Human Resources, the animated series, underwent a significant transformation in its second season, shedding its immature humor and scatological jokes for a more sophisticated and nuanced approach. The show’s creators have somehow managed to wring humor and heart from its unique premise, with the help of a talented voice cast, including Aidy Bryant, Randall Park, Keke Palmer, David Thewlis, Maya Rudolph, Nick Kroll, Hugh Jackman, and Miley Cyrus, who bring depth and nuance to their respective roles.
One of the most notable changes in the second season is the balance between humor and long-running storylines and character development. Gone are the days of sacrificing structure for cheap laughs, replaced by a thoughtful and philosophical approach that rewards close attention. The creators have finally found the sweet spot, allowing the characters to breathe and grow in ways that were previously absent.
The cast of characters, including Connie, Maury, and Rochelle, undergo significant transformations, revealing complex personalities and backstories that make them relatable and human. Pete’s obsession with rules gets better fleshed out, and the impactful moments of character growth add up to a compelling narrative. The show’s creators have done an excellent job of crafting a narrative that is both ridiculous and heartfelt, a true feat of comedic storytelling.
A Still From ‘Human Resources’ Season 2 (Photo: Human Resources)
Another standout aspect of Human Resources is its ability to incorporate clever references to Big Mouth storylines, Netflix, and even who’s voicing which character. These jokes are spaced out masterfully, never feeling forced or overwhelming. The show’s self-awareness is a major contributor to its tone, which expertly subverts expectations thanks to its involvement of big Hollywood names.
Perhaps what sets Human Resources apart from other animated series is its ability to make the most of its runtime, with each episode clocking in at nearly 30 minutes. The pacing is expertly managed, making time fly by with one-liners that are sure to elicit laughter. The show’s creators have crafted a narrative that is both absurd and touching, a true achievement in comedic storytelling.
Human Resources Season 2 is a prime example of how humor doesn’t always need to be highbrow. By embracing its weirdness and absurdity, the show has created something truly special. Although it’s a shame that this evolution only occurred in the second and final batch of episodes, fans of the series can stream all episodes of Human Resources on Netflix.
