Lil’ Bush and his little cronies are back for another season of pint-sized satire. Having originally aired during the end of his tenure and the frenzy of the lead-up to Barack Obama’s coronation as American savior, this season seems more scathing and timely than the last. That’s exactly how I like my political satire.
Lil’ Bush: Resident of the United States plays out as though some politically astute man-child is playing with his kid’s Little People. The focus is a young George W. Bush and his ankle-biting buddies Lil’ Rummy, Lil’ Condi and the always murmuring Lil’ Cheney. It’s civilized gang warfare at school as the Republicans look to rid the world of Lil’ Democrats like Obama, Clinton, Gore and Kerry.
Lil’ Bush gives a balance of political gags and jokes that simply poke fun at Bush as a character. The first side offers a warped perspective on recent events such as the early stages of the economic downturn, losing one’s spot in the public spotlight and immigration. At the same time Lil’ Bush the persona is a slick-tongued shmoozer who can’t spell, can’t make up his mind and can’t accomplish anything major on his own.
The first season of Lil’ Bush focused largely on the Middle East conflict. Glimpses of other issues were around on occasion, but it was strung together largely by one gag. It was funny, but the varied themes of season two take the later episodes to another level. The second season is wittier, sharper and just plain more funny. Episodes hone in on everything from the then-looming election, to prescription medicine to the fallout of Hurricane Katrina.
The style of the show definitely has a throwback appeal mixing Saved By the Bell with elements of South Park and The Daily Show. Plus there’s hilarious music videos featuring Lil’ Bush and his cronie band making like The Monkees. The show isn’t for everyone but most non-Republicans will likely enjoy the not-so-soft jabs launched at not only the junior Bush, but George Bush, Sr. and his reign in the White House as well.
Some episodes are better than others. I preferred the ones that touched the closest on current events such as “Katrina,” although I wonder if in a few years if they’ll have the same impact. And while Lil’ Bush the character could certainly make for an interesting show even without the political angle, I wonder how much longer Lil’ Bush can remain relevant once his power to screw up on the international level is removed.
Lil’ Bush: Resident of the United States: Season Two DVD Review
The second season of Lil’ Bush includes ten episodes spread over two discs. Each are shown in their original full screen format with Dolby English stereo audio. The extras aren’t overly abundant but what’s there is hilarious. There’s a tongue-in-cheek viral video called “My Lil’ Bush” that tries to sex up the cartoon with a spoof pop music video. A further collection of web clips poke fun at public service announcements and other randomness. Audio commentaries are included on six episodes. Finally, there’s a collection of ‘Animatics,’ which are basically story boards with some voices added.
