Billed as Big Mouth meets The Office, the recently released spinoff Human Resources has received mixed reviews. Despite struggling to find its footing with some critics, the series offers heartfelt and wholly human stories for fans and newcomers alike. A standout plot point, exploring themes of love, family and grief, also explores the family life of a fan favorite character. Ironically, while Human Resources' human characters often take a backseat to the wild workplace adventures of the various creatures pulling their emotional strings, the series does see the return of a few familiar faces.
John Mulaney's notoriously horny tween, Andrew Glouberman, makes a surprise mid-series cameo. Maya Rudolph and series co-creator Nick Kroll return to their iconic roles as Maurie and Connie, and their implied love connection is finally explored. But Human Resources' most compelling plot point comes in the form of Natalie's surprise appearance. As viewers already love the character, they come to love her family as well.
First introduced in Big Mouth's fourth season, Natalie was a sweet, fiery and unabashedly honest character that quickly won fans' hearts. The first of the series' transgender characters, the anxious camper illustrated the complexities of gender identity, coming out and dating as your most authentic self. While the character, voiced by Josie Totah, only appeared for a handful of episodes, fans were eager to see her return. Human Resources delivers on this while also introducing viewers to her family.
The primary focus of the spinoff is Lovebug in training, Emmy (voiced by Aidy Bryant). While shadowing seasoned professional Walter (Brandon Kyle Goodwin), she -- and the viewers -- are introduced to Yara. Walter's favorite client, the ailing grandmother once had a rich and passionate romantic history. Often unable to recognize her own son due to dementia, Walter delights Yara daily -- replaying memories of her first forbidden love.
Later, fellow Lovebug, Rochelle tends to her client, Nadja (Sabrina Jalees) while engaging in a workplace dispute with the girl’s Ambition Gremlin. Deeply in love with her girlfriend, Nadja is torn between attending Rutgers with her and maintaining their relationship, or attending her dream school. Natalie, it’s revealed, is Nadja’s younger sister. When she proudly reveals the news to their parents, Nadja’s conflict is made that much worse.
During a tense dinner scene, Amir (Ahmed Mawas) -- Yara’s son -- is revealed to be their father. It then becomes clear that the family will be a central focus for the season. Episode 9, “It’s Almost Over,” easily the season’s best, explores them further. The episode sees a panicked Walter in deep denial, and Amir deep in his grief -- in a wonderfully (and terribly) literal sense. The rebellious Natalie sneaks her grandmother out of the house for an afternoon of fun, giving her the "best day," and sadly, her last. In a painful and beautiful sequence, the family -- and Walter -- grieve as Amir accepts his mother's passing, praying.
As a ghost Yara is restored to her youthful self, and bids Walter a warm goodbye. A teary-eyed Walter promises to take care of Natalie. As the very lucky Yara reunites with both her husband and long-lost love Saffi, fans wonder where Natalie's own love life is headed. Deeply moved by this penultimate episode, fans look forward to the continued emotional misadventures of Natalie and her family.