Boondocks: "Mr. Medicinal"

There’re probably a few different demographics that are continuously engaged with Aaron McGruder’s Boondocks. It’s an amusing cartoon, so its appeal has transcended race and all. But one thing that a decent portion of the viewing audience has in common is the pervasive use of marijuana. Part of that stems from hip hop culture – some, but not all. And since Dave Chappelle already explained that drugs make you associate with all kinds of people, Boondocks  is simply further proof of that.

Mr. Medicinal is the result of that broad commonality.

As the title states, weed when appearing in the context of this show and wielded by Granddad, is purely medicinal in nature. Thugnificent, in UPS garb, doesn’t make use of the drug in the same way, but serves as ole Granddad’s entrance into the weed subculture after he’s diagnosed with a spate of vague illness to be treated with pharmaceuticals.

Deciding whether or not to use doctor sanctioned drugs or those of a street variety is virtually figured for Granddad while watching a commercial for one of the pills he’s been prescribed – its side effects apparently aren’t too kind to one’s junk.

Either way, the manner in which Granddad’s being stoned is related through cartoons is one of the less cheeseball – if not a bit obtuse. When first smoking in the part, donning a trench coat, flowers and grass suddenly appear more vibrant. And later on when Granddad encounters Huey and Riley in the hall way, he’s literally floating. Hey, it’s better than him eating a bag of chips, although Granddad’s proclamation of Cheerios’ greatness is basically spot on.

But what makes this episode stand out from the rest of the season is the way in which McGruder’s able to chastise the legal system for maintaining such a ridiculous law. Granddad explains the positive attributes of his new favorite drug. And even when a light debate is sparked in court, subsequent to Granddad getting wrangled by the cops, the temerity with which he states his case is amusing – until the judge Googles the proper law.

Best Moment: Granddad wailing on the bongos while hitting a joint is a visual that Tom’s daughter won’t soon forget and neither will viewers.

Notes: Casting Mark Hamill as Granddad’s weed connection is a bit odd. There’s no awkwardness, but it’s worth wondering how the veteran actor interacted with McGruder or John Witherspoon (Granddad). Hopefully, there’s some behind the scenes footage for that.

Episode Rating: 4.25 (If I gave it a higher rating, it’d just be a bias relating to subject matter. Still, a top tier episode)