The Boondocks

In a day, of all we can hope for is reruns of beloved classics, and some of the dumbest crap-anime to brainwash young children, there is one that truly gets it right : The Boondocks.

Animation wise, it is the best looking show in syndication. It has a sharp blend of realism, with the 'glow' of a cartoon, thrown into nicely painted backgrounds. It sets the mood of McGruder's comics perfectly.

As a comedy, it features off-the-wall insanity, hilarious expressions, and well written 'stupidity'. Something that the old Simpsons used to do. Something that the old Simpsons didn't used to do, though, is make a grand statement about the African American culture, and the modern world today. Both the comedy and drama elements are carried out beautifully.

I can't name one character that sucks. All of them are heartwarming in their own way...and heartwarming in 'Boondocks' terms, to be more specific. Huey, Riley, Grandad, Uncle Ruckus, Ed the 3rd, and so on. I couldn't pick a bad one if I tried.

And not mentioning, the caliber of the voice acting is superb, as well. Regina King, John Witherspoon, and Cedric Yarbrough are just a few names that grace us each week. Not to mention the now and then Charlie Murphy, and the BMF himself...Samuel L. Jackson.

Compare this show to other shows. Become rational, if you are not, for an hour. Pull your head out of yourself, if it is there, for one hour. This is entertainment at its finest.

Having read and watched both the print and televised versions of the Boondocks I can honestly say, to me it was a diamond in the rough...until now. The antics and sometime semantics of the lead characters Huey, Riley and Grandpa are enough to keep ones funny bone in stitches while at the same time sending a message to the viewer loud and clear. The message is that no matter what color, no matter what creed or race....everyone is F'ed UP! I know the brothas and sistas will be jammin on how Huey is sticking it to the white man and so on, but that is only one side of the equation for the story often shows the illogic and humor of how African Americans view life. A stinging indictment on how the gov't seeks to obstruct and keep down the black man gives way to portrayals of black men stereotyping one another with colorful and racial epithets. The mocking vision of white males acting like black gansta rappers melts into the savage humor of hoes and pimps and black men and gun play. Its the long stretch and cleansing breath of the soul the racial landscape of America has needed for a long time. No one is perfect and this show is unafraid to show that no matter what color or ideology , that you have a bullseye on your back when Huey and Riley come around!

This is Adult Swim's most socially conscious and possibly most clever show. It's loaded with parallels to real world events. (A convenience store robbery works as a perfect metaphor for the early stages of Iraqi Freedom.) There are also heavy doses of Eastern influences, with references to Japanese cinema (Zatoichi, specifically) and action scenes comparable to what you'd normally only see in anime. The heavy dosage of quality hip hop is also refreshing. Aaron McGruder is man with good tastes, and they help to make his material so brilliant.

And yes, it is damn funny. John Witherspoon is incredible, and Regina King's voice grows on you after an episode. Also, frequent appearances by Samuel L. Jackson and Charlie Murphy as a couple of rich white boy gangstas lend an unequaled comic value to the show.

Now, onto the controversy factor.

Not to sound like a broken record, but this show is not racist. It does not lampoon black people, nor does it lampoon white people. This show specifically makes fun of just plain ignorant folks. Regardless of race. If you are a viewer who gets offended by the show, or thinks it's just an excuse for Adult Swim to prominently feature the "n-word," then you are exactly who this show is making fun of. (That's not to say that you have to like the show. If you are not offended but still do not like the show, that's your own prerogative.) I always thought that any show that always has to include a moral message must be a crappy family sitcom or kid's show. Not so in the case of Boondocks. Not to sound to preachy, but racial tensions still exist, even if the most common result is a white person being awkward and overly friendly when meeting a black person, saying things like "So, you hear the new Jay-Z?See the new Spike Lee?" This show is just what society needs. ***** out of *****

the boondocks comic strip, which appeared in April of '99 was a thought inspiring strip, which more times than once, was pulled for it's raunchy messages.

the strip has garnered so much attention that it has become a TV show Broadcasted on Adult Swim. the story centers around the lives of two comical children. the older brother, Huey freeman, is a leftist revolutionary open to racial conspiracy theories. the younger brother is a thug-in-training, whom gravitates towards cliché ghetto-thuggish subjects. both view things differently but makes for much hilarity. the show is a fountain of subtle messages, gushing out through scenes, flashbacks and commentary. so far, in my opinion, the boondocks is a catalyst for debate and discussion(whether you like it or not).

This show is just what we people that aren't afraid to speak our minds need, and what all those PC wussies asked for!

Not only does this show pack a bit of a political punch, but it does it in such a humorous way that it's actually watchable... and I'm not political at all.

I actually thought that this show would be a real drag to watch... it turns out that if you give it a chance, you'll be hooked just like I am.

Aaron McGruder is an absolute genius. He has created a show that, as the site's show explanation puts it, represents the "much-needed foot in the ass of the man."

10/10