Dave – Season 1

An exceptional and hilarious first season that could jumpstart a future raunchy comedy classic

Back in 2013, a rapper named Dave Burd, AKA Lil Dicky, released a song called “Ex-Boyfriend” that would kickstart his rap career and establish him as one of the brand-new names in Hip Hop. Not too long after, he released his debut album Professional Rapper and made the least expensive music video of all time with his single “Save Dat Money,” spending approximately zero dollars to drive a Lamborghini throughout Beverly Hills. Five years and a couple viral freestyles later, Burd has made a successful career for himself as one of the most eccentric rappers in Hip Hop, releasing music with a comedic and versatile line delivery that has gained him a large following of faithful fans. Now, Lil Dicky has begun his actor/comedian journey with his self-titled debut show, Dave on FXX.

Burd’s charm is his honesty. What you see on the exterior is pretty much what you get from him. He knows who he is, and he doesn’t try to be something he’s not, even to the point where the punchline of the joke is at his expense. What you have to understand about him is that he’s not your typical rapper. He describes himself as a satirical rapper, but not the kind of satire performed by groups like Lonely Island (he gets offended when you compare him to them). He wants to be respected and taken seriously as a creative and talented artist in the rap game, but he also wants to pave his path his own way with his “funny type” rap that he describes in songs like Professional Rapper, featuring Snoop Dogg. An obstacle in that path to greatness, however, is overcoming the stereotypes that come with being a white rapper in Hip Hop that also happens to be Jewish. He’s self-aware of his goofy looks and mannerisms, but he accepts the mantle of being Hip Hop’s unicorn and turns that awkwardness into one of his strengths, something he calls his niche. This is what sets him apart from the pack, and he uses it to his advantage. A thorn at his side is constantly being compared to frequently criticized white rappers like Macklemore, instead of being put alongside “true” rappers like YG and Trippie Redd. This is a recurring theme in the show, which is loosely based on his own life and his journey to becoming a famous rapper. The awkward situations that he finds himself in as the show goes on give him the perfect opportunity to display his comedic talents, and he delivers. When he is put face to face with some of the biggest celebrities in the world, it’s hilarious how he handles himself during these cameos. But when it’s time for him to display his rap abilities, the energy is electric and you can’t take your eyes off the screen. Aside from his raps, his unconventional and honest personality is his best quality, and it shines throughout the show along with his comedic timing. He’s one of those people that’s just naturally funny with the way they speak and how they view the world.

Myself, and I’m sure many other people, expected the comedy on the show to be its strongest asset, considering it has someone so charismatic leading the story. But what I didn’t expect was the range of the show’s tonal changes and how seamless it handles them. This isn’t just your usual comedy. It touches on subjects concerning mental illness, how difficult relationships and breakups can be, and the effect that fame can have on those relationships, and it does it in an honest and charming way. Compared to the beginning of the show, when the season finally closes you have this person who’s grown but now has his back against the wall, and he has to make a choice. And that choice is going to determine the fate of his close relationships and his future in rap.

The supporting cast matches Dave’s energy just as well, if not better, at certain points of the show. Dave’s hype man, Gata (you know, like Gator?), grows on you as the season goes on and has become a fan favorite. Another favorite comedian of mine, Andrew Santino (Whiskey Ginger podcast), stars on the show as one of Lil Dicky’s roommates and he brings his own comedic flair to the show, his own style complementing Dave’s considerably well with their back and forth. Taco from Tyler the Creator’s Loiter Squad stars as one of Dave’s childhood friends and trusted producer. And Taylor Misiak makes a return as Dave’s longtime girlfriend after portraying a one-night stand in Lil Dicky’s popular music video for Pillow Talking.

There are a few filler episodes that aren’t as interesting as the ones from the main storyline, which can be disappointing when viewing the show on a weekly basis, but it makes up for it with its explosive finish. Dave has now become FXX’s most popular comedy of all time, and for good reason. It has the makings and potential to be a future comedy classic, joining the ranks of legends like The Office, Seinfeld, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The future is certainly bright for Dave Burd and his supporting cast and crew, and I’m excited to see what they bring to the table in season two.

Final Score: 8.5/10