Da Ali G Show: Da Compleet Second Seazon DVD Review:

Practical joke and hidden camera shows usually end with the victim finding out and laughing at how angry they got when they thought it was real. Da Ali G Show isn’t that kind. After infuriating each person he leaves without explanation, leaving viewers rolling over in laughter while unsuspecting victim is left angry or confused. It is so incredibly over-the-top that it is hard to believe that he can get away with some of the things that he does. All other practical joke shows seem silly after experiencing the outrageous antics of Ali G and his other two personalities.

British comedy genius Sacha Baron Cohen disguises himself as three alter-ego faux journalists. Ali G is a hip-hop infused UK reporter who focuses on religion and politics, offending by misusing the English language and using inappropriate slang. Borat is a correspondence from Kazakhstani who has come to the United States to learn as much as he can about culture, including etiquette. Borat plays dumb and offends people with his constant feigned ignorance. Bruno is a fashion journalist from Austria who is extremely flamboyant and tends to use this to make as many people uncomfortable as possible.

Each episode has an interview or two from each of Cohen’s characters. Some of the interviews are formal Q&A format, usually from Ali G, but most of the interviews are on the scene and more hands-on. Ali G also holds roundtable discussions with several experts on whatever topic he manages to use as a means to offend and confuse. Some of the best moments come from the most awkward situations, such as the five minute scene in which wine experts try and get Borat to hold a wine glass the right way. It is so incredibly awkward and funny that it is unbelievable to think it isn’t choreographed.

Despite the fact that there is humor throughout the show, it can’t be ignored that there are certain political and social messages being made. It is also surprising that he manages to get interviews with important people, such as Sam Donaldson, Pat Buchanan, Christine Todd Whitman and others. Using these important people and ideal situations, there are all sorts of opportunities for subtle messages. For example, the way that some people are quick to do what they are told just because they are on television and how easy to manipulate a large group into seeing anti-Semitic songs can be. Mostly though, it’s just humor.

Quite upsettingly, there are only six episodes in season two of Da Ali G Show, even though there is more laughs in each half hour or so than most full seasons have. Aside from the six episodes there are also a number of special features. There is a twenty minute commencement speech given by Ali G to the graduating class at Harvard, which must have shocked and offended many parents and grandparents. There are extra interviews by Ali G as well including a visit to a naval vessel. Borat’s extra features include football and hunting lessons. Bruno visits a psychic and a Hollywood stylist. And these are just the extras. The season is fit on two discs.



Ryan Izay