Watch John Hodgman: RAGNAROK

John Hodgman: RAGNAROK is a unique comedy special that combines stand-up, storytelling, and music, starring the multifaceted humorist John Hodgman. Known for his dry wit and eclectic range of knowledge, Hodgman sets the stage for an apocalyptic-themed performance recorded in the days leading up to the supposed Mayan apocalypse. The roughly 67-minute Netflix original film, directed by Lance Bangs, captures Hodgman in his element, on stage at The Bell House in Brooklyn on December 21, 2012—the day the Mayan calendar predicted the world would end. The premise of the show revolves around the notion that as the world could be ending, Hodgman aims to deliver his final words of wisdom and what he considers essential insight to carry humanity through its final moments. The show is layered with Hodgman’s characteristic blend of bizarre humor, sharp intelligence, and satirical observation.

Throughout John Hodgman: RAGNAROK, Hodgman addresses the audience in his typical professorial style, sporting his trademark mustache and glasses, giving him the appearance of a comedic, modern-day sage. He delves into a wide array of topics ranging from the esoteric to the everyday, traversing through the spheres of history, culture, and his own life experiences, all peppered with a sense of impending doom and a healthy dose of humor.

Hodgman is joined by various sidekicks and collaborators, including Scott Adsit, a fellow comedian and actor known for his role on the TV show “30 Rock.” Adsit plays the part of a "deranged millionaire" and contributes to the chaos and absurdity of the show with spirited interactions that reinforce the humorous tone of impending apocalypse.

Cynthia J. Hopkins brings a musical angle to the special as she provides the show with melodious interludes and accompanies Hodgman during several segments. Hopkins is not only a talented singer and musician but also a theatrical performer who adds an artistic layer to the performance by weaving her songs into the narrative crafted by Hodgman.

Young talent Joel Ronson, a teenage musician at the time, also features, showcasing his skills as a musical prodigy. His inclusion in the show serves as a contrast to Hodgman's older, world-weary persona, bringing a sense of youthful optimism and talent to the stage that complements the overarching themes of generational change and the passing of time.

One of the most peculiar and distinctive aspects of John Hodgman: RAGNAROK is the incorporation of various props and visuals that heighten the comedic effect of the performance. From a rotating rack of survivalist “Ragnarok” kits prepared by Hodgman to detailed drawings referencing his musings, the stage is set to reflect a mock-serious bunker prepared for the end of times. Even Hodgman’s costume changes play into the theme, with outfits and accessories that add a visual punchline to his elaborate tales and hypotheses.

A unique feature of the film is the way it accentuates Hodgman’s storytelling prowess, hinting at the grandiose and the ridiculous but always underpinned by his scintillating intelligence. The stories Hodgman tells are filled with outlandish scenarios and quirky characters, which, while they are mostly comedic in nature, occasionally allow for thoughtful moments that reveal Hodgman’s deeper commentary on human nature and society.

The title RAGNAROK itself is drawn from Norse mythology, referring to the prophesied end of the world, a series of events that includes great battles and natural disasters leading to the submersion of the world in water—a fitting metaphor for the apocalyptic backdrop of Hodgman’s comedic exploration. The connection to mythology also allows Hodgman to explore and satirize the human fascination with doomsday predictions and the cultures that produce them.

Throughout the special, Hodgman keeps the audience on their toes with his eclectic approach to comedy. Whether he is incorporating audience participation, off-the-cuff remarks, or his personal experiences, Hodgman maintains an intimate connection with the viewers, making them complicit in his whimsical take on the ludicrous and ominous nature of ragnaroks, both literal and figurative.

In sum, John Hodgman: RAGNAROK is far more than a standard comedy special—it's a cerebral extravaganza that celebrates absurdity, intelligence, and the end of the world, presented by a comedian who is as erudite as he is amusing. It is an unconventional piece of performance art that encapsulates a unique moment in time and a comedian’s response to the concept of endings, both global and personal.