These are some interesting times we live in. If you have even the slightest bit of a discerning eye or you ignore the Republican yes-men of Fox News, then you understand at least a little bit that the American Dream is bruised and battered in the international eye. And when something’s down and out, what better time to poke a little harmless fun? With that in mind, John Oliver takes to the stage in New York with Terrifying Times, a stand-up look at America’s place in the world community.
Since 2006 Oliver has been best known by North American audiences as “the guy with the accent” on The Daily Show. Without Oliver The Daily Show was a hilarious and sharp spin on the traditional news program. But in this ever-shrinking world, Oliver brings an international perspective to the program. He is tuned into the workings of the world as a whole and, in turn, is able to see the gaping holes in the Bush administration’s diplomatic imperialism.
Terrifying Times gives Oliver the opportunity to riff a little longer than a Daily Show appearance. He’s given the opportunity to let it rip without the limitations of a censor button. That’s not to say Oliver is the second-coming of Sam Kinison, but when you’re talking about Bush sometimes you’ve just got to let the cuss words fly.
Being British, not American, Oliver brings an outside perspective to American foreign policy – one that’s not too far removed but outside nonetheless. Although critical of the Bush administration, Oliver is sensible and balanced, comparing the current regime’s actions to that of British imperialism from the not-too-distant past. Oliver’s eye for history makes for a smart and refreshing look at current events. Sure, much of the material will be dated like an episode of In Living Color within a couple of years, but it’s funny while it lasts.
Terrifying Times works best as a comedic commentary, however Oliver does make one sidetrack into his own past that runs separate from that of the rest of his routine. He goes into a side-splitting story of his own youth that is perhaps the funniest part of the program. Even so, it doesn’t fit with the theme and feel of the rest of the material that goes into the headlines. The yarn Oliver weaves is certainly unforgettable but it doesn’t have neither worldwide nor historical significance like the rest of his musings.
Terrifying Times is a timely look at the Western-dominated world from the point of view of someone who’s firmly plugged into the inner workings of the American political machine. What Oliver has to say might not be the most comforting, but rather than stating the potentially inevitable as a doomsday scenario, he makes it funny, enlightening and educational.
John Oliver: Terrifying Times DVD Review
Bonus features on Terrifying Times are led off by a collection of Oliver’s hilarious appearances on The Daily Show. There’s also a behind the scenes taping for an Oliver appearance on the British program Political Animal. This featurette includes additional stand-up material from Oliver. “John and Andy On:” has Oliver and Andy Zaltzman chat about various topics ranging from politics to the Queen’s face. Perhaps the best part of the extras is the menu screen in which Oliver chats it up and wonders why you’re watching that and not his show.
The program itself is shown in widescreen with both Dolby 5.1 Surround and Dolby Stereo English soundtracks.
