Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Murphy opens his Raw set by directly addressing the controversy surrounding his previous HBO special "Delirious" in 1987. He explains that he faced criticism from celebrities like Mr. T and Michael Jackson, as well as the LGBTQ+ community who were offended by his jokes. This segment serves as both a defense and a precursor to the unfiltered comedy he delivers in Raw, essentially daring his critics to react to this even bolder performance.

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The show opens with a nostalgic flashback to Thanksgiving 1968, featuring a young Eddie Murphy portrayed by Deon Richmond. This opening establishes the origin story of his comedic talent, showing he was performing for family at a young age. His aunt and uncle, played by Samuel L. Jackson, express pride in his natural ability. This sets up the narrative theme of the special: a celebration of his comedic journey from childhood prodigy to headline performer.

Foreshadowing: The opening demonstrates that comedy was always his calling, foreshadowing his confidence in delivering provocative material.

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Samuel L. Jackson appears in the 1968 flashback sequence as Murphy's uncle, playing alongside a young Deon Richmond who portrayed the child Eddie. This was early in Jackson's career before his breakthrough films. The casting adds star power and legitimacy to the nostalgic family scene, with Jackson delivering the memorable line praising the young performer's joke about a monkey and lion.

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Murphy recounts receiving a phone call from Bill Cosby, who criticized his profanity-laced performance in "Delirious." Cosby branded Murphy's entire act as "filth flarn filth," which angered Murphy significantly. This criticism is what prompted him to seek advice from Richard Pryor, the legendary comedian whose opinion he valued deeply.

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After being criticized by Bill Cosby, Murphy sought wisdom from Richard Pryor, who gave him straightforward advice: "Just make 'em laugh and get paid, Eddie." Pryor also dismissively told Cosby to "Have a Coke and a smile and shut the fuck up." This exchange represents Murphy paying homage to Pryor's rebellious approach to comedy and solidified his resolve to continue his provocative style.

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Murphy jokes about traveling to Africa to find a woman "untouched by Western influences" because he laments what he perceives as the materialistic and demanding nature of American women. He humorously adds that any African woman would quickly learn from American women to demand "HALF!" referring to splitting assets in divorce. The bit also contrasts American women with Japanese women, whom he describes as gentler. This routine reflects his comedic exploration of dating, marriage anxieties, and cultural stereotypes.

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Murphy reminisces about his childhood when his mother would promise him a homemade burger comparable to McDonald's, but instead served him what he humorously calls the "big, welfare, green-pepper burger" - a lump of beef with onions and green peppers on Wonder Bread. While neighborhood kids bragged about fast-food burgers, he eventually learned to appreciate his mother's unique cooking and the nostalgic flavor it represented.

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Murphy recounts a memorable skirmish he had at a disco with Deney Terrio, the dance instructor known for "Soul Train." The altercation was so chaotic that "everybody sued me" for millions of dollars in its aftermath. He references this incident while joking about white people's dance moves and the influence of the "Rocky" franchise on Italian-Americans.

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The closing segment features Murphy performing an extended impersonation of his inebriated stepfather misquoting Motown classics, including "Ain't Too Proud to Beg." This bit runs over ten minutes and serves as a heartfelt, humorous tribute to his family. It also cleverly incorporates callbacks to earlier jokes from the show, creating a satisfying conclusion that showcases his character work and impersonation skills.

Foreshadowing: This segment was foreshadowed by earlier family-themed material and the 1968 Thanksgiving opening.

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Murphy explains that his fear of marriage stems from two factors: the rising prevalence of sexually transmitted infections which makes casual dating risky, and the high-profile divorce of Johnny Carson and Joanna Holland, where she demanded a substantial portion of his fortune. He humorously concludes that "no woman is worth $150 million," blending personal anxieties about health and finances into his dating commentary.

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