Trevor Bingley returns to screens in the new Netflix series that offers a quirky take on holiday chaos, reminiscent of the beloved character Mr. Bean, whom Rowan Atkinson famously portrayed. While Bingley shares similarities with the hapless Bean—most notably their dubious determination to tackle mundane irritations—he is also a more grounded character. Bingley wrestles with his loneliness and financial struggles, and unlike Bean, he has a personal backstory that includes a teenage daughter affectionately called “Sweetpea.”
In “Man vs Bee,” Bingley was introduced as an inept house-sitter who built a fake explosive device in a desperate attempt to rid a luxurious home of a pesky bee. The show combined absurdity and slapstick humor with a sentimental narrative that tugged at viewers’ heartstrings, especially as Bingley faced the pressures of his responsibilities as a father.
The sequel, “Man vs Baby,” sees Bingley grappling with another challenging situation during the festive season. Recently laid off from his role as a primary school caretaker, he finds himself in a quaint village struggling to make ends meet. The holiday spirit is palpable, but so are Bingley’s misadventures as he unwittingly discovers a baby left on his doorstep, initially believing the child to be pivotal to an upcoming nativity play.
As he attempts to hand the infant over to the police and social services—who dismiss him as a delusional figure—Bingley resorts to a questionable plan: to smuggle the child into his new high-paying housesitting assignment in London. His situation unfolds with an array of quirks, as Bingley, despite his eccentric choices, showcases himself as a capable yet hapless caregiver. His attempts at parenting are both comical and surreal, leading to moments where slapstick humor takes a backseat to his surprisingly competent handling of the baby.
While “Man vs Bee” drew some criticism for excessive product placements, “Man vs Baby” seems to feature Cadbury’s Heroes prominently, blending the sweet with the sentimental. Critics noted that the show would often veer into trite holiday themes, leaning heavily into the clichés of Christmas warmth and familial togetherness.
Yet beneath the layers of holiday cheer lies a dark mystery regarding a lost child—an unsettling thread that ties to a broader narrative of parental anxiety and societal neglect. However, this subplot takes a turn towards the absurd, resolving in a manner that feels overly contrived.
Overall, “Man vs Baby” may not reach the comedic heights of its predecessor, as it opts for a gentler style rather than the high-energy chaos typically expected from Atkinson’s work. Despite its flaws, the series taps into the appeal of festive storytelling, even as it occasionally strays into sentimental territory that might not resonate with every viewer. The infusion of warm-heartedness and a cheerful spirit persists, portraying Bingley as a fundamentally good-natured individual—perhaps a bit too lighthearted for the legacy of Mr. Bean. The series is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
