Netflix's Big Mouth - Episode 3.11 "Super Mouth"
When a freak storm gives everyone new superpowers, tensions between Andrew, Nick and friends boil over into an epic showdown.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the season finale of Netflix's Big Mouth.
"Super Mouth" was written by Gil Ozeri and directed by Bryan Francis & Mike L. Mayfield
There have been plenty of moments across the series so far in which Nick and Andrew's friendship has been challenged and tested. As individuals, they have both done some pretty heinous actions that should make anyone question why they would want to remain friends with them. However, they always fought to preserve this dynamic. It may be awkward at times but it's something that they always came back to comfortably. But now, their future together is in limbo. Sure, it's strange that Andrew has the introspection and conviction right now to say that they should no longer be friends. He has never come across as being all too aware of how his actions play to others. Plus, he has always questioned whether he was making the right choices because his actions frequently explode right in his face. But he also has the clarity to know that his friend is a jerk and this friendship may be toxic. It's not something that Nick is expecting at all. He believes he can simply apologize after this fight and they can go back to being friends. He even celebrates when Andrew finally shoots the basketball through the hoop. That shows that they are continually changing. But their interests may be sending them on diverging paths. Of course, Andrew makes the decision not to attend summer camp with Nick without telling anyone. His father is rightfully furious at him. And yes, it is curious why he is sending wearing an eyepatch. Nick and Andrew may still be forced together because they live nearby and attend school together. However, their bond may never be what it once was. Friendships change and evolve over the years. In the throws of puberty, this fight becomes all about Missy. It's wrong for Andrew to make any sort of claim to her. He continues to hold onto these romantic feelings despite the numerous times she has shut him down. She and Nick had an intense attraction during the school musical. That may be all that there was to this flirtation though. However, Nick doesn't have the emotional maturity to tell her as such. That means everyone feels hurt and betrayed. They are having these wild and extreme reactions. The show exaggerates that further by imagining a freak storm that has gifted all of them with superpowers. Sure, the story eventually clarifies that this is simply how Caleb views all of this from his outside perspective. He understands the precise superpowers that his peers would like. However, Nick and Andrew don't actually get to destroy the school. Principal Barren gets to retire without anything disastrous happening on her final day. To these kids though, this truly is a matter of life-or-death. The show amplifies that in a way where the audience can get wrapped up in these feelings as well. Sure, it highlights just how disgusting many of these men can be. When Nick can change size, he mostly just cares about having a big dick. Meanwhile, Andrew gets to walk around naked because that's how he can become completely invisible. And finally, Jay believes that he can manipulate cum with his mind. That's where their priorities are at the moment. They aren't mature enough to actually handle the emotional complexities of life. Jessi fears that her entire life is imploding because her mother is moving them to the city. She feels like she can't find support from any of her friends. She needs that now more than ever. Everyone else is too distracted though. That's tragic. Change may be inevitable but it doesn't have to be this painful. Missy closes the season burning pictures of Nick, Andrew and Lars because they each wanted to control her. They each hurt her in an extreme way that was completely unnecessary. That's the way they function in the world. They make these mistakes now and will hopefully learn from them. However, it also feels like there are already extreme consequences. The show actively explores them with the understanding that things may never be what they once were amongst these friends. That's very exciting for Season 4 and beyond.
