So I've been using this blog as a quasi-review space ever since I hyperfixated on Spider-Man a while back so I'm gonna give this thing a quasi-review too.
For those who don't know, "Midwest Goodbye" is a comedy special (available for free here on YouTube) by Charlie Berens, a comedian who rose to prominence doing "the Manitowoc Minute," a goofy news read on extremely Midwest happenings done in an over-the-top rural Wisconsin accent that reminds me of home. Between him and Maisie Lynnie, I've been spoiled for hearing people that sound like my childhood bestie's parents.
(The Midwest Accent is what happens when a bunch of Germans and Poles get together to speak English through a filter of alcohol and chattering teeth and then their kids think that's what normal speech sounds like. Prove me wrong, linguists! Provide a better explanation for the words "baeg" or "rut beer" and I'll eat my curds.)
Charlie has since moved on to do sketch comedy videos with a selection of other comedians, poking fun at Midwest Nicety, the everpresence of bars and churches, and the classic "ope!"
His stand-up special is more of the same.
If you've been following Charlie for a while, you're likely to recognize a bulk of the material. It's good, if highly regional, but if you haven't seen much of his stuff, it's a smash hits list of favorites. If you're not a Midwesterner, though, prepare to be lost with some frequency (especially when his accent gets particularly strong, an intentional affectation that he leans into for certain segments).
Part of the problem, though, is some of his humor lacks impact. There are plenty of good bits--but rarely are there great bits. There are flashes of something strong and Charlie is certainly clever, but overall, his special smacks more often of nostalgia than comedy.
But hey, it is pretty good and it's only an hour, so if you're craving some Wisconsin, it's probably the best place to spend an hour.
Best enjoyed with a bag of Culver's and a beer on a cold, gray day.
