{shortcode-b4fb26bf53c38cc56614102e82e3e4964ae44a57}

Netflix recently released the “Big Mouth” Valentine’s Day Special, “My Furry Valentine,” the latest addition since the release of Season Two. Fans of the show will certainly rejoice at this move by Netflix, and for good reason. The special is a masterful blend of sharp writing, beautifully crafted awkwardness, and the dulcet tones of Nick Kroll. For those who crashed right through Seasons One and Two and have been starved for new content, it will surely delight with the return of a stellar cast of voices, some witty (but slightly disconcerting) Oedipus references, and — in keeping with the past two seasons — a couple musical numbers thrown in for good measure. “Big Mouth” never misses an opportunity to show what it’s good at: the good, the weird, and the downright grotesque.

The premise of this special is the ever so important, yet eternally terrifying prospect of Valentine’s Day for middle school students. The special, roughly twice as long as a typical episode at 46 minutes, delves into the various misfortunes, anxieties, and awkwardness of the holiday felt by the show’s characters. Nick (Nick Kroll), Andrew (John Mulaney), and their friends deal with crushes, rejection, loneliness, and the notorious hormone monsters, Maurice and Connie (Nick Kroll and Maya Rudolph). The climax of the episode unfolds with a superbly juvenile eruption of emotion and frustration brought on by a Valentine’s Day rejection. Kroll returns as impressive as ever, nailing memorable character voices like the insufferable Lola and the pathetic (yet iconic) Coach Steve.

“Big Mouth” uses worn out Valentine’s Day clichés to their advantage and flips them on their head. Kroll treats viewers to several musical numbers throughout the episode, inserting scathing lyrics lamenting the tropes and frustration of Valentine’s Day into cheesy love ballads. The plot also takes common comedic Valentine’s Day bits and gives them a new dimension. The frustration of “love triangles” manifests here in the ghost of composer Duke Ellington (Jordan Peele) when he exclaims to Nick that “Valentine's Day is a game of musical chairs, and there’s never one for old Duke.”

The special is a direct continuation of the second season, and that continuity is a logical choice. Rather than creating an isolated episode, the writers take advantage of the current messy plotlines from Season Two to develop characters in what appears to be a prelude to a much anticipated Season Three. The most impactful development is the shocking revelation to Nick that his new hormone monster at the end of the Season Two finale is actually Connie.

Though the Valentine’s Day special offers loyal viewers fresh middle school awkwardness, new viewers should stay away – very far away. The show itself is golden, and the special follows well in its usual style. Watching the special, however, without first watching the first two seasons may be too much for some. It’s better to ease in, as it will make the viewer much more prepared for the ramped up innuendo and nearly overwhelming sexual humor that pervades the show. There are jokes about incestual, conjoined twins and also a rather twisted bit on one student struggling to satisfy the Valentine’s Day wishes of his boyfriend and his girlfriend — both of whom are pillows (the jury’s still out on this one). The casual Netflix watcher is likely to be unnerved by the vulgar and often crude style of the show, even though it’s what makes “Big Mouth” so uniquely hilarious. The humor, characters, and especially the plot are much easier to grapple with after watching “Big Mouth” from the beginning. New viewer should then watch from the beginning, or the special might just leave you confused, queasy, and probably a little scared. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch “Big Mouth,” because once you start, the binge won’t stop.

The most effective — and most intriguing — aspect of the special is its singular ability to reach its audience. The premise is simple and relatable. Everyone had to go through that awkward and confusing trial of life called middle school. As Nick puts it, “It’s a rolling, growing pink snowball of stress that no one needs.” Whether you looked forward to the cards, candy, and roses or, like most, dreaded the mention of that day, the emotions and terrors of a teenage Valentine’s Day is a connection most share. “Big Mouth” taps into those raw feelings that have definitely been hidden away in the dark back room of the subconscious. The show is a spectacular tribute to the ugly side of Valentine’s Day, and celebrates the worst of this day in the best way possible.

— Declan J. Knieriem can be reached at declan.knieriem@thecrimson.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DeclanKnieriem.