All Forms of Art

  Man vs Baby , starring Rowan Atkinson , is a short Netflix comedy series that immediately feels familiar.  That’s not surprising — Atkinson is, after all, the unforgettable face behind Mr. Bean , one of the most iconic slapstick characters in television history. But while familiarity can be comforting, in this case it’s also the show’s biggest weakness. A Familiar Formula That Wears Thin From the very beginning, Man vs Baby tries to present something new. The character has a different name, a slightly different setup, and a new situation. However, as the episodes progress, it becomes increasingly clear that this is essentially Mr. Bean all over again . At first, that nostalgia might bring a smile. But after a while, it becomes tiring. The character’s exaggerated stupidity, which once felt fresh and clever, now feels  forced and repetitive . Some moments were mildly funny, but I must admit: I didn’t really laugh . The humor leans heavily into silly, physical co...