We’re rolling through every episode of Key and Peele on Pop Thruster. Here we go with “Black Hawk Up,” Season 1 Episode 2. Follow along on the journey!
Also: check out ALL 351 Key & Peele Sketches Ranked (In Painstakingly Funny Detail)!
Mic Drop
“I’m the leader of the free world.” – President Obama
In this episode intro sketch, Key is rapping on the street with his boys and, in fact, he’s good! Things are going great and you’re wondering when something is going to happen to shake things up when… a limo rolls up, and President Obama (Peele) – who had only just been introduced in the inaugural Luther/anger translator sketch in the previous episode – gets out. The prez grabs the mic, says, “I’m the leader of the free world,” and then promptly drops said mic. Game over. Rap battle won.
Substitute Traffic Reporter
“But I gotta tell you guys, I am loving the view… arghhhh!” – Brock Favors
Brock Favors (Key) is coming at you “with traffic on the one’s” from a helicopter. The “substitute traffic reporter” professionally delivers the update, right up until the moment the helicopter starts spinning wildly. This causes Brock to lose his [REDACTED], and comedy ensues. It’s a one-note sketch as this pattern repeats, but Key sells it so well – particularly his increasing desire to end the traffic report and get off the flying death machine – that it mostly works.
Selfies or Bust
“Delete it, delete it!” – K&P
Key and Peele are both dolled up ladies – who are sort of early Instagram-obsessed Karens, I’d say – out having cocktails out at a swanky club, when suddenly armed robbers brandishing firearms storm in. The ladies are concerned, but also equally occupied with how their selfies look on social. As shotguns pop off and bodies drop, the gals tighten their focus on… deleting the pics that simply don’t capture them at their very best. It’s a cute idea that’s more amusing than funny.
Lunch With Greatness
“Brother Malcoln, is that really what you have to say at this point in our lunch?” – Martin Luther King
A community theater production called “Lunch With Greatness” stars (who else?) K&P as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, respectively. On stage, the two have what is certainly a “scripted” exchange about civil rights… until Peel’s King gets more of a receptive reaction from the audience. “Malcolm X” then ups the ante with famous quotes (“Plymouth Rock landed on us!”), forcing “King” to fire back (“I have a dream!”), which eventually leads to Wesley Snipes quotes and wacky dance moves.
‘90s R&B Singers
“Open up your mind, I will open up your door!” – Peele
K&P are ‘90s R&B singers, in wildly flamboyant matching suits. They’re performing to an adoring crowd, and it’s important to note that if nothing else, these guys have really strong singing voices (see also: Key starring in the oddball comedy musical TV show, Schmigadoon!) Their sultry duet gets increasingly uncomfortable for Key as Peele’s lyrics express… a more than a friend vibe for his singing partner. While by no means homophobic, this is a somewhat one-note sketch that showcases the musical and performing talents more than the comedic pedigree of the fellas.
Some stats and info about Key and Peele, “Black Hawk Up”
TV SHOW – Key and Peele
SEASON/EPISODE – Season 1, Episode 2
AIRED ON – February 7th, 2012
NETWORK/STREAMING SERVICE – Comedy Central/Hulu
GENRE – Comedy, Sketch Comedy
CREATED BY – Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele