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Mae Martinsnew Netflix special,SAP,begins in a forest, twice.
Martin hands him a snow globe and asks him to introduce them.
In the background, theres a black screen dotted with little lights to mimic a starry sky.
Yet the campfire mood isnt just about the explicit connection to that closing anecdote.
People say things when theyre gathered around a campfire that they may not otherwise say in broad daylight.
It feels singular and closed off from the rest of the world.
Horror stories are scarier.
Personal revelations come more quickly and are met with more generosity.
Youre allowed to be sappy around a campfire, and thats exactly where Martin wants to take this special.
Were all gathered around this fire is a mode that fits well with Martins style of comedy.
They lean on casual, winding narratives with punch lines that get buried inside little observations.
Instead, its a philosophy born out of introspection.
Its marveling at the strangeness of being a person.
Oh my God, Martin imagines them saying to one other.
Not at first, anyhow.
Its one temporary moment, and yes, there are beasts on every side.
Martin aims to makeSAPone of those good, small, delicious moments, and they succeed.
