Review: Fubar on Netflix

I finally decided to review Fubar, a Netflix original series starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

If you're looking for something reminiscent of one of his biggest hit movies, True Lies, you'll find this series somewhat entertaining.

It mines the generation gap for comic relief and is one of the many movies and series featuring the "old guy" who still has his/her skills and smarts. Dare I say this has become a genre of its own?

As an author of a certain age, I'll confess to finding these movies that pit the old woman/man against the young whippersnappers who think they know everything rather delightful. 

F.U.B.A.R.

In case you don't know, FUBAR is an acronymn for F**ked Up Beyond All Recognition.

This American action-comedy TV series was created by Nick Santora for Netflix and is Schwarzenegger's first leading role in a scripted live-action TV series.

Produced by Skydance Television and Blackjack Films, it debuted May 25, 2023. After only a month, it was renewed for a second season because it had an 87% audience approval rating even though it had a 50% Rotten Tomatoes rating.

WHAT'S IT ABOUT?

Luke Brunner (Schwarzenegger) and his daughter Emma (Monica Barbaro) have lied to each other for years, with neither of them knowing that the other is a CIA operative.

When they both learn the truth, they realize they don't know anything about each other.

When their CIA handlers demand they work together on dangerous operations, Luke treats Emma like a child and wants to protect her from danger and questionable relationships.

ASSETS

Obviously, the above mentioned cast is experienced. Just as obviously, they need some fresh and original material to sink their teeth into. 

The supporting cast includes Travis Van Winkle who was excellent in The Last Ship, Fabiano Udenio as Tally, Luke's ex and the mother of Emma, Jay Baruchel as weird boyfriend Carter Perlmutter, Fortune Feimster as foul-mouthed Roo, and Tom Arnold as Norm Carlson.

MY 2¢

I didn't watch the entire series. After the first couple of episodes, I watched bits and pieces of other episodes including the last one. I found the situations and conflicts repetitive and clichéed. I also thought  Perlmutter as the boyfriend was an odd choice for  Emma's alpha female character. 

If you don't have anything else to watch, try this. It's pleasant with a few good lines of dialogue tossed in.

TAKEAWAY TRUTH

One can only hope Season 2 will be more original and compelling because it's a shame to waste such a talented cast.

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