When a lucrative opportunity arises for a bumbling divorced school caretaker to house-sit for affluent families over the Christmas break, he eagerly seizes the chance to earn some extra income. Rowan Atkinson returns as Trevor Bingley in “Man vs. Baby,” a four-episode Christmas special that continues the comedic tale of this self-sabotaging hero, following his previous mishaps in “Man vs. Bee.”
Written by Atkinson and Will Davies, and directed by David Kerr, “Man vs. Baby” revisits the misadventures of Trevor, who has settled into life as a local caretaker in a charming English village after his divorce. However, his hopes for a festive holiday with his daughter, Maddy, and his ex-wife, Jess, are dashed when Jess announces they are going on vacation to Barbados with her new wealthy boyfriend, leaving Trevor not only disappointed but also scrambling to finance Maddy’s impending university tuition.
Facing unemployment and mounting pressures, including impending eviction from his less-than-ideal flat, Trevor’s fortunes appear to shift when he receives a call from the very house-sitting agency he had sworn off. They offer him a tempting £10,000 to look after a luxurious London penthouse over Christmas. Unfortunately, his plans take an unexpected turn when he finds himself in charge of a baby left unattended after a school nativity play. This small child becomes a surprise companion on Trevor’s rushed journey to London for the job interview, leading to a series of charming and chaotic Christmas escapades.
“Man vs. Baby” brings back the original creative team behind “Man vs. Bee,” featuring a talented cast, including Robert Bathurst, Nina Sosanya, and Susannah Fielding. This festive special is a light-hearted follow-up that retains the whimsical essence of Atkinson’s previous work while introducing new layers of comedic misadventure.
Fans of the series can now stream “Man vs. Baby,” with the trailer available for viewing to set the stage for this delightful holiday comedy. Set against the backdrop of London, the story is not only a humorous narrative but also a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, especially during the holiday season.