I've watched His Dark Material twice. The first time, I was shocked when, time after time, Carr crossed the line into taboo subject matter. I wondered if I should have taken offense. However, I found myself laughing even harder the second time around, truly appreciating his comedy skills.

Carr's humor works because he informs the audience that he's about to say something offensive. Then, he delivers the joke with perfect comic timing. Here's his trick (and it works every time): He's dared you not to laugh and you can't help yourself.

Chappelle is something else altogether. In the past, he's been masterful at poking fun at how white people see black people. Of late, he has become defensive and self-righteous. He casts himself as the victim of his own offensiveness. On the other hand, Carr doesn't seem give a shit about who gets offended or the consequences of that offense. He declares that by saying, in essence, "This oughtta get me cancelled."

Funny is funny. Jimmy Carr is most definitely funny. Am I surprised this special has provoked outrage? Not in the least. Personally, I find a good belly laugh healing in these strange and baffling times. So, I thank Jimmy Carr for that.