Demonstrating that a great stand-up routine should always stem from strong writing first and foremost, Brian Simpson makes common subjects for ridicule feel fresh again—just through how clever his writing is. Simpson seems to position himself from the same place where more controversial comedians punch down at women and at queerness. But he manages to push against expectations by keeping his focus on those who normally don't get the brunt of the criticism, or by drawing us toward broader cultural problems that make people act the way that they do. None of this is all that novel, of course, and Simpson does end up dwelling on certain subjects for too long. But every line he speaks feels considered and is deployed with the perfect matter-of-factness, keeping the laughs consistent without ever complaining or intentionally trying to provoke.

Just because Simpson's subjects of choice can be quite topical doesn't mean he doesn't also know how to be silly. One of his best segments in this special is when he starts putting tall men in his sights (admittedly out of a place of insecurity over his own height). The segment is obviously meant to be petty, but the way he "insults" these men just starts to delve into the absurd—which is a great way to allow for some breathing room between other routines that deal with subject matter that's a little touchier. He's got the versatility; he knows what he's doing.