by Sarah Nove ‘20

While promoting his latest project, comedian John Mulaney emphasized his lack of musical ability, as well as his disinterest in having kids. Despite that, his new Netflix special, “John Mulaney & the Sack Lunch Bunch” (JMTSLB), is a children’s musical comedy. In it, Mulaney and a group of kids ages 8-13, dubbed the “Sack Lunch Bunch,” perform skits and songs––often accompanied by elaborate choreographed dance numbers––that are incredibly bizarre, yet undeniably charming.

Describing a show like JMTSLB is no easy task. It is both silly and dark, with interviews where cast members discuss their greatest fears interspersed between lighthearted songs like “Plain Plate of Noodles” and “Do Flowers Exist at Night?” It’s a lot like watching “Sesame Street” if the characters talked about mortality instead of letters and numbers (and minus the puppets). JMTSLB follows a similar structure; rather than a single narrative, the special follows a group of recurring characters through a series of loosely-related segments. At times, this format comes off as a bit unfocused and disorienting, but, for the most part, it works. The rapid pace of the show emphasizes two of its main themes: time flies, and life is full of the unexpected.

Like many children’s shows, JMTSLB is full of delightful earworms. In fact, the soundtrack was composed by “Sesame Street’s” Eli Bolin. Bolin’s experience writing music for kids’ TV gives the songs in JMTSLB authenticity; if it weren’t for the eccentric lyrics written by Mulaney and his writing partner, Marika Sawyer, the music in JMTSLB would fit right in with any show on PBS Kids. Every track is hilariously absurd with a hint of existential anxiety. Though silly on their surface, the lyrics touch on serious topics, such as the importance of compassion in songs like “I Saw a White Lady Standing on the Street Just Sobbing (and I Think About It Once a Week),” and “Grandma’s Boyfriend Paul.”

Possibly the most notable aspect of this special was the cast, specifically, the children who comprise the Sack Lunch Bunch. Aside from a few moments where their inexperience shows, their performances were impressive. They are never the butt of the joke, because they are always in on it. Bits that could have easily come off as unintentionally mean instead hit the mark dead on, which is a testament to Mulaney’s strong rapport with the kids, as well as the kids’ fantastic comedic timing.

It’s difficult to compare JMTSLB bunch to Mulaney’s previous works because it is so different from anything he––or anyone, really––has done before. Mulaney seems to have carved out an entirely new genre, combining old ingredients with his unique personality to create something excitingly original.

Grade: B+