Dante’s Inferno is concerned with the topics of primivity and naturalism, the search for perfection, and the doling out of justice, all of which are prevalent throughout these specials. It’s kind of shocking how much overlap there is between Dante’s text and these specials when you really break it down. On top of that, Woliner and Gelman pull from influences like Michael Haneke and Lars Von Trier rather than the typical comedy staples, all of which adds to the sense of uneasiness that drives these pieces. The newest entry wastes no time in stirring the pot. These specials are some of the most unpredictable, challenging think pieces to come from the network. In a nutshell, these specials have Gelman turn friendly, civilized dinner discussions into a sprawling madness that swallows up his friends, family, and most recently, race. It’s remarkably apt for the journey they take their audience on. If you had to distill Woliner and Gelman’s specials down to a single word in the end, “sin” wouldn’t be the worst choice. He goes through all sorts of self-discovery while wallowing in the recognition and rejection of sin. Their latest special, Brett Gelman’s Dinner in America, not only continues these themes, but also pushes this premise even further along.įor those unfamiliar with Dante’s classic piece of literature, Inferno chronicles Dante’s journey through Hell. What’s so important about these specials in particular is that Gelman and Woliner are creating one of the most unique adaptations of Dante’s Inferno to date.
One-offs and specials are hardly anything new for Adult Swim.