The first episode cleverly negotiated the "what have they been doing for the last 11 years?" dilemma in its opening minutes and appeared to be embarking on a daring take on wealthy, white, liberal hypocrisy. Both Will and Grace, staunch Democrat supporters, were put in positions where they chose themselves over their beliefs. I liked the concept, as most of Hollywood dares not mock itself, and thought it was off to a good start. But then it took a most predictable turn, and a once quasi-controversial show reminded us all that it is about as edgy as a beach ball.
In an episode that forced its politics about as subtly as a "Just Jack" dance number, the writers cracked endless jokes about President Trump and fellow Republicans. Even a Cheetos crack about Trump's orangey complexion--how brave! The characters joked about the Nixons--so current!--and both sets of Bushes, but it never dared to lob even one about Clinton or Obama. Even Karen, the boozy, rich right-winger (supposedly) stays mum about the left. And there's a jab that all Secret Service agents are gay. Funny, right?
I also watched wondering how in this sensitive era of sexual harassment, homosexual characters can get away with such overt advancements toward one another. If Hollywood truly believes in "equality," wouldn't it be appropriate to condemn Jack, and Will for that matter, for their behavior, as we would if any male heterosexual character constantly and crudely hit on female characters? I also wondered, after the "normalizing" effect of shows like Modern Family, which downplayed homosexual caricatures in favor of the more realistic and mundane life of gay couples, how long we will accept Jack's kooky antics. While the eccentricity may have prevailed in 1998, does his cartoonish behavior in 2017 hurt the cause?
I simply wish television comedies were brave enough to make fun of everyone. That's what made Chapelle's Show great. That's what made the early years of The Simpsons great. That's what made certain aspects of the original Daily Show great. That's what made Parks and Recreation great. That's what makes South Park still great. Why does it seem that only truly irreverent programs, usually sketch and animated shows, are willing to push the boundaries of political correctness? All political views are worthy of mockery, yet Hollywood persists in only depicting one side.
I predict that the network willing to produce a show that rips into every social view with great humor, regardless of political persuasion, will be an instant success. I also predict that the new Will and Grace will fizzle out pretty quickly. It's been 11 years since we last saw these four characters, and the actors' average age in real life is now 50. Unfortunately, that's about the age of some of the jokes the writers have given them. There's nothing wrong with being old; the real sin is being unoriginal.