WHAT’S IT ABOUT
Siblings Huey and Riley Freeman (10 and 8 years old) are suddenly moved off the mean streets of Chicago to the fictional suburb of Woodcrest by their Granddad. The Boondocks takes a hard look at black culture and is often controversial.
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
Huey Freeman (voiced by Regina King): Mainly told from his point of view, Huey is a radical revolutionary (at one point labeled a ‘domestic terrorist’) who despises what black culture has become. Often the voice of reason within his family, Huey’s warnings fall on deaf ears. He is amazing at kung-fu and rarely smiles.
Riley Freeman (voiced by Regina King): Huey’s younger brother, Riley embraces the Hip Hop/Rap culture, much to Huey’s chagrin. Riley’s main goal in life is to be a ‘true gangsta.’ Even though Riley tries his best to be ‘tough’ and maintain his street cred, he is actually very clever and has a softer side.
Robert ‘Granddad’ Jebediah Freeman (voiced by John Witherspoon): The guardian of the two boys, Granddad is a strict patriarch. He moved to Woodcrest in hopes of living out the rest of his days in peace, but instead he ends up dealing with the messes Huey and Riley and he create.
Thomas DuBois (voiced by Cedric Yarbrough): Neighbor to the Freemans, Tom is a successful attorney. Tom is the stereotypical Caucasian man except he’s African American, but he still has his moments. Tom often grapples with his black heritage and his desire to fit into Woodcrest.
Sarah DuBois (voiced by Jill Talley): Tom’s white wife, Sarah is also an attorney. She is more comfortable with the interracial aspect of her and Tom’s marriage, even when it is criticized. However, she is regularly becomes frustrated with Tom (especially sexually).
Jazmine DuBois (voiced by Gabby Soleil (seasons 1-3), Kiarah Pollas (season 4)): Tom & Sarah’s daughter, Jazmine is very naïve and paranoid. Riley ridicules her and Huey gives her the cold shoulder. Despite this Jazmine follows Huey around, possibly harboring feelings towards him. Her naivety causes her to be tricked into schemes constantly.
Uncle Ruckus (voiced by Gary Anthony Williams): A self-hating African American, Uncle Ruckus has views similar to those of white supremacists. He basically hates all non-whites and wishes to go back to slavery times. He constantly claims to have the fictional diseases re-vitiligo (going from white to black, “the opposite of what Michael Jackson had”) and says he has Irish blood. Ruckus is the show’s main antagonist.
Ed Wuncler, Sr. (voiced by Edward Asner): Wuncler is the stereotypical capitalist. He complains about taxes and holds the entirety of Woodcrest in his wallet. Even though Wuncler comes off as racist, he is really just greedy. He will go to insane lengths to always come out on top (even going as far as almost destroying Woodcrest).
Ed Wuncler III: Grandson to Ed Wuncler, Sr, Wuncler III is ex-special forces and psychoatic. Whenever Riley involves him in any of his plans they usually end in gun fire. No matter what he does, Wuncler III goes unpunished due to his family’s status.
WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH
Based off of the acclaimed trip by Aaron McGruder, The Boondocks is often uncomfortable and hard to watch. It constantly hits the nail on the head regarding black culture and the struggle (even if it does highly exaggerate most of the situations). With this in mind, it is not for those easily offended or faint of heart. It is an adult swim show after all.