Name: Man vs Bee
Genre: Family, Comedy
Released: 2022-06-24T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Rowan Atkinson

The opening shot of Man vs Bee is pure Rowan Atkinson: Trevor Bingley, clad in a ridiculous hazmat suit, wielding a vacuum like an exorcist’s cross, preparing to do battle with a bee in a million-pound mansion. It’s a premise so absurd that it’s impossible not to be at least mildly curious about where this train wreck is headed.

Created by Atkinson and William Davies, Man vs Bee is a British comedy miniseries that premiered on Netflix in 2022. The show follows Trevor (Atkinson), a bumbling dad who finds himself house-sitting a posh mansion while waging an all-out war against a single, remarkably resilient bee. The series consists of nine episodes, each directed by David Kerr, and features a supporting cast that includes Jing Lusi, Claudie Blakley, Julian Rhind-Tutt, and Tom Basden.

Where Man vs Bee excels is in its commitment to the bit. Atkinson’s Trevor is a character with a singular obsession—eliminating the bee—and the show leans into the absurdity of his mission with gusto. The physical comedy is top-notch, with Atkinson’s signature slapstick taking center stage. The set pieces are creative and often hilarious, like Trevor attempting to freeze the bee with dry ice or using a leaf blower to create a makeshift wind tunnel. The score amplifies the absurdity, with playful stings and dramatic swells that underscore the ridiculousness of Trevor’s quest.

The supporting cast also brings their A-game. Claudie Blakley shines as Jess, Trevor’s ex-wife, delivering dry wit and deadpan reactions to his escalating antics. Jing Lusi is delightful as Nina, the mansion’s owner, and her scenes with Atkinson are some of the show’s highlights. The chemistry between the cast members feels genuine, adding a layer of warmth to the otherwise chaotic proceedings.

However, Man vs Bee isn’t without its flaws. The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some episodes stretching the premise a bit too thin. The bee itself becomes something of a MacGuffin, and while the show’s commitment to the absurdity is admirable, it occasionally feels like the writers are grasping for ways to keep the conflict going. Additionally, the series’ reliance on physical comedy means that the dialogue can sometimes feel secondary, which might frustrate viewers looking for more substance.

That said, Man vs Bee is a solid entry in the Atkinson oeuvre. It’s not groundbreaking television, but it’s consistently entertaining and packed with moments of genuine laughter. The show’s commitment to its absurd premise is commendable, and Atkinson’s physical comedy is as sharp as ever.