What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1309213
T10 WHATS UP! November 15 - 21, 2020 which we relate to each other and our often-overlooked and under-considered biases. But make no mistake, this series is definitely a comedy. In the Season 3 premiere, the Butlers and the Johnsons unite stronger than ever when a member of their community is the victim of racial injustice. The show's creator and show- runner, Jim Reynolds ("The Big Bang Theory"), was re- cently quoted as saying, "We really have a responsibility to use our platform to say some- thing — both to validate and honor the experiences of some of our audience, while also try- ing to give insight to and en- lighten other parts of our audi- ence." And so far, the sitcom has done just that. Last season wrapped up with Dave running for city council. Having tried desper- ately to get Calvin's support for his campaign (Calvin hap- pens to be a well-respected member of the local communi- ty), his efforts fell short as Cal- vin refused to believe that Dave had any real chance of beating the current incum- bent, Isaiah Evans (Wayne Brady, "Whose Line Is It Any- way"). Completely in tune with his character, Dave was determined to prove Calvin wrong, but when a compro- mising photograph involving Dave's "Dukes of Hazzard"- themed 10th birthday party and a Confederate flag birth- day cake mysteriously comes to light, it threatened to derail Dave's campaign completely. Naturally, by the end of Sea- son 2, the photo of the cake had not been well received by the local voters, and Dave's run for office stood seriously under threat. Is it possible that Isaiah had a hand in the photo- graph's mysterious and timely appearance? Regardless of who leaked it, Calvin — know- ing that Dave is absolutely not a racist — winds up defending his neighbor to the outraged community, going on to give Dave his all-important en- dorsement. Birthday parties shouldn't be contentious, of course, but tackling the subject of racism as signified by the Confedera- cy was a bold move, given the U.S.'s current and past political climates. "The Neighborhood" is a show that refuses to shy away from real-life controver- sy, even as a comedy. Last sea- son's series finale, "Welcome to the Campaign," was well-re- ceived by critics, and Wayne Brady's addition to the cast proved to be a successful move. Despite the fact that viewers have given the show mixed re- views since its debut, many of the fans are clear: "Forget the critics, watch the show!" Some viewers have even mentioned that the show gave them a way to approach the subject of race and prejudice with their own families. Max Greenfield stars in "The Neighborhood" continued from page T2 Joining the movement:'The Neighborhood' tackles racism head-on TV FEATURE Celebrations 5 x 5