In its five seasons, Big Mouth introduced multiple monsters that are anthropomorphized manifestations of human inner experiences, such as hormone monsters, the Shame wizard, the Anxiety Mosquito, and many more. Its spin-off series Human Resources offers a sort of behind-the-scenes look: an average day in a monster home office, unwinding in a bar after work, conferences and personal relationships.
Judging by the 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes and positive reception from critics, the show managed to win over a following even beyond the fans of its predecessor. On April 19, Netflix has greenlit a second season, which means that the lovable cast is definitely coming back. So which bonkers and undoubtedly grotesque adventures are waiting for the viewers in the continuation of the story?
Where Did the First Season Leave the Viewers at?
The finale of the Human Resources first season is a 'Sh*tstorm.' Literally: it's the name of the episode. A huge storm devastates both the human and the monster worlds, causing a huge blackout at the Human Resources building. As the portals between the worlds stop working, some monsters find themselves stuck on Earth. Emmy and Rochelle are forced together, and they finally let it all out, a confrontation the audience has waited for the whole season.
Gavin, Pete, the Shame Wizard, Petra, Walter, and Dante form a group to fix the electrical supply. Gavin, one of the characters who was first introduced in Big Mouth, surprisingly got a great character arc. With a remarkable sincerity for a show like Human Resources, Gavin shows his bravery and pays a great price to save the world. His heroics are sort of a plot twist because it is usually expected of crass adult comedy to mock heroism.
Maury and Connie are, as always, delightful in their own little side quest. Their flooded bathroom adventure and resolution of the conflict of interests regarding Maury’s pregnancy provide mature commentary on the expectations from women in the modern world. Human Resources’s approach to women and female struggles en masse is refreshingly considerate and earnest. Its feminism does not feel like pandering or a collection of buzzwords without an underlying meaning. Women are allowed to be different and are not villainized for their feelings (or even lack thereof).
What to Expect From Human Resources Season Two?
There are several questions left by the season one finale. How will Maury deal with being a single parent? What about Connie, will she come around or double down on her refusal to start a family? Will the real circumstances of Gavin’s death come up or was it used just for a throwaway joke?
Wait, actually there is a metaphysical question: how can an avatar for an emotional state die? Is there an afterlife for these creatures? Human Resources’s world-building is sometimes shaky because giving the creatures free will and a living timespan creates some controversies (they have not existed forever, apparently, so if a monster can be born, why can’t it die?)
For example, Emmy is not a naturally good lovebug, she needs to learn how to be one. Sonya the Lovebug is fired and becomes a bartender. So in theory, someone belonging to the lovebug species is not predestined to become a lovebug by profession? Then is it possible for them to work as a hormone monster instead? Maybe Season Two will clear up those philosophical questions — or will shrug it off; at the end of the day, how intricate a world of anxiety mosquitos and hormone monsters really need to be?
What season two of Human Resources should certainly deal with is the love triangle that involves Pete, Rochelle, and Dante. Now, as Dante is aware of the Logic Rock’s Pete’s affection for his girlfriend, he probably won’t be able to remain so nonchalant and suave about everything. Especially considering Dante losing a precious part of him… Credits to the creators, they avoid falling into the most annoying and overused romantic cliches, so whatever the outcome will be, it is going to be compelling and earned.
Emmy will continue to learn how to be a full-fledged lovebug with Sonya’s mentorship. Perhaps the Second Season will give her some new clients but hopefully, we will see more of Becca, voiced by one of Netflix’s funniest comedians, Ali Wong. Becca’s path as a new mother was portrayed in a heart-wrenching and beautiful way. Not many series, let alone animated shows, dare to bring up real struggles that come up after childbirth: sore nipples, lack of sleep, loss of attraction, and even anger towards your partner. Sadly, it is still a somewhat taboo topic, postpartum especially being stigmatized on TV.
Return of the El-Khauries or Andrew will also be a treat. Perhaps there will be some more cameos of our favorite characters from Big Mouth?
Does Human Resources Manage to Live Up to Big Mouth?
In what's essentially Big Mouth meets The Office was bound to result in a grotesque, vulgar, hilarious, and unexpectedly sentimental workplace comedy. At first glance, the decision to move on from pre-teens to the fan-favorites' inner monsters may appear like a double-edged sword, though. On one hand, Big Mouth’s spin-off arguably loses the one particular thing that made Big Mouth special: a frank and unflinching, but still fun, look at the most awkward period in our lives: puberty. The show’s chaotic crude humor fit the premise perfectly, making it a trailblazing coming-of-age show. Does the office setting of Human Resources dim its charm, bringing it too close to being just another crass adult animated show, just this time with monsters?
On the other hand, the Human Resources format allowed for exploration of topics beyond puberty: pregnancy and postpartum depression, love and addiction, grief, and relationships between adult children and their parents. While not all of its jokes land perfectly, this series undertakes heavy themes with tender care but does not take itself too seriously. Through client-based plots, the show balances its heart and obscenity perfectly, arguably even outshining its predecessor at times.