Turtletastic, the improvisational comedy series from C.M. Selbrede and Ronan Guilfoyle (who also directs and voices Timothy), returns for its second season. Here is our review of the first 3 episodes.
Turtletastic season 2 continues to explore the post-college anxieties of Stone Scriven and his bizarre imaginary stuffed turtle roommate, Timothy. These first three episodes dive into Stone’s minimum-wage job, his evolving friendships, and Timothy’s increasingly surreal encounters with the “laws of reality.” Episode 1 is titled “Alpha Male,” and immediately plunges Stone and Timothy into the existential dread of post-college life in 2025. Stone is grappling with a haunted minimum-wage job and a perceived “lack of future,” while Timothy finds himself on a “no-fly list.” The episode re-establishes their core dynamic with Stone’s relatable malaise countered by Timothy’s dry, often absurd commentary. The narrative then shifts to a flashback, introducing Maggie, a college classmate with an intense, borderline stalker-ish crush on Stone. This leads to the hilarious introduction of Neil, Maggie’s self-proclaimed “alpha male” boyfriend, who challenges Stone to a ludicrous duel. The escalating absurdity of this confrontation, moving from a debate to a physical showdown, showcases Selbrede’s comedic timing as Stone navigates Neil’s exaggerated displays of masculinity. Timothy’s deadpan “slay queen” endorsement of Stone’s unexpected victory is a standout moment, cementing the series’ commitment to its unique brand of humour.
“Cosmic Forces Beyond Human Comprehension” is episode 2 and delves deeper into Stone’s haunted workplace, “the cellar,” a liquor store seemingly plagued by supernatural occurrences. Timothy, having just escaped a bizarre “five-year kidnapping” by the “Bureau of Stuffies” for breaking the “laws of reality,” quickly gets involved. The episode introduces a new cast of eccentric co-workers. Convinced the cellar is haunted by “gods,” the team devises a plan for a stakeout, which predictably goes wrong, leading to the installation of CCTV cameras. Amidst this supernatural workplace drama, Stone grapples with his own anxieties, self-worth and perceived stagnation. The parallel narratives of Timothy’s ongoing battles with the “Bureau of Stuffies” and Stone’s grounded insecurities showcase the show’s ability to be both wildly absurd and deeply relatable.
The plot thickens with episode 3 “Not That Kind of Conspiracy,” as Stone’s friends attempt to unmask the true culprit behind the cellar’s “haunting.” And what initially appears to be simple sibling mischief evolves into a poignant exploration of family. This episode balances heavier emotional beats with the series’ signature improvised dialogue and absurd humour. The blend of genuine emotional vulnerability and zany plot twists helps Turtletastic’s unique charm.
These first three episodes of Turtletastic! Season 2 demonstrate a strong continuation of the series’ winning formula. The show seamlessly integrates Stone’s relatable anxieties about adulthood, career, and self-acceptance with Timothy’s increasingly outlandish adventures in a world that barely acknowledges his existence. The improvisational performances remain key, lending an authentic, spontaneous energy to the sharp, witty dialogue. While the low-fi aesthetic is maintained, it contributes to the show’s charm, allowing the character and humorous situations to shine. These episodes deepen the character arcs, introduce new supporting players, and expands the show’s uniqueness, solidifying Turtletastic! as a genuinely funny and surprisingly heartfelt queer comedy series.
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