Life Lessons from Maron: "Racegate"

Welcome to the return of the recap series on the IFC series Maron in which comedian/podcaster Marc Maron lives life and tries to learn how to be a better person. To pay homage to the series, these recaps will be released on Saturdays and chronicle the various life lessons that are presented in the 30 minute format on a weekly basis as well as a meter that determines just how angry our protagonist seems to be. Join us as we tackle the psyche of the popular angry man and pray that he doesn't lose it entirely.

Left to right: Dave Anthony and Marc Maron
Plot: Upon accusations of not having black guests, Marc invites Bruce Bruce onto his show while leading to questions of racism.


A Line That Sums Up the Episode: "I am Marc Maron, friend of the black man."


Guests Review: Dave Anthony turns in a great third act reveal in which he is testing Marc to see if he would accuse him of stealing the computer instead of the black men. It is a reveal that is both inspired and kind of dickish. However, it is nice to see an episode centered around a guest so prominently, and Bruce Bruce has enough charisma to carry it. Most of all, the study of white comics in a black comedy environment had its moments of insight that keep giving Maron a sort of edge in being more than an average sitcom. Andy Kindler also stops by briefly.


Anger Meter: 7 (out of 10)
How exactly do you feel when you lose something valuable? Do you automatically just blame yourself or do you go through the situation? If your guest fits a stereotype known for theft, would you immediately jump to it? These are the conflicts going through Marc's head this week, and the results lead to an interesting study on racism and how despite our desire to be above it, we sometimes succumb to the basic principles. While Dave Anthony's reveal that he stole the computer is a hilarious capper to an awkward, awkward episode, it does embody that even the best of intentions can easily go awry and misunderstood.


We Good?: If Maron is a master at one thing after three seasons, it is finding a way to take familiar topics and twist them into something far more interesting. This season alone, we have seen plots revolving around insemination and ex-lovers that have gone horribly awry. While this one revolves more around racism and how we sometimes are racist without realizing it, the way that it is handled is something that doesn't get explored enough, especially as shows like American Crime and Sense8 seek to explore diversity more openly. Sometimes a misconception can just come off the wrong way. For that alone, this is another strong episode in a strong season of the series. Let's hope it keeps it up.


Rating: 4 out of 5

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