Bill Maher’s HBO comedy special “But I’m Not Wrong” starts slow, but ultimately triumphs
Bill Maher is an American hero.
His show Real Time on HBO was a bastion of sanity during the nightmare Bush years and along with Stephen Colbert and John Stewart, Maher stood strong and fearlessly spoke the truth to the Nation, despite the fact that anyone expressing a contrary opinion back then was labeled a traitorous, Commie, terrorist sympathizer.
This past Saturday night I excitedly tuned in to his new HBO comedy special, “But I’m Not Wrong” and although he seemed a tad slow starting out of the gate, he ultimately got back on track and finished with some material as powerful as anything I’ve ever seen. His strongest point in the night was his brilliant skewering of religion – a favorite target of the late, great George Carlin. In point of fact, Bill Maher is carrying the standard of Saint George and although he lacks his innate wizardry with the english language, he’s more than a worthy successor. Maher’s a brilliant commentator, he’s got a tremendous ability to break down complicated topics and distill them into their elemental components and although his humor is not necessarily artistic, it’s sure as hell cathartic .
One of his best bits in Saturday’s show was when he spoke to those who ask him why he’s always attacking religion, claiming “…it gives people comfort and doesn’t hurt anything..” “well…”, he starts “Other than, most wars, the crusades, the inquisition, 911, arranged marriages to minors, blowing up girls schools, the suppression of women and homosexuals, fatwas, ethnic cleansing, honor rape, human sacrifice, burning witches, suicide bombing, condoning slavery and the systematic f*ing of children…I’ve got a few problems.”
During the night, the greying firebrand kept saying to the cheering audience, “ok…ok… it’s not a rally”, but the truth of the matter is that the left should be holding rallies, I mean, why should they be solely reserved for the mentally deficient contingent?
All in all, “But I’m Not Wrong” was a decidedly fine effort, but at an hour and eighteen minutes, there just wasn’t enough time to really cover everything. This is what makes his show Real Time so essential. Apropos to that, this coming Friday the new season begins and the current political climate is pregnant with comedic possibilities. I can’t wait to see Bill back in his chair speaking truth to power, at this point he’s the only reason why I even still pay for cable.
While Bill Maher is still a source of comfort to me due to the fact that I will be forever in a state of mourning for George, I cannot condone anyone saying that Bill, or anyone for that matter, is a worthy successor. George was and always will be a one of a kind genius and losing him too soon makes me feel kind of lost. How I long to hear his current take on the craziness going on today and everyday. Although I admire Bill Maher, he’ll never be more than a substitute teacher, but he’s the best we’ve got. I love and miss you ,George!
Well yeah, I agree Carlin is irreplaceable, his death affected me deeply… He was the greatest comedic artist of all time, so in a sense I suppose you’re right, but Maher is undeniably attemoting to carry on the ideals of Carlin especially when it comes to religion, so although you may find himj unworthy as a successor, I feel he is.. also Colbert and Stewart are incredible as well… they all have balls!
Religion is not the problem. Religion-based acts of violence is an outgrowth of the larger problem, which is humanity’s determination to segment itself into groups that view other people as a “them versus us.”
The “us versus them” mentality, instead of us all being in the same boat is the real cause of all those things that Maher listed. Religion just becomes a convenient way for the powerful to manipulate the gullible into supporting actions against a “THEM” who might be standing in the way of what the “US” needs.
And because God is infallible, then the manipulators can’t be questioned if they claim that he told them to speak it.
The problem is most people are ignorant of the facts. If they really believed that “knowledge was power,” or as the Bible says, that “my people perish FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE”, then they’d try to live informed lives so they would know when they are being lied to.
But, no, they just want to “BELIEVE” just to “HAVE FAITH”, because it’s easy to do. It’s easy just to “BELIEVE.” Learning actually takes more effort than they are willing to put in.
And thus the cycle continues.
They continue to be manipulated for lack of knowledge.
And people like Zeitgeist and Bill Maher keep blaming religion instead of human laziness and stupidity.
Religion is a lazy and stupid way of looking at the world and as far as saying it’s not religion that causes the problems but the fact that we choose to segment ourselves off into the ‘us versus them’ mentality all I can say is HUH? Religion’s basic purpose is to segment us all… Catholicism is based upon “us versus them” ALL religion is based on “Us Vs. Them”… The only cycle is the cycle of naivitee and stupidity of human beings choosing to believe in fairy tales rather than wake up from their slumber and face reality head on.
I watched it last night and pretty much agree with your review except as noted by Susan. Thank you for your expanded clarification. We can love Bill as much as we love Carlin, but they’re not interchangeable.
Is it just me or does Maher run just a tad behind the beat sometime? It seems as if his delivery could stand a few less pauses, or perhaps shorter pauses. I’m not one to complain about his content, but it seems to drag a bit at times.
Speaking of content, we enjoy his show immensely and never miss it. Bill, if you’re reading this, do a show on the news blackout that Ralph Nader and Ron Paul got in 2008. Also, please don’t ask Sarah Silverman back to your panel. She is FANTASTIC, I love her, I love her show, but your show isn’t her venue. It was one of those great ideas that was better on paper than videotape.
Nice review.
I love Bill Maher…..looking forward to the new season….and his stand-up!
Speaking from the perspective of someone that was sent to catholic school for most of my life I strongly feel that religion is the cause of most of this worlds ugliness, anger, violence and lack of acceptance of humanity! Each Religion has their own institutions that teach you all you need to know about the world from their perspective and DO NOT encourage going out on your own to figure it all out. They tell you that all the answers can be found in the Bible or whatever rule book they toss at you and if you can’t find it there then you could always ask your local religious advisor who will tell you the truth while molesting you. None of them are fine establishments and they certainly don’t encourage world peace ,exploration or expanded education!
Bill Maher is undoubtedly bright, articulate and able to draw the perfect metaphors for our times. I have followed him “religiously” (dare I use that as an adverb?), always counting on him to speak the truth fully, funnily and with a unique blend of fact and passion. What I missed in his special on Saturday was his usually good spirit, and I have fears that he may become the Rush Limbaugh counterpart if he continues down the path of nastiness.
I usually agree with his comments on religion; however, his coupling the Bible with masturbation seemed way over the top. . .and more than just mean spirited. If it felt offensive to me, how must it have played with non necessarily the religious right? I was disappointed and embarrassed for Bill and felt oddly protective of the truly Religious folks, for whom I seldom feel a connection. Bill has so much insight and wisdom that should be shared, but if he wants his message to be heard by the opposing point of view, and not just preach to the choir, I suggest that he absolutely NOT model himself after the likes of Limbaugh.
Having said that, I am still an ardent fan of Bill Maher.
William – It’s funny that you mention that stuff about his timing being off, because that’s exactly what I meant when I said he started offf slow.. It felt like he wasn’t in the groove for a bit, too many chuckles, and slow to get to the point, but he seemed to get it together about a half hour in…
fifi- you’re in good company, there are many brilliant ex-catholics that are right there with you
Linda – What exactly were you offended by? His take on Religion? If so, I don;t think he said anything more than he’s already said on the subject, in fact I felt he was moire restrained than usual
I am a seriously back-slid Methodist. I slid so seriously that now I’m an atheist and I look upon those who have religious faith as mindless, superstitious dolts.
This attitude comes in handy at family reunions, seeing as I have 2 sisters in the clergy.
I always say “Oh my Thor” or “Sweet Baby Satan” when exclaiming. This helps to remind people that we’re living in a pluralistic society.
:-/
But, he’s so right! Getting strait and directly to the nuts and bolts, the bottom line, and basically the absolute truth about American politics, Celeberties, and whomever else is out there destroying and dismantling our species in this country and others – Bill Maher has just hit it so far out of the park, that all those that can’t go to the ball game, or are unable to attend recently because of financial reasons can finally see what the writting on the ball really says.
And, it says ” You have been and are sheep being lead by wolves in shepards clothing – idiot.”
What Linda Hogan said. I agree with every observation she articulates, and would add that he doesn’t have to “dumb down” his show for his audience. We get it.
Rich, and Linda, man has been creating funny, interesting, and creative stories for thousands of years. A few of these stories became biblical by the hand of man, and now they are exploited by extremists, religious fanatics, and now the Republican Party to regain money, power, and control. It is their fear of lack of control that compels them to continue their barrage of propaganda, misdirection, and lies that are now being laid out in plan english by Mr. Maher for all to know. Important: Knowledge is not power. Applied knowledge is power. He’s applying his factual and obvious knowledge, which I commend, and so should we all. Go talk to your local city council member, or whomever you can to tell them that we are beginning to realize who the puppet masters (scared people or corporations/wall street/banks/insurance co./pharmaceutical co.) really are.
Only have pity or better yet shame for them/the scared, but do not give them an inch, because they would not ever give you even a thought…
Bill, we love you! I may live in freaking backwards Kansas, but my friends and I all LOVE you out here!
Please do a tour out here! I promise to keep Fred Phelps away!
I’ve been a fan of Bill’s since his ABC days, paid to see him live in Boston, and still consider his HBO show one of the few still watchable things on TV. Having said that, I thought much of But I’m Not Wrong was one big re-hash. Did we really need to hear the republican in the airport mensroom story again? Just thought there was more he could’ve touched on. Also, I find myself increasingly creeped out when he goes on his gleeful women are such lazy ho’s rants.
I couldn’t stop laughing when Bill compared the American people to his dog, which he said is as dumb as a post! But I thought the most interesting thing about Bill Maher’s special was his “Jekyll and Hyde”. When Bill talked about God, religion, Bush or Republicans, he was just plain mean spirited, using degrading names and personal insults. But when he good naturedly chided President Obama, I thought he was confused for a few minutes and must have used the material written for kids at bar mitzvahs and birthday parties.
Considering the time spent on Bush, et al, I have to wonder if Bill is to busy to write new material. The Obama administration has this last year already provided a plethora of new, relevant material that Bill conspicuously avoided but should have scrutinize with the same mean spirited objectivity (degrading names and personal insults included) he used on the Republicans. I do realize that there is no more pressing issue than high credit card interest, which Bill touched on for about two seconds, but had he ventured into at least a few other relevant Obama issues/decisions in addition to healthcare, now that would have been interesting . . . instead when all was said and done, what we mostly heard was a long blanket endorsement for Obama, who is apparently Bill’s god. And as such, will not be questioned or ridiculed. Come on Bill, maybe not every American is as dumb your dog.
EC said:
… people like Zeitgeist and Bill Maher keep blaming religion instead of human laziness and stupidity.
People have twisted and perverted religion to motivate others and justify their own actions since the beginning of time; somehow that’s religion’s fault.
Religion is a man made concept… I think I need to start my own religion.
Here is a MUCH better review and the reason I hate bill maher:
http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/scrowder/2010/02/16/lonewolf-diaries-bill-maher-politically-correct-coward/
haha… god, not only is that horribly written, but I’m not even sure what its overall point is. It starts off, “Now I hate to be “that guy” who fact-checks jokes and so… I’m not going to be.” and then just goes into the usual wing-nut BS defending Bush (how is that even possible) and Religion… Still anyone that wants to read it, click on the above link, care of Goodfella the wingnut…enjoy.
Thanks Honeevox for contributing!
I read Goodfella’s link and it sucked dog dick. The fun part though, is reading the comment section. It’s like taking a stroll through Fucktard Village.
“Religion is not the problem.”
Oh yes it is — and hairsplitting doesn’t change anything.
Religion is ALWAYS a problem — period.
It’d be peachy if there was a Santa Claus in the Sky waiting to give me presents when I die — but ever since they fooled me about the other Santa, I have some very big doubts.
“Considering the time spent on Bush, et al, I have to wonder if Bill is to busy to write new material. The Obama administration has this last year already provided a plethora of new, relevant material that Bill conspicuously avoided but should have scrutinize with the same mean spirited objectivity (degrading names and personal insults included) he used on the Republicans.”
Maher has been ripping Obama pretty hard in his TV interviews on CNN, MSNBC,
“Considering the time spent on Bush, et al, I have to wonder if Bill is to busy to write new material. The Obama administration has this last year already provided a plethora of new, relevant material that Bill conspicuously avoided but should have scrutinize with the same mean spirited objectivity (degrading names and personal insults included) he used on the Republicans.”
Maher has been ripping Obama pretty hard in his TV interviews on CNN, MSNBC, lately. I’m sure if Obama keeps wimping out the way he has been, Maher will go after him. He’s trying to give the guy a chance — it’s only been a year in office.
“Maher has been ripping Obama pretty hard in his TV interviews on CNN, MSNBC, lately. I’m sure if Obama keeps wimping out the way he has been, Maher will go after him. He’s trying to give the guy a chance — it’s only been a year in office.”
Thanks, I’ll check it out.
yeha bill like we all know:millons and millons of flies eat shit so millons and millons of them cudnt be wrong so belibers eat shit.