The line presents itself, the order diminishes, the family crumbles, and KAOS takes over. While the initial hook is strong, the Netflix series appears less exciting in reality.
Usually, there are two types of people in regards to Greek history – those who possess extensive knowledge only suitable for a pub quiz, and those who are completely unaware of it. Either of these perspectives would likely attract someone to Netflix’s new TV show. However, as it turns out, your level of historical expertise is irrelevant. Despite being a distorted version of the truth, KAOS is not chaotic at all.
In KAOS, Jeff Goldblum takes on the role of Zeus, the God of all Gods, in a reimagining of mythology. Through the perspective of six individuals, they come to discover their roles in a larger scheme. It all begins with Zeus noticing a new wrinkle on his forehead and panicking, afraid of the possibility that his power may come to an end.
Despite this adaptation’s ability to capture Jeff Goldblum’s charming way of realizing impending destruction, our focus is not on his unique charisma that could potentially sustain us through an apocalypse. Rather, we are here for the Gods. Unfortunately, the show feels disjointed, with creator Charlie Covell juggling multiple storylines that don’t quite measure up to the brilliance of The End of the F**king World.
KAOS: Addressing Netflix’s Major Issue
I am willing to wager $5 that 10 minutes after completing Episode 1, you will not be able to recall the events that took place. While you may have grasped the overall outline of Zeus’ family and encountered a peculiar confession booth and a man with a strong craving for a kebab, the specifics will likely be hazy. This is largely due to the format of each episode, which attempts to create a complex historical narrative that it cannot fully sustain… but there is another problem to consider.
You are both familiar and unfamiliar with the show. In essence, KAOS resembles every Netflix production, which has become a major issue. Although we recognize this, it is not a topic of discussion – the streaming platform has blended all of its content to have a uniform and polished appearance, making it difficult to distinguish one show from another. The color grading, VFX techniques, and overall style remain consistent throughout. This is not exactly a revolutionary decision.
It can be challenging to feel excited about something that appears to be ordinary, yet you can’t quite pinpoint why. There’s nothing unpleasant or off-putting, but also nothing that motivates you enough to break away from the routine of binge-watching. These may be considered first world problems, but let’s be honest. If we’re paying for pricey subscriptions and Netflix has an abundance of funds for creating content, shouldn’t we aim for something extraordinary?
What happens when the classics go modern
The content itself is also worth mentioning. Goldblum essentially portrays himself with the added ability to control the weather, while the other characters do not make a significant impact. The inclusion of Doctor Who star Billie Piper feels forced and out of place, similar to a modern adaptation of a Shakespeare play aimed at disinterested teenage audiences.
Despite its flaws, KAOS serves as a fascinating example of attempting to modernize classical history. While there are instances, like Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet, where this approach succeeds, more often it strays too far from its familiar roots. This disconnect between the intended story and its on-screen portrayal is solely due to the chosen creative direction.
However, is the story being told really of importance to us? All the characters, including Zeus, Hera, Medusa, and Poseidon, are present. However, those who have a strong knowledge of history may find themselves disappointed by the lack of accuracy. And for those who are only familiar with Zeus, they may struggle to understand the confusing reasoning behind the flashy plot. If you are looking for a portrayal of kids being alienated from their families, perhaps watching Skins again would be a better option.
T-SHIRT review score: 2/5
Without this review, I would have given up on watching KAOS after about 20 minutes. If I had been feeling more open-minded, I would have likely stopped after Episode 3. However, I persevered for the sake of my friends. I hope you all acknowledge and value that.
There is certainly a presence here – or rather, there is a potential for something to be present. It’s tangible, and it’s unfortunate that it is not being fully realized. I must give an extra star simply for Goldblum’s appearance. Criticizing him unintentionally would probably be the first thing Saint Peter would show on Heaven’s big screen when I enter, and I don’t want to risk it.
Now available on Netflix is KAOS. Keep up to date with streaming service news by staying updated on the latest updates for Virgin River Season 6, Stranger Things Season 5, and Heartstopper Season 3. Additionally, you can discover other TV shows streaming this month.
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