What happened?! Where’s the performer who nearly made me laugh uncontrollably when I first saw ‘Spark of Insanity’? Has success changed him? The show begins with what is likely its strongest segment. Jeff shares glimpses into his past through childhood photos, and much of the humor comes from how nerdy he used to be—embarrassing pictures, apparently according to his daughters. Following this introduction, Walter appears, which marked the start of a somewhat unsettling feeling for me. Many fans know that some of Walter’s jokes occasionally border on racially insensitive. Jeff always seemed to get away with it because it's portrayed as a character, and I previously believed it was satire rather than genuine racism. However, in the opening skit of ‘Controlled Chaos’, I genuinely felt it leaned more toward racism than satire. He really pushed boundaries with his sketch about Native Africans and their culture and customs. You’ll understand when you watch it yourself. I could tolerate the "learn the f-ing language" type comments from earlier shows, but this just wasn't funny anymore. But that isn't all. His new ‘Achmed’ bit was simply weak and not amusing at all. It felt like Dunham lacked inspiration because much of it seemed to be repeating old jokes. He also introduced a new character—one I had seen in a preview and anticipated—but it ended up being disappointing. The segment was too brief, too uninspired, and without any memorable lines. Then came Peanut. I was waiting for this part (having nearly given up at that point), hoping "well, maybe this one will be funny," and there he went again... Racist comments throughout (this time about Asian people). Then, halfway through, Dunham seemed to prepare to apologize to a man of Asian descent who had emailed the show’s organizers weeks earlier complaining of being offended (and rightfully so, in my opinion), but he just brushed it off. He had Peanut read the email, but couldn't resist continuing his mockery and never really apologized. Whether this email was real or not is unknown, but I don't think it matters. His point was made. Besides Africans and Asians, he also takes time to insult African Americans and Native Americans. Funny, right? And for the record, I am Caucasian... just so you know. Another odd element was how Dunham addressed his divorce during the show. Previously, Walter’s complaints about his marriage were funny because we all assumed Jeff was happily married, which made them acceptable in contrast. Now that he is divorced (and openly flaunting a younger girlfriend), Walter's remarks like "I'm so jealous (of your divorce)" seemed spiteful and out of place. I don't know the details of the separation, but even if it was unpleasant, I believe personal issues should be left at home. Throughout the rest of the show there were other comments that felt questionable and mean-spirited—likely directed at his ex-wife—which had no place in a comedy performance. Thankfully, there’s some resolution toward the end, where Jeff performs four characters simultaneously at high speed, which is well executed and genuinely funny. Unfortunately, this part is short, but I suppose it needed to be. It's hard to imagine how difficult that must have been for him to do. But that was good. My biggest complaint is that everything goes on far too long; the material feels stretched thin. With only three main characters this time, it just seems to drag on and on. I was bored, appalled, and offended. That’s not how a comedy show should make me feel. I'm sure many people will find this show hilarious, but I honestly feel like tonight Jeff Dunham revealed his true self. What a disappointment. And what an oxymoron ‘Controlled Chaos’ has become...

Source on TMDB