan whenever I write this blog… Sad part is, I am. And normally, I am a hater. Trust.)

First off, having Samuel L. Jackson guest star as the angry, violent, hip-hop loving, gun toting associate of Ed Wuncler III (voiced by the ever-underrated Charlie Murphy) was pure genius. Especially, when Sam got into full Pulp Fiction mode. “Say what again? I dare you.”

And anal rape? Well, who isn’t afraid of that!?!? That’s why I continue in my efforts to “Start Snitching.” I am not trying to be caught up like my man Tom DuBois because I “fit the description.”

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Written by Dark Kent on December 5, 2005 2:50 PM

December 12, 2005

The Boondocks- The Craziest Episode So Far

“The Boondocks” went there this week. And I know I wasn’t ready. Were you???

First off, there was a popular thug MC named G-G-G-G-Gangstalicious (sound familiar?). And despite spitting the requisite violent verses, homey had more security than a little bit (again, sound familiar?). I was all good with that. It was classic “Boondocks.” Until...

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Written by Dark Kent on December 12, 2005 1:32 PM

December 19, 2005

The Boondocks: "A Huey Freeman Christmas"

Ahh, what says “Happy Holidays” more than an egomaniacal 10-year-old changing the way we view the traditional Christmas pageant—with the help of Quincy Jones—and his violent, pellet gun-toting, Santa-stalking little brother? Well, if you know of something please tell me because “The Boondocks” Christmas episode, titled “A Huey Freeman Christmas,” has already earned a place next to Scrooged and A Christmas Story (“You’ll shoot your eye out.”) in my heart.

With the real-life Q on board, Huey’s “The Adventures of Black Jesus” was both a comical take on Hollywood (“Contract”) and a striking commentary on narrow our views of the holidays can be.

However, it was Riley’s quest to pop Santa that really had me cheering. I mean, who hasn’t gotten up Christmas morning to find a pair of thermal underwear instead of that Power Wheels drop-top they wanted? Santa be on that bullshit sometimes.

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Written by Dark Kent on December 19, 2005 12:53 PM

January 9, 2006

The Boondocks: "The Real"

Happy New Year, peoples! “The Boondocks” is back… and therefore so am I. I know y’all missed me [Pausing for applause.]

So, last night’s episode, “The Real,” tackled the idea of reality versus reality shows. And while it was funny, the episode seemed to lack a certain punch. For example, where was the reference to the way Blacks are portrayed on reality TV? I don’t know how many times I can see the “crazy Black chick” (Hey Omarosa) or the “angry Black man” (typified by one of my personal heroes/the original “angry Black man,” Kevin Powell) stereotypes played out on the flat screen. I know Aaron McGruder has touched on this subject in his strip, so I am just wondering why he didn’t feel the need to translate it to the animated series.

That said, the show’s take on “reality” shows like “Pimp My Ride” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” was great. Both shows, particularly “Extreme Makeover,” appear to want to help people or give to those who have not but in reality they just lavish them with things… like a hydraulic beds, watermelon patches and fried chicken dispenser in their homes.

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Written by Dark Kent on January 9, 2006 12:48 PM

January 16, 2006

The Boondocks: Martin Luther King Jr. is Alive!

Happy MLK Day, people! It’s your man Dark writing to you live from the SOHH compound. Yes, they got us working on the brother Martin’s birthday. I’m not thrilled but things could be worse. Right, Dave? Anyway, let’s get down to why we are all hear… “The Boondocks.”

Last night’s episode, “The Return of the King,” posed the question: What if MLK hadn’t been killed on that faithful April day in Memphis? The episode shows what might have happened if Dr. King woke up from a decades long coma to find our people in the condition we’re in. Deep, huh? Well, for those of you who saw it you know it only gets deeper.

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Written by Dark Kent on January 16, 2006 12:46 PM

January 23, 2006

The Boondocks: "Cornbread, Fish and Collard Greens"

This week’s episode of “The Boondocks,” aptly titled “The Itis,” makes me glad I went vegetarian for ’06. As much as a brother loves fried chicken and waffles (shout out to Amy Ruth’s in Harlem), I had to put down the poultry for the new year in an effort to get healthier. We had already given up beef and pork a few years back. And if you watched last night’s episode, you see why—soul food, as good as it is, will kill you… if you’re not careful.

Now, I’m not Muslim nor am I one of those vegetarians that passes judgments on those who partake in the flesh, but having grown up in a traditional Southern family, where EVERYTHING is cooked in pork, I have seen the effects of a soul food diet first-hand -- diabetes, strokes and heart disease, anyone? And we wonder why the black community is so unhealthy? I am not saying that you should never enjoy a good “Luther,” or a piece of fatback, in fact there are times when I want to backslide myself, but the risks for me far outweigh the rewards. I have way too much venom and sarcasm to spread to leave this planet early.

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Written by Dark Kent on January 23, 2006 12:00 AM

January 30, 2006

The Boondocks: Mid Season Re-Cap

If watched “The Boondocks” last night you know it was a rerun of the first episode, “The Garden Party.” And for you avid readers of this blog (I know you all are), then you know I was supposed to get up with Asheru, the creator of the show’s theme song and writer of the controversial MLK speech that is making the rounds on the ‘Net. But that didn’t happen (Asheru, get at me!).

So, instead I thought I we should take a minute to recap the series’ first five episodes since the good folks at Cartoon Network have already renewed the series for a second season. What was your favorite episode? Favorite quotable?

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Written by Dark Kent on January 30, 2006 3:19 PM

February 13, 2006

The Boondocks: "Let's Nab Oprah"

A Black man’s work is never done… Sorry about the delay in putting up today’s entry, folks. A brother is still trying to dig out from the “Blizzard of ’06.” Anywho, I gotta say I was a little disappointed in last night’s episode. I mean there were definitely some “what did he say/rewind the dvr” moments, but for the most part, I have to say last night’s episode was pretty uneventful.

What pisses me off is that it had so much potential. The set-up was perfect. You had Ed Wuncler III (Charlie Murphy) and Gin Rummy (Samuel L. Jackson) back at it again (BTW, did anyone notice the homage to Snatch at the beginning or was it me?), a plot to kidnap Oprah and an ill sibling rivalry fight a la “Street Fighter” between Huey and Riley. So what went wrong? I’m not quite sure but I have a few ideas.

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Written by Dark Kent on February 13, 2006 2:50 PM

February 27, 2006

The Boondocks: "Riley Wuz Here" and "A Date With The Health Inspector"

Aiight, I am back. First off, apologies for the missing blog last week. I wasn’t sure with most cats having President’s Day off if anyone would be reading. Besides, I had to go pay homage to the dead presidents at Macy’s. You know they always have the fresh linens on sale during President’s Day weekend. Why, I don’t know.

Anywho, last week’s “Boondocks” episode, titled “Riley Wuz Here,” was cool. It didn’t have me rushing to the laptop. But it had its moments. The Bob Ross references were funny, if not a little creepy. I even dug the sentimental ending. (For those of you who didn’t get it, the image Riley painted was his parents’ wedding photo. Part of the premise of the show/cartoon is that he and Huey’s parents passed so they now live with Grandpa.) That said, it was an aiight episode. Feel free to hit me up if you disagree.

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Written by Dark Kent on February 27, 2006 4:07 PM

March 13, 2006

The Boondocks - "Wingman"

First off, my bad for the late post. As some of you may have read on last week's “Flavor of Love” blog, I posted the reason for my recent absence in the comments section. It’s a long story but I am back. BTW, I appreciate those of you who were wondering where my latest post was. Glad to know heads out there are reading.

Anywho, last week Sunday’s episode of “The Boondocks,” titled “Wingman,” proves that the old saying “you can’t go home again” sometimes rings truer than you think. Long story real short, Granddad, Huey and Riley return to their hometown of Chicago to attend the funeral of Granddad’s old Army buddy/rival Mo Jackson (voiced by comedian Mike Epps). While back in the Chi, Huey and Granddad realize that as much as things remain the same (even in death Mo finds a way to burn Granddad), some things do change (Huey’s old friend Cairo has replaced him with the more militant Dewey Obabababa Mamasaymamasamamakusa Yankees).

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Written by Dark Kent on March 13, 2006 1:05 PM

March 21, 2006

Boondocks: Two For The Price of None

Aiight, due to technical difficulties I am hitting y’all with the one-two punch this week. As I am sure you loyal “Boondocks” fans know last night was the season finale. But, since I was a week behind I thought I would tackle the last two episodes in my final post for the season.

Let’s kick things off with last night’s episode, “The Passion Of Rev. Ruckus.” Now, I am sure some people were offended by last night’s episode, but like Dogma (shout out to Kevin Smith) and my new favorite flick V for Vendetta, the intent of last night’s show—in my opinion—was to offend in order to spark debate. That said, they wasted no time and got right into in the first scene when Ronald Regan greets Uncle Ruckus at the gates of White Heaven.

“[White Heaven] is for decent, good God-fearing Christians who just happen to hate everyone and everything related to Black people….Turns out that God doesn’t really have that much of a problem with racism. He doesn’t even remember slavery, except in February…. Personally, I hate Black people, Ruckus. That’s why I did everything I could to make their lives miserable. Crack, me. AIDS, me. Reganomics… come on, I am in the name.”

As ridiculous as Regan’s monologue may seem to some, I have to believe there are a certain group of people who either firmly believe this or pray for it every night before they lay their blond-haired, blue-eyed heads down to sleep. And let me not get into “The Duke.” Let’s just say Regan getting Alzheimer’s almost seemed ironic. A man who pushed a racist elitist agenda for eight years only to have no memory of it two decades later. Makes you think doesn’t it, George?

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Written by Dark Kent on March 21, 2006 1:11 PM