Jim Jefferies: Freedumb (2016)

Freedumb was my introduction to Jim Jefferies, the Aussie who is apparently known for using the F word and the female C word more than any other comedian ever. I chose to watch this show because the cover art showed him in a Trumpesque wig/nest with an American eagle -- but he had just 2-3 sentences on Trump, basically saying "Let's see just how crazy this can get." Granted, it is his thing to be offensive. However, it should also be his thing to be funny. I never laughed once. I can appreciate his outre edginess. I'm fine with all the topics he covered and all the buttons he tried to push. He just failed to bring me beyond, to the point of laughing at his offensiveness. He began with a half-hour on rape (including a now obligatory statement stating that this is comedy, "not a TED talk," and he is against rape: "Do not rape!"). He followed with a half-hour on pooping. (He weaves his 3-year-old and the mother of his 3-year-old into all his offensive lines, by the way.) He finished with a half-hour promoting gun control and atheism (so you know he sees himself as David facing down Goliath). He discusses and pantomimes sexual acts, and let us not forget the torrent of F and C bombs (just so you know what you are getting into). I did like how he characterized the gun lobby's opposition. He opposes all religion but wasn't as hard on believers as the gun nuts. At least he's amiable about it. 3 stars. (7-2-2016)