Charities Are Woke Now? - Mr. Birchum Episode 5 Review

Summary

In this review of the animated show 'Mr. Burum,' the speaker critiques the episode's portrayal of charity and its underlying message. The episode, which features Mr. Burum and his family volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, satirizes both charity work and conservative views, offering an exaggerated and poorly executed depiction of volunteering. The speaker also highlights issues with animation quality, controversial themes, and uncomfortable moments, such as inappropriate teacher-student interactions. Despite the flaws, the episode touches on themes of societal expectations, personal growth, and how the characters react to challenges, with the review offering a blend of humor, frustration, and social commentary.

Takeaways

• 😀 The writers of *Mr. Burum* finally focus on themes and concepts, marking an improvement after five episodes.
• 😀 The episode mocks charity and portrays it negatively, particularly the concept of volunteering for Habitat for Humanity.
• 😀 Mr. Burum, despite hating his job, doesn't want to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, even though it involves building things, which aligns with his usual complaints.
• 😀 The show features a strong critique of charitable efforts, misrepresenting Habitat for Humanity and failing to acknowledge the real work and direction provided by experts on actual sites.
• 😀 The episode humorously depicts Mr. Burum's alcoholism, portraying it as a major part of his character and his opposition to volunteer work.
• 😀 Mr. Burum’s family reluctantly volunteers, and through humorous conflicts, the episode portrays a satirical take on conservative attitudes toward community service.
• 😀 The episode introduces the subplot of Mr. Burum’s ‘gay’ visions of Burly Man, which could be a metaphor for his struggles with his identity or emotions.
• 😀 The secondary plot focuses on Brad’s need to find a date to the Sadie Hawkins dance, leading to uncomfortable interactions that could be seen as inappropriate teacher behavior.
• 😀 The animation quality is heavily criticized in this episode, with complaints about rushed production, poor visuals, and a lack of polish.
• 😀 A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to making outdated cultural references, such as Lil Abner and Roadhouse, which fail to resonate with modern audiences.

Q & A

What is the main theme explored in this episode of *Mr. Burum*?

The episode explores themes of charity and sexual misconduct, with a critical and satirical lens on both. It highlights the disdain for charity, especially Habitat for Humanity, while also incorporating a subplot about inappropriate behavior and the discomfort that it causes.

Why does Mr. Burum dislike volunteering for Habitat for Humanity?

Mr. Burum dislikes volunteering because he prefers lounging at home, drinking beer, and watching football. He is depicted as an alcoholic, and his desire for relaxation and avoidance of work conflicts with the charitable task he is asked to participate in.

How does the show inaccurately portray Habitat for Humanity?

The show portrays Habitat for Humanity as disorganized and poorly run, with incompetent workers and no real construction expertise. In reality, Habitat for Humanity employs full-time professionals who direct volunteers, ensuring that the work is done effectively.

What issue does the show raise regarding sexual misconduct?

The show subtly references sexual misconduct through the subplot involving Brad, who is pressured to find a date for a school dance. The interactions between Brad and Mr. Burum are depicted as inappropriate and uncomfortable, blurring boundaries between teacher and student.

What criticism does the reviewer have about the animation quality in this episode?

The reviewer criticizes the animation quality, calling it the worst so far. They attribute the poor quality to a lack of time and resources, as well as a specific direction to make the animation appear stiff and uncartoonish. The time crunch is also linked to animating in 'threes and fours,' leading to a less fluid animation style.

What is the significance of Mr. Burum's visions of Burly Man and the bear?

Mr. Burum's visions of Burly Man, a mascot of a frozen food brand, and his bear sidekick are portrayed as an allegory or metaphor for Mr. Burum's internal conflict. The visions encourage him to take charge and guide the volunteers at the Habitat for Humanity worksite.

How does the show portray Mr. Burum's character development in this episode?

Mr. Burum undergoes a moment of personal growth, where he takes responsibility for the Habitat for Humanity project. Despite his initial resistance and alcoholic tendencies, he steps up to lead the volunteers and helps the project succeed, albeit after a series of comical and chaotic events.

What does the reviewer think about the show's handling of political and social issues?

The reviewer believes the show uses political and social issues like charity, sexual misconduct, and LGBTQ+ themes in a satirical and often uncomfortable manner. They feel the show's treatment of these topics is unbalanced, mixing genuine commentary with exaggerated caricatures and humor.

How is Brad's subplot with the Sadie Hawkins dance presented in the episode?

Brad's subplot centers on his frustration with not having a date for the Sadie Hawkins dance. Mr. Burum attempts to help him by giving awkward advice, leading to an uncomfortable and somewhat inappropriate exchange between them. Brad ultimately finds a girl at the Habitat for Humanity site and bonds with her over woodworking.

What critique does the reviewer offer about the cultural references in the show?

The reviewer criticizes the show for relying on outdated and obscure cultural references, such as *Lil Abner* and Britney Spears' infamous breakdown, which they find unrelatable and irrelevant. They argue that the references feel forced and often detract from the episode's impact.