Amid the United States’ current rocky political relationship with Mexico, Conan O’Brien decided to do an episode of his popular nighttime show in Mexico City, the nation’s bustling capital.
STARS: 3.5/5
He has been hyping up the show’s premiere for weeks on various social media platforms, using the hashtag #ConanMexico. O’Brien used a Mexican studio to film the show and had it produced by a Mexican crew with a live Mexican audience.
O’Brien opened the show with a cheesy bit of himself attempting to cross the US-Mexico border by foot. After showing the border patrol officers his passport, they made a joke about how Mexican immigration laws are becoming more strict about letting Americans move into their country, a clear jab at President Trump.
He jokes about the unfairness of stereotyping, while the crowd erupts into laughter. After searching his bags and finding Taco Bell and a Trump Tower towel, O’Brien is chased by a police dog while attempting to cross the border.
O’Brien then gave his regular nightly monologue completely in Spanish, with a mariachi band performing on stage behind him. Even though his pronunciation is cringe-worthy, you have to give him credit for trying, and making, a Mexican audience laugh at all his jokes.
The first thing he does in the city is go downtown and jokingly ask people on the the street if they wanted to donate “for the wall.” Of course, nearly everyone he asks scoffs and laughs, with some even taking a political stance, directly addressing President Trump.
O’Brien does a good job of highlighting the people of Mexico City by standing at populated street corners and in front of important landmarks.
Next, he participates in a huge part of Latino culture, the telenovela. He plays a humorous role as a cheese importer on the set of a popular drama and isn’t half bad.
O’Brien also includes two interviews in the show, one with famous actor Diego Luna and another with former Mexican president Vicente Fox.
Diego Luna praises Conan for coming to Mexico and being kind to his fellow Mexicans, and also discusses his acting pursuits, Latino representation and even takes a shot of mezcal with the show’s host.
Both Fox and Luna discussed the current state of affairs between Mexico and the United States, speaking out against the negative comments President Trump has made and the proposed border wall.
The segment finishes with three more staples of Mexican culture; Lucha Libre, futbol and a quincenera. Lucha Libre is the popular colorful, masked wrestling that usually includes funny costumes and comedic violence. O’Brien dresses as a chicken and lets a vibrant host teach him how to participate in the sport.
Next, he heads down to a local park and plays futbol with many locals and a famous Mexican player. Lastly, the host visits a reception hall where a quincenera is being held. He delivers a touching speech to the lucky girl and helps cut the cake with her family.
Even though his jokes were cheesy and his segments may have been stereotypical, it was a pretty enjoyable show. He showed unique aspects of Mexican culture and highlighted the positive aspects of the Mexican people, which is greatly appreciated on both sides of the border, especially at this time in our country.