Season Two of The Boondocks Released on DVD
Hit Adult Swim Series Pushes the Envelope Farther Than Ever Before
Sep 21, 2008
After the critical acclaim that Aaron McGruder received after compiling the first season of The Boondocks -- the ground-breaking animated series that cleverly skewered pop culture and investigated inter- and intra-racial relations -- one might wonder what he could do for an encore. The answer is a compilation of new episodes that run the topical gamut including (but not limited to) online dating, snitching to police, the "n-word," gay rappers, Hurricane Katrina survivors, the Black Entertainment Television network (more on that later), and arguably the worst movie ever made.
Storylines
The stories introduced in season two are on par with the high quality of writing in season one. Among the boldest storylines is an episode in which the Freeman family is visited by relatives who were displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The episode simultaneously allows viewers to vent theor outrage over the United States government's impotent handling of the crisis and to feel the all-too-common frustration that accompanies relatives who overstay their welcome.
In another of the season's better shows, rapper/actor Mos Def reprises the role of Gangstalicious, a pseudo-gangsta rapper who attempts -- poorly -- to stay in the closet, despite the implied messages of his new music video, designer clothing line, and accusations from others. The episode brings to light the homophobia that exists in much of the African American community, all while giving Mos Def and other actors space to show their comedic skills.
Voiceover Work
Mos Def is just one of the actors whose superlative work enhances The Boondocks. Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes essentially play themselves by voicing a couple of rappers. Katt Williams returns as A Pimp Named Slickback, utilizing a persona he has crafted over years as a stand-up comedian. Cedric the Entertainer plays the overbearing Katrina survivor perfectly
Most notable, however, is the work of Regina King, who steals the show through the voices of both Huey Freeman, the show's central character, and his gangsta-wannabe younger brother Riley. With each passing episode, it becomes more and more difficult to think of Huey and Riley as less than realistic characters.
Bonus Episodes
By far, the biggest treat on the DVD set comes in two episodes that never made it to television. This was no ploy to promote DVD sales, Rather, the episodes were not aired because of their content. I one, Huey goes on a hunger strike to protest the racial representations on BET. In the other, BET gives a reality show to Uncle Ruckus, a self-hating African American man who has convinced himself that he is not black but instead suffers from a skin condition that makes his skin darker. In both episodes, BET is depicted as headed by elitist African Americans (who work for a white man) willing to degrade African Americans at any cost. Needless to say, the Cartoon Network thought the episodes a little too raw for television. It is their loss, though. The shows are among the four or five best of the entire season -- perhaps of the entire series.
Professor Arrington's Grade:
This is an easy one to grade. The combination of top-notch writing, voicing, and unabashed provocation makes this a set worth owning. A
