Rothaniel (Jerrod Carmichael)

Seems like a big mistake to name the special after the secret of the special which is the main narrative tension of the special. Otherwise, I really like his organic delivery. It turns easy lines into jokes. Jokes that feel good, not jokes that coax a heartless "ha." Unfortunately those shimmers were engulfed in long stretches of melancholic introspection. For me this went on for too long at the end. I appreciate his journey, but I had never heard of him until yesterday, so my investment started from scratch, and that's not really what I wanted out of this. As far as deprecials I had an easier time with Neal Brennan and Bo Burnham, who kept the entertainment on pace with the therapy. Rothaniel drowned in the latter. Like everything Dave Chappelle has done for the last 5 years, it was less comedy special and more naturally funny person talking.

TV I've seen

Game of Thrones: all episodes within a couple of months in 2023

The Office: all episodes, approximately the latter half the day they were released (and not much since), the former half in repeated reruns. Until Game of Thrones this was obviously the main series of my life. It's a prominent thread in the cultural fabric of my family.

Breaking Bad: methodically skimmed

Lost: I watched a good bit of the series in high school, and read about the rest

Dexter: I think I enthusiastically consumed the first 4 seasons in high school, skipped the rest

Mad Men: a couple-few seasons in high school

Succession: I attentively watched season 2 and a few stray episodes

Family Guy: many episodes in my youth

Seinfeld: numerous random episodes

Friends: numerous random episodes

Spongebob: this was my show as a kid

Reality TV: numerous seasons of shows like Survivor, American Idol, The Bachelor, The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance in my youth

The Packers: lots in my youth, then a pause, then every game since ~2017

Flight of the Concords: season 1 in high school

Your Honor: a handful of early episodes

Dave Chappelle: The Dreamer

Past his prime as a comic, apparently in the protracted prime of his life, Dave is coasting down a long tail of a career. I don't blame him -- he seems happy, and he's fading most gracefully. His skills and energy are blunted but he stands, proud and provocative, a hero to many. He's not funny like he was, but he's still deeply, naturally funny. This show is the funniest in a few. I'm pleased he forfeited controversy and preaching for a moment, for the art of comedy. There were a few specials or half-specials there that were entertaining and interesting but not funny, as he eschewed comedy and took everything very seriously. Carlin swirled down that drain. I hope concern and comedy can coexist.

When I say he's coasting post-prime I'm not claiming he won't reinvent himself, landing atop a new peak. He could have many years and career arcs left in him. But I feel that finding a new prime requires profound discontent. Would he rather invigorate his career or stay happy? Would I rather invigorate my life or stay happy? Greatness is a mirage; it's all for happiness.