The world of sports administration is a ripe target for satire, and the BBC's latest offering, Twenty Twenty Six, takes aim at the absurdity of FIFA's inner workings. With a familiar setup, the show follows Ian Fletcher, a management-class lifer, as he navigates the corporate labyrinth of FIFA's 'oversight' team for the World Cup. The premise is simple: a character-driven mockumentary with a dash of corporate buffoonery. But is it funny? And does it hold up to its predecessors, Twenty Twelve and W1A?
The Familiar Formula
The show's strength lies in its ability to tap into a well-worn formula. John Morton's creation, Twenty Twelve, introduced us to the travails of Ian Fletcher, a management-class lifer who found himself running the London Olympics. The formula is simple: a central character, often a bit of a buffoon, surrounded by a cast of eccentric supporting actors, all caught in a web of stifling bureaucracy. Twenty Twenty Six continues this tradition, with Fletcher now leading FIFA's oversight team in Miami.
The Cast
The cast is a mix of familiar and new faces. Hugh Bonneville returns as Fletcher, and while he's a strong presence, some of the supporting actors feel one-note. Paulo Costanzo as Nick Castellano, a brash, sweary American, and Stephen Kunken as Owen, a diffident Canadian, feel like imports from other comedies. The social media team, a recurring fixture in the series, also feels a bit tired. However, Alexis Michalik as Eric van Dupuytrens is a standout. His portrayal of the 'mostly' chief coordinating attaché is a brilliant take-down of the corporate elite, with a particular eye for the absurdity of the open-necked shirt and blue suit brigade.
The Predictable Predictability
One of the show's most intriguing aspects is the return of Will Humphries (Hugh Skinner), a boy-man whose entire lexicon is 'Yeah', 'No', and 'Crap'. Will is the butt of every joke, and his predictability is part of his charm. He's like Baldrick in Blackadder, a comedic adjunct who is funny precisely because he's so predictable. This predictability is a double-edged sword, though. While it adds to the show's comedic value, it also raises questions about the characters' development and the show's overall narrative arc.
The Satire's Saturation
Twenty Twenty Six doesn't try to be anything more than a continuation of the series' satirical theme. And that's not a bad thing. Ian Fletcher is a strong character, and Bonneville's portrayal of an egotist who can't help but think he can steer this ship of fools is a delight. The show's satire is sharp, and it's clear that Morton and his team are familiar with the corporate world they're mocking. The more you see Fletcher taking meetings with David Beckham, the more you realize that the show's satire is a reflection of a deeper reality.
The Takeaway
Twenty Twenty Six is a funny, satirical take on the world of sports administration. While it may not be groundbreaking, it's a welcome addition to the series' repertoire. The show's ability to tap into a well-worn formula, combined with its sharp satire, makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre. And who knows, maybe it will inspire a new generation of corporate buffoons to take on the world.
