Based on Aaron McGruder’s comic strip of the same name, The Boondocks centers on two brothers who, after the death of their parents, are sent to live with their grandfather who moves them to a predominantly white suburb far away from their home turf in Chicago. Huey (Regina King) is the oldest of the two and is the quiet revolutionary looking for social change. His brother, Riley (Regina King), is the more brash brother and is obsessed with gangsta rap, guns and a life of bling. The family’s voice of reason is Granddad (John Witherspoon), who is a self-proclaimed “old schooler”, leaving him disconnected to the world around him.
The show’s main cast is rounded out by a motley group of characters, such as Tom Dubois, his white wife and their racially confused daughter, Jazmine. Then there’s Ed Wuncler (Ed Asner), the community’s millionaire business tycoon and his unstable, war veteran grandson, Ed III (Charlie Murphy). Ed III is often accompanied by his partner in crime, Gin Rummy (Samuel L. Jackson)… another unstable war vet whose dream is to live a life of crime. Of course, the show’s real star is Uncle Ruckus (no relation), who hates African-Americans despite being one.
The Boondocks pulls no punches when it comes to its commentary and the state of American culture. Nearly every issue is tackled and handled with both crass humor and intelligent wit. Taken at face value, the show is easily one of the most racist things to ever hit the airwaves. But, when taken with an open mind, it is also one of the more intelligent shows on TV. Take, for example, the episode “The Return of the King”, which has Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. awaking from a 30-year coma in today’s cultural climate. The show does nothing to deface Dr. King’s name, but instead uses him as a powerful sounding board.
The show also sports an amazing cast of guest stars. The show features appearances by Mos Def, Quincy Jones, Kat Williams, Xzibit and DJ Pooh as well as Ed Asner, Charlie Murphy and Samuel L. Jackson who all have reoccurring roles.
In addition to 15 uncut and uncensored episodes, the set also includes excellent commentary by the series' creator, Aaron McGruder, as well as commentary by Uncle Ruckus. Both are well worth a watch.
The Boondocks is not for the easily offended, but for anyone willing to approach the series with an open mind, it is something that will make you think as well as laugh.
