Ellen DeGeneres Shocks Fans with Unapologetic Standup Comeback
Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved comedian and talk show host, has made a bold return to the standup comedy scene with her latest special, “For Your Approval.” In what is rumored to be her final standup performance, DeGeneres takes her audience on a journey through her storied career, from her early days on the Tonight Show to the controversy that surrounded her in recent years.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
The special opens with a nostalgic look back at DeGeneres’s groundbreaking appearance on the Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, a moment that solidified her status as a comedic trailblazer. The audience is then reminded of the tumultuous time in 1997 when DeGeneres came out as gay, a move that sparked both support and backlash from fans and critics alike.
The most recent chapter in DeGeneres’s career is also addressed, as the special delves into the scandal that led to the cancellation of her daytime talk show. Accusations of a toxic workplace culture tarnished DeGeneres’s reputation, leading many to dub her “the most hated woman in America.” However, instead of offering apologies or showing humility, DeGeneres chooses to frame herself as the victim in the situation.
A Study in Self-Mythologizing
“For Your Approval” is a masterclass in evasion and self-justification, with DeGeneres skillfully manipulating her audience’s emotions to garner support. Despite the controversy that surrounded her in 2020, DeGeneres’s fans remain fiercely loyal, cheering her every word and joke throughout the special. This unwavering adoration from her audience slows down the pace of the show, as DeGeneres basks in the applause rather than focusing on delivering comedic content.
Amidst the self-justification and evasion, there are moments of genuine comedy in the special. DeGeneres’s anecdotes about rearing chickens and coping with her OCD and ADHD provide glimpses of the humor that first endeared her to audiences. However, these moments are overshadowed by her attempts to address the fallout from the workplace scandal that rocked her career.
Self-Exculpation at Its Finest
DeGeneres’s handling of the workplace scandal in “For Your Approval” is nothing short of remarkable. She paints a rosy picture of her time on the talk show, emphasizing the fun and camaraderie she shared with her team. She dismisses the allegations of bullying and harassment as misunderstandings, attributing them to societal perceptions of women in positions of power.
Throughout the special, DeGeneres positions herself as a victim of circumstances, drawing parallels between her coming out as gay and the backlash she faced in 2020. Her refusal to take responsibility for the toxic workplace culture that was exposed speaks volumes about her unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
In the end, “For Your Approval” leaves much to be desired for fans of comedy looking for genuine humor and introspection. DeGeneres’s attempt to gloss over her past transgressions and present herself as a victim falls flat, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of those who were hoping for a more honest and reflective performance. As DeGeneres defiantly declares her pride in who she has become, one can’t help but wonder if she truly understands the impact of her actions on those who worked behind the scenes of her show.