John Mulaney: Baby J

I approached John Mulaney's "Baby J" with a different expectation, anticipating a profound exploration of his journey through rehab based on the clips I had seen. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find myself thoroughly entertained. As a recovered addict, I strangely found myself relating to some of the experiences he shared and understanding where he was coming from.

Had I approached this special purely as a comedy show, I might have rated it a 3 or 4, as many of the topics Mulaney delves into are truly terrifying rather than humorous. Nevertheless, he skillfully weaves jokes into his narratives, creating a unique blend of darkness and laughter. I can imagine that those who haven't experienced addiction might feel uncomfortable or confused by his approach, but from my perspective, it strikes a chord deep within my heart.

Mulaney assumes a sort of villainous persona throughout the special, leading some to claim that he seems detached from the severity of his past struggles. However, I believe this is merely his way of coping with the trauma he endured. As a recovered/recovering addict, I may be biased in my review, but every word he utters resonates with me on a profound level. I read a review suggesting that the reviewer couldn't fathom Mulaney actually experiencing any of what he described, and I find that notion incredulous. It seems that the reviewer fails to grasp the immense gravity of addiction.

While I acknowledge that non-addicts might find great enjoyment in "Baby J," I can only provide my perspective, which might be off-putting or uncomfortable for some. However, I view the special as a powerful message infused with dark humor from start to finish.

I've been a fan of John Mulaney for years. But on my first viewing of this special, I started it and then stopped it. His rhythm is different. His tone and manner are different. I felt guilty at the notion that I may have preferred him as a comedian when he was using. I thought more about it and something hit me. I needed to grieve the loss of who I thought he was and make space for the truth of who he is. I went back and watched the whole thing thinking I may just need a moment to be reintroduced to him. So glad I did. He'll never be the same but wow he's still hilarious and this time it's sustainable. This special is really insightful, honest and genuine. It's rare for a comedian to leave me both laughing and reflecting. Definitely worth the watch.

It's John Mulaney. He's funny. I laughed.

But compared to his other specials? This was underwhelming.

Not bad by any stretch and certainly worth the watch.

Part of what I enjoy so much about him is that, yes, his stories are ridiculous and, yes, his takes are unique, but his ability to describe things creates such hilarious imagery that his humor can make use of. The variety of topics he'd hit in his first few specials were incredible and let that whole dynamic work it's magic.

Here, he's still funny as hell, but he confined his material entirely to his addiction and recovery. That's totally fine in and of itself, since that's been his life in recent years. But the grim subject matter takes the variety out of the show, making it really monotonous. It was like an hourlong story with plenty of events, but it just kept going and going.

I won't be able to rewatch this special. I'm a longtime fan and I hate to see him in this light, especially since I can't imagine him actually doing any of these things. Maybe that makes me more biased than average. Do with that what you will. Regardless, I hope we get more content like his previous stuff, except without his previous *sources of inspiration.*

Kudos on whoever came up with that kind of production design and immediate opener for a standup special. It had really become boring to hear an announcer and witness the dude get on stage under applause. Both on technical and creative efforts, the visual aspects of this production are winners. The standup stands out thanks to how the "man talking on stage" is packaged.

And about the content: Yeah, enough of a differentiator to have a drug addict's rehab story told from such a perspective. Mulaney's reactions to the interview he gave to GQ was a highlight. And there was other good stuff, like the exchange between him and the 5th grader among the audience. (Not sure if that was planned/real, or improvised, though).

Still, there was something a bit off-putting, maybe even scary about the whole experience.

Mulaney thanks the intervention 12 for saving his life. But does he really register how dark a place he was in?

Certain remarks suggested he DID understand he was going to die of an overdose or of other physical outcomes of substance use. And it is totally understandable that, as a performer, he might intentionally avoid sharing on stage the darker memories and concerns he had had during the period. Also, no mention of his ex-wife looked like a marker on a personal level just to steer away from whatever caused his downfall.

Yes, that was a downfall. Not as an entertainer, but as an organism. Regardless of how audiences may be lead to perceive substance use, it is a health scare for good reason. People die on that. And in huge numbers.

As he told his story, I got the feeling that he was not distanced enough from his addicted self enough to make me say "this dude is off the hook for good".

Not that I was expecting a direct delivery of the moral of the story, but I thought there should be more than that soft advice of "Don't do it" to that 5th grader, something addressing the similarly troubled adults in the audience.

I just hope John Mulaney will not be in need of further interventions, and that the humor he found under the conditions can be replaced with healthier sources of inspirations in the future, regardless of the public enjoying such material or not.

This is John Mulaney's first show since his personal scandal surrounding his drug addiction, rehab experience, and divorce. Following these tragedies he got serious with the amazing Olivia Munn, and had a baby. He seems to be past the worst parts of his life. This very funny and, sometime shocking, special is about the darkest times and more. He is painfully funny and honest about the darkness of the experience and his dealing with it. This is raw and honest and funny because it is authentic. Many comedians evolve from chaos and, quite honestly, are not funny at all. This is not true here. He is as funny as ever. Evolved as can be, but funny as ever. See this one, even if this is your first Mulaney special.