REVIEW: Dirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute

I didn't know much at all about Bob Saget.  All I saw was Danny Tanner, his character on the television show, Full House.  I liked the show, at least in the first few seasons.  Then it quickly turned into something that I didn't care for, as the wee little Michelle Tanner became 'super cute' and there was a sentimentality to the show that rubbed me the wrong way. 

That's pretty much all I knew of Bob Saget.  Friends had told me that he was a really good stand up comedian, and that he was a lot different than the character he played on television.  On stage, he was edgy and used profane words, a complete mental disconnect for me from his Danny Tanner performance.

Another thing I had kept hearing was that he was very influential and important to many comedians. He was held in really high regard, and now, after his passing, I'm saddened that I never paid a lot of attention to him.  The clips that I have since seen show that what he did was right up my alley.

Dirty Daddy: The Bob Saget Tribute is a send off for him that see's a number of comedians, family members, and musicians come together to remember the man they all loved.  From every word uttered, it is clear that Saget meant so much to many people.  A lot of times when someone dies, there are nothing but kind words said about them as they are remembered in a positive light.  The sentimentality shown here eclipses anything else I have seen, speaking volumes as to what he did with his life and how he treated those around him.

The program runs eighty three minutes, filled with laughter, tears, and hugs.  It is a window into how comedians deal with the loss of one of their own.  It is easy to find some of the jokes to be irreverent, offensive, or 'too soon,' but all of this is part of a cathartic process for them.  As an audience member, I needed to check my own sensitives at the door and understand that this is how these people process and cope with the loss.  It is very clear that this is a family of brothers and sisters that support and love one another.

The beginning of the tribute includes an improvised back and forth between Jim Carrey, Jeffrey Ross, and Chris Rock.  It is a mix of jokes and thoughts, and an indicator of what the rest of the night will be.  Among those who speak are John Stamos, Kelly Rizzo, and Seth Green.  A few people who were unable to attend in person, like Michael Keaton and John Lovitz, recorded short videos that were played. Musicians Jackson Browne and John Mayer perform as well as talk about the man they are obviously missing intensely.

There is also a segment that shows some of those who spoke at a gathering after Saget's funeral.  Kind and funny words were shared by Tim Allen, Dave Coulier, and Dave Chapelle as well as a heartfelt prayer by Candace Cameron Bure.  Each person does what they need to to process this loss, and it is all accepted by the others in a beautiful congregational unity that I could only dream about having after my own passing.

Not knowing a lot about Bob Saget didn't hinder this experience at all.  I learned about him, heard about how much he was loved, and felt a connection to the grieving people.  What I learned the most is that there aren't any 'no go zones' when comedians are remembering one of their own.  This is just how they deal with it, and it really felt like an honour to see these people in their vulnerable moments, no matter how monstrous some of their words were.

Rating - 3.5 out of 4 stars