The Boondocks

The Boondocks is an animated series by Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip of the same name, that follows Huey and Riley Freeman, two black children from the tough South Side of Chicago who move with their grandfather, called “Granddad”, to the suburbs. Episodes are narrated by Huey, an intelligent ten-year-old who serves as the moral compass of the show through his strong Afrocentric beliefs. He is supportive of black causes, but dismissive of popular black culture he believes promotes ignorance. HE tries to enlighten others around him, such as biracial family friend Jazmine, to little success. On the other end of the spectrum is his younger brother Riley, who is obsessed with gangsta rap culture and emulates figures he sees on TV, such as the fictional rappers Thugnificent and Gangstalicious. Actress Regina King provides the voices for both Huey and Riley Freeman. Their legal guardian is their grandfather, Robert “Granddad” Freeman, an old-school disciplinarian who enjoys the peacefulness of the suburbs and doesn’t approve of his grandsons’ extreme views. He also feuds with The contrast between the children and the safe, quiet surrounding of the suburbs serves as the driving force for much of the social commentary on the show. The show takes aim at several high profile black figures, including Oprah Winfrey, R. Kelly, and the BET Network, and has caused controversy over its use of language. The show’s look is heavily influenced by the Japanese animation styles of anime and manga, seen particularly in the opening. Notable episodes include “The Garden Party”, “The Block is Hot”, “A Pimp Named Slickback”, “The Hunger Strike”, “Wingmen”, “The Uncle Ruckus Reality Show”, and “The Health Inspector”, in which Samuel L. Jackson guest stars and repeats the famous “Say What Again” dialogue from Pulp Fiction. MORE