By Aaron Pruner on Feb 03, 2018 10:30 pm
Over the past few years, Netflix has ramped up its stand-up comedy programming by adding hundreds of specials to its streaming platform. Finally, the laughter void is once again being filled on the small screen--step aside HBO and Comedy Central--and with Netflix's comedy expansion, a plethora of amusing selections are now available for your viewing pleasure. Stand-up comedy is an artform--and one that has worked best when original, personal, and unique voices take the stage. From clean-cut observational humor to envelope-pushing raunch, Netflix has a variety of options to help you decompress from life's stresses. We've narrowed things down a bit, with a list of selections that are sure to get the laughs rolling. Here are 26 of the best stand-up comedy specials currently available on Netflix.
26. Trevor Noah: Afraid of the Dark
Many know Trevor Noah as the host who replaced Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. But before he became the face of Comedy Central's comedy news program, Noah made a name for himself in the stand-up comedy world. He brings his South African upbringing into his comedy for a fresh perspective. Born in Johannesburg, the comic regularly discusses his South African upbringing. While his job on The Daily Show has been to focus on celebrity interviews and the trending political topic of the day, his stage work is much more personal, and that's where the good stuff lies.
25. Bill Burr: Walk Your Way Out
There's something weird about recording a comedy special weeks before Election Day, but that's exactly what Bill Burr did with Walk Your Way Out. Some comedians' work would probably be hurt in the long run depending on which way their political leanings go. That's not how Burr rolls, though. Sure, he does pit Hillary Clinton against Donald Trump with a few biting bits, but mostly Walk Your Way Out is Burr at his most selfish. Basically, he's like if Archie Bunker and Al Bundy had a ginger baby.
24. Jim Jeffries: Freedumb
While he's racked up a number of noteworthy projects over the past decade--his FX show Legit was quite underrated and his battle with Piers Morgan on Real Time with Bill Maher is something to behold--audiences mostly know Jim Jeffries for his viral rant on gun control. In Freedumb, the Australian comic goes all-in on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The special isn't all political; his insights on fatherhood and other challenges are delivered with the comic's signature bluntness, and the results are equally hilarious.
23. Anthony Jeselnik: Thoughts and Prayers
Stand-up comedy is best when it's unsafe, and Anthony Jeselnik is the type of comic that regularly pushes the envelope. Sometimes the best way to work through a tragedy is to mock it, and Jeselnik has honed this art along with his quick-witted deadpan stage persona, bringing together a show that's equally as unsettling as it is thought provoking. As dangerous as his material can be, Jeselnik brings the audience on a journey that often ends up in a surprising place.
22. Jen Kirkman: Just Keep Livin'?
An outspoken feminist with a knack for spinning an elaborate yarn, Jen Kirkman is known for building a memorable narrative in her stage routine. Each story she tells gives the audience some hilariously nuanced insight into who she is, while also digging deeper into the cultural and political topics of the day. And about the title of the special: Sometimes people make unfortunate decisions and this one involves a tattoo on Kirkman's ankle that references Matthew McConaughey's pervy catchphrase from Dazed and Confused.
21. Mike Birbiglia: Thank God for Jokes
Imagine a world without humor. That would be an unfortunate place, and Mike Birbiglia's special, Thank God for Jokes, uses that notion as its jumping off point. His monologues are personal, picking apart his own discomfort and insecurities. But the special also uses the Charlie Hebdo shooting as its inspiration, shining a light on the ongoing importance of jokes in the face of terror.
20. Todd Glass: Act Happy
Todd Glass does his best to remain positive and upbeat throughout Act Happy, which completely explains the title of his newest comedy special. He comes to the stage armed with a back-up band and brings an unexpected energy with him. He utilizes his visibility within both the gay and comedy communities to smash caricatures to pieces. Glass explores his own life challenges of coming out of the closet--err, we mean "busting out of the shed"--to surviving a heart attack. Comedy comes from pain, you guys.
19. David Cross: Making America Great Again
From the title, it's obvious where David Cross's politics lie. And even though Making America Great Again was filmed before the 2016 presidential election, the material in the comic's act is still as relevant as ever. In case you're suffering from Trump fatigue, here's a warning: Cross sets much of his sights on the Donald during his time on stage. For those who only know Cross from his work as Tobias Funke on Arrested Development, you're in for a surprise. It's worth noting that this special isn't a Mr. Show sketch, either. His stage presence is intense, his material is insightful, and his delivery is equal parts scathing and sardonic.
18. Norm MacDonald: Hitler's Dog, Gossip and Trickery
Norm MacDonald brings his deadpan brilliance to Netflix with Hitler's Dog, Gossip and Trickery. And while he does actually take on the topic of Hitler's dog, the majority of the special resides in the realm of "gossip and trickery." There's a sense that the audience never fully gets a grasp on which Norm is the real Norm, and that's all a part of his plan. He never quite lets go of his signature cynicism, but in the process, the SNL alum hits his fans with comic insights that are both absurd and poignant. Which Norm is the real Norm? In the end, it doesn't really matter.
17. Jerry Seinfeld: Jerry Before Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld is one of Netflix's biggest comedy gets. Two decades after Seinfeld deconstructed TV's sitcom format, the comedian did the same thing on the streaming giant. Instead of simply standing on stage delivering his observational humor to the masses, Jerry's first special blends stand-up comedy with an autobiographical tale of his life. What transpires is an insightful one-man show that peels back the curtain on the famous jokester's upbringing and introduction to the comedy world, while he workshops new material on stage. The end result gives the audience a wonderful peek into how Seinfeld became Seinfeld.
16. Hannibal Buress: Comedy Camisado
He's had recurring roles in shows like 30 Rock and Broad City, but most people know Hannibal Buress as the guy who brought the sexual assault allegations against Bill Cosby into the spotlight. Not only did that media attention start Cosby's downfall, it gave Buress some unexpected fame. It goes without saying that the majority of the material in Comedy Camisado touches on this newfound celebrity--it is a bit odd for a comedian to become famous for taking down a comedy icon. It's a fact Hannibal is quite cognizant of. Aside from his takes on the mainstream media and his Cosby-inspired notoriety, Buress brings a plethora of jokes that pay off in the most unexpected places.
15. Tracy Morgan: Staying Alive
There are comebacks and then there are comebacks. Tracy Morgan not only got hit by a WalMart truck--he went into a coma, and survived. Through it all, the man known to many as 30 Rock's Tracy Jordan persevered and continued to find humor everywhere. He even jokes that God wouldn't let him die because he wasn't talented enough to mark his death as tragic. As dark as that sounds, his quip shows just how resilient and necessary comedy is.
14. Ali Wong: Baby Cobra
What makes Ali Wong's comedy special, Baby Cobra, even more unique is that she performs her signature brand of filth while seven-and-a-half months pregnant. Her comedy isn't for everyone, but Baby Cobra is important for the simple reason that Wong is pushing the envelope. In 2018, there are hardly any topics left that society deems off-limits. Motherhood (or pending motherhood) seems to be one of them. And in comedy, discomfort is where the good stuff lies.
13. Katt Williams: Great America
Is Katt Williams still "The King of Underground Comedy?" By the look of things, the answer is a resounding yes. It only takes ten minutes on stage for the man to break a sweat. From politics to racism to the glorious grit of Jacksonville, Florida (where he recorded this special), Williams keeps his audience on their toes as he jumps from topic to topic.
12. John Mulaney: The Comeback Kid
Mulaney's a comedian that was made for the stage. Many successful comics set themselves apart with specificity, and Mulaney is no different. Heck, his material spawned Mulaney, NBC's short-lived sitcom. Bouncing back from the series' cancellation, Comeback Kid finds the comic in his natural habitat--telling amusing stories inspired by his personal life. From musings on married life to the one time he met Bill Clinton in 1992, this special brings together every brilliant element that makes John Mulaney a star, and it does so brilliantly.
11. Donald Glover: Weirdo
Is there anything Donald Glover can't do? He's an accomplished musician, a multi-faceted actor, a comedy writer, and a show-creator--FX's Atlanta has won multiple awards for a reason. And aside from the awesome fact we'll be seeing Glover play a young Lando Calrissian later this year, the man has also proven himself to be a worthy stand-up comedian. The special shows why Glover was a standout in the SNL writers' room and in front of the camera on NBC's Community. Much like the early work of his rap alter-ego Childish Gambino, Weirdo is just that: weird--but delightfully so.
10. The Lucas Bros: On Drugs
There's something inexplicably comforting about watching The Lucas Brothers perform. Maybe it's their appreciation for a multitude of illicit substances. Maybe it's the fact that they're twin brothers--it is said that twins can communicate on a higher level than mere mortals. Whatever the case, it's damn near impossible to not laugh when listening to The Lucas Bros' take on life. Here, they touch on everything from Space Jam to O.J. Simpson puns. It may sound silly, but this special steadily delivers the goods.
9. Maria Bamford: Old Baby
Fans of Lady Dynamite take note: Maria Bamford's series may have been canceled after two seasons, but her erratic comedy lives on. Old Baby is her latest special and continues Bamford's mission to destigmatize mental illness. There's also a unique style to the special, which opens on Bamford performing to her reflection in a mirror, eventually evolving into a growing audience in front of her. The many characters she played on her show are in full force here as she explores her personal battles with romance, the entertainment industry, and therapy.
8. Bo Burnham: Make Happy
Simply put: Bo Burnham's a flippin' genius. Initially becoming famous in his teenage years on YouTube, the 27-year-old comic has made a reputation for putting on quite a show. It's energetic, bizarre, chaotic, and unexpected--and that doesn't even cover the comedian's musical talents. The quick pacing of Make Happy leaves the audience wanting more, even after an hour of Burnham's witty antics. As for the songs, some are works of melodic art, while others are mere conversation starters for bigger bits on society, relationships, hypocrisy of modern country music, and everything in between. It's a comedy show in a category all its own.
7. Marc Maron: Thinky Pain
Thinky Pain hit Netflix in 2013, a year after Marc Maron's IFC series--simply titled, Maron--hit the air. The comedian had already built a sturdy fanbase with his popular WTF! podcast, and Thinky Pain showcases a neurotic man reluctantly stepping into the spotlight. Since Thinky Pain hit Netflix, Maron has gone on to create another comedy special and star in the shows like GLOW and Easy. However, it's in Maron's nearly two-hour performance that we get the clearest idea of the man's struggles and neuroses. Much of this material made its way into is IFC series, but his self-deprecating stage act works best in front of a live audience.
6. Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King
Hasan Minhaj first gained attention as a correspondent on The Daily Show before bringing his cutting edge perspective to the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2017. With Homecoming King, Minhaj delivers a personal one-man show. Here, the comic takes a break from Donald Trump jokes to tell an autobiographical tale from Minhaj's Muslim upbringing to his trip to prom to his family's reaction to 9/11. It's equally hilarious and emotional and offers multiple teachable moments as a response to the ongoing issue of racism in America.
5. Sarah Silverman: A Speck of Dust
In recent years, Sarah Silverman has moved away from shock value when it comes to her material. The sexual content is still there, but Silverman's work has matured. Maybe it's a reaction to Trump's America--her Hulu series, I Love You, America, regularly seeks common ground between the country's polarized ideologies--but in A Speck of Dust, Sarah's delivery is more conversational than in-your-face. That's not to say she's left her adventurous sensibilities behind. There's still plenty of blue humor within this hour-long special. But beyond that, it seems as if Silverman has recognized the power of comedy: Laughter brings people together. And thankfully, she's using her powers for good.
4. Aziz Ansari: Live at Madison Square Garden
It's worth noting how impactful Aziz Ansari's fourth recorded stand-up show truly is. The comic, fresh off his work as Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation, sold out Madison Square Garden with his 2015 special. Only a handful of comics before him were able to fill every seat in the building--George Carlin and Eddie Murphy are on that list. As grandiose as the locale is, though, Ansari uses the stage and his catchy rapport with the audience to deliver a show that's as intimate as it is hilarious. Aziz also directed the special, showcasing talents that are put to further use in his Emmy-winning series, Master of None.
3. Dave Chappelle: The Age of Spin
In 2017, Dave Chappelle brought four stand-up comedy specials to Netflix. His first, The Age of Spin, is probably the best of the bunch. Let's be clear here: It's difficult really discerning which Chappelle is the best Chappelle. But his resurgence in the comedy world made a huge impact. That's not to say his return came without controversy. His jokes about the transgender community--followed by an insensitive reaction to one of Louis CK's victims in his later special, The Bird Revelation--has spawned a backlash, to be sure. That said, Chappelle's return brought a plethora of keen observations about the world around us at just the right time.
2. Patton Oswalt: Annihilation
After his wife, crime writer Michelle McNamara, unexpectedly passed away in April of 2016, Oswalt did his best to work through the pain. Not only did he have a daughter to raise, he had to continue working. They say laughter is the best medicine, and for some, performing on stage is the best form of therapy. Needless to say, Annihilation is a heartfelt exercise in grief. Oswalt's work is raw and emotional, showcasing a man recovering from tragedy. Yes, he discusses politics and Donald Trump. But instead of dragging things through the mud for too long, Oswalt makes it his mission to keep his special on track with his late wife's motto: "It's chaos out there, be kind."
1. Richard Pryor: Live in Concert
Two words: Comedy Legend.
By Matt Espineli on Feb 03, 2018 09:30 pm
Red Dead Wishes
Red Dead Redemption II's delay may be disheartening for those who have been eagerly awaiting the game's release. Now set to release at the end of October, Rockstar's latest epic possesses a special mystique because of how little we know. However, the minimal knowledge we have doesn't stop us from thinking about what it needs to do to surpass the original. Here are 11 things we want from Red Dead Redemption II. Red Dead Redemption II is set to release on October 26 for PS4 and Xbox One; however there's no word on a PC version as of yet. The first Red Dead Redemption has not been released on PC, but Rockstar's last major release, Grand Theft Auto V, made its way to PC. For a look at how the game is shaping up, watch the game's latest trailer and be sure to check out our in-depth Red Dead Redemption II trailer analysis. There's also a wealth of other exciting games coming out in 2018 that aren't necessarily exclusive to one platform or another, so be sure to check out our individual features highlighting the most anticipated PS4 games, Xbox One games, PC games, and Switch games for a broader look at the year ahead.
Better Shooting
With the exception of Max Payne 3, the shooting mechanics for many of Rockstar's games have typically lacked finesse, often feeling clunky and over-reliant on an auto-lock feature. We're hoping the studio has implemented a tighter control scheme this time around, making aiming, shooting, and moving more precise and smooth.
Better Quick-Draw Duels
While functional, quick-draw duels often felt too easy. Red Dead Redemption II should do a better job at capturing the tense, yet ultimately cathartic, sensation of a quick-draw duel. Whether it's through a mini-game that better emulates the drama of a quick-draw or a reflex-focused mechanic that demands more speed and precision, we're eager to see what Rockstar has in mind this time around.
Open-Ended Gameplay
The structure of previous Rockstar open-world games have often focused on linear missions that push you from one sequence to the next. However, we'd love to see missions lean towards being more open-ended, allowing you the flexibility to complete mission objectives in any order and the freedom to approach combat encounters either stealthily or with guns blazing.
More Clothing Options
The original Red Dead Redemption was fairly limited in its clothing selection, restricting you to preset outfits that you couldn't alter in any meaningful way. Rockstar has always dabbled in supplying players an ample selection of clothing to wear in the Grand Theft Auto series, so why not include it in Red Dead Redemption 2? It would be awesome to dress your character in the image of the most iconic film Western characters and aesthetic archetypes.
More Awesome Sound Design
One of the most stylish elements of Red Dead Redemption was how the music would dynamically adjust to the action. Hopefully, Rockstar has gone all out in tailoring Red Dead Redemption II's music to every action you make, expanding upon the framework of the original with even more layered, nuanced sound design. We'd love to hear subtle melodic whistles compliment every dramatic moment or shift in the action--similar to how a Sergio Leone score would often reprise melodies and sounds during specific narrative beats in the The Man With No Name trilogy.
Apply Lessons Learned From GTA Online To Multiplayer
The first Red Dead Redemption's multiplayer mode offered a fairly entertaining sandbox to explore, where you could take part in gang shootouts, bounty-hunting, and co-operative missions with friends. But with the success of Grand Theft Auto Online, the standards have changed. We want Rockstar to translate what made Grand Theft Auto Online so successful into Red Dead Redemption II's multiplayer. It's likely the game will feature some form of cooperative heists, but we're hoping you can participate in more quaint activities, like creating your own personal farm, or even building up a homestead where you can hang out with your friends.
Improved Sidequests
Red Dead Redemption 2 featured a wealth of memorable side-quests for John Marston to take part in. However with recent games like The Witcher III: Wild Hunt and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild taking side-quest design to new heights, the Western sequel will have to step things up. If Rockstar manages to apply everything it can learn from its critically acclaimed contemporaries, then we'll likely see surprises that make everyone's experience with the game unique in some way.
Multiple Playable Characters
Main protagonist Arthur Morgan doesn't work alone in Red Dead Redemption II. Rather, he's a member of the Van der Linde gang, which fans of the first game will recognize as John Marston's old crew. While past trailers have made it seem like Morgan will be the only character you can play as, we're hoping that you can play as other members of the gang, like Bill Williamson, Javier Escuella, or even John Marston.
A Young John Marston
Our biggest wish is for a young John Marston to make an appearance. Seeing as the sequel is technically a prequel, we don't see any reason why John wouldn't be around in some form. It could be wishful thinking on our part, but we can't help wanting to witness John during his formative years as a member of the Van der Linde gang.
Cameos From Real-Life Outlaws
Depending on when the game takes place, it would be great to run into real-life outlaws who were still at large at the time. Can you imagine meeting notable outlaws, like the Sundance Kid, Cherokee Bill, or Zip Wyatt? While the inclusion of real-life historical figures would veer into Assassin's Creed-like territory, it would still be cool to learn more about some of history's most notorious criminals.
A Story As Good As The Best Film Westerns
We're hoping Red Dead Redemption II's story lives up up to both the legacy of its predecessor and the Western film genre as a whole. Westerns often explore difficult questions concerning morality, the subordination of nature in the name of civilization, and the effects of glamorizing a broken form of masculinity. We'd love to see Rockstar better capitalize on these themes in Red Dead Redemption II, while also pushing the boundaries of the genre, potentially even redefining the type of story a Western can tell.
By Chris E. Hayner on Feb 03, 2018 06:08 am
25. Savitar
First appearance: Season 3, Episode 6 Savitar is the third major villain to be a speedster on the series -- one of six in total. Because of this, it's hard for him to be interesting, and the reveal that he was an alternate version of Barry was just silly. Image: The CW
24. Music Meister
First appearance: Season 3, Episode 17 Music Meister wasn't particularly intimidating or vicious. He did, however, trap The Flash and Supergirl in a musical coma nightmare. While his stay was short-lived, it certainly does stand out. Image: The CW
23. Rainbow Raider
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 8 The most notable of the Rogues, this emotion manipulator gets credit for turning The Flash against the Arrow in the first crossover between the two shows. Image: The CW
22. Multiplex
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 2 With the power to instantly create an unlimited number of clones of himself, Multiplex could have been one of The Flash's best villains. Unfortunately, it takes very little for the team to end his threat. Image: The CW
21. Clock King
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 7 Clock King is the first Arrow villain exported to The Flash. While you might think that makes him a major force in the Arrowverse, it certainly didn't feel like it. He was one of two villains in this episode -- specifically, the one without special powers. Image: The CW
20. Bug-Eyed Bandit
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 18 Brie Larvan is one of The Flash's smartest villains. While small in stature, she developed tiny, robotic bees to do her bidding. She's the first villain that originated on The Flash before appearing on Arrow. Image: The CW
19. Zoom
First appearance: Season 2, Episode 1 The biggest villain of Season 2, Zoom was somebody the team thought they could trust. Secretly, though, he was an evil speedster trying to destroy them. So the show essentially repeated the plot of Season 1. Still, Zoom deserves some credit for introducing the multiverse. Image: The CW
18. Trajectory
First appearance: Season 2, Episode 16 She may be a villain-of-the-week, but Trajectory deserves credit for being the show's first female speedster. That's right: Before Jesse Quick suited up to join Team Flash, Trajectory made their lives miserable with her super speed. Image: The CW
17. Mirror Master
First appearance: Season 3, Episode 4 Mirror Master has the ability to use mirrors as portals, which is very useful for robbing places and getting away. In the end, though, he wasn't a match for The Flash's speed or the brains of the team. Image: The CW
16. Black Flash
First appearance: Season 2, Episode 23 When Hunter Zolomon is defeated and destroyed by the Speed Force for altering time, he becomes the Black Flash, a decaying remnant of his former self bound to the Speed Force forever. There's no telling when fans will see Black Flash again, but it's bound to be a haunting moment when it happens. Image: The CW
15. Black Siren
First appearance: Season 2, Episode 22 An evil doppelgänger of Laurel Lance from Earth-2, Black Siren is the type of villain that hurts the most. Earth-1's Laurel was a close friend of the team prior to her death; her duplicate tormenting them was a lot to handle. Black Siren didn't reach her full potential until she jumped ship to Arrow, however. Image: The CW
14. Clifford DeVoe
First appearance: Season 4, Episode 1 DeVoe framed Barry for murder to break the team's spirit. He truly is the most genius of The Flash's foes. Given that he's still wreaking havoc on the show, there's no telling how much more damage the Thinker can inflict. Image: The CW
13. General Eiling
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 5 General Eiling attempted to wield another metahuman as his personal weapon of mass destruction. He was also, at one time, the mind-controlled plaything of Grodd. And yet, he survives. Image: The CW
12. Girder
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 6 Girder is two villains in one. In Season 1, he could turn his body into steel. But it's his Season 2 return as a zombie that cements his place in The Flash's top villains: There's nothing scarier than a zombie with superpowers. Image: The CW
11. Golden Glider
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 16 While Captain Cold's sister wasn't able to live up to his reputation, she certainly makes an impact. Opting for a gun that shoots molten gold gives her a certain flair. Image: The CW
10. Pied Pier
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 11 The Pied Piper's most dangerous assets are his brain and connection to the STAR Labs team. Long before Barry was a meta, this villain was a coworker of Cisco and Caitlin. Unfortunately, he's turned evil and uses that personal connection against them. He's also none too pleased to have been replaced in the trio by Barry. Image: The CW
9. Weather Wizard
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 15 The big brother of The Flash's first villain can manipulate the weather in some pretty scary ways. Through creating tornados and torrential storms, Weather Wizard is a valuable asset to the Rogues. Image: The CW
8. Killer Frost
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 23 Caitlin Snow is one of the nicest people in the multiverse -- and one of the most important members of Team Flash. And yet, she's also one of the show's biggest villains. When her metahuman powers were unlocked, she developed split personalities. You don't want to get on either one's bad side. Image: The CW
7. King Shark
First appearance: Season 2, Episode 4 What's there to say about King Shark, other the obvious? This metahuman is a giant, walking shark. He's also one of the show's most creative villains -- one we never thought we'd see adapted from the comics. Image: The CW
6. The Trickster
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 17 The Trickster, played by Mark Hamill, is absolutely unforgettable. And as the only villain to appear in The Flash television series from 1990-1, he also has a lot of history to him. Underneath it all though, Trickster is a playful, silly, and incredibly vicious villain that takes a lot of cues from the Joker. He ruins lives and does it with a smile. Image: The CW
5. Time Wraiths
First appearance: Season 2, Episode 17 These ghostly beings are the guardians of the Speed Force, protecting it from speedsters who abuse their power. Given how often Barry broke the rules in the first few seasons of the show, they're constantly paying him a visit with the threat of killing him -- or doing to him what they did to Black Flash. While the Wraiths are technically villains, you do have to wonder if the abusing speedster is the actual bad guy. Image: The CW
4. Grodd
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 21 This meta ape has superior intelligence, strength, and size, so it should come as no surprise how big of a challenge he was in Season 1. However, it wasn't until the team jumped into the multiverse and landed in Gorilla City -- a place filled with apes like Grodd -- that his true power was seen. Image: The CW
3. Heat Wave
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 10 Heat Wave is either the nicest bad guy you'll ever meet or the absolute worst good guy. After being given his fire-spewing gun by Captain Cold, the two formed the Rogues to carry out crimes. Still, while he's rough around the edges, Heat Wave isn't all bad. Underneath that gruff exterior (and his need to steal from people) is a teddy bear. A foul-mouthed teddy bear. Image: The CW
2. Captain Cold
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 4 The Flash's first long-term villain isn't a metahuman or somebody looking to destroy the world. He's simply a thief with a gun that can turn you to ice. Captain Cold brings style to his wrongdoing, which is why he's such a fan favorite. Image: The CW
1. Eobard Thawne
First appearance: Season 1, Episode 1 Whereas fans love Captain Cold, there's nothing but hate for Barry's mentor, Eobard Thawne. Once he was revealed to be the Reverse Flash, he and Barry entered into the ultimate teacher vs. student showdown. Years later, Eobard is still a thorn in the team's side. Image: The CW
By Mat Elfring on Feb 03, 2018 05:18 am
Super Troopers 2 is finally coming to theaters, on April 20 no less, and fans of the first film could not be happier, especially after seeing the hilarious trailer for the sequel. This time around, the gang is back and must head to an area that is under a border dispute between Canada and the United States. Even though the original film came out 17 years ago, the out-there comedy about a group of Vermont state troopers still holds up. However, there are a lot of little facts about the filming of this movie you might not know. Meow, before you see Super Troopers 2, check out these 14 facts about the original film.
This Scene Is Based On A Real Event
One of the most memorable scenes in Super Troopers is the opening where a group of kids gets pulled over by the troopers and the young adult in the backseat has to eat all of their drugs before the officers come up to the car. Steve Lemme, who plays Mac in the film, told Seven Days that the scene was based on a true story: "We rented an RV and decided to go into Canada to experience all the delights of Québec," explained Lemme. "The Canadian border guard saw a joint on the dashboard of the RV. And he asked everyone whose joint it was and no one wanted to take credit for that." "One guy was holding all of the mushrooms for the entire bachelor party, like, 12 doses of mushrooms. And he got so freaked out that he ate all of the mushrooms in the back of the RV. He tripped for 48 hours. And he had no memory of it, because he was so dosed up."
Guess Who's On Mushrooms?
Fans of the series learned something interesting about Super Troopers while the cast was live-tweeting during a Comedy Central airing of the film. Steve Lemme tweeted that at one point in the film, two of the guys in the scene were on mushrooms. Looking through the other tweets from that evening, it may be the moment before the "shenanigans" joke, and if you look at the image above, you may be able to guess who is on drugs during filming.
Shenanigans Was Written In One Try
Speaking of "shenanigans," according to Lemme, that scene was written in one try and was never edited.
Was That Really Syrup In There?
One thing fans have always wondered is, "Were they really chugging maple syrup in the restaurant?" According to Erik Stolhanske, who plays Rabbit, they started off drinking iced tea, but finished the scene with actual maple syrup.
Filmed On Location... At A Prison
During the scene where the officers were out at the shooting range, Lemme revealed that said range belongs to Fishkill Maximum Security Prison, and the inmates were screaming obscenities at them during the filming. You can even see the fence for the prison in the background of the screenshot above.
A Group Of Police Officers Loved It
Apparently, police officers also love Super Troopers. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Lemme said a group of Utah State Police saw the movie at Sundance. "Afterwards, they were like, 'Oh my God. You captured it.,'" explained Lemme. "Usually in movies, either cops are portrayed as dicks or they're just idiots. They said, 'You actually captured what it's like to be a police officer. We play all those games when we're bored.'"
Studio Really Wanted Ben Affleck In Super Troopers
Studios didn't understand what the The Broken Lizard gang was trying to accomplish. Because originally the movie had a budget of $1.2 million, studios wanted to dump more money into the film. "We were walking in saying that we were going to star in it, and that I was going to direct it," explained director and star Jay Chandrasekhar in an AVClub interview. "That was it. They asked us if they could put Ben Affleck in one part, and they asked if someone else could direct it."
Emmy Award-Winner Brian Cox Wanted To Be In It
In a silly comedy about police officers goofing around, it's really weird to see an Emmy award-winner actor, Brian Cox in this case, in such a prominent role. Weirder yet, Chandrasekhar explained to AVClub that Cox wanted to do it. "He actually called us. He's always playing parts like pedophiles and Nazi generals and nasty people, and he's a big Jerry Lewis fan, and thinks he's got that bone in him. He's been looking for a comedy to do, and he kept contacting us and contacting us, and he turned out to be amazing."
The Cast Impersonated Officers During Shooting
Broken Lizard's antics continued while they weren't filming as well. In the production notes for Super Troopers (via Cinema), Chandrasekhar said they pretended to be cops while the cameras weren't rolling. "Shooting a movie when you're dressed as a cop is great," he explained. "People are used to following orders from people who look like me." At one point, he ordered his co-star Kevin Heffernan, who plays Favre, to stop traffic as cars were flying by the set at 60 mph. In addition, Erik Stolhanske drove 100 mph on the highway in a police car with the lights on, which is very illegal if you aren't a cop. He claims he didn't know the lights were on.
Favre's Fake Mustache
Sadly, Favre's mustache isn't real. Heffernan revealed it was a "stunt mustache" on Twitter.
Kevin Heffernan Calls His Own Parents "Chickenf***ers"
Heffernan, playing the character Favre, walks up to a car he pulled over in the film and calls the passengers "Chickenf***ers." It turns out that those are Heffernan's real-life parents.
He Also Didn't Want Jim Gaffigan In The Movie
Speaking of Heffernan, he didn't want comedian Jim Gaffigan in the film because Gaffigan always beat him out for roles in auditions, according to Lemme. Well, who's laughing meow?
Originally The Sequel Took Place In The Past
Strangely enough, the original sequel for Super Troopers was going to take place in 1976. Chandrasekhar told Rotten Tomatoes back in 2006 that the film was going to take place during the US bicentennial, and everyone would have mustaches and shaggier hair.
Very Little Improvisation
While many contemporary comedies occasionally rely on improvisation for some of its silliest moments, Super Troopers only had five improv lines in the movie, according to Chandrasekhar. Two of these lines were "It stinks like sex in here," and "That was the second time I got crabs."
By Chris Pereira on Feb 03, 2018 03:50 am
One of Destiny 2's biggest updates so far is now available, introducing new elements to the game like Masterwork armor and Raid armor perks. Its release also marks the launch of the latest Iron Banner event, which is the first one to take place since Curse of Osiris debuted in December. That DLC started the second season of in-game content, with each season bringing new gear to activities like Faction Rally and Iron Banner. Following the recent Faction Rally event's new set of items, now is your chance to acquire the just-added selection of Iron Banner gear. Iron Banner Engrams you receive from Lord Saladin can now have a variety of new items inside them, alongside those that were already available. Even more will be added during the next Iron Banner, but for now, you can expect to have a shot at a new hand cannon, scout rifle, shotgun, Ghost, Sparrow, shader, and ship. Additionally, there's a new emblem that tracks how many times you've ranked up with Iron Banner; you can earn this by completing the Iron Banner Milestone (which requires playing 30 total Iron Banner matches during Season 2). Bear in mind, the new gear requires that you own Curse of Osiris. Even without the DLC, though, you're still free to participate in the event and earn Season 1 gear. You can see all of the new gear, including the weapons and armor Ornaments (for Titan, Warlock, and Hunter), in the gallery above. One notable change for this instance of Iron Banner is how you earn rewards. In addition to the usual means of acquiring gear, you can now directly purchase select items. Saladin will sell three weapons and five pieces of armor during each event for a combination of Legendary Shards and Iron Banner Tokens. He also has five armor Ornaments that can be acquired by completing Challenges during Iron Banner matches. This Iron Banner runs from now until the weekly reset on Tuesday, February 6. The game mode this time around is Control. You can see what else is new in Destiny 2's update in our rundown on the 1.1.2 patch notes.
Titan Mark Ornament
Titan Leg Armor Ornament
Titan Guantlet Ornament
Titan Chest Armor Ornament
Titan Helmet Ornament
Warlock Bond Ornament
Warlock Chest Armor Ornament
Warlock Gauntlet Ornament
Warlock Helmet Ornament
Warlock Leg Armor Ornament
Hunter Gauntlets Ornament
Hunter Chest Armor Ornament
Hunter Cloak Ornament
Hunter Helmet Ornament
Hunter Leg Armor Ornament
By Michael Rougeau on Feb 03, 2018 02:47 am
A lot to say.
It's no surprise that a show that combines sci-fi, cyberpunk, and noir as deftly as Altered Carbon has a lot to say about the general human condition. But that also means interpretations on exactly what Altered Carbon wants us to take away from its 10 episode first season will vary. At the new Netflix show's premiere red carpet in Los Angeles recently, we asked Altered Carbon's cast and creators what they think the point is. Click through to find out what they said.
8. James Purefoy (Laurens Bancroft)
"All dystopian sci-fi is about extrapolating where we are now, or taking current trends into consideration, following those trends to a logical conclusion, and saying, 'If you don't alter our path, we're going to end up with a world like Altered Carbon.'" "The trend of the gap between rich and poor, which gets exponentially larger every year--that's a massive trend. Global warming, that's going to be a massive trend. There are all kinds of trends that we see--access to technology, access to medicine. You know, we're in a country right now which just dropped 13 and a half million people out of health care. Those are the kinds of trends I'm talking about. Access, especially, is vital, and in Altered Carbon, of course, the access is to the technology that gives you immortality, or the access to be able to re-sleeve in whatever sleeve you want to sleeve in. And in our world, it's access to a doctor, it's access to drugs."
7. Antonio Marziale (Isaac Bancroft)
"Well, I think it has a lot to do with class. I think it's a big commentary on class and how technology, if it moves forward in a certain way, will really make that divide even bigger. I think it has a lot to do with what it means to be in your body--if you can clone a body, what does that mean about life and death? Is it acceptable or not? I think there's also comments on religion there as well, which I think is really cool."
6. Byron Mann (original Kovacs)
"I think it's second chances, you know? You have a chance to continue your life, or to relive your life. So it's a chance to be better or make amends."
5. Kristin Lehman (Miriam Bancroft)
"When Richard K. Morgan wrote this book, he wasn't speaking about the present. I think he's talking about the existential crisis of being human--that once we're born, we're born to die. I mean literally, if you think about it, once we begin our first breath, we begin our journey to death. And clearly there is an absolute, painful struggle with humanity regarding that, and [we] will go to incredible, great lengths to A) not die, but then B) distract ourselves from the idea of dying. That's age old, so you could hold that mirror up in any time throughout history, and my answer will be the same." "I do think that there has never been a greater, more vast chasm between the 1% and the rest of the world. Hopefully the examination of poverty and privatization and elite and haves and have-nots, hopefully the painful portrait we paint in our show of that disparity, is meaningful."
4. Chris Conner (Poe)
"I think there's several, and that's why the series hopefully will get expanded and we can deepen what that is. The idea of the haves and the have-nots is obvious, right? It sits on top. The idea of wastefulness as humans, what we've created around us. The continual throwing away of even our bodies, at a certain degree, that's what we've become as humans."
3. Ato Essandoh (Vernon Elliot)
"I think technology, in our time, right now, is usurping our ability to be humans. [Altered Carbon] is more of an extreme case, but with cell phones and social media and stuff like that, that's changing our humanity already. And we sort of can't evolve to keep up with what technology can do." "I think the central question is, what do we love and what makes us human beings? The interesting thing is the thought that we can switch bodies, and so is there really an 'other,' or are we all the same thing? And so what are we angry at? Why do we think, 'Oh, those brown people,' or 'Oh, those white people or those black people,' or whatever? What are we worried about, when bodies are interchangeable? And it makes you think about why we otherize other people. I think that's sort of the grand theory for me. It really makes me really think about what I love in other human beings."
2. Joel Kinnaman (Takeshi Kovacs)
"I think it shows the danger of continuing this trend of growing income inequality between people. You know, this generation of Americans is going to be the first generation that is projected to live shorter lives than their parents. But at the same time, the richest segment are living longer than humans have ever lived before. So we're already seeing this trend where rich people are almost becoming a different species, and Altered Carbon is the extreme exaggeration of that. It does what all good dystopian sci-fi should do: It's holding up a mirror toward us and saying if we don't change paths, then this is where we'll end up."
1. Laeta Kalogridis (creator, screenwriter, and executive producer)
"There are a great many interlocking ideas that we're trying to bring forward. One of them is that there is a disposability to the human body once you create this kind of technology, and that our worst instincts as human beings have to do with our carelessness with natural resources. And when the body itself becomes just one more of those resources, how will we treat it? Will we treat it with such indifference and with such de-personalization that it becomes more like a very fancy car than it does like a repository of the self?" "This world imagines that body as a luxury item, an ultimate luxury item, and then for people lower on the scale, which is almost everybody, it's very much about knowing that the body that you're in is somehow automatically inferior to that which, if you only had enough money, you could afford." "The most ironic thing is, for me, right at this instant that we're existing in right now, I started writing this, obviously, before the reckoning. It was before Harvey [Weinstein], it was before [Larry] Nassar...But the idea that right now, right now, the wholesale abuse of women based on their gender creating helplessness around them, based on other people using their gender to enforce helplessness--speaking specifically of that particular scandal at the moment--we are not creating something far fetched here. The dynamics underpinning our story are not far fetched. And the cautionary tale is a good one, and I'm proud to have made it." Altered Carbon is out now on Netflix.
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