Ep 11. Make-A-Wish & Fisticuff

In Chappelle's Show season 1 episode 11, titled "Make-A-Wish & Fisticuff," comedian Dave Chappelle brings his signature brand of irreverent humor to a variety of topics, including the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the timeless art of the fistfight.

The episode's first sketch centers around the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a well-known charity that grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. In Chappelle's version of the organization, however, the wishes granted are far from heartwarming. Instead, they involve a variety of absurd and potentially dangerous scenarios, such as a young boy who wishes to buy prostitutes for his friends or another who wants to swim with sharks. Chappelle plays the head of the organization, a smarmy executive who seems more interested in profiting off the kids' misfortunes than actually helping them. As the sketch unfolds, Chappelle's character becomes increasingly callous and snide, making for uncomfortable but hilarious viewing.

The next sketch takes a turn towards the physical, as Chappelle delves into the topic of fistfights. He begins with a monologue about the unique thrill of getting into a brawl, describing it as a primal and exhilarating experience that has been enjoyed by humans for centuries. He then launches into a series of sketches that show different types of fistfights, from the classic one-on-one street fight to the more elaborate classroom brawl that involves multiple combatants, chairs, and even a fire extinguisher. In each scenario, Chappelle's characters are full of bravado and swagger, even when they're clearly outmatched by their opponents. The all-out brawls are a sight to behold, with bodies flying and punches landing left and right.

The penultimate sketch takes a more surreal turn, transporting viewers to a world where news anchors are completely unhinged. Chappelle plays a reporter who delivers the news with an outrageous level of enthusiasm and dramatic flair, despite the fact that the stories themselves are mundane or even downright depressing. Whether he's reporting on a car crash or a rabies epidemic, Chappelle's character is always ready to ham it up, flailing his arms and shouting with total abandon. The other anchors are equally manic, creating an atmosphere that is both chaotic and hilarious.

Finally, the episode wraps up with a musical performance from rapper Mos Def. The song, "Champion Requiem," is a moving tribute to the late boxer Muhammad Ali, and Mos Def's performance is powerful and heartfelt. The lyrics pay homage to Ali's legendary skills in the ring as well as his unwavering commitment to social justice, and the beat backing him up is suitably triumphant.

As always, Chappelle's Show season 1 episode 11 is a wild ride that covers a diverse range of topics and styles. Whether he's skewering the Make-A-Wish Foundation or celebrating the art of the fistfight, Chappelle's unique perspective and irreverent humor make for an unforgettable viewing experience.