Doug Stanhope: Deadbeat Hero

Doug Stanhope is an acquired taste. He does something most comedians wouldn't dare, which is he offends his audience. He almost sets out to do so. But therein lies the genius. Your not walking away just entertained, your walking away educated.

He has never done it better than in this DVD (with a companion CD of the same show). He covers topics like, Abortions, Freedom of Speech, Transvestites, and yes he still talks about how much he hates babies.

He is on top form in this DVD and as the show goes to a close you will know what his message is. I gave this DVD a ten not because it is rated for all audiences, but because this is very good comedy. I have seen many stand-up DVD's and no-one gives such a performance as he does.

If you are looking for a good stand-up DVD, this should be it. You won't be disappointed, It even includes a screen's and extra clips with a documentary on Doug Stanhopes hair. Yes his hair.

That's it. Now go buy it.

If you are prudish or easily offended just stay away from Doug. If you have blind faith in cultural/spiritual/social/moral norms - stay away from Doug.

If, however, you are open minded and enjoy having your assumptions challenged in an uncompromising manner - then this is for you.

I hate to compare one brilliant comic to another, but Doug reminded me of why the late Bill Hick was such a genius. They both have incredible sense of logic and right and - unlike almost any other stand-up - they do not try in any way to get the audience on their side. You either come with them on the journey and try to understand, or you get out. What balls.

I didn't agree with everything Doug/Bill say but thank god someone was saying it. It is incredible how shocking someone telling the truth can be.

Dark, sick, disgusting, challenging, disturbing, difficult and utterly redeeming. Doug is one of a very few comics who truly test his audience and stretches the limits of what comedy is.

In society, since the dawn of civilisation, comedians (jesters and fools) were the only ones who were able to tell the truth to power. They were the only ones licenced to challenge social assumptions and get away with it - because people think it is just a joke. That's why people walk out of comedy shows like Dougs - because they think it's just entertainment. They think it is like switching on a sit-com, they want to switch their brains off and just watch and laugh at the bits with the canned laughter. This kind of comedy wont stoop to that level. It is not just empty entertainment.

The likes of Doug show comedy in its true form. It is an art. It is socially important. It is challenging and liberating. It is hilarious.

I've been a big fan of Stanhope for years and watched probably all of his available materials but i gotta say "Deadbeat Hero" is just the pure definition of perfection. He is the best successor of Carlin and Hicks. Spitting out pure truth in a hilarious way. I love "No Refunds" too,but this one is arguably the funniest thing you will ever see.