With everything that The Problem With Apu, the documentary by Hari Kondabolu, has pointed out, then the in-episode response from The Simpsons, the resulting remarks and suggested resolution on the controversy from Hank Azaria who has voiced Apu Nahasapeemapetilon for decades is kind of beautiful.
If you’ve seen Hari Kondabolu’s doc “The Problem with Apu”, you’d know that one of The Simpsons’ longest running supporting characters, Apu, is voiced by Hank Azaria, a caucasian actor. This mark against the legendary TV series has flown under the radar for decades really until Hari’s documentary.
Last night’s episode attempted to address the issue of representation by effectively saying that The Simpsons now see the problem with Apu though it wasn’t a problem for them for so many years and aren’t exactly what sure to do about it at this moment. Kondabolu isn’t thrilled with this response since it really doesn’t offer any solution, but only a recognition of the issue he raised.
So, this cultural impasse remains with no definitive resolution coming at a specified date. However, that does make Hari pretending to be the voice of Hank Azaria on a god mic at his live shows even more poignant and hysterical.
If you want to watch The Problem With Apu, you can get it on iTunes here.
(via Deadline)
TruTV really is better off as a comedy network.
Comedians Hari Kondabolu, Jon Glaser, Amanda Seales, Jena Friedman, Melissa Hunter, Andrea Savage, and more have series, pilots, and/or specials coming up at TruTV, which gives us a better and better feeling about the networks instincts.
Specifically:
SERIES/SPECIALS
-Seales does a countdown pop culture show with Greatest Ever.
-an Impractical Jokers Live Event Special
-Glaser reviews gear to the point of a dangerous obsession on Jon Glaser Loves Gear.
–Abbi Crutchfield and Matthew Latkiewicz give you life skills that you don’t normally get anywhere with Lifescaping.
–90-minute special from Kondabolu examining the far-reaching negative effects of Apu from The Simpsons.
PILOTS/PROJECTS
-semi-autobiographical comedy from Andrea Savage
-lawyer-fallen-from-grace comedy project from Melissa Hunter
-satirical news/pop culture pilot from Hari Kondabolu
-satifical news project from Jena Friedman
-tech review pilot with Kevin Pereira
-hidden camera pranks series from UK comedian Olivia Lee