Eddie's Restraint

First, the critics (that includes you) said Eddie Murphy bombed...they said he was unprepared. Some even said he did not have 'it' anymore. Now, we know what Eddie was dealing with...we now know why he appeared to be discombobulated. He decided to do something that many are describing as 'stand-up'. He in fact with his act of granting a comedic reprieve spared Bill Cosby additional humiliation.  Humiliation that's based in accusations that have been substantiated by countless women from all walks of life.  If Bill's accusers are found to be truthful, Bill Cosby does not deserve the 'break' Eddie Murphy granted.

In the past, Murphy has been relentlessly Raw.

As far back as I can remember, Eddie Murphy has not been the comedian that spends a chunk of his stage time directly making fun of an individual. He has been known for mimicking several different personalities - but he has not been that comedian that randomly selects a member of an audience, and begin to make the comedy show-goer the butt of all his jokes.

The decision he made could have expelled him from the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary show...who knows Murphy's act of kindness may earn him a Macbeth tag. We know that decisions actors/celebrities make can damage or enhance their careers. It was obvious that Eddie Murphy does not give a damn. He is confident in that he will continue to get work. He is confident in knowing that his reputation of an once potty mouth comedian turned children's movie actor is intact.

One is able of doing this when he/she has cemented their legacy. Our legacy is all we have when you strip away money, talent, appearance and accolades. Bill Cosby's legacy should be rooted in The Adventures of Fat Albert, The Cosby Show and all the other contributions he has presented to the moral landscape of the world.

Eddie Murphy has helped us remember what it means to be a Giver and not a Taker. He did not take away more of what Cosby has lost...Respect. Murphy in this circumstance will be remembered for giving us (the public) the opportunity to remember Bill Cosby as which he was before the parade of women issued their accusations. Accusations that more than likely have merit. Bill is not innocent in my mind. If he is, there is a hell of a conspiracy that has been masterminded to malign him. And, we know that all those women are not lying. He is sitting in guilt to some degree. Knowing this, Murphy still gave Bill a pass. That should have been enough to prompt a continuation of 'not kicking a man' when he is down. It was not.

Kenan Thompson, the less funny guy, went ahead and gave the producers SNL producers what they wanted - an opportunity to make fun of Bill Cosby. There will always be that one person who refuses to exercise restraint. Kenan and Bill are two peas in a pod. They could not resist...they had to satisfy their temptation and ego-centered desires. Kenan the comedian who has to issue the last laugh and Bill the comedian turned Black Dad of television had to conquer women in a way that does nothing for his mojo.

Thanks, Eddie Murphy, for doing what Cosby and Thompson were unable to do.

The Shadow