We’re rolling through every episode of Key and Peele on Pop Thruster. Here we go with “Pussy on the Chainwax,” Season 3 Episode 13. Follow along on the journey!
Also: check out ALL 351 Key & Peele Sketches Ranked (In Painstakingly Funny Detail)!
I’ll Be Your Brother
You don’t give a grown man a wedgie! – Peele
Most of this sketch – in which Peele is lamenting the loss of his brother, with a comforting Key responding that he’ll be there for his dude – is played relatively straight, and it hits home how both K&P are at heart great actors and performers. When the ludicrous twist of sorts finally comes, that makes it all the funnier.
Pussy on the Chainwax
“You’re trying to start a thing, aren’t you?” – Bodie
How does a saying become a “thing”? Off the hook, putting someone on blast or, for example, putting the pussy on the chainwax. Someone, somewhere has to make it up and put it out there for the first time. Herein we explore one such story, with hilarious results.
An Annie Hathaways Appreciation Sketch
“They straight hating on Annie Hathaways!” – Key
In this fourth outing as pop culture-obsessed valet parking attendants who enjoy pluralizing celebrities’ names, K&P take on the media teardown of one Anne Hathaway, star of The Devil Wears Prada, The Princess Diaries, WeCrashed, and lots of other stuff. This bit is more fun and energetic than laugh out loud funny, especially at this point.
Otis Carmichael Acting Reel
“I’ll shine your shoes blacker than my momma’s booty.” – Otis Carmichael
This sketch is powered by the hilarious yet very real premise that you should never reveal archival footage – or, anything , really – in public that you yourself have not vetted first. In this case, we have Joseph (Key) debuting an acting reel at his father’s funeral (Otis Carmichael, played by Peele), unearthed decades after the deceased had become a revered community leader. The black-and-white footage of Otis’ acting career features increasingly stereotypical characters – the only roles available to Black actors during the era – which is both hilarious (especially from the perspective of seeing the reactions of the shocked funeral attendees) as well as a nice reminder of the entertainment industry’s sordid past.
Mr. Mahina
“I’ll have that end of year report for you by ten.” – Jake
This silly office-based sketch – in which Kenny (Key) is a remarkably fleshed out super nerd – plays around with the credibility of getting told by a co-worker, “Well, the boss said it, so…” The upshot and twist feel a little underbaked, but most important is that we understand that bossman Mr. Mahina is a real, real person.
Caught?
“Okay buddy, do not move a muscle!” – Key
A cop (Key) catches a perp dead to rights (Peele) in an alley, except that a delicate dance of sorts begins as soon as the cop tells him to put his hands up. The premise is cute and well executed but isn’t all that funny.
People Park
“Keep your person on a leash.” – Sign at People Park
What if people acted like dogs at the dog park, frolicking and sniffing one another and so on? This sketch allows the boundless improv and physical comedy talents of the fellas to be put on full display. Bonus: we get a nice number of cameos in this one, including Tom Lennon.
Some stats and info about Key & Peele, “Pussy on the Chainwax”
TV SHOW – Key and Peele
SEASON/EPISODE – Season 3, Episode 13
AIRED ON – December 18th, 2013
NETWORK/STREAMING SERVICE – Comedy Central/Hulu
GENRE – Comedy, Sketch Comedy
CREATED BY – Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele