I agree this special was different to the Age of Spin of D.H.T or even earlier HBO ones like Killing Them Softly. Obviously the climate of comedy has changed since Killing Them Softly made in 2000 but I still think that it had moments. Also Dave Chappelle has struggled recently with punching downwards in regards to his dialogue surrounding trans communities and needs to be better at punching up and directing his humour at the right things.
And you are 1000% right, the best do fail. My favourite comedian (Jerry Seinfeld) and while being a master of observational comedy and delivery, has made many mistakes alongside other favourites of mine like Jeselnik and Bill Burr pushing the buttons of many many people. Humour is a very difficult line to draw and going into new specials, we are going to see a lot of different styles and deliveries about what is deemed "funny" or "offensive" and what is "dark humour". Would love to know what you think as well going forward for Dave and other famous comedians whose acts are having to change.
I don't think that Chappelle is capitulating to the woke audience and is unconcerned about whether or not they try to cancel him. This is evident in Bill Burr as well. I just think he has run out of material and will disappear for a few years again. He doesn't need the money... well unless you think a net worth of $50 million isn't enough.
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