Even with all of the public turmoil surrounding John Mulaney over the past few years, it’s kind of tough to consider his new special a “comeback,” because with the pandemic sidelining virtually everyone for a bit, it doesn’t really feel like he ever left. But by no means does that make seeing his comedic genius back in action feel like anything less than redemption, and a triumphant masterclass in brushing yourself off just to drag yourself in a comedic light.
From the cold open of his fourth special Baby J, which premiered on Netflix earlier this week, Mulaney seems well-oiled and in tune to what made this particular batch of material so potent from the jump. Of course, the setting feels all too familiar with the almost unsettling confidence he exudes, the attention to detail in terms of the theatrical vibe (which is only further accentuated by the fact that it was filmed at Boston’s Symphony Hall), the fine-tailored suit, and the stories of childhood musings that continue to seep into his subconscious and thus blossom further into comedic chaos as an adult.
Even with all the familiarity, and bringing with it a comfort of sorts, as he points out in his own way at the top of the hour-and-change, Mulaney’s reputation is different now, and in turn, so is the vibe he now gives off. It’s not necessarily a vibe that changes his composure or delivery too intensely from what we’ve been accustomed to in the past (minus what we’ve now been informed were rants and ravings fueled by his substances of choice), but rather one that feels more introspective and willing to pull back the seemingly squeaky-clean curtain on the dark few months of his life that dominated headlines during the pandemic.
Of course, he’s not too heavy-handed with how he opens up about his experiences with addiction, his journey through rehab, and how it’s affected him now that he’s on the other side of it, but while the stories (at least the ones he’s willing to tell us) are generously injected with hilarity the way we’ve always liked them when they come from Mulaney’s brain, there’s a constant feeling of growth and maturity seeded deep within them.
Whether he’s hitting on an all-too-relatable feeling from grade school, or giving everyone a more palatable view into the damage done over the course of his downward spiral, Mulaney retains the charm and silliness that we’ve come to treasure him for, he doesn’t let himself off the hook when it comes to pointing the shortcomings that led to his very public mistakes and misfortunes., and while landing each anecdote in a sea of laughter, where he often times chuckles to himself about it, he’s not making any excuses.
Looking at the monstrous success of Mulaney’s past Netflix specials in The Comeback Kid and Kid Gorgeous, or even that of his first special New In Town, it almost feels impossible to top them. But once you dive into the rich verbal illustration and inward shining spotlight of Baby J, it’s incredibly apparent that this isn’t like his past work, and can’t be compared. This chapter brings us a familiar voice we are grateful to hear again, but this time with a rebirthed perspective that still harbors the same sarcasm and faux-arrogance that has helped make Mulaney the global comedy superstar he has returned to being today.
The word “special” has come into discussion quite a bit in recent time, specifically in terms of how it applies to the seemingly never-ending waves of comedy releases, and while this is one presentation amidst an ocean of other presentations, this one truly does feel special. Cinematically, it feels larger than life (dare we compare it to the vibe of Eddie Murphy’s Delirious?) and creatively, it goes all out with floating cameras, wide angles, and music scored by David Byrne. Of course, the subject matter that everyone has been so curious about powers this display as it ebbs and flows with triumph and failure, and by the end of the show, it’s feels like a bonafide experience.
The fact that Mulaney’s sharp and bombastic comedy drive is still there amidst all his bumps and bruises is great and as therapeutic as it ever has been. But with everything that this power-packed display holds, the true takeaway is that Baby J is obviously in a better place, and by the looks of it, there to stay.