Fifa Mockumentary Falls Flat: A Comedy of Errors

Hugh Bonneville is back as Ian Fletcher in the six-part mockumentary series 'Twenty Twenty Six,' the latest offering from the creators of 'Twenty Twelve' and 'W1A.' This installment sees Fletcher navigating the corporate culture of an unnamed international football organization in Miami, where he serves as the incoming director of integrity.

The series aims to satirize the absurdities of corporate life and the preparations for a major global football tournament. However, critics note that the humor often relies on broadly drawn caricatures and dated stereotypes, such as an "angry Mexican woman" or an overly British newcomer. While some performances, like Alexis Michalik as Eric Van Depuytrens and Hugh Skinner as Will Humphries, are highlighted, the overall comedic impact is diminished.

Compared to its predecessors, 'Twenty Twenty Six' is said to lack the sharp satirical edge and absurdist energy that defined 'Twenty Twelve' and 'W1A.' The mockumentary style, with its jittery camera work and focus on pointless whiteboards, feels tired. The series also seems to shy away from direct critique of its subject matter, opting for a broader, less focused approach that leaves it feeling like a missed opportunity.

Despite the familiar premise and a returning lead, the series struggles to land its jokes effectively. The narrative follows Fletcher's attempts to guide a team of international, and often baffling, personalities toward a successful World Cup, but the execution is hampered by what is described as a collection of "roughly daubed caricatures" and jokes wielded like "oversized foam mallets."