"Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special" Review

Rachel Bloom, a multi-talented actress best known for starring and co-creating “My Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” came out with her first Netflix comedy special titled, “Death, Let Me Do My Special.” The performance is a musical theater stand-up with songs, dialogue and introspective stories about her experience with COVID and the birth of her child.

The unique show is a great concept but fails to deliver on the stand-up comedy aspect. Bloom is funny and uses her comedy to lighten the dark theme of death. There were funny moments in the special, but they were few and far between for the traditional Netflix special and weren’t memorable.

What was more memorable was the decision to discuss the darkness that came with the pandemic and the loss in her life that came at that time. This artistic choice made for a stand-up that is much deeper than any traditional comedy in the present. However, Bloom rambles far too much in her storytelling and goes for long stretches without any comedy. At times, it seemed like the actress was off-script vomiting her life story which became boring.

The musical aspect highlighted Bloom’s songwriting ability which was funny and entertaining. To write songs like that for a stand-up performance is always interesting to see. Bloom has a great voice and the ballads were funny and helped her story.

Another unique aspect of the special was how Bloom would talk on stage with another actor who played “Death,” David Hull, and it added to the comedy and storytelling. Hull is also talented musically and had some great moments in the songs he sang.

Other than the comedy lacking, Bloom’s coming to terms with optimism towards death in the concluding song was a great ending and a full-circle moment. With all the darkness and anxiety she told the audience about, this new outlook is a reassuring conclusion and was made more powerful through her art.

Rachel Bloom is obviously talented and produces great art. While her comedy lacked and she rambled in certain moments, the style she used is interesting and has the potential to be implemented again by her and other talents like her.

Brooks Markle is a first-year majoring in communications. To contact him, email bfm5562@psu.edu.