Revolution Televised.pdf

164 That Nigger’s Crazy
Episode three more clearly reveals Pryor’s continued struggles
and frustration with NBC, even within this short four-episode contract.
Looking at the results of his first effort to address network
censorship, with the infamous body-stocking scene, Pryor chooses
the most direct strategy of discussing his disgust within network
limits. The episode begins with him speaking directly into the camera:
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Richard
Pryor . . .” His voice fades and is replaced by another officialsounding
man, who states:
Due to technical difficulties we cannot continue to bring you the
audio portion of The Richard Pryor Show; however, I’m an NBC
spokesman, and I will be happy to tell you what Mr. Pryor is saying.
I will now read from tonight’s network-approved script. Gosh,
I’m just pleased as punch to be continuing on as part of the NBC
family. They truly understand me, and they have been oh so fair.
After all, I am only here to please. They only hired me to do what I
do best, be humble. Later I will share my recipe with you for good
old American pie. Meanwhile, I just hope to heck I haven’t offended
anyone. By the way I don’t mind the fact that NBC never aired the
opening of my first show. I know they were just thinking of me.
They always put me first, and that is why for me they will always be
number one. And now that they have finally let me say what I had to
say, let’s go on with the show.
Pryor remains on screen and angrily, but silently, yells at the camera.
He takes off his jacket in frustration and pantomimes choking
and punching someone. At the culmination of his speech, he makes
the black power fist and the image is synched with the audio portion
in which the NBC spokesman says, “That is why for me [NBC]
will always be number one.” In this spoof of his contentious relationship
with NBC, Pryor goes far enough to get his critique of the
network through to an audience, yet creates an opening skit that
the censors cannot touch. Through the “NBC-approved script,” he
is able to address directly the censorship of the first episode and the
thwarting of black speech and creativity. He also lets the viewing
audience know about the problematic attitudes of NBC executives
toward assertive black men such as himself. His suggestion that
he was hired to be humble illuminates the racist notion that black
people should be grateful for what they have and not complain
about anything.