Connect with us
'Random Acts of Flyness' Episode 1 Review: The best show on television you won't want to watch

Television

‘Random Acts of Flyness’ Episode 1 Review: The best show on television you won’t want to watch

How important is it for an artist to deliver their message without alienating their audience?

Is it more important for an artist to deliver their message delicately to as many people as possible or do they tell the harsh truth at the risk of alienating their audience? Terence Nance’s Random Acts of Flyness tackles this question head on and the results will drive some away.

Random Acts may be the hardest show on television to describe. Calling it a sketch comedy would be an injustice (no pun intended.) The free flowing thirty minutes is almost like a fever dream with interviews, musical guests, and animated segments a part of the presentation. There is no obvious structure, though it does have a strong theme and message. The episode truly gives the impression the viewer has been given insight into Nance’s innermost thoughts.'Random Acts of Flyness' Episode 1 Review: The best show on television you won't want to watchBut does this dream like format with a strong social message work? The show is filled with unbelievable creativity. Social media has a recurring role in Random Acts and while there are not traditional segues, many of the scenes feature a smartphone or computer. (Even the ones that do not have a television featured prominently.) A segment of the show mixes stop motion animation to illustrate an interview beautifully. Many of the segments open with a dreamy animated sequences. There is a lot to look at and admire in HBO’s newest show.

Random Acts contrasts this beauty with extreme ugliness. What makes the show so uncomfortable is the repulsiveness is based in reality. The viewer does not have to imagine what America would be like if police brutality had been caught on a camera phone. More sobering is a segment titled “Random Acts of State Sponsored Violence” which shows real world clips of police using excessive force. The entire show is in your face.

Due to this abrasive nature, Random Acts becomes difficult to watch. A segment entitled “Everybody Dies” looks like a public access children’s television show. While the segment deals with the low mortality rate among African Americans and self loathing, it is also very heavy handed. For example, the show’s host Ripa the Reaper sings the theme song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” Despite the silly setting and lack of subtlety, the whole thing works due to its truthfulness.'Random Acts of Flyness' Episode 1 Review: The best show on television you won't want to watchEven more difficult to watch, is a commercial starring Jon Hamm for a fictional product that removes white thoughts. The segment strikes a nerve due to the fact that the script could have been ripped from any internet forum (“But don’t all lives matter?”) There is also an unsettling scene in which Hamm tries to justify why he is not as white as the director of the commercial thinks. The “infomerical” does not pull any punches, down to the tried and true white people have no rhythm joke.

Segments like these do not hurt Random Acts. On the contrary, they strengthen the show’s overall message while delivering some clever lines. Nonetheless, they are very difficult to watch. Nance himself seems to acknowledge this in a scene where he wonders if he should be celebrating a race in place of putting another down.

Random Acts of Flyness is a creative show that lives up to its name. The show is filled with humor, but it is the kind that will make you think instead of laugh. Terence Nance has created a great piece of art with a strong social message. The question is, at what cost?

 

'Random Acts of Flyness' Episode 1 Review: The best show on television you won't want to watch
'Random Acts of Flyness' Episode 1
Is it good?
The show holds its camera up to the viewer and forces them to examine their lives. As is the case with selfies, many will not like what they see.
The show's creativity is off the charts and will keep the viewers on their toes
Incredibly funny and clever
Strongly delivered message that pulls no punches
The truth can be incredibly ugly as the show proves. Is not easy to watch
8
Good

Join the AIPT Patreon

Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:

  • ❌ Remove all ads on the website
  • 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
  • 📗 Access to our monthly book club
  • 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
  • 💥 And more!
Sign up today
Comments

In Case You Missed It

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024 WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

WWE SmackDown preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024 AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

AEW Dynamite preview, full card: February 28, 2024

Pro Wrestling

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024 AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

AEW Rampage preview, full card: March 1, 2024

Pro Wrestling

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt' Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in 'Blood Hunt'

Marvel unveils the new villains Bloodcoven appearing in ‘Blood Hunt’

Comic Books

Connect
Newsletter Signup