Season 2 of Netflix’s Human Resources has just concluded its run with its second and final season- but it didn’t go away without a celebration.
Featuring the immaculate voice talents of Aidy Bryant, Randall Park, Keke Palmer, Maya Rudolph, Nick Kroll, and many more as well as some fresh voices to liven up the season, Human Resources is an unconventional yet surprisingly touching comedy.
A spin-off of the hilarious yet controversial Big Mouth, Human Resources expands upon the show’s universe by introducing us directly to the creatures who influence how we think, feel, and act.
Last season ended with tensions rising higher than ever and even involved the brutal death and mutilation of certain characters. This season, it seems the storm has been weathered but not for long…
Emmy the Lovebug (Aidy Bryant) continues to struggle with her demanding job as she’s gained several new clients including Sarah who’s voiced by Florence Pugh who became friends with co-creator Nick Kroll during the infamous filming of Don’t Worry Darling.
Florence isn’t the only star-studded newcomer to the cast…also guiding Sarah through her day-to-day is her Logic Rock Van voiced by none other than Miley Cyrus. The character’s design is even resemblant of Cyrus, much to the delight of Emmy (and the viewers).
Emmy’s not the only Lovebug with her hands full. Walter (Brandon Kyle Goodman) is hoping to start a new journey with his client Paul (Eugene Levy) who’s grieving the recent loss of his wife.
Rochelle (Keke Palmer) is not only managing a chaotic love life, she’s also debating whether to fully commit to being a Lovebug or a Hate Worm which has ripple effects for her activist client Alice (Alice Wong).
Our favorite hormone monsters aren’t off the hook either as Maury (Nick Kroll) and Connie (Maya Rudolph) have to come to terms with the fact that their child Montel (Cole Escola) is being mentored by Lionel (David Thewlis) to become a shame wizard.
To help and sometimes hinder the progression of these characters is Hope (Niecy Nash) who is exactly what she sounds like, a brightly colored disco-ball chested beam of light who explores what it means to be hopeful, when it can be dangerous, and when it can save your life.
Credit: Human Resources, Netflix
Hope is undoubtedly the best new addition to the cast with Van being a close second, as for our primary characters, Keke Palmer gives a standout performance once again as Rochelle.
With astounding vocals during her climactic song in episode 5, and her seamless switching between Lovebug and Hate Worm, Palmer proves herself to be the showstopper among the cast which is saying a lot considering Human Resources is comprised of some of the most iconic modern comedians to date.
This season is a little jumpy in regards to the multitude of arcs they’re trying to juggle, but everything ties together nicely and by the end, we’re left with a sweet and necessary message that speaks to the legacy of the show.
The humor, though over the top as expected is still laugh-out-loud funny and continues to push the boundaries with grotesque visuals and despicably dirty wordplay. The concept for the first episode alone wastes no time and jumps right into the innuendos we’re used to from this universe.
Last season shocked many viewers with surprisingly heartfelt moments and this season is no different. In episode 8 Ambition Gremlin Petra (Rosie Perez), helps a young non-verbal boy obtain his wants, offering more much-needed representation for the neurodiverse community.
This season like its predecessor touches on grief and the importance of emotional development which may have been illustrated better in the previous season but it’s still wonderful to see adult animation explore these nuanced topics.
While some see Human Resources and Big Mouth as grandiose displays of sexual humor and taboo subjects, many forget that both shows teach many viewers about the complexities of human life and emotions all the while being consistently funny.
While it’s disappointing to see Human Resources go, there are still 2 seasons of Big Mouth left to enjoy. Season 7 is set to premiere later this year and the 8th and final season is set to head to Netflix in 2024.