In the landscape of cinematic universes where the stories of superheroes and fantastical creatures dominate, an unlikely hero— or perhaps anti-hero— has managed to capture the hearts of audiences: a foul-mouthed, pot-smoking teddy bear named Ted. Voiced by the creator Seth MacFarlane, Ted first burst onto the scene in the 2012 hit comedy, charming and shocking moviegoers in equal measure. Teaming up with his reluctant human companion, 30-something slacker John Bennett, played by Mark Wahlberg, the pair navigated adult life with a mix of vulgar humor and touching friendship.
The film was not only a commercial triumph but also found favorable reviews, prompting a sequel, “Ted 2,” in 2015. Despite carrying over much of the original film’s DNA, the sequel did not quite hit the same mark, leaving fans wondering if this would be the last they’d see of their favorite dubious duo.
However, in a surprising move that some may have approached with raised eyebrows given the franchise’s penchant for crass jokes, a prequel series was announced. The burning question lingered: could the charm of the original film be recaptured in a format longer than a two-hour runtime, and within a premise seemingly dependent on repetitive gags about substance abuse and lewd behavior?
The series, set in 1993, follows a 16-year-old John Bennett, portrayed by Max Burkholder, as he braves the trials of high school life. Accompanying him once again is his plush partner-in-crime Ted, who has returned to John’s side after a brush with fame in Hollywood. Though the glitz and glamour have faded, Ted still retains bragworthy memories, like holding the coveted mouthguard from the iconic “Rocky.”
A series of escapades lead to Ted being coerced into attending school alongside John. Despite his best (or worst) efforts to get expelled due to his impolitically correct perspective on the world, Ted proves himself as the ally John needs amidst the challenges posed by John Hancock High, such as confronting bullies and grasping for coolness—a seemingly unattainable teenage dream.
John’s family life injects yet another layer of comedy and complexity into the narrative. His parents, played by Alanna Ubach and Scott Grimes, grapple with their own unique struggles—Matty, a Vietnam veteran, concocts conspiracy theories, while Susan wrestles with unrealized aspirations and a family that overlooks her efforts. Their household is further stirred by the arrival of Blaire, John’s college-bound cousin portrayed by Giorgia Whigham, whose unintentional introduction of marijuana to Ted and John, and defense of Susan, bring new dynamics to explore.
The series glides through scenarios that blend humor and sentiment seamlessly. Lighthearted endeavors like attempting to rent adult films with forged IDs and navigating family therapy at Blaire’s behest are interspersed with holiday cheer; Ted dons an Ewok costume while John faces a chilling Halloween predicament. The holiday season unfolds with the appearance of Sarah, a friend from college, and Matty’s whimsical desire for his toy truck to spring to life.
As prom approaches, John’s longing for Bethany, portrayed by Charlotte Fountain-Jardim, faces turbulence due to misguided advice from Ted. However, in true feel-good fashion, all’s well that ends well, culminating in the heartwarming inception of the ‘Thunder Buddy’ song.
The cast aligns perfectly with the tone of the series, with the chemistry between Burkholder and MacFarlane crackling through the screen. While some jokes hit their mark more effectively than others, they are balanced with genuinely tender moments, like the revelation of the bully’s personal grief and Susan’s dormant passion for teaching.
For viewers seeking a blend of humor and nostalgia—complete with nods to the bygone era of video rental stores—the “Ted” series provides a satisfyingly irreverent yet surprisingly heartfelt escape. And as if to sweeten the deal, Ian McKellen’s delightful narration is the cherry on top of this raucuous romp.
Ted can now be enjoyed streaming on JioCinema, where audiences can indulge once more in the misadventures of cinema’s most unconventional teddy bear and his human sidekick.
