Streaming on Netflix
Dreamworks Animation
The Boss Baby has problems, and the only way to survive the FBI investigation is to go Back in the Crib. Fans of this DreamWorks franchise are in for a treat as the entire Templeton family agrees to keep Ted (now voiced by John Paul Karliak) safe. He was living the life as a business tycoon. However, after finding his employees have been embezzling and framed him, he has nothing left.
This story arc doesn’t come into play throughout the twelve episode run and that’s very unusual. You’d think Ted would try to clear his name. Instead, he goes into hiding.
In contrast, the subplot about The Uncuddleables, a babysitter group who knows of Baby Corps, takes centre stage. They’re out to seize control. To see Ted deal with Baby Tina (Mary Faber nicely emulates Amy Sedaris‘ accent), who has taken over his role in the company, is the least of his worries. As a result, the hi-jinks are hilarious. Unless he and his niece get along, what’s going to happen next leads to more trouble that this institution can’t handle.
Meanwhile, the brothers are back together again. Tim (David W Collins) is in charge this time. The fact the former series had the two hiding the truth from their parents limited what kinds of stories that could be developed. Now that the entire gang, sans Templeton Sr and partner (the grandparents), learns the secret, the hilarity delves into new sitcom moments.
The key episodes to note include “Imaginary Friends” since it highlights just how traumatised Ted has become after losing his job. “Sitting Ducks” shows the people from Baby Corps and The Uncuddleables ultimately duking it out.
The strongest instalment by far is “Birthday Blues.” We finally see that much-needed character development of Carol (Hope Levy), the wife of Tim. We learn that she’s from Dallas and is a Soccer Mom. Consequently, the first episode retcons how much she knows about Baby Corp. The film suggested she knew something about this covert world since she didn’t freak out as often when compared to how she reacted in the first episode of Back in the Crib.
In the meantime, Tabitha (Ariana Greenblatt) wants to join this babysitting group, and this leads to even further conflicts. In the finale “The Great Mediaeval Fire of 1135,” Ted sadly gets into further trouble for his reforms, and result is not good. This cliffhanger has me anxious for the next season. I feel the storytelling is much stronger when compared to the previous series, Boss Baby: Back in Business, which I’ve previously examined.
Hopefully, the next run can show Ted attempting to save face in both worlds. He was framed and the whole concept of him hiding out feels very uncharacteristic of him. It wouldn’t make sense to create a series showing him not taking charge. I doubt he’ll wait for the statute of limitations to expire, since it’s obvious he’ll be back in the business world by the the third film (still in development) arrives in theatres.
4 Stars out of 5
The Boss Baby: Back in the Crib Trailer
