Ellen DeGeneres’ final bow: A reflective comedy special
A nostalgic journey through Ellen’s career
Ellen DeGeneres’ new comedy special, “For Your Approval,” opens with a poignant look back at her illustrious career. The special begins with DeGeneres in her dressing room, gazing into a mirror that reflects her first appearance on Johnny Carson’s “Tonight Show.” This nostalgic moment sets the tone for a journey through her career milestones, from her 1990s sitcom to her iconic coming out as a lesbian. As she walks towards the stage, clips from her past play on monitors, and she ascends a staircase adorned with headlines about her show’s 1998 cancellation. The voices of Barbara Walters and Diane Sawyer echo the controversy, but DeGeneres, embodying her “Finding Nemo” character Dory, reminds herself to “Just keep swimming.”
The dichotomy of Ellen’s persona
This grandiose opening contrasts sharply with the humble, relatable persona DeGeneres presents on stage. The special chronicles the meteoric rise of her talk show, launched in 2003, and the subsequent controversies surrounding its workplace culture before it ended in 2022. This duality—between the public figure and the private individual—has become a defining aspect of the Ellen experience.
A farewell on her terms
Marketed as DeGeneres’ final special, “For Your Approval” is a heartfelt goodbye. An hour into the special, she thanks the audience for allowing her to “say goodbye on my terms.” Even when not directly addressing the end of her talk show, DeGeneres’ reflections are tinged with the weight of her departure. An early bit about the challenges of parallel parking subtly alludes to the deeper shame of giving up and driving away, resonating beyond the parking space.
Classic Ellen humor
DeGeneres quickly shifts to more lighthearted topics, such as the annoyance of windshield wipers and the personalities of pigeons and butterflies. This understated humor has been her trademark since the beginning of her career. Despite her reputation as a cultural lightning rod—first for her openness about her sexuality and later for her alleged harshness as a boss—DeGeneres’ comedy has always leaned into a chill, conversational style.
The complexities of her career
DeGeneres’ career has seen two major controversies. The first, following her coming out, was clearly rooted in prejudice. Despite the backlash, she quickly rebounded with a new sitcom, hosting gigs, and a talk-show deal, leveraging her sunny persona to advance her career and the visibility of queer people. The second controversy, involving allegations of a toxic workplace, is more complex. DeGeneres bristles at the criticism, arguing that it was unreasonable to expect her to be both a comedian and a perfect boss.
Addressing the controversies
In “For Your Approval,” DeGeneres discusses the culture on her set, making a convoluted joke about her love of scaring people. This attempt at humor is clouded by the serious allegations against her, making it difficult to land. Comparing the two career blowups, the first was a clear case of prejudice, while the second is murkier. DeGeneres notes the irony of being criticized despite her show’s “Be kind” mantra, musing that ending each episode with “Go fuck yourselves” would have been more surprising.
Relatable moments
DeGeneres is at her best when discussing universally relatable topics. While windshield-wiper humor feels like filler, her reflections on her mother’s dementia are poignant and heartfelt. DeGeneres seems frustrated that her persona—defined by talk-show games, chatty bonhomie, and big checks—has grown beyond her control. Yet, this persona has also obscured the more insightful, clear-eyed Ellen.
The challenge of self-reflection
“For Your Approval” is executive produced by DeGeneres and Ben Winston, known for his highly polished celebrity content. Despite DeGeneres’ claim of being “thrown out of show business,” there remains enough affection for her to command her audience’s attention. Late in the special, she lists her complexities, culminating in a declaration of her strength. The standing ovation that follows is prolonged, underscoring her enduring impact.
A complex legacy
DeGeneres is undeniably strong and resilient, but the controversies surrounding her workplace culture are well-documented. Her choice to address these issues obliquely, rather than head-on, requires both skill and audacity. “For Your Approval” is a mixed bag, offering moments of genuine insight but ultimately leaving some questions unanswered.
“Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval” premieres on Netflix on Sept. 24.
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