C&C - The Boondocks -"The Passion of Rev. Ruckus" [3/17]

[Tienshin]

Ruckus meets the Gipper? This could lead to Republicans teaming up with Al Sharpton to protest this series, and I am pretty certain that would cause the Earth to collaspe on itself.

[Nimarmo]

Oh wow, this was a great one. Lots of laughs and grinning the entire time.

[Ultra Mike]

I'm glad to see they seperated the Huey and Ruckus plots (it sounded at first that Huey was trying to save Ruckus from Death Row after he got in trouble for praising the white man or something) have seperated. I preferred the Huey side of the plot more, espically the scenes with Jasmine (who seems to really be his only supporter on the show. Pretty cute) his incomprehensible plan for getting his friend out, Riley's cracks on nigh everyone being gay and talking smack about god, and for once Huey actually praying (And I think this is the first time you saw him cry as well. He really did care about that guy didn't he) for his friend to be saved. The Ruckus plot was actually better then I expected. Yeah he's still pretty one note and annoying but at least it wasn't totally awful and without laughs, making it much better then say "Wingman". They could of tried more at the end to have the speech and the song (sounding straight from some anime) synch up better (I saw some reused animation of the fighting), but it still worked pretty well.

[Duke]

I love the interplay between Huey and Jasmine. That's always awesome.

Heh, Jehova Witness Protection Program.

What happened to the random black people that usually show up?

"Well, that's me having faith. Random, anonymous blackmail." Hehe.

"I move to Cuba for the rest of my life. If I'm not killed at the breakout. Yea, that's a good plan." That's an awesome line.

Huey's story reminds me of the R. Kelly episode.

That Issac Hayes line was good timing.

Granddad's "Stop being stupid" was delivered perfectly.

Excellent episode this time around. Easily one of the Top 5 of the season.

[Daffy Dork]

And thus, Season 1 of The Boondocks comes to a close. And for a season finale, or even standalaone episode, this was crap.

The Huey plot was boring. The first problem with it was that there was barely any character interaction, therefore leaving me in a sea of Mcgru-I mean Huey's opinions. I don't even know who Shabazz is, so I honestly didn't care about what Huey had to say. Even the parts with Jazmine failed. Not because they weren't funny, it's that Huey's reactions are terrible. He gives silent reactions, but never has a funny facial expression, and that's why those sort of jokes always fail. And the worst part is that for a Ruckus plot, Huey stole the episode and just dragged it into hell.

The Ruckus plot... went nowhere. I never even saw it as having potantial because Ruckus is such a one-dimensional character, it's annoying. He just continued to state the same point over and over throughout the episode.

So, what does this episode have? Thoughts. Just Thoughts. I want comedy, not thoughts.

The episode wasn't 100% terrible though. I liked 2 bits. Riley's line about Tacos and Grilled Cheese, and Ruckus getting struck by lightning. Because they were random sillyness, and random sillyness is what I like.

Here's hoping they actually improve come Season 2. Because my expectations are LOW. 1.5/5

[Nimarmo]

"Well, that's me having faith. Random, anonymous blackmail."

Such a good line. Stole it immediately for my away message.

[Youko Recca]

**** Riley for that little crack he was making with Jazmine and Huey. Get outta here with that ********, first time I've really wanted to just run my knuckles over his face.

Besides that, satisfying episode. And yeah, there are some really quotable lines in this. Both plots were good. Unckle Ruckus is just....unbelievable. Yeah. Even though Huey's plot had kinda weird direction, I followed it alright.

[Sr.Infierno]

And thus, Season 1 of The Boondocks comes to a close. And for a season finale, or even standalaone episode, this was crap.

The Huey plot was boring. The first problem with it was that there was barely any character interaction, therefore leaving me in a sea of Mcgru-I mean Huey's opinions. I don't even know who Shabazz is, so I honestly didn't care about what Huey had to say. Even the parts with Jazmine failed. Not because they weren't funny, it's that Huey's reactions are terrible. He gives silent reactions, but never has a funny facial expression, and that's why those sort of jokes always fail. And the worst part is that for a Ruckus plot, Huey stole the episode and just dragged it into hell.

The Ruckus plot... went nowhere. I never even saw it as having potantial because Ruckus is such a one-dimensional character, it's annoying. He just continued to state the same point over and over throughout the episode.

So, what does this episode have? Thoughts. Just Thoughts. I want comedy, not thoughts.

The episode wasn't 100% terrible though. I liked 2 bits. Riley's line about Tacos and Grilled Cheese, and Ruckus getting struck by lightning. Because they were random sillyness, and random sillyness is what I like.

Here's hoping they actually improve come Season 2. Because my expectations are LOW. 1.5/5

I honestly dont understand why you continue to watch. There's so many other things you could do other then watch a show (knowing it's going to be awful) just to complain about it.

[tb4000]

And thus, Season 1 of The Boondocks comes to a close. And for a season finale, or even standalaone episode, this was crap.

The Huey plot was boring. The first problem with it was that there was barely any character interaction, therefore leaving me in a sea of Mcgru-I mean Huey's opinions. I don't even know who Shabazz is, so I honestly didn't care about what Huey had to say. Even the parts with Jazmine failed. Not because they weren't funny, it's that Huey's reactions are terrible. He gives silent reactions, but never has a funny facial expression, and that's why those sort of jokes always fail. And the worst part is that for a Ruckus plot, Huey stole the episode and just dragged it into hell.

The Ruckus plot... went nowhere. I never even saw it as having potantial because Ruckus is such a one-dimensional character, it's annoying. He just continued to state the same point over and over throughout the episode.

So, what does this episode have? Thoughts. Just Thoughts. I want comedy, not thoughts.

The episode wasn't 100% terrible though. I liked 2 bits. Riley's line about Tacos and Grilled Cheese, and Ruckus getting struck by lightning. Because they were random sillyness, and random sillyness is what I like.

Here's hoping they actually improve come Season 2. Because my expectations are LOW. 1.5/5

Shabazz is Malcolm X's actual last name.

[Daffy Dork]

I honestly dont understand why you continue to watch. There's so many other things you could do other then watch a show (knowing it's going to be awful) just to complain about it.

The show isn't bad. It's Hit or Miss. It just tends to miss most of the time. And when it misses, it misses HARD.

It's like the comic strip. Some story arcs entertain me, some don't. And I LIKE the comic strip. The comic strip just tends to be funnier because it has a joke every 3 panels. I know the show isn't supposed to be nonstop funny, but it needs a lot of improvement on Pacing.

Near the end, it was improving too,and I really enjoyed 4 episodes, so I don't know why this episode, which was the season finale had to be so bad. I still have hope for Season 2.

[Kid Eternity]

My favorite part of the episode was the scene with Ruckus meeting Ronald Regan in Heaven. That had me rolling. What I don't get is why Grandpa would want to be friends with Uncle Ruckus? Ruckus is way too annoying. I know he's a product of a time period where he was reared to believe everything white was right and all things black were bad and I thought it in this episode and we would at least see the reasons behind that, but I guess in order for that to be, you might have to cut the Huey subplot with the political prisoner.

[Akelexre]

Why is Ruckus getting so much attention in this show, when there are so many more interesting characters and potential subplots and interactions they could be showing?

The dialogue between Jazmine and Huey was the best part of the episode, its very much lifted from the comic. Its a shame that McGruder probably doesn't have the interest (or writing ability) to just do episodes about Huey, Riley, Jaz, Cindy, etc.

[Sage Shinigami]

The show isn't bad. It's Hit or Miss. It just tends to miss most of the time. And when it misses, it misses HARD.

It's like the comic strip. Some story arcs entertain me, some don't. And I LIKE the comic strip. The comic strip just tends to be funnier because it has a joke every 3 panels. I know the show isn't supposed to be nonstop funny, but it needs a lot of improvement on Pacing.

Near the end, it was improving too,and I really enjoyed 4 episodes, so I don't know why this episode, which was the season finale had to be so bad. I still have hope for Season 2.

I think....its stupid to come here and whine about the show. I don't b**** and moan about Moral Orel, and it had a great basic idea that it wasted by aiming sorely at shock value and just not being funny. I've got better things to do than complain about shows that suck in a discussion thread for said show. I'd rather just say how much I'm loving this episode of Boondocks!

"First of all, I'm gonna live forever, but if I DO die, I'm gonna smack God upside the head and tell him to make me a grilled cheese sandwich and some tacos!"

Riley is HILARIOUS.




Shabazz is Malcolm X's actual last name.


His real last name is Little, but I guess when he changed it it could've become Shabazz.

[peacebyanymeans]

Wow. This Boondocks is really... emotional...

[v1cious]

"They found out about Raoul!"

hilarious

[RomanMack]

Woa... I actually sheded a tear at this episode. The part when Huey was untop that grassy hill, in the wind, and he started to tear up; really got me. And the song they had in it too... Made that whole scene powerful.

This was a good episode. Can't wait for the new season.

[tb4000]

"Shabazz chose not to investigate the shooting outside, nor the highly expositional phrase Eli said afterwards."

That had me cracking up.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I enjoyed it, but too much of a copout ending. It would have been better if the guy actually was executed.

Tom's character was really shafted though. With McGrudder taking time off from the comic to work on the show, I hope in Season 2 he gets Tom more in tone with his comic character.

[Rabi~en~Rose]

Why is Ruckus getting so much attention in this show, when there are so many more interesting characters and potential subplots and interactions they could be showing?

yeah thats how I feel to much Ruckus :yawn: Shabazz for instance should have had mentions in a few more episodes instead of just this one. Grandads car, the repeated tv shows and even chair throwing have more continuity then any of the characters :( this episode was half good/half bad much like the whole season was

[Hades]

So this was indeed the season finale? Great episode, but not as a finale. Last week's would have made the perfect finale, especially with the Al Sharpton joke. :D However, I think the best episodes of the season are the MLK one and the Nigga Moment one. ;)

Any word on when it will be out on DVD, and when Season 2 will premier (hopefully it will NOT be 2007).

[MJC]

It was ok, but somebody needs to tell McGruder that Uncle Ruckus isn't funny, and doesn't deserve to have whole episodes revolve around him.

I enjoyed Huey's subplot.


Hope Caesar makes it into season 2.

[Nimarmo]

It was ok, but somebody needs to tell McGruder that Uncle Ruckus isn't funny, and doesn't deserve to have whole episodes revolve around him.

Most of the time I'd agree with that, but here Ruckus was so over the top for so much of the episode it worked great.

[Railith]

Funny with a surprisingly touching finale, good times, good times.

Riley calling everyone gay made me laugh.

[shany94a]

Funniest episode yet - Uncle Ruckus is so screwed up in his views, he's hilarious. He started this season with a little song, and ended it with a ludicrous religious revival. How Aaron McGruder gets this stuff on TV ... I liked the Huey subplot, too, and the fact that Malcolm was saved from a crime any sensible person could see he didn't commit. On to Season 2, whenever that is.

[Timmay]

And after today, I've officially hit the absolute limit for racial comedy that one person can take.. Seriously, if I were to change the channel to BET right now my head would explode.

[Freedom Fighter]

The whole 'what race is Jesus?' debate hasn't been much of a debate. Me, I originally thought Jesus was white, and had no reason to believe otherwise until I got to high school and learned Bethlehem was in the Middle East. And whites aren't exactly plentiful there. To me, though, it really doesn't matter what race Jesus is. There are other things you could debate about him that are more important than what race he is. But, that's off-topic, so...

I still find it enlightening that there are African-Americans like Ruckus still around these days. African-Americans who believe that desegregation should've never happened, that slavery was a good thing, and all that jazz. And here... that Jesus spits upon black people? Really? Ruckus is one messed up dude.

The Huey subplot sounds like it should've been throwaway, like many of the ones in other episodes. But it's the less of two evils this time. Huey, going to great lengths to free a guy who's wrongfully on Death Row, about to be executed. We still have a firm debate going around about whether blacks are being unfairly treated in court and being found guilty for crimes they had nothing to do with. In some parts of the country, that still holds true even today. Still, I didn't think Huey was going to risk his own life to free Shabazz.

6 out of 10 for "The Passion of Rev. Ruckus."

[Akelexre]

I still find it enlightening that there are African-Americans like Ruckus still around these days. African-Americans who believe that desegregation should've never happened, that slavery was a good thing, and all that jazz. And here... that Jesus spits upon black people? Really?

Are you joking? I can't tell. I hope you are.

If you aren't, you need to know that there are very very very few black people who actually feel that way.

I guess that is what happens when satire is given without cultural context. Ruckus is a rough, *extreme* parody of some of the worst aspects of blacks and how we treat ourselves and each other (which in real life often takes more subtler forms in everything from how black females to treat their own hair to how blacks deal with intellectuals, etc.), but almost no black person alive today would ever think that slavery was a good thing or that Jesus was white, etc., hence Ruckus being a "rough, extreme" parody.

In small doses and in the right situation he could be tolerable, but I despise the fact that McGruder chooses to give him so much airtime over introducing other, more interesting, positve, and well-rounded characters.

--Alexander

[Karl Olson]

You know, I've come to realize that the Boondocks really isn't a comedy. Or atleast it isn't in it's best moments. Sure, it's got some comedy in it, but the scene on the hilltop with Huey, with the background music and everything, made me realize that McGruder isn't looking to make something like his comic strip at all, or atleast in terms of easy humor - he's looking to make Cowboy Bebop. Yeah, that's mired by having staff that's worked on stuff like Rugrats and such, but his vision is definitely towards a dramedy (maybe he can score some ex-Titan's people for Rebel Base before season 2 starts in earnest.) Of course, this means people looking for cheap shots are going to be sorely disappointed. However, the thing that strikes me is, is that in the last two episodes of this season, not only has the staff worked out a better grasp of how to make a dramedy work a lot better (though not perfect or even great, but quite good atleast,) but it feels like McGruder's worked out a better grasp of his political and social stance because of this. It feels like he knows himself better, and that's made the show's message a lot more focused, or rather, diffused over all parties at fault.

This won't necessarily make the next 20 episode order much funnier. In fact, I think the Boondocks almost has to be something more substantial, more aggressive and more pensive to really fit with what McGruder likes in terms of television and really in terms of animation, and it might rarely be funny. However, it will be entertaining, intellectually engaging, scathing to all zealots (albeit probably not always intentionally) and yeah, there will be the occaisional laugh. However, to get to the kind of animated series McGruder is reported to enjoy, it's greatest moments are going to lie in stuff like that scene on the hill, and the snowfall in the episode that preceded it - moments of trial, moments of clarity and honesty.

[Redi]

This episode revolved around black people and the deep rooted self-hatred within the community. There are Uncle and Aunt Ruckus types out there and they believe in the same things this fictional character promoted in last night's episode. While Ruckus is taken to the extreme for the sake of comedy...that thought process is a very real thing. Its sad and the last scene truely reflected that.

I was really disappointed that Uncle Ruckus wasn't killed by the lightening bolt.
Huey and Jasmine had a great scene.
Riley had some funny lines.
I wonder if Tom was named "Tom" for a reason?

All in all, this episode gave me hope for season 2.

[Funkatron]

Mayor: "I don't know how they found out but we have to end it, Raul!"
Raul: *cries*

OK ep. Had some good moments. Uncle Ruckus is one crazy SOB.

Riley "Prison n*****, you gay!"

[maczero]

but almost no black person alive today would ever think that slavery was a good thingSadly enough, I've heard similar comments from at least two black comedians. You can write it off as a joke, but I'm willing to bet that these comments have been made before.

[tb4000]

People like Ruckus do exist, and I'm curious as to why people think they don't. You have white people that tell blacks to stop whining about racism, why wouldn't there be a few of our own that agree with them?

[maczero]

People like Ruckus do exist, and I'm curious as to why people think they don't. You have white people that tell blacks to stop whining about racism, why wouldn't there be a few of our own that agree with them?Keep in mind, there are factions in the "stop whining about racism" arguments. Some people feel that concentrating on the past holds us back more than actual racism. Then others like Ruckus who feel that we should be thankful that blacks were "rescued" from the hardships of Africa.

[tb4000]

Keep in mind, there are factions in the "stop whining about racism" arguments. Some people feel that concentrating on the past holds us back more than actual racism. Then others like Ruckus who feel that we should be thankful that blacks were "rescued" from the hardships of Africa.

Thing is, everyone lumps those two factions in together, or mistakes one for the other, wherin all the problems start to arise.

[JesseCuster]

BEST. EPISODE. EVER.

It had heart, comedy, and exposed more truth than anyone wants to admit. Those truths being:

1. People like Uncle Ruckus do exist and believe what he believes.
2. Anyone who hears something repeated long enough is susceptible to believe it.
3. ANYONE can get royally screwed in a criminal trial.

Jazmine is really growing on me as a character who sticks by her friend not matter how insane his ideas are.

[Robert McSantos]

I like how God delivered both justice and mercy unto Uncle Ruckus at the end of the episode. That's very in-character for God. :)

[nightwing_38116]

Are you joking? I can't tell. I hope you are.

If you aren't, you need to know that there are very very very few black people who actually feel that way.

I guess that is what happens when satire is given without cultural context. Ruckus is a rough, *extreme* parody of some of the worst aspects of blacks and how we treat ourselves and each other (which in real life often takes more subtler forms in everything from how black females to treat their own hair to how blacks deal with intellectuals, etc.), but almost no black person alive today would ever think that slavery was a good thing or that Jesus was white, etc., hence Ruckus being a "rough, extreme" parody.

In small doses and in the right situation he could be tolerable, but I despise the fact that McGruder chooses to give him so much airtime over introducing other, more interesting, positve, and well-rounded characters.

--Alexander

Ruckus' portrayal is extreme, but there are many blacks who agree with him to varying degrees. Trust me, I encounter it all the time.

[Freedom Fighter]

Are you joking? I can't tell. I hope you are.

If you aren't, you need to know that there are very very very few black people who actually feel that way.

I guess that is what happens when satire is given without cultural context. Ruckus is a rough, *extreme* parody of some of the worst aspects of blacks and how we treat ourselves and each other (which in real life often takes more subtler forms in everything from how black females to treat their own hair to how blacks deal with intellectuals, etc.), but almost no black person alive today would ever think that slavery was a good thing or that Jesus was white, etc., hence Ruckus being a "rough, extreme" parody.

In small doses and in the right situation he could be tolerable, but I despise the fact that McGruder chooses to give him so much airtime over introducing other, more interesting, positve, and well-rounded characters.

--AlexanderTo be fair, growing up in an African-American community all my life, I've been lucky to have never met one anywhere close to sharing the same views as Uncle Ruckus. Granted, maybe I went overboard for saying the whole 'slavery was a good thing' bit, but only because that sounds like something Ruckus would say. Don't think I'd ever meet a black who'd say that. (And the Jesus point is moot for me... Jesus is Jesus, I don't care what color skin he has.)

Something I tend to forget, and many other people too, is that TV shows tend to portray extremist views. That's mainly because pulling an in-betweener isn't interesting and it limits the ideas one can play around with. Would we be making a ruckus if Ruckus was like, say, Tom? (Just to note, I do like Tom.) No, because he wouldn't be saying something that would upset a viewer.

So I'm glad I've never seen an African-American like Ruckus, because he'd be too much to handle. But McGruder's right in that parts of Ruckus do live in some blacks, and honestly, I'm glad he's got what it takes to admit it.

[Anyone00]

Thing is, everyone lumps those two factions in together, or mistakes one for the other, wherin all the problems start to arise.

It becomes especially problem when things are approached with a 'to dissent from my views is to hate' mentality/ideology: hence the cheap jab at Armstrong Williams and Larry Elders (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/archives.asp?AUTHOR_ID=20)*.

*Do not comment his articles; just giving a link because people are most likely less familiar with Elders than Williams, let you form an opinion of him from his own words, and I knew a convenient link. Fair warning most you will not like the things he says.

Also the bible seems to indicate that Jesus most likely had short hair.

[Sage Shinigami]

Granted, maybe I went overboard for saying the whole 'slavery was a good thing' bit, but only because that sounds like something Ruckus would say.


That is something Uncle Ruckus said:

"Folks talkin' bout slavery....wasn't nothing wrong with slavery....least we had good food back then...white man sure could be your...friend."

:sad:

The Gangstalicious episode.

[Inner City Blue]

It becomes especially problem when things are approached with a 'to dissent from my views is to hate' mentality/ideology: hence the cheap jab at Armstrong Williams and Larry Elders (http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/archives.asp?AUTHOR_ID=20)*.

*Do not comment his articles; just giving a link because people are most likely less familiar with Elders than Williams, let you form an opinion of him from his own words, and I knew a convenient link. Fair warning most you will not like the things he says.

Also the bible seems to indicate that Jesus most likely had short hair.Yeah, Armstrong Eldridge is a parody of Armstrong Williams and Larry Elder; a jab, but seriously an accurate jab. :D

I know you don't want anyone commenting on the articles, but look at the first article, "Black people complain about the LAPD, but their lily white souls are pure; therefore, Crash sucked because it says there is racism towards blacks."

[MGFanJay]

It was yet another great episode that touched on some real-life issues while providing comedy along the way. Uncle Ruckus' white form was hilarious, and it was nice to see Huey so dedicated to something.

[kashpoing]

Yet another fantastic episode I loved reagan copping up to all that stuff and huey's plan to break out his friend. Man I hope AS puts out a boxset of the entire first season , I mean if robot chicken gets one boondocks damn well better.

[tb4000]

I'm hoping it's released on DVD soon also. With the amount of work it took to finally get it to tv, I'd like commentary as well.

[Inner City Blue]

I'll definitely be picking up the boxset of the first season, I wonder if we'll be getting any deleted material and as you said, commentary tracks. That will be a nice set to add to my animation collection.

[Timmay]

Umm.. did Ruckus' dream get cut or is it just me?

[Duke]

Umm.. did Ruckus' dream get cut or is it just me?
It's just you.