BIG MOUTH (Season 4) -- Welcome to Anxiety

Review by Adam Donato

BIG MOUTH (L to R) Nick Kroll as Nick Birch and Maria Bamford as Tito in episode 3 of BIG MOUTH. Cr. NETFLIX © 2020.

Would it be weird to say that Big Mouth is like a mash-up of South Park and Sex in the City? Netflix’s original series about middle school pre-teens going through puberty is back with a fourth season. Disregarding the argument of quality, Big Mouth is definitely a matter of taste. For some, the crude and outrageous nature of the subject matter is too much, but for others, it’s the best part. Everyone can relate to going through the awkward experience of puberty and that’s where the show thrives. So get ready for a lot of fast-paced humor and a handful of moments that are so cringe-inducing that you will shield your eyes. Puberty is horrifying, that’s why Big Mouth is about monsters.

Season four maintains momentum in the series. There’s a new villain of the season akin to the Shame Wizard and it drives the season. The Anxiety Mosquito is such a clever personification of anxiety and what a place to pick it up, summer camp. Anxiety feels like the logical next step in the franchise as we’ve tackled shame and depression. Speaking of the logical next step, it’s nice to see time actually progressing in this season. Not only has the show delved into the distant future, but moving from 7th grade to 8th grade gives the show opportunities to see how far the characters have come. It doesn’t feel long ago where Nick boldly asked an 8th grader to the dance. It’s just nice to know they have a direction of where they’re going next with the show.

One of the shining spots of the new season is the new character pairings. Andrew, Nick, and Jessie are back in full force this season and each of them has solid arcs. Ancillary characters are given more of a spotlight this season and it’s only to the series’ benefit. Missy, Matthew, and Lola each are given time to shine on their own, without the help of the core three. One of the wonderful things about the show is how Coach Steve is always just around. He’s a crucial character because he is probably where a lot of people draw the line on the show as he is the most obnoxious, that is besides Maury. Speaking of Hormone Monsters, Rick makes a solid comeback, while on the other hand, it still feels like Mona does not have much to do. Connie is the most underrated of the Hormone Monsters as she shines in this season. Maury commentates from the side with a lot of jokes, but Connie actually feels like a character who impacts the plot and for that, she is appreciated.

BIG MOUTH (L to R) Nick Kroll as Nick Birch, John Mulaney as Andrew Glouberman and Seth Rogen as Seth in episode 1 of BIG MOUTH. Cr. NETFLIX © 2020.

Another aspect of the show that is polarizing is the songs. If someone thinks the humor is too obnoxious and they don’t like the songs, then it’s easy to see why they wouldn’t like the show. The songs usually hit, but this season feels as if there are less and they are lacking. Some ancillary characters are given solos and it’s nice to see them have their moment, but besides that, the songs are few and far between, not to mention lacking in comedy. Still, it’s just nice to have a show that features random musical numbers.

Season three’s cliffhanger is handled very well. Going to summer camp was a great idea for this show from the start. It would be great to see the gang return to camp after they finish eighth grade because there is so much that can be done there. Not to mention, the season starts with a musical number akin to the Valentine’s Day episode, which is great for the big fans of the show. When they sing to the audience, as if to say “we know how excited you are”, is such a joy. Next season, it will be interesting to see where they go with everyone as most of the cast leaves the season off in a state of resolve. 

If one already does not like Big Mouth, this season is more of the same. For returning fans, it’s no better or worse than any season preceding. Filled with plenty of laughs and much to say about the trials of the pubescent experience, Big Mouth season four continues its’ crude legacy. Don’t have anxiety about what’s going to happen to your favorite group of middle schoolers because you can check out the newest season of Big Mouth on Netflix this December.

Big Mouth streams on Netflix beginning December 4. All ten episodes reviewed.

Rating: 5/5