Can “Big Mouth” Outdo Themselves Once Again?

 

 

Historically animated sitcoms have been about stepping up the shock factor to capture a new audience. When The Simpsons aired in the early nineties, Bart’s antics and Homer’s abuse of his child on screen was enough to get parents upset, and everyone watching. The backlash to shows like Ren and Stimpy and Beavis and Butthead was enough to drive the viewership up. Next was South Park, where no topic was taboo, and fans were eating it up. It seemed like we were finally at a place where animated television could not get more vulgar. Popular shows today like Rick and Morty or Bojack Horseman rely more on well thought out stories and themes then trying to shock the audience.  But, then came Big Mouth, and though it may not have the backlash from more conservative viewers, the shock value is still at an extreme high.

Big Mouth centres around a group of pubescent children that are coming into themselves sexually. There are some parents going through some heavy themes, but the children are the stars. From the first episode, it was clear that topics such as masturbation, premature ejaculation, and menstruation were going to be the main focus of the show. These are all things that we deal with as humans, but discussing them openly is still very much considered taboo. Big Mouth utilizes these subjects to their advantage. Puberty is an awkward stage of life that we have all had to suffer through. For the most part, it’s a piece of growing up that we all want to forget. Yet, this show throws it all back in our faces and forces us to look at it straight on.

Ugh, puberty. Hair growing in strange places. Voices going through high pitched changes. Acne. Hormones. And, worst of all, we are forced to suffer all of these shifts in front of all of our peers. Big Mouth manages to encapsulate all of the most horrific moments of growing up in a way that can make us cringe, and remember all of the moments we wish to forget. To make things even worse, they can take ideas and maximize them. Jay’s natural masturbation is intensified by the development of a relationship with his humping pillow. Jessi’s first period had to be the most embarrassing situation that any girl could possibly have to face. And Andrew… well, everything is shitty for Andrew.

Season one debuted, and we all survived squirming in our seats as we binged our way through. Couples were forced to sit beside one another and think about their most embarrassing moments. Men were left with the embarrassment of their own powerful sexual urges that developed during puberty. Women had to do the same, with the added torture of menstruation. Yet, somehow we all survived, and were able to laugh our way to the end. Thankfully, Big Mouth handles these topics in such a way that we are able to chuckle about them. However, that was just the beginning as we had no idea what was next to come.

The second season of Big Mouth continued with the torture but raised the stakes even further. With the added pressures of relationships, puberty becomes an even tougher struggle. More so, the adults in this world reached tipping points. These family problems also help to bring out some of the harder moments of our youth, watching our parents struggle. Again, the humour helps to soften the blow, but still, it is all squirming as we try to resonate with the characters.

So, what could possibly be left to throw at us? The series seems to have already covered most of the taboo subjects including, sex, drugs, sexual identity, divorce, and more. Leaving nothing off the table also means that all the big stuff has already been featured. The stakes have already been lifted when the main character’s parents are already facing things like adultery and bisexuality. And, from the get-go, one of the most significant things about this series has been: what’s left for them to tackle?

Well, there doesn’t seem to be much. At least in the ways of bringing our old demons back to haunt us. However, that doesn’t mean the show is done by any means. Big Mouth, just like the characters in it, has been growing and developing. What was once the core of the show no longer has to be its identity. What’s the quote about putting away childish things. The series has more to offer than vulgar looks at abundant masturbation. The story has been shaking out for two seasons. We are devoted to these characters, and we really want to see if Andrew ever chills out, or if Jay can manage his relationships with furniture. There is an ongoing plot that many of the shows that relied on shock and awe never really had. Beavis and Butthead never had any ambition of getting off of their couch and doing something with their lives, and our interest faded. Big Mouth has characters that have been growing for two years, and still, have quite a ways to go.

Another way that Big Mouth keeps the interest high is with its plentiful guest stars. Looking at the cast sheet of an episode of Big Mouth is like a whos-who of comedians right now. Nick Kroll, Jenny Slate, Maya Rudolph, and Jason Mantzoukas would be enough to carry any show. But, Big Mouth brings in the likes of Kristen Wiig, Kat Dennings, Ali Wong, Jon Daly, Seth Morris, and Chelsea Peretti, just to name a few. Many of these hilarious people are bound to make reappearances on the show. So, who even knows who they have in mind when the show returns this week.

A lot of what transpires throughout the series are lived experiences that Andrew Garfield and Nick Kroll survived. From Kroll’s first kiss to Garfield’s early puberty. With that added to the mix, I’m sure these talents will be able to bring up and share a couple more embarrassing memories. Add in some of the other comedians as mentioned above, and their own backstories, and there still is some room to play around.

Overall, it’s about how everything works out for our heroes. The last we saw the characters of Big Mouth was during February’s Valentine’s special, which set up a lot of significant factors going forward. Nick is dealing with his newest hormone monster, Connie, and how the hormones are impacting his life. Andrew is struggling to win Missy’s heart. Jay has broken up with his pillow boyfriend and girlfriend. And, DeVon and Devin are planning to get married, despite their young age. So, needless to say, there are some things to work out.

Big Mouth season three premieres on October 4th. Despite the show taking on all of life’s most embarrassing moments, it can still get worse. There is still much to be shaken out of these characters, and a whole world of Drop Dead Fred’s to be explored. So, while Big Mouth may have started as a show focused on shocking the audience, it has grown into something more substantial and more meaningful. Hopefully, this is the year that the show can win a well-deserved Emmy Award, and be acknowledged for being one of the most original series’ on television.