NBC's new comedy, "The Carmichael Show", is a sitcom played before a live audience. Co-creator and comedian Jerrod Carmichael plays the role of Jerrod, a young man whose girlfriend, Maxine (Amber Stevens West), has just moved into his apartment.
He introduces her to his parents--Joe (David Alan Grier) and Cynthia (Loretta Devine). Joe is never afraid to make his opinions known. He might remind you of a kindler and gentler Fred Sanford. Cynthia is clearly not the voice of reason. When giving advice, she leads with the Bible, and maybe Beyoncé ("Put a ring on it!"). Ms. Devine plays off-kilter characters so well, going all the way back to her role as Marla in "Boston Public". Once in a while, she gets to use that golden singing voice.
Jerrod's little brother Bobby (LilRel Howery) is constantly playing for his father's affection as if Joe might have a dynasty to leave him in his will. The other main character is Nekeisha (Tiffany Haddish), Bobby's ex or soon-to-be ex--it's hard to tell, but we know they intend to go their separate ways if they can just finalize the arrangements. Meanwhile, they snipe at each other in a co-dependent way.
The show is centered in black culture, but it speaks to a broader audience. Cynthia says, "Sometimes black people have a tendency to jump to conclusions" and you know it's true, but you know it applies to all of society.
The cast of characters covers the spectrum of political and social viewpoints. Maxine is drinking the left's Koolaid, as if she just graduated from a liberal arts college. Cynthia voices the opinions of the religiously conservative and politically liberal crowd. Joe is something of a pragmatist--a black man who understands the realities of his world and understands that changes come, though slowly. Jerrod is the calm voice of reason--calling out his mother and father for their limited opinions--but also a cynic. He doesn't vote or engage in social protest because he knows the opinion of one man does not matter. Bobby has few opinions of his own and Nekeisha will find a way to justify anything that benefits her.
This range of character outlooks allows the show to approach any topic with balance, which is good because the writers address all of the hot subjects--police shootings, the Trump presidency, the Confederate flag controversy and transgender issues, for example.
I could do with fewer jokes about light skins, but the show aims to represent society as it is, so they are appropriate. Maybe Maxine will take enough ribbing about her skin tone and demand her full due as a black woman. Or maybe she will stand up for her mixed race heritage and point out that she is the way of the future.
But the jokes come first and "The Carmichael Show" has its share. I am hoping that future episodes have more laugh out loud moments, though I am content with the show as it is.
Update 8/15/17: The show is into its third season and it has maintained its balance-- something that is not easy to do. I am upping my grade to "9".
