★★★★
Nick, Andrew, Jessi, Jay, and Missy continue their journeys through puberty with new relationships, Hormone Monsters, and musical numbers
Episodes: 11 Classification: 15 Channel: Netflix
Following the tremendous success of season 2 and the terrific Valentine's special "My Furry Valentine" which left the Big Mouth characters in an uncomfortable ending addressing toxic masculinity, season 3 continues the creative firepower that makes the show so unique. While not achieving the same heights as the previous season, the show's writers still are creating meaningful comedy from modern issues facing teenagers. Technology, feminism, gender parity, sexual orientation, medication, and masturbation are just a few of the tame subjects covered by the season as Big Mouth retains its fearless approach in the animation medium. The season delivering scenes of pure chaotic madness ranging from Jay having sexual intercourse with a cooked turkey to a full-blown superpowered fight between all the main characters.
With the absence of David Thewlis's Shame Wizard as the show's antagonist, the episodes lose some of that larger connective storytelling but allow season 3 to continue the idea that the characters are their own worst enemies. The season begins with Andrew facing the reality of his selfish and possessive behaviour towards Missy and being ostracised by his classmates. The characters are forced to handle the more destructive behaviour of their hormonal urges, it can become uncomfortable at times but mostly because the show doesn't shy away from the realities of the issues. Big Mouth inadvertently has become a popular sex education programme especially after last years phenomenal episode about Planned Parenthood so it feels that the writers have taken on some responsibility in making sure that there is still educational value in the episode's stories. That doesn't mean any of the crude depravity has been lost, oh no Maury and Connie wouldn't allow for that.
The Hormone Monsters are still one of Big Mouth's strongest features but this season spends little time exploring more of their history and mythology most likely saving that material for the upcoming spin-off. Maury and Connie still get plenty of great jokes and a few musical numbers especially the soon to be iconic rock anthem "Anything Goes in Florida" but it does feel like a downgrade from previous seasons. Missy has a new Hormone Monstress named Mona but she only debuts in the penultimate episode so hopefully, we got more of a dynamic in the next season. The mad fantasy of Big Mouth is put forward with new characters rather than rehashing old gimmicks, with new additions such as Chelsea Peretti's sentient cell phone, the mental embodiment of Adderall voiced by Rob Riggle, and cameos from Queer Eye's Fab Five.
The most impressive storyline of the season is Jay Bilzerian's journey of acceptance towards his bisexuality and understanding for a more healthy lifestyle. The Bilzerian family has always been a darkly comic subject for Big Mouth where it is clear that Jay is subject of neglect and abuse but it extends to the whole family. His father is a sociopathic lawyer with the best commercials his town, his older brothers are criminals in the making, finally, his mother doesn't seem to be aware of her surroundings due to her substance abuse problems. After his love triangle involving a sentient male and female couch cushion, Jay is terrified to confront his desires for fear of ridicule and after being abandoned by his family Home Alone style, Jay is given a positive environment in Nick's home to learn what he really wants. Jay doesn't lose any of his comedic edges as Jason Mantzoukas delivers some of the season's most shocking dialogue as the character. Through his blunt exuberance, Jay delivers the shows most expressive moments while the other characters hide away their feelings.
Other characters still get the spotlight besides Jay, with the ghost of Duke Ellington getting an episode detailing his own sexual origins through his musical prowess. Jordan Peele's suave ghost has always been a gem in the show so having more symphonic interludes from him and his ghost gang is always welcome. Musically, Big Mouth doesn't hold back with season 3 with almost every episode featuring a new show-stopping number. Besides the already mentioned Florida themed rock ballad, the most creative item may be a middle school musical based on the 1994 erotic thriller Disclosure. Having the children perform fictional erotic scenarios in a school setting only to reveal actual sexual harassment happening in the same environment is an amazing example of how Big Mouth uses its outlandish comedy to make the grounded drama more effective. When the show gets serious it's never mistakable, there is always something to laugh at with Big Mouth but it never undermines the messaging for the audience.
It's still a terrific season but it still feels that it's riding the same wave of previous seasons successes rather than shaking up the formula for new ideas. It's still a side achingly good time that will have you pausing your laptop, gasping for breath as one perfectly time joke hits one after another. The season definitely could have used more Coach Steve but season 3 commits to finding new characters and avenues for comedy rather than relying on the sure-fire hits. Big Mouth is still a delight, unafraid to confront and educate its audience while pushing the boundaries on what may be legal to show animated children do on a television show.
Creator: #NickKroll, #AndrewGoldberg, #MarkLevin, #JenniferFlackett
Voice Cast: #NickKroll, #JohnMulaney, #JessiKlein, #JasonMantzoukas, #JennySlate, #FredArmisen, #MayaRudolph, #JordanPeele
Release Date: October 4th 2019
Trailer:
Written review copyright ©CoreyBullochReviews
Images from the Internet Movie Database
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