MAMMON'S MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL MID-SEASON SPECIAL (ft Fizzarolli)

"Mammon didn't do shit. You already were this. You'd be this no matter what! You are the most inspiring demon I have ever known and meeting you was the best thing that ever happened to me. I adore your inventiveness, your attitude, your resilence. And you're just the cutest little thing alive! Also, you are a waaaaay better performer than Mammon ever was, and thaaat's just facts."

- Asmodeus, to Fizzarolli

MAMMON'S MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL MID-SEASON SPECIAL (ft Fizzarolli) is the seventh episode of the second season of Helluva Boss, the fifteenth episode overall, and a special. It premiered on October 29, 2023, on Vivziepop's YouTube channel.

Synopsis

 * Mammon has a yearly clown pageant and things sure do happen!

Plot
The episode opens up on a concert in the Greed Ring hosted by the Sin of Greed - the unsympathetic and egotistical Mammon. The venue is sold out and among the crowd are teenagers, Blitzo and Fizzarolli. When Mammon bombastically unveils himself, he announces a clown pageant, the winner of which will become the new face of his clown-themed brand (which he not-so-secretly just wants to use as an exploitative sales gimmick). In the crowd, Fizzarolli is loving everything about it while Blitz remains skeptical.

When the event ends and Blitzo and Fizzarolli are walking home, Fizzarolli tells Blitzo that he'd like nothing more than to win that pageant and work with Mammon. However, Blitzo states that it's pointless compared to the fame and fortune they've already netted from their circus and it's not worth becoming Mammon's creepy mascot. Fizzarolli elaborates that it's not about the fame and fortune, but rather the chance to work alongside his lifelong idol and goes as far as to label him as an inspiration.

Blitzo simply tells him that Mammon is definitely something, hiding the truth that he doesn't like him, and goes on to ask if all the crazy antics that come with Mammon's endorsement are worth their life savings. When Fizzarolli says it's totally worth it, a stranger is lurking in the shadows. He asks Blitz if he could actually do it with hard work and dedication and Blitzo tells him he's the only hellion who would ever be the right fit for all things "clown". Just then, the two are intercepted by Burnie Burnz, an obsessive fan of their circus who creeps out Fizzarolli to no end and tries pitching his own idea for an act in their performance. Hostilities escalate between him and Blitzo, who recognizes him as a creepy stalker he regularly sees snooping around their dressing rooms, and the two of them leave in huff. Burnie melodramatically denounces them for turning them down and arrogantly denounces them out of spite for turning their back on him (mostly due to his extremely uncomfortable demeanor). Upon hearing his harsh words, Fizzarolli questions if his acts are just trash and Blitzo tells him to not dwell on the opinions of one obsessive asshole. Despite this, Fizzarolli still feels vulnerable, claiming that if he wants to succeed, he needs to be perfect.

By the time the plot returns to present day, Fizz's obsessive training and vigorous preparation has paid off and he is the face of Mammon's clown brand, selling off plush toys and robotic simulacrums in his image for $70.

At Asmodeus's Tower, Fizzarolli is scrambling to put on his foundation that conceals his scars in preparation for his 10th Clown Pageant when Asmodeus walks in. He doesn't understand what Fizz's worries are all about, claiming that Mammon's clown pageant is stupid. All Fizzarolli can say is that he wants to be perfect for Mammon and make him proud. Asmodeus tells him that there's no such thing as perfect and tries to convince him that maybe it's time for him to retire from the pageant. Better yet, he suggests taking a vacation someplace where he doesn't have to fend off creepy fans. However, stating that he's always had to fend off creepy fans, even before the simulacrums, Fizzarolli claims that this is just something that he has to do. Asmodeus explains that he doesn't like the idea of Fizzarolli having to fend off fans, much less designing sex toys in Fizz's likeness for Mammon.

However, Fizzarolli sticks with his earlier statement that working for Mammon is a big deal to him, especially since he's been his idol since he was 5 years old, claiming that he can't just let him down by not competing. Asmodeus doesn't mind telling Fizzarolli that Mammon is not worth working for, claiming that he's known Mammon since the beginning of Hell's existence and he is literally the worst. As much as he loves Fizzarolli, he doesn't want him doing the clown schtick for someone's approval. Fizzarolli acknowledges his lover, and tells him that this pageant is for him and he just doesn't want to lose. Looking for some other way of getting through to Fizzarolli, Asmodeus rings up the only other demon he can think of.

In the Pride Ring, Blitzo is watching TV and eating cereal in his apartment when he gets a call. The two of them exchange hellos and Asmodeus explains Fizz's obsession with this year's clown pageant, hoping that Blitzo could help him in explaining to him that it's a waste of time. Blitzo is not worried since Fizzarolli is undefeated until Asmodeus tells him that Fizzarolli doesn't listen when he tries telling him that Mammon is a selfish, manipulative piece of shit. What he's hoping for is that because of their history and newly rekindled friendship, Blitzo could talk some sense into him.

The three of them arrive via limousine at Mammon's theater and Fizzarolli asks to be reminded why Blitzo is accompanying them. Asmodeus tells him that because the secrecy of their romance doesn't allow the two of them to be seen together, Blitzo has to accompany him for security detail, citing that he was able to keep him safe when they fell into Crimson and Striker's clutches.

Asmodeus departs and Fizzarolli is greeted by Mammon, who informs him of some stiff competition. When Blitzo sees Mammon ridiculing Fizzarolli over "minor details" that could prove detrimental to his sales image, Blitzo doesn't hesitate to denounce one of Mammon's own performances. He tells Fizzarolli to keep smiling and he departs, leaving Blitz to not hesitate to say he does not like him at all. Fizzarolli tells Blitzo that while he still doesn't know the real reason Asmodeus brought him to the venue, he orders him to not talk back to his boss. When Blitzo questions why he needs this gig, pointing out his apparent affair with the Sin of Lust, Fizzarolli stubbornly declares that he just needs it and proceeds with smiling and waving to his fans on the red carpet. However, tensions arise when his competition rolls in: Glitz and Glam, twin sisters with sharp tongues and sharper claws. Fizzarolli tries to exchange pleasantries with them, but they just denounce him as a fugly imp and are looking forward to crushing anything that dares interfere with their victory. It's that right there that gives Blitz the need to encourage Fizzarolli to bring his A-Game for the soul purpose of pile driving those bitches.

Fizzarolli and the twins compete in the opening act and they tie for 666 on the score board. Afterwards, Mammon hosts the admission for meet-&-greets with the stars and refuses to allow Fizzarolli to skip it when he doesn't feel comfortable with meeting the fans at this time. Fizzarolli tries to stand up for himself, but Mammon selfishly pressured him into doing this one thing for the sake of the show. Blitz tries to get him to explain why he lets Mammon walk all over him, but Fizzarolli still refuses to open up to him. He greets the fans and marches past his discomfort. When he thanks them all for showing up, he is greeted by a young imp boy who tells him with sign language that he's a big a fan. Fizzarolli wholesomely greets him in his level and tells everybody to look forward to the finale. Unfortunately, that's when Burnie returns and denounces his career in front of everybody, still embittered by being turned away all those years ago. Fizzarolli has his back against the wall when Burnie menacingly approaches him and Blitz swoops in, ready to blow him to kingdom come if he doesn't leave at once. However, just before he can, Fizzarolli is overtaken by anxiety and Blitz settles for sucker punching him away. Burnie leaves and swears revenge and Mammon appears, inquiring on what just happened. Fizzarolli feels pressured into telling him that everything's fine and Mammon tells him that in light of whatever this is, the sisters will go on first to give Fizzarolli time to prepare. Blitzo once again probes him as to why he's really doing this, repeating Asmodeus's earlier claim that this clown pageant is stupid. All Fizzarolli tells him is that this job is all that matters and he'll lost everything otherwise. Blitzo denounces Mammom as a trash fire using Fizzarolli for everything, but Fizzarolli defends him and states that it's all part of the process to make him perfect, leaving Blitzo confused as to what he'd need to be perfect for.

The twins go on and their performance knocks the audience dead. Watching them stresses Fizzarolli out to the point of making him flee for his dressing room. When he looks in the mirror, he sees that he's sweating so much that his foundation is running and exposing his scar-ridden face. Seeing the amount of emotional trouble Fizzarolli is in, Asmodeus risks exposure to appear in his dressing room to check on him. Fizzarolli insists that he's fine when Asmodeus can clearly see that he's not. He once again tries getting through to Fizzarolli, but he is still stubborn and claims that he needs to prove that he's still capable of doing this. That's when Asmodeus is able to explain that Fizzarolli only acts like he needs to be this perfect clown because Mammon is perpetually forcing that image onto him. Fizzarolli then confesses that he has his perfect life and him because of Mammon and needs to do this to prove that he's still worthy of it and him. Asmodeus asks how Fizzarolli could possibly lose him and Fizzarolli tearfully explains that Asmodeus is only Fizz's lover for what he is at his best. Fizzarolli finally reaches his breaking point when he yanks off his hat and shows Asmodeus what's left of his horns and his scar-ridden face, denouncing himself as a barely adequate partner or mascot for any king of sin when this is who he really is. He is what he is today because of Mammon, believing that he owes everything to him because without Mammon, he's nothing. Finally knowing the truth, Asmodeus explains to the vulnerable Fizzarolli that Mammon didn't do anything to make Fizzarolli the great success in life. He did because he was always the inspiration Asmodeus fell in love with, and doesn't hesitate to tell him that he loves everything about him. Asmodeus finishes his heartfelt statement by telling Fizzarolli that he's a way better performer than Mammon ever was - not something Fizzarolli could trust in himself until now. The two demons share a hug and Fizzarolli is finally ready to rock the show, knowing that his true love will still be waiting for him whether he wins it or not. After a heartfelt duet, both demons share a kiss until they are interrupted by Burnie, who returns with the vengeance (a dagger). Thankfully, Blitz is there to blow his head off and see that the two of them really are an item and then sarcastically congratulates them on their "fucking hypocrisy".

With the audience losing hope in seeing Fizz's performance, Mammon addresses them when the stage lights up and he takes his seat with his Fizzarolli simulacrum harem waiting for him. Fizzarolli performs a heartfelt song telling the story of the abuse he's dealt with all his life and how he's ready to end this chapter with a bang. His performance goes off like fireworks and when it's all over, he finally quits in front of everybody and stands up to Mammon. He tries to walk out on him before transforming into his true form. Seeing his lover in danger, Asmodeus transforms too and prepares for battle. Mammon tries to blackmail Asmodeus into standing down by threatening to reveal his romance with Fizzarolli, but Asmodeus instead announces it to the entire audience. Finally rendered powerless, Mammon can do nothing except menacingly telling Asmodeus that he's going to regret revealing his deepest darkest secret and disappears, releasing an explosion that brings the whole place down.

In the limousine ride home, Fizzarolli and Asmodeus are cuddling when Blitzo ends the episode by asking the two "Who tops?".

Characters

 * Blitzo
 * Seven Deadly Sins
 * Asmodeus
 * Mammon (debut)
 * Fizzarolli
 * Robo Fizz (pictured; mentioned)
 * Glitz and Glam (debut)
 * Burnie Burnz (debut)
 * Wally Wackford

Locations

 * Hell
 * Lust Ring
 * Asmodeus's Tower
 * Big Ozzie's Factory
 * Greed Ring
 * Mammon Theatre
 * Pride Ring
 * Blitzo's apartment
 * Sloth Ring
 * Dreamsville (mentioned)
 * Wrath Ring
 * Ragesburg (mentioned)

Objects

 * Fizzarolli's airhorn

Songs

 * "Juggling Iz Cool"
 * "Klown Bitch"
 * "Crooked"
 * "2 Minutes Notice"

Instrumentals

 * "House of Asmodeus"
 * "Klown Bitch"

Trivia

 * This episode has scenes shown in animatics and storyboards from the 2022 trailer, to which some shots were completed and improved.
 * This is by far the longest running episode of the season, lasting at least thirty minutes and is the first musical episode of the overall series.
 * This episode features the guest voice of animator Michael Cusack as Mammon. Cusack is the creator of the Adult Swim series, YOLO, and the co-creator of the series, Smiling Friends, alongside Zach Hadel. Hadel also contributed additional voices for the episode.
 * Some of the Hellaverse's voice alumni (e.g. Erica Lindbeck, Monica Franco) also contributed voices for Smiling Friends.
 * This episode, along with "Oops", also features animation outsourced to Toon City Animation in Mandaluyong and Vancouver.
 * This is the first episode to feature production credits at the beginning and the end.
 * When Mammon claimed that "women aren't funny", the "Written by Vivienne Medrano" credit briefly flashes on the screen.
 * This is the first episode to feature a diegetic musical number (specifically the song "Crooked") where the characters don't sing in a venue of sorts nor in a jingle but rather out in the open.
 * As previously implied by Robo Fizz, Asmodeus and his factory are responsible for creating the Robo Fizz sex toy line for Mammon, albeit the former dislikes the practice.
 * It is also revealed that Fizzarolli had won Mammon's Clown pageant nine times in a row and, as of this episode, has won his tenth time participating in the Greed's annual pageant.
 * It is revealed that Fizzarolli has the ability to communicate through sign language, shown when he speaks to a mute imp fan.
 * Closed captions appear at the bottom of the screen during scenes relating to sign language.
 * Due to YouTube's restrictions on profanity, the word "cunt", which Mammon kept using, was censored with a honk sound effect.
 * This is the first time two of the Seven Deadly Sins appear in one episode, and the first time there is conflict between two of them.
 * As of this episode, Asmodeus and Fizzarolli have officially publicized their romantic relationship with each other.
 * Additionally, it is revealed that Fizzarolli and Asmodeus' ship name is called Ozzarolli. Before this reveal, the most popular fanmade ship name for the two was "Fizzarozzie".
 * It is also the first time Fizzarolli reveals his broken horns he normally hides with his jester hat.

Cultural References

 * When the audience members look at their phones to tweet about Asmodeus' relationship with Fizzarolli, one of them has a GIF of a Fizz-esque puppet waiving his arms. This is a nod to the infamous Kermit the Frog meme.
 * One of the users on the Clownporium messages goes by the name 'Doug_Dugs', a possible allusion to the Namco game .
 * The pose Fizzarolli does at the end of his song shares a striking resemblance to Alexander Hamilton's pose, from the musical play of the same name, which in return is based on iconic pose.

Continuity

 * The teenage versions of Blitzo and Fizzarolli appear to be the same ones in the picture that was seen on Blitzo's phone in "Ozzie's, implying the flashback is on the night the picture was taken.
 * Blitzo eating cheese with hot sauce is a callback to episode "The Harvest Moon Festival".
 * Blitzo is shown wearing his bodyguard outfit from "Loo Loo Land" when he is hired by Asmodeus as Fizzarolli's temporary security.
 * Asmodeus brings up the events of the previous episode "Oops" where he mentions how Fizzarolli got kidnapped by Crimson and his mafia, and Striker for extortion until Blitzo helped him escape.
 * One of the imps in the audience during Fizzoralli's final performance is the impsona of Cécilia Goncalves, making this her third appearance in the series, the last two being in "The Harvest Moon Festival" and "Queen Bee".

Errors

 * In fewer scenes (around 17:23 & 17:36), Blitzo is shown with his usual attire instead of his bodyguard outfit.

Transcript
View the episode's transcript here.

Gallery

 * MAMMON'S MAGNIFICENT MUSICAL MID-SEASON SPECIAL (ft Fizzarolli)/Gallery