Ep 2. Everybody Bleeds

In Big Mouth season 1 episode 2, named "Everybody Bleeds", we see the continuation of the trials and tribulations of the four preteens Nick, Andrew, Jessi, and Jay who are dealing with the ups and downs of puberty. This episode revolves around Jessi's first period, and we see her struggle to come to terms with it. She envisions her period as a warped, grotesque creature that has taken over her body and is tormenting her.

Meanwhile, Andrew is dealing with his own puberty issues as he is growing red hair all over his body and develops a fetish for stomach tattoos. Things get complicated when he discovers that his cousin, who is the same age as him, has started his own period.

Nick and Jay, on the other hand, are in a competition to see who can woo their crushes, with Nick pursuing the school's resident mean girl while Jay goes after a girl who is way out of his league. Both of them must navigate the complexities of teenage romance and deal with rejection.

Throughout the episode, the characters are plagued by their internalized anxieties and insecurities, which are manifested in their bizarre and often hilarious fantasies. There are scenes such as Jessi's menstrual creature harassing her at a school dance, which is just as absurd and entertaining as it sounds.

Despite the show's antics, what stands out in this episode is its sensitivity towards the struggles of teenage girls. The way Jessi's period is portrayed as a surreal monster highlights the fear and shame that many girls feel about menstruation. It is reassuring to see this issue handled with such nuance in a show that is often outrageous.

The episode's climax is an emotional scene where the girls on a school trip bond over their shared experiences of menstruation. The girls support each other and offer advice, showing that they are not alone in navigating puberty's uncertainties.

Overall, episode 2 of Big Mouth is a hilarious yet thoughtful take on the complexities of puberty. As the characters explore their bodies and desires, the show offers a refreshing perspective on teenage life. It is relatable, insightful, and perhaps most importantly, not afraid to tackle taboo subjects with humor and sensitivity.