View Full Version : C&C - Boondocks - "Ballin'" [12/3]
Neo Ultra Mike
11-30-2007, 03:34 PM
New Boondocks Right Now On The Fix and on Adult Swim Monday Night at 11:30PM. It's the 8th Episode Of The Season, called "Ballin".
SYNOPSIS:
"Riley joins Tom's kid basketball team and learns there's more to winning then flashy moves. There's also crushing agnozing defeat.".
SPOILER:
Yeah, it was defintley a mistake to air two Riley focused episodes right in a row. As people have said Riley is one of those characters that's good in moderation, but when given more screentime kind of starts fading. This also followed more of a standard plot then other episodes: star kid joins basketball team, learns about teamwork and fundamentals, help bring it around at the end and the like. Well obviously the end is different with Billy Matthews coming out of nowhere on the other team and giving them they're time in the glory. In truth though South Park already did that ending with "Stanley's Cup" (Mighty Duck homage and all) and that was funnier and less predictable then this. Not that there weren't good moments. The opening with Grandad interuppting Riley's dream (though the opening like last week was sort of drab), Tom wanting to coach baskeball for a Mighty Ducks esque moment, Riley taking half the game to try and throw the ball and ending up sinking it, Riley finding out just what "pratice" means, Riley flashing too much and costing them the second game, Cindy's appearence on the show (unliek in the comic she actually isn't just a poser and has some actual skill. And I believe Tara Strong does her voice in case anyone was interested) and the team trying to find a way to humilate her to win, and Tom's curse filled rant at the end. Overall decent but writers really should work on they're fundamanetals for better shows so they can make the scripts funnier.
That's it. Enjoy Everyone!
v1cious
11-30-2007, 05:14 PM
i'm still trying decide if this or "Tom, Sarah, Usher" was the worst episode of the season. this just had no direction at all, and there wasn't a whole lot of humor. it was nice to see a cameo from one of the comic characters, and Tom losing it was funny... but that's it really.
Ekaj-Prime
11-30-2007, 08:09 PM
I agree....two Riley episodes in a row wasn't the best way to go...I'll have to see it again on Monday though.
Tom losin it was the best part though. XD
tb4000
11-30-2007, 08:23 PM
Boondocks is slowly falling prey to that infamous cartoon cliche of having the jerk character overshadow the nicer one. I know he's funnier than Huey, but come on now.
Ekaj-Prime
11-30-2007, 08:55 PM
Boondocks is slowly falling prey to that infamous cartoon cliche of having the jerk character overshadow the nicer one. I know he's funnier than Huey, but come on now.
That's true...but we have plently of episodes left...and I heard a rumor that Granddad may get his own episode later on too.:D
I also felt a few of the scenes weren't really needed...I would've perfered the bedroom conversation between Huey and Riley from Shinin' than this week....there was really no need for it other than for Riley to taunt Huey again.
Lightning Tiger
11-30-2007, 10:24 PM
"And touching the white girl, hoh ho, now thats a linching"
oh Ruckus, you crack me up.
i also liked how the movie version of the glasses kid who beat Railey had Railey played by a fat kid.
Golgo13
12-01-2007, 12:40 AM
After two Riley episodes in a row, I am seriously questioning the show's intent. Season 1 made the message of each episode loud and clear with good writing and storytelling much different than typical comic-based shows. Now, with these episodes from Season 2, sitcom syndrome is starting to take affect.
The only saving grace for me in this episode was Ruckus which by the way I highly enjoy his theme music.
Juu-kuchi
12-01-2007, 05:19 AM
Well that was amusing, if only to see this episode buck sports episode cliches with the team always on the losing streak and never really improving for the championship.
Dudley
12-01-2007, 09:24 AM
Well, I'm still enjoying this show. And I like this episode way more than Shinin'.
Cheetatron
12-01-2007, 01:52 PM
Well, I'm still enjoying this show. And I like this episode way more than Shinin'.Gotta agree 100% on both points. I honestly felt Shinin' was the weakest episode this season Ballin' was a lot more entertaining. I hope we're getting more Huey next week though.
I thought it was funny, but uh...what happened to Huey? All the episodes this season have been about Riley, Granddad, or Tom.
Did McGruder forget about the main character?
Lightning Tiger
12-01-2007, 06:30 PM
Hows Huey the main character?
Silverstar
12-01-2007, 07:34 PM
What happened to Huey? All the episodes this season have been about Riley, Granddad, or Tom.
Did McGruder forget about the main character?
Well, in the case of Huey, his lack of spotlight episodes this season could be because since so many of the other characters around him are so far gone, Huey's become the voice of logic and reason within the show. As such, he's probably become a difficult character to write for because he can almost never be shown screwing up or looking foolish. Characters who are usually always right and never screw up are hard to write for, especially when it comes to comedy.
But I do agree with you, while I have enjoyed this season so far (for the most part), the lack of screen time given to my favorite characters, Sarah, Jazmine and Huey, is kind of irking me. Except for Granddad, my favorite characters haven't been getting much play.
Well, in the case of Huey, his lack of spotlight episodes this season could be because since so many of the other characters around him are so far gone, Huey's become the voice of logic and reason within the show. As such, he's probably become a difficult character to write for because he can almost never be shown screwing up or looking foolish. Characters who are usually always right and never screw up are hard to write for, especially when it comes to comedy.
That's kind of another issue I have with the show, it's kind of getting into "Huey's always right" territory.
The comics weren't really like that. They made fun of Huey too (for being self-righteous and always thinking somebody was after him).
J'onn J'onzz
12-01-2007, 09:04 PM
Man, like you guys said, this was VERY similar to Shinin'. Except Shinin' was hilarious. There were just very few laughs in this episode, and I'm starting to regret my ask a few weeks back for more Riley. This episode's opening in particular was just like last week's. (LOL RILEY WITH BLACK STEREOTYPE GROUP) Cindy was annoying, but her character's like that in the comics, too, so... I guess it's okay. I thought it was funny, but uh...what happened to Huey? All the episodes this season have been about Riley, Granddad, or Tom.
Did McGruder forget about the main character?
Yeah, what the hell happened to Huey? He was used very well in season 1, but this season is just "Granddad on Myspace looking for girls" episodes, "Riley joins group" episodes, and "Tom being eccentric" episodes. It's about time we get some more original plots, and preferably some involving Huey. In the comic, Huey tended to rant to Ceasar in like 5/7 strips per week. But without Ceasar, he hardly has any purpose. I know this is very contrary to my previous opinions before the premiere of season 2, but this season has just been really weak so far. The only episode this season that really stuck out to me as an instant classic was the Soul Plane parody, as it contained decent amounts of every character. I've liked about half of the episodes of this season, but even the ones I do like have conceptual problems IMO, even if they are sometimes executed humorously.
In conclusion, bring back promenent Huey appearances, and maybe add Ceasar.
kid rabbit
12-01-2007, 11:59 PM
well cindy made an appearence this episode sop ceaser's chances look good (and maybe crazy star wars guy yoda help us all)
Akelexre
12-02-2007, 02:39 PM
Great, great episode. Quite hilarious.
Of course, I grew up around a lot of black people and a lot of people playing basketball and dreaming of being Jordan. This episode was pretty much aimed toward me and other such people; there were a lot of cultural and basketball references that may have been missed by people not in the know. Sitting around with my friends and watching this ep we laughed our asses off, also check out reactions from a majority black and hip-hop culture site like this one (http://forums.shoryuken.com/showthread.php?t=136192&page=31).
Also on a related note, it looks like Billy Matthews was based on a real kid. (http://www.youtube.com/v/1fw1CcxCUgg)
RskimB
12-02-2007, 08:03 PM
we seriously need some more Huey this season
BigLouMan20
12-02-2007, 11:41 PM
You want Huey you got him. Sort of. The next episode will center around Huey and Riley home alone.
Super Sonic
12-03-2007, 03:13 PM
Gotta agree 100% on both points. I honestly felt Shinin' was the weakest episode this season Ballin' was a lot more entertaining. I hope we're getting more Huey next week though.
Apparently next week is Huey vs. Riley, with Granddad out on vacation.
To reply to another poster, Granddad will have episodes I believe. Aaron confirmed he'll have voice-overs.
well cindy made an appearence this episode sop ceaser's chances look good (and maybe crazy star wars guy yoda help us all)
They already said Caesar won't be in this season, but they'll probably use him if there's a third season. It sucks.
lillibet23
12-03-2007, 09:16 PM
Boondocks is slowly falling prey to that infamous cartoon cliche of having the jerk character overshadow the nicer one. I know he's funnier than Huey, but come on now.
I don't think he is funnier, Huey's righteous disaproval is funnier than a stereotype any day of the week, esp. the moment were he does the fist in the air panthers style pose to the guy in the cinema whose just been fired, ****ing priceless!
Riley can do cute little thug poses all he like, but there's ust something about Huey shaking his head at everything around him that cracks me up!
Oh and I don't think you needed a knowledge of basketball/black culture to enjoy that ep. I have a thing about mighty ducks style movies, I thought that ep. was funny in so many places.
Still: MORE HUEY!:mad:
Kitschensyngk
12-03-2007, 11:51 PM
Would a real NBA commentator use language like that?
Enjoyed Tom's profanity-laden outburst at the end. He cannot win this season.
Referee Ruckus is on par this week. "Foul! Keep yo' hands off that white girl!"
Riley pays dearly for that Rain Man comment. He does look fat in that movie poster.
Hope to see more of Cindy.
NewcomerDC
12-03-2007, 11:58 PM
Glad to see that Tom finding his inner black man inside of him. It brings a tear to my eye.
Dudley
12-04-2007, 12:09 AM
Glad to see that Tom finding his inner black man inside of him. It brings a tear to my eye.
Hmm, it feels like something's wrong with that statement.
But I can't put my finger on it.
BigLouMan20
12-04-2007, 12:13 AM
Wow did Huey just smile in this episode?:eek:
RomanMack
12-04-2007, 12:21 AM
Not smile... But he didn't have his scowl all the time.
SonGoku V3
12-04-2007, 01:00 AM
Not smile... But he didn't have his scowl all the time.
But how often do we see Huey in either the comic or the cartoon show an emotion of happiness? That smile he cracked when it looked like Riley was winning really surprised me considering that I recall hearing that Aaron made it specific for the Huey character to not smile.
Speaking of Huey, and going back to the topic of Caesar, I honestly don't think that McGruder has any room for MC being that Huey doesn't need him. Other than "The Block is Hot" from season one and maybe "The Real," Huey has strayed a bit from the paranoid socialist that's pro-Black but could give a crap about Kwanzaa. Pre-2004 elections, Huey wasn't the voice of reason that he turned in to, especially on the show - that was Caesar's role, to be Huey's voice when Huey ceased to be grounded and reached an extreme degree. Huey's had no need for that and that's not how the character has been developing. If the Caesar character was anything more than a cameo, I wouldn't be surprised if he did nothing more than blend in to the background unless the episode plot calls for him (ie - Jazmine or W)
RomanMack
12-04-2007, 01:39 AM
I also think Huey has really mellowed out from the previous season.
I mean... I doubt you'd see him do something like this this season...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=7rvMj29auHQ&feature=related
bigdeath
12-04-2007, 01:55 AM
I thought this was a funny eppy. I did love cindy and I hope we see more of her...and her mom. ;) :evil:
Silverstar
12-04-2007, 08:25 AM
Speaking of moms, we finally got to see Sarah after a so many episode gap (this marks her first appearance since "Stinkmeaner Strikes Back"), so I was happy, even if she didn't get a single line of speech to utter. :anime:
Anyways, I enjoyed this one more than "Shinin'", which wouldn't take much since I considered "Shinin'" to be the second weakest episode of the season ("Tom, Sarah and Usher" being the weakest entry so far, IMHO). There wasn't a lot of depth to it, but I never come into a Riley-centric episode expecting a lot of substance. Cindy was amusing, hope to see more of her.
"Ballin'" was OK, but maybe now we can put another character in the spotlight for a while?
B-
This episode was too easy to make. Everything happened exactly like I would have predicted... that might show nice writing skills but it doesn't show Boondocks writing skills.
I'm kinda only wanting Huey episodes from this point forward. While he is the voice of reason he is also the kid with a paranoia streak and an agenda. Episodes with characters like these should always be staples in an episode guide. Are we ever going to see that 'pretend' agent again? That would be fine to see.
Anyway, this episode scores a C.
shany94a
12-04-2007, 05:53 PM
I throughly enjoyed this episode, more so than "Shinin'". I was surprised they showed another Riley-centric episode so soon, but I'm sure Huey will have his day soon, there's some 12 shows left this season.
I had a feeling "Young Reezy" would have no clue how to play within the framework of a team. Reminds me of guys I knew when I worked as a college basketball statistician - they could dribble like there was no tomorrow, but couldn't shoot, pass, or pass a class, and finally wound up sitting in the stands yelling out advice. They were the greatest players nobody ever heard of.
Riley learned as he went along, but in the end he and his Ball-a-holics still came up hilariously short of victory. Reezy should have switched up on defense in that last game and had somebody else cover Billy, just to save himself the humiliation because he couldn't play "D" at all.
The opening dream sequence was hilarious (although obviously no NBA commentator would ever use the n-word) and it was great to see the normally stoic Tom finally have a meltdown (without Stinkmeaner's influence) in the end. Sarah looked great, even if all she did was cover Jasmine's ears. Cindy's mom was pretty good-looking, too, all these beautiful blondes living in Woodcrest. And Uncle Ruckus got to do something more substantial for the first time in weeks as the ref, by not only giving Riley a load of crap ("White man made you look stupid, didn't he?"), but also by giving him fouls for violations against white women - wait, that didn't come out right ...
And leave it to Granddad to handle the trash-talking to throw an eight-year-old girl off her game. Gin Rummy and Ed III couldn't have done better.
"F-ck your (b-ball) court, n-gga!"
Super Sonic
12-04-2007, 06:33 PM
But how often do we see Huey in either the comic or the cartoon show an emotion of happiness? That smile he cracked when it looked like Riley was winning really surprised me considering that I recall hearing that Aaron made it specific for the Huey character to not smile.
Speaking of Huey, and going back to the topic of Caesar, I honestly don't think that McGruder has any room for MC being that Huey doesn't need him. Other than "The Block is Hot" from season one and maybe "The Real," Huey has strayed a bit from the paranoid socialist that's pro-Black but could give a crap about Kwanzaa. Pre-2004 elections, Huey wasn't the voice of reason that he turned in to, especially on the show - that was Caesar's role, to be Huey's voice when Huey ceased to be grounded and reached an extreme degree. Huey's had no need for that and that's not how the character has been developing. If the Caesar character was anything more than a cameo, I wouldn't be surprised if he did nothing more than blend in to the background unless the episode plot calls for him (ie - Jazmine or W)
Huey has smiled in the show and comic before.
SonGoku V3
12-05-2007, 01:08 AM
Huey has smiled in the show and comic before.
Can you cite any episodes (or even any dates from the strip) for me? Not trying to be argumentative, but I seriously don't recall Huey smiling.
McGruder says as much here:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2001776104_boondocks28.html
Huey never smiles. "It's very much by design," said McGruder, who also has an intense, serious persona. "He'll never smile. It's not him." He added: "America has to come to terms with at least one black man who will never smile — just get used to it."
That's why I was surprised to see him show an emotion of happiness while Riley was winning, I thought it wasn't apart of his character to do so.
Lutochris
12-05-2007, 03:25 PM
I couldn't understand half of what Cindy was saying. How come every white character on the show has to either be a wannabe, or a total unhip/square stereotype?
This show is in danger of losing it's center, either by not featuring Huey enough, or making him too infallible, or both. But this was still a very funny episode. Tom remembering The Mighty Ducks was the funniest part.
Who is Ceaser?
Also, did anyone watch the 3:00AM replay of this episode? I taped the replay, and during the commercial break in the middle the picture froze during that commercial for that Witchdoctor CD AS keeps pimping. It stayed frozen for the next 15 minutes and didn't come back till the episode was over and the next commercials were running. Did anyone else see this?
Who is Ceaser?
Huey's best friend from the comic. Politically he agrees with Huey a lot (except when Huey goes too far into paranoid socialist mode), but he's more laid back and more likely to joke about stuff than be mad. He also insult's Huey's mother pretty often. I think he's also an aspiring MC and comedian.
Bunai
12-05-2007, 04:07 PM
an episode that Humbled Riley's attitude?
i loved it lol.
wasnt laugh outloud funny, because it had a good point to it.
i know Ri is young, but he really needs to get some sense.
and grow up a bit. (mature mentally)
and stop acting like an out of control adult.
he basically can "talk the talk"
as that saying goes.
to everyone that keeps saying Ceaser...
he lives in another part of the State. unless there will be an ep where he is moved to where Hu and Ri are, or decides he wants a visit. its likely we will not see this character.
as for Huey's not smiling. i see it more as a Scowl.
for him to not show any emotion for his brother or other people, is very unlikely to me.
to everyone that keeps saying Ceaser...
he lives in another part of the State. unless there will be an ep where he is moved to where Hu and Ri are, or decides he wants a visit. its likely we will not see this character.
Huh?
In the comics Caeser moved to Woodcrest just like Huey and Riley, and was originally from Brooklyn.
I think you might have Caesar confused with Cairo (who was only in the show).
Neo Ultra Mike
12-05-2007, 08:14 PM
Originally posted by Shany94a
I throughly enjoyed this episode, more so than "Shinin'". I was surprised they showed another Riley-centric episode so soon, but I'm sure Huey will have his day soon, there's some 12 shows left this season.
Actually according to the AS schedule and from reports we heard before, this will be a 15 episode season like season one. After episode 215 they're starting back from the start of season two which usually means the season run is over. (I mean even if they wanted to delay the run of season 2 eps they wouldn't of started from the beginning to do that). So there's like only seven episodes left. We know the next one is the huey and Riley alone in the house one. There's also the Riley's teacher calls him the n-word ep, and the Uncle Ruckus Reality show ep. Which leaves 4 season 2 eps we don't really know anything about.
Originally posted by Super Sonic
Huey has smiled in the show and comic before.
Just because TVtome and Wikipedia says it dosen't mean it's true. I have gone through all the eps of the show and all the comics and Huey never smiles in them. However...
Originally posted by SonGoku V3
That's why I was surprised to see him show an emotion of happiness while Riley was winning, I thought it wasn't apart of his character to do so.
That dosen't mean it's out of character for him to be happy. Or at least approach a "not angry at the world/sort of enjoying what's happening state", like the endings of "The Block Is Hot" and "The Passion Of Reverend Ruckus". Yeah maybe he won't smile but he's not just in his usual very sour mood either.
Originally posted by Lutochris
I couldn't understand half of what Cindy was saying. How come every white character on the show has to either be a wannabe, or a total unhip/square stereotype?
First off, not every white character on the show's a wannabe/stereotype. Sarah isn't (Tom, who is actually black is a lot squarer then her so take that for what you will) and neither is Mr. Wuncler. (Who has yet to make an appearence in season 2. From what we've seen of him though, he's not unhip, but a big coporate jerk/big buisness character type).
Secondly, that is Cindy's character. In the comics her main purpose was trying to be hip to africian american trends and music and always annoyed Huey trying to sound cool. At least in the show they actually make her good at sometimes else. Would like to see her again and interact with others then just Riley to see if she would retain more of her comic persona around say Huey or something.
Anarky
12-06-2007, 01:56 PM
man, it was great hearing John Tesh's "NBA on NBC" theme again (off-key, of course). Here's hoping it's just enough to avoid royalties and make it to the S2 dvd release.
I enjoyed this ep, I suppose because I haven't seen "Shinin" yet. Riley's dream was hilarious. Later in the ep I thought he was gonna channel Iverson when "practice" came up.
And Tom dropping bombs at the end was great.
And how about Riley being played by a chunky kid in the film adaptation...BURN!!! He had that coming. Maybe now he'll focus on fundamentals...not. He'll probably just give up on b-ball.
the play-by-play was funny too.
Bunai
12-08-2007, 07:31 AM
Huh?
In the comics Caeser moved to Woodcrest just like Huey and Riley, and was originally from Brooklyn.
I think you might have Caesar confused with Cairo (who was only in the show).the could be it
Super Sonic
12-09-2007, 05:32 PM
Can you cite any episodes (or even any dates from the strip) for me? Not trying to be argumentative, but I seriously don't recall Huey smiling.
McGruder says as much here:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/books/2001776104_boondocks28.html
That's why I was surprised to see him show an emotion of happiness while Riley was winning, I thought it wasn't apart of his character to do so.
[/SIZE][/FONT]
Huey smiles in Wingmen when saying "Hey" to Cairo during Moe's funeral. He also smiles in a shot during the fight scene with Riley in Lets Nab Oprah while rubbing a sword on Riley's cheek.
The latter is easier to notice. I'll look thru Public Enemy #1: A new Boondocks Collection when I have the time for more examples. I just remember the other two because those are some of my favorite episodes. :P
Freedom Fighter
12-10-2007, 04:12 PM
Wowzers... I liked the idea of going against the same old, same old sports pics (of which 'Mighty Ducks' was one) - and seeing Riley not coming anywhere close to playing as good as he gives off with his dribbling skills. But man, there wasn't much funny to be had. The horrible, horrible team that Riley was on, made worse by him being on it. Then we meet Cindy, who's a harsher-toned version of Riley - with better B-ball skills. And then there's the geeky kid, Billy Matthews. Man, somebody's dream came true in this episode.
Unfortunately for Riley, it wasn't him.
"Ballin'": 3/5.
vBulletin® v3.8.2, Copyright ©2000-2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.