Small Screen: Why You Should Be Watching The Carmichael Show

Influenced by Norman Lear and Unafraid to Tackle Bill Cosby, Jerrod Carmichael is Creating Must-See-TV

By Chris Sabga

In the 1970s, screenwriting and producing legend Norman Lear ruled the small screen – television – with groundbreaking programming that explored politics, religion, and life from all angles. Whether it was Archie and Meathead going back-and-forth about hot topics on "All in the Family" or a middle-aged woman having an abortion on "Maude," Lear's shows captured the gritty reality of America the way few others ever had – or ever have since. 

However, instead of creating a trend that lasted through the '80s and beyond, Lear's blunt but nuanced vision of the world disappeared in favor of more wholesome and "family-friendly" shows like "The Cosby Show" (which I will get back to shortly), "Full House" and everything on ABC's "TGIF" block. While I certainly grew up loving those as well, there was nothing that could compare to Archie Bunker or "The Jeffersons."

In 2016, I read an article about a show I'd barely heard of, NBC's "The Carmichael Show," tackling a show we've all seen, "The Cosby Show." Everyone knows the shocking and sordid story of Cosby's downfall by now: Comedian Hannibal Buress made a "joke" about Cosby's holier-than-thou attitude toward the young African-American community, with the "punchline" being that Cosby is a rapist.

"Pull your pants up black people! I was on TV in the '80s," Buress mocked, imitating Cosby. "Yeah, but you rape women, Bill Cosby, so turn the crazy down a couple notches."

From there, endless numbers of women came forward stating they'd been drugged and raped by the '80s sitcom "role model." Cosby went from being lauded a hero who could do no wrong – his sterling influence tenuously linked by "The New York Times" to the rise of America's first black President, Barack Obama – to an internationally reviled pariah who made the whole world feel disgusted and ashamed for ever liking him in the first place.

"The Carmichael Show" was going to go there. The Season 2 episode – titled "Fallen Heroes" – covered Bill Cosby from every angle, including the uncomfortable ones. In one conversation, the characters debated the guilt they felt for being fans of "The Cosby Show" back in the '80s and the unspoken lament that his actions had tainted their childhood memories. How do you reconcile the same man who brought such joy to so many people with the information we have now? Is it okay, the Carmichaels questioned, to still be entertained by a brilliant comedian who is so repulsive in his personal life? Every member of the family had their own wildly differing – and sometimes taboo – take on Bill Cosby and "The Cosby Show."

Norman Lear would have been proud. (Actually, he is!) The Cosby episode – and "The Carmichael Show" in general – is exactly the kind of television Lear would have been writing and producing in the 1970s. It stars comedian and actor Jerrod Carmichael – playing a character of the same name – with an incredible cast portraying his family: Loretta Devine and David Alan Grier as his parents, Amber Stevens West as his biracial girlfriend (a topic that comes up more than once during the course of the show), and LilRel Howery and Tiffany Haddish as his brother and ex-sister-in-law.

After reading about the Cosby episode, I knew I had to catch up and binge-watch "The Carmichael Show" from the beginning! "Fallen Heroes" is but one of the many thought-provoking topics "Carmichael" covers. In the first two seasons, the show has memorably debated gentrification ("Gentrifying Bobby"), depression ("The Blues"), gay and transgender issues ("Gender"), and various other trending topics.

Two of the most memorable episodes, for me, both took place in the second season:

In "The Funeral," the stoic but sometimes blustery patriarch of the Carmichael clan, Joe Carmichael, is tasked with planning his father's funeral. Joe's breakdown at the end and admission that his dad had abused him is powerful, heartbreaking, and absolutely gut-wrenching. It's one of the finest moments of David Alan Grier's long and distinguished acting career. (Bonus: Look for "Jeffersons" alum Marla Gibbs as Joe's mom.)

When "President Trump" aired, its episode title was both a jarring shock to the system and apparently ironic – portending an event that seemingly had no chance in hell of ever happening. At the time, Trump was just another candidate – albeit one who was steadfastly gaining momentum. Yet, here we are today: the episode "President Trump" and President Trump himself are now a reality.

Even though Jerrod Carmichael is the star of the show, he isn't afraid to take the unpopular position. Whether it's supporting controversial gentrification neighborhood overhauls or offensively trolling on social media, Carmichael's character is okay looking like "the bad guy." But he remains endearing – just as Archie Bunker always did, despite his blatant bigotry – because the show always sprinkles its tough issues with layers of warmth and tenderness.

No matter how heated the arguments get, "The Carmichael Show's" family dynamic is its biggest strength. The Carmichaels are real and relatable. They have a deep mutual love and respect for each other. That's why I love them back, even when they're making me mad!

The Carmichael Show airs on NBC. You can watch the first two seasons on Netflix.

Review: Peeples

Tyler Perry Presents a Movie He Didn't Write or Direct

By Chris Sabga

Release Date: May 10, 2013 – U.S.

Rating: PG-13

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Running Time: 95 minutes

Director: Tina Gordon Chism

Writer: Tina Gordon Chism

Cast: Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, 

David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, 

Tyler James Williams, Melvin Van Peebles, 

Diahann Carroll, Kali Hawk, Kimrie Lewis-Davis, 

Malcolm Barrett

"Peeples" is being marketed as a movie "presented" by Tyler Perry, which is just a fancy way of saying he didn't actually write or direct it – Tina Gordon Chism did. But Perry is credited as the producer, and his fingerprints are seemingly all over the place.

This marks the first leading role for comedic actor Craig Robinson, who was one of the highlights of the otherwise wildly inconsistent "Zack and Miri" and more than held his own in "This is the End" against James Franco, Danny McBride, and the rest of that star-studded cast. It's an opportunity he has earned and deserves. But as Robinson has shown in his own career, sometimes the supporting parts are the best ones. That's certainly the case here, too.

Wade Walker (Robinson) is in love with Grace Peeples (Kerry Washington, "Scandal"). When she takes a trip to visit her family, he surprises her by showing up at their doorstep without warning – only to find out that they have no idea who he is. Ouch!

This is a well-worn formula, used over and over (with slight variations) in countless movies through the years, because it's simple but effective – sometimes, anyway.

Grace's father, Judge Virgil Peeples (David Alan Grier), is a hard man to please. He's also an intimidating one. Even though Grace is a high-priced lawyer herself, she's still afraid of Daddy.

Age has served David Alan Grier well. For the part of Judge Peeples, he has morphed into a cranky old man. It's a routine I wouldn't mind seeing him repeat in future films. He steals the show from Robinson. Like I said, sometimes the supporting roles are the best ones. In a way, it's disappointing that Robinson doesn't radiate the same room-filling charisma and dominance we've seen him from him previously. To be fair, the character of Wade calls for a meeker, more nervous portrayal. But it also has to do in part with Grier, who is just that good as the ornery judge and judgmental dad.

The Peeples clan also includes the judge's wife, Daphne (S. Epatha Merkerson, "Law & Order"), who is much more friendly and mellow than her sourpuss husband – for, well, various reasons. Merkerson is delightful in the role and makes the most of it. Their other daughter, Gloria (Kali Hawk), is very close to her "friend," Meg (Kimrie Lewis-Davis).  Their youngest son, Simon (Tyler James Williams, "Everybody Hates Chris"), is a robotics genius who insists on being called "Si" because Simon is a white boy's name. He also tries to be "gangsta" in other ways. Grandpa and Nana Peeples also make an appearance (Melvin Van Peebles of "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song" and "Dynasty's" Diahann Carroll lend their credibility in small supporting roles).

They're joined by Chris Walker (Malcolm Barrett), Wade's younger brother. Wade is a therapist/musician who sings silly songs about urine to kids to help them overcome their anger and fear. Chris is a doctor, but not just any kind of doctor – he's a doll doctor! Needless to say, these aren't career paths that will impress the snooty, stuffy (on the surface) Judge Peeples.

"Peeples" bounces from one vignette to another, all of which lightly thread together the main narrative of Wade getting to know the Peeples. I'm not sure whether the loose structure is refreshing or annoying. In any case, it doesn't quite work. There are a few scenes that are meant to be shocking or outrageous, but they somehow manage to feel dry and lifeless. Even Kerry Washington in a schoolgirl uniform barely elicits any excitement. Like Halle Berry as Catwoman, it sounds so much better on paper!

Stories of this type always seem to build toward a massive family fight, filled with raised voices and uncomfortable revelations. "Peeples" is no exception. But when the big "explosion" finally happens, it all feels a bit rushed and underwhelming.

The movie drags at times, but the characters are pleasant and I did find myself developing warm feelings toward each of them. Still, after seeing "The Big Wedding" so recently, I can't help but compare the two. "Wedding" features a similar setting, but with much better execution, funnier jokes, and big moments that actually pack a punch.

"Peeples" is never a bad movie, but it's not a particularly memorable one either. There are worse ways to waste a lazy Sunday afternoon, but why waste it at all?  There are far better films about families to choose from – and far better films, period. Only diehard fans of David Alan Grier need apply.