You can't help but go into a Steve Carrell venture and not expect a laugh out loud comedy.
That's not what Space Force is. Probably, it's closest relative is MASH. It's got the same underlying seriousness played with a similarly-styled cast that ranges from serious (John Malkovich as the lead scientist) to buffoonish (the general's aide, who seems to let everyone into his office, even if the general isn't there). And, it's got a seriously satirical view of the military that pervades every decision, with a decent amount of attention to how the writers think the government and military run in the Trump era.
But it's not a LMAO barrel of yokes, not at all. And that means it's hard to know what you're going to get. As an example, and trying my best to not have a spoiler, the General is faced with a multi-billion dollar decision in the second episode, and EVERYONE tells him what to do. When he finally makes his decision, you watch, waiting for the big laugh, and there isn't one. Indeed, the GENERAL EXPLAINS HIS DECISION to his chief scientist, and when he's through, it actually seems profound. Almost like Harry Morgan as the commander in MASH.
There are still some stereotypes that confuse, like the Russian attache with free range of the base. He feels like something out of a 1950s Cold War comedy. And some of the odd stuff that goes on in outer space is not your typical sci-fi, which again leaves you wondering where the drama ends and the comedy begins.
I've only watched 2 episodes so far, but I'm prepared to give it a few more shots.
That's not what Space Force is. Probably, it's closest relative is MASH. It's got the same underlying seriousness played with a similarly-styled cast that ranges from serious (John Malkovich as the lead scientist) to buffoonish (the general's aide, who seems to let everyone into his office, even if the general isn't there). And, it's got a seriously satirical view of the military that pervades every decision, with a decent amount of attention to how the writers think the government and military run in the Trump era.
But it's not a LMAO barrel of yokes, not at all. And that means it's hard to know what you're going to get. As an example, and trying my best to not have a spoiler, the General is faced with a multi-billion dollar decision in the second episode, and EVERYONE tells him what to do. When he finally makes his decision, you watch, waiting for the big laugh, and there isn't one. Indeed, the GENERAL EXPLAINS HIS DECISION to his chief scientist, and when he's through, it actually seems profound. Almost like Harry Morgan as the commander in MASH.
There are still some stereotypes that confuse, like the Russian attache with free range of the base. He feels like something out of a 1950s Cold War comedy. And some of the odd stuff that goes on in outer space is not your typical sci-fi, which again leaves you wondering where the drama ends and the comedy begins.
I've only watched 2 episodes so far, but I'm prepared to give it a few more shots.