I think the author is trying to infer that "bemused" means the same thing as "amused"? Common mistake.

Nah, I work with a lot of New Orleanians and Chalmations who are truly Yat fluent… This was an actual Irish actor attempting to do a "Southern" accent.

Not sure I'd like it either, but I promise you: you did not hear Jim Corrigan with a New Orleans accent tonight.