Welcome to a new column called Channel Surfing, in which I sporadically look at current TV shows and talk about them. These are not ones that I care to write weekly recaps for and are instead reflections either on the episode, the series, or particular moments. This will hopefully help to share personal opinions as well as discover entertainment on the outer pantheon that I feel is well worth checking out, or in some cases, shows that are weird enough to talk about, but should never be seen.
He has been beloved by billions for over two millenniums. Millions continue to wear the iconic crucifix around their necks everyday while others attend daily services to worship him and eat his body and blood. He has countless films made in his honor and there has never been a depiction quite like this. All of you religious nuts beware because The Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder is back with something that sounds blasphemous even to say its name. That's right, the angry man who brought his popular comic strip to Adult Swim many years ago is making his return with a small series called Black Jesus which debuts with a running gag involving the set-up of a community garden to grow vegetables and... marijuana.
Before even analyzing the innovation behind this interpretation, it does seem predictable that it would cause controversy. Even if it is being aired on a network that attracts the midnight stoner crowd, it does seem like Black Jesus was made with intent on offending, or pushing a concept too far. To say the least, it does go against the pretentious image of Jesus and replaces him with a more casual, contemporary version (Slink Johnson) who hangs out with his disciples in Compton, CA. Foul language abounds and Jesus does occasionally get abrasive when people disagree with him. However, at his heart, he has the ethos of Jesus with a randy side. He may piss you off, but he still loves you.
With exception to a few tricks in order for Jesus to escape persecution, it plays strictly like a man in robes with a holier-than-thou complex. The real question is if the gimmick is the source of the humor or if satirizing Jesus is indeed rich material. Having trusted McGruder's previous efforts, I'd like to think that there's some deep subversion here beyond ghetto stereotypes and a black Jesus handing Latinos 40 oz bottles and living out of his van. The writing is clever enough to make Jesus sincere, but with exception to a few commentaries on biblical passages, the character seems novelty and is simply funny because he is the ring leader to a group that finds a logistical way around carrying firearms while still having propulsive weaponry.
He has been beloved by billions for over two millenniums. Millions continue to wear the iconic crucifix around their necks everyday while others attend daily services to worship him and eat his body and blood. He has countless films made in his honor and there has never been a depiction quite like this. All of you religious nuts beware because The Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder is back with something that sounds blasphemous even to say its name. That's right, the angry man who brought his popular comic strip to Adult Swim many years ago is making his return with a small series called Black Jesus which debuts with a running gag involving the set-up of a community garden to grow vegetables and... marijuana.
Before even analyzing the innovation behind this interpretation, it does seem predictable that it would cause controversy. Even if it is being aired on a network that attracts the midnight stoner crowd, it does seem like Black Jesus was made with intent on offending, or pushing a concept too far. To say the least, it does go against the pretentious image of Jesus and replaces him with a more casual, contemporary version (Slink Johnson) who hangs out with his disciples in Compton, CA. Foul language abounds and Jesus does occasionally get abrasive when people disagree with him. However, at his heart, he has the ethos of Jesus with a randy side. He may piss you off, but he still loves you.
With exception to a few tricks in order for Jesus to escape persecution, it plays strictly like a man in robes with a holier-than-thou complex. The real question is if the gimmick is the source of the humor or if satirizing Jesus is indeed rich material. Having trusted McGruder's previous efforts, I'd like to think that there's some deep subversion here beyond ghetto stereotypes and a black Jesus handing Latinos 40 oz bottles and living out of his van. The writing is clever enough to make Jesus sincere, but with exception to a few commentaries on biblical passages, the character seems novelty and is simply funny because he is the ring leader to a group that finds a logistical way around carrying firearms while still having propulsive weaponry.
The one benefit is that it is funny. The show's biggest success comes in the form of making Jesus' teachings contemporary. Beyond the utterance of "Bless you, bitch" to a disgruntled neighbor, what this Jesus has to offer is the same kindness and good deeds that he always has. The supporting characters all have a less pretentious view of his lifestyle and see him as good intention, yet somewhat of a deadbeat. He will eventually come through, but not before pushing a dated agenda of optimism. When John Witherspoon comes into the episode as a hobo wanting the lottery numbers, Jesus doesn't give it to him only to be cussed out. Yes, it's that kind of show.
For those who are opposed to ghetto culture, this is likely going to be downright offensive if you have any affinity to Jesus. Even then, I want to state that this is Adult Swim, who continually push the boundaries of lowbrow. They aren't always great at it, but they occasionally release a hit like Rick and Morty and things pan out. Black Jesus is only going to get more and more casual with its language and depiction. The only question is if the Jesus depiction is going to remain interesting or exist solely for shock value.
Even if McGruder is a reliable satirist, I cannot exactly see what the long term success of Black Jesus is going to be. Yes, it is reliably funny and comes rapid fire. With exception to a few biblical references, it isn't bogged down in religious pretext. This is an attempt to make Jesus into a contemporary figure in the black community. It is strangely endearing in one episode and to hear him give morals to a couple of white teenage drug dealers is quite hilarious. The writing is more nuanced and interesting than it has any right to be. Even then, my question is if Jesus will continue to simply be a slightly supernatural character in an otherwise predictable world.
For a pilot, it is really solid and it gives me some hope that the rest will be great. If nothing else, this show is amazingly original and abrasive about it. It isn't like anything that you'll likely see on TV at any point this year. It may end up being garbage in a few episode, who knows, but there's something alluring about it and the silliness feels fresh enough. Let it annoy religious groups, as they will only fuel the marketing and get people to watch Adult Swim. It isn't a show that disrespects Jesus, though I don't know if it does anything exciting with him either. Nonetheless, it is a fascinatingly bizarre interpretation that will remain with you, and that's quite an achievement.
For those who are opposed to ghetto culture, this is likely going to be downright offensive if you have any affinity to Jesus. Even then, I want to state that this is Adult Swim, who continually push the boundaries of lowbrow. They aren't always great at it, but they occasionally release a hit like Rick and Morty and things pan out. Black Jesus is only going to get more and more casual with its language and depiction. The only question is if the Jesus depiction is going to remain interesting or exist solely for shock value.
Even if McGruder is a reliable satirist, I cannot exactly see what the long term success of Black Jesus is going to be. Yes, it is reliably funny and comes rapid fire. With exception to a few biblical references, it isn't bogged down in religious pretext. This is an attempt to make Jesus into a contemporary figure in the black community. It is strangely endearing in one episode and to hear him give morals to a couple of white teenage drug dealers is quite hilarious. The writing is more nuanced and interesting than it has any right to be. Even then, my question is if Jesus will continue to simply be a slightly supernatural character in an otherwise predictable world.
For a pilot, it is really solid and it gives me some hope that the rest will be great. If nothing else, this show is amazingly original and abrasive about it. It isn't like anything that you'll likely see on TV at any point this year. It may end up being garbage in a few episode, who knows, but there's something alluring about it and the silliness feels fresh enough. Let it annoy religious groups, as they will only fuel the marketing and get people to watch Adult Swim. It isn't a show that disrespects Jesus, though I don't know if it does anything exciting with him either. Nonetheless, it is a fascinatingly bizarre interpretation that will remain with you, and that's quite an achievement.
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