Pete Holmes Nice Try the Devil ( 2013 )

Deconstructing Pete Holmes' Nice Try, The Devil: A Comedic Exploration of Good, Evil, and Self-Acceptance

Pete Holmes' 2013 comedy special, Nice Try, The Devil, is far more than just a series of stand-up routines. It's a carefully crafted narrative arc that explores themes of good versus evil, self-acceptance, and the inherent absurdity of religious dogma, all filtered through Holmes' trademark observational humor and disarming vulnerability. While it might seem like a simple hour of jokes, a deeper analysis reveals a complex and often surprisingly insightful commentary on the human condition. This article will delve into the various layers of Nice Try, The Devil, examining its structure, recurring motifs, comedic techniques, and the underlying philosophical questions it raises.

The Narrative Structure: A Journey of Self-Discovery

The special isn't simply a collection of unrelated bits. Instead, it's structured as a journey, both internally and externally. Holmes begins by establishing his persona: a perpetually optimistic, almost naively enthusiastic comedian who struggles to reconcile his seemingly innate goodness with the perceived wickedness of the world. This sets the stage for his exploration of the Devil and the nature of evil.

The special gradually progresses through different stages:

1. Introduction of the Persona: Holmes establishes his sunny disposition and his penchant for seeing the best in everything. He introduces his anxieties about being too nice and the fear that he might be perceived as weak or foolish.
2. Confronting the Devil: He then directly confronts the concept of the Devil, initially through jokes about the absurdity of literal interpretations of religious texts. This section examines the idea of temptation and the often-arbitrary nature of what is considered sinful.
3. Exploring Goodness and Self-Doubt: He pivots to a deeper exploration of goodness, examining its benefits but also acknowledging its potential drawbacks. This is where he grapples with the internal conflict between his desire to be good and his fear of being taken advantage of. He begins to question whether inherent goodness is a realistic or even desirable trait.
4. Finding Humor in the Absurdity: The middle act is characterized by extended bits on specific topics, such as his experiences with Christianity, dating, and everyday annoyances. These sections are connected by the underlying theme of finding humor in the face of adversity and the inherent absurdity of life.
5. Reconciliation and Self-Acceptance: Finally, Holmes arrives at a point of reconciliation, accepting his own inherent goodness while acknowledging the existence of evil in the world. He concludes by embracing his optimistic perspective and finding humor in his own imperfections.

Recurring Motifs and Themes

Several recurring motifs and themes weave their way through Nice Try, The Devil, creating a cohesive and resonant experience. These include:

• Good vs. Evil: The most obvious theme is the constant struggle between good and evil, not just in the world at large, but within Holmes himself. He constantly questions the nature of both, challenging conventional definitions and exploring the gray areas in between.
• Optimism vs. Cynicism: Holmes' optimistic outlook clashes with the cynicism that he encounters in the world. He uses humor to navigate this conflict and ultimately reaffirm his commitment to positivity.
• Religious Absurdity: Holmes frequently pokes fun at the literal interpretations of religious texts and the often-contradictory nature of religious dogma. However, his criticism is never mean-spirited; instead, it's rooted in a genuine curiosity and a desire to understand the human need for faith.
• Self-Deprecation: Holmes uses self-deprecating humor to connect with the audience and make himself relatable. He openly admits his flaws and insecurities, creating a sense of vulnerability that endears him to viewers.
• The Power of Laughter: Ultimately, Nice Try, The Devil champions the power of laughter as a tool for coping with the challenges of life. Holmes demonstrates that even in the face of darkness and uncertainty, humor can provide a sense of perspective and resilience.

Comedic Techniques Employed

Holmes utilizes a variety of comedic techniques to deliver his jokes and engage the audience. These include:

• Observational Humor: He draws inspiration from everyday observations, finding humor in the mundane and the relatable.
• Self-Deprecating Humor: He frequently pokes fun at himself and his own shortcomings.
• Exaggeration: He exaggerates situations and character traits for comedic effect.
• Impersonations: He uses impersonations, particularly of religious figures and authority figures, to satirize their behavior.
• Call-backs: He employs call-backs to earlier jokes and themes, creating a sense of continuity and rewarding attentive viewers.
• Physical Comedy: While not a primarily physical comedian, Holmes incorporates subtle physical gestures and facial expressions to enhance his delivery.

Philosophical Underpinnings and Deeper Meaning

Beyond the surface-level humor, Nice Try, The Devil raises some profound philosophical questions about the nature of good and evil, free will, and the meaning of life. By framing these questions within a comedic context, Holmes makes them accessible and engaging to a wider audience.

The special encourages viewers to question their own beliefs and assumptions about morality. It suggests that the line between good and evil is often blurred and that even seemingly good people are capable of making mistakes. It also challenges the notion that religious dogma holds all the answers and encourages viewers to think critically about the world around them.

Ultimately, Nice Try, The Devil is a message of hope and self-acceptance. It suggests that even in a world filled with darkness and uncertainty, it's possible to find joy and meaning. By embracing our own imperfections and finding humor in the face of adversity, we can navigate the challenges of life with resilience and grace.

Analysis of Specific Jokes and Bits

To further illustrate the points above, let's examine some specific jokes and bits from the special:

• The Nice Try, The Devil Title: The title itself is a humorous acknowledgement of the constant temptations and challenges that life presents. It suggests that the Devil might try to lead us astray, but ultimately, we have the power to resist.
• The Adam and Eve bit: Holmes deconstructs the story of Adam and Eve with playful incredulity, highlighting the inherent absurdity of the narrative when taken literally. He asks questions like, Why would God put the tree there in the first place? and Was Eve really that naive? This bit underscores his skepticism towards blind faith and the importance of critical thinking.
• The bit about being too nice: Holmes' anxiety about being perceived as too nice is a relatable concern for many people. He jokes about how people might take advantage of his kindness, but he ultimately concludes that it's better to be nice than to be cynical and bitter.
• The Making love vs. Having sex discussion: Pete hilariously questions the cultural emphasis on using gentler words to describe the act of sex. He argues that the actual act is sometimes clumsy and awkward, and the attempt to label it more poetically is dishonest.

Reception and Legacy

Nice Try, The Devil was generally well-received by critics and audiences alike. Many praised Holmes' insightful humor, his relatable persona, and his ability to tackle complex themes in an accessible way. The special helped to solidify Holmes' position as a rising star in the comedy world.

The special continues to resonate with viewers today because of its timeless themes and its relatable message of self-acceptance. It's a reminder that it's okay to be imperfect, to question our beliefs, and to find humor in the face of adversity.

Conclusion

Pete Holmes' Nice Try, The Devil is a masterful blend of observational humor, self-deprecation, and philosophical inquiry. It's a comedy special that is not only funny but also thought-provoking, encouraging viewers to question their own beliefs and to embrace their own imperfections. By exploring the themes of good versus evil, optimism versus cynicism, and the power of laughter, Holmes has created a work that is both entertaining and deeply resonant. It's a testament to the power of comedy to illuminate the human condition and to provide a sense of hope and connection in a world that can often feel dark and uncertain.

Tables summarizing Key Elements

Table 1: Key Themes

Table 2: Comedic Techniques