I hesitate to write a review after only one episode, but I think after watching it there is little chance of improvement- or change in course (a little political humor there). Clearly, this show seeks to capitalize on current distaste for the White House administration by using its people and events as material for comedy. Making fun of government and government officials has long been used in various forms of comedy- with a great deal of success when executed well. The problem I had with this show was that it just was not funny, instead of going after laughs it simply went after the characters. As a libertarian I do not "have a horse" so to speak, in this fight between left and right, but in many ways I think that allows me to laugh at comedy focused on both ends of the political spectrum. However, this show was not comedy. I remember chuckling a couple times throughout the 30 minutes, but honestly I cannot even remember the jokes- which is a bad sign for a comedy where people typically remember every punch line and recite them endlessly for far too long. Comedy Central has clearly chosen to put forth programming with a negative focus on the current administration, as well as conservative thought in general, over the past 5 years or so. That in itself is no big deal because comedy is funny to everyone when it is done right- lefties laughing at themselves and conservatives laughing at jokes about the right. The problem with the current crop of political comedy, Lil' Bush included, is that the goal is not comedy, but a forum to display a rather disturbing amount of anger- in this case cheaply veiled by young animated characters. Not knowing much about the people involved with this project I had high hopes for a new animated comedy on Comedy Central because I find tasteful political comedy quite enjoyable, but it seems like personal attitudes and the desire to "get them" has over-ridden any comedic elements that may have been present. I gave this 4 stars, even though I feel like it deserves maybe 2 or 3, because for the right- and in this case that means the angry part of the left, audience the show could be enjoyable. I just wonder from a demographic standpoint whether there are enough viewers who fit that profile to carry this show beyond a few more episodes- because the show is not funny enough to carry itself. I doubt there are, but with the direction Comedy Central has been moving with their programming I imagine they knew that going in, but felt like they could get a filler for the summer season that would slot in well with the themes on other shows. I really hope Comedy Central gets out of the political comedy spiral they are in and get back to a more balanced lineup where comedy is the main goal and does not take a back seat to the individual beliefs of those in charge of the projects. Maybe after this administration is out of office things will cool down and the station built on comedy will start focusing more on it.
