FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE YET TO SEE KAOS, THIS IS A NON-SPOILER REVIEW.

I knew very little about KAOS going into it, and that is probably because Netflix, as they sometimes seem to do, hasn’t done a whole lot to promote this series. But, the pedigree of the series speaks for itself.  It stars the likes of Jeff Goldblum, Janet McTeer, Cliff Curtis, David Thewlis, Eddie Izzard, and Stephen Dillane.  It has a fascinating premise about Greek Gods who control modern society…. And a group of unrelated humans who are destined to destroy them. And its created by the writer/director of Netflix’s own short-lived cult classic series “It’s the End of The Fucking World”, Charlie Covell. 

With all of that talent, you’d think Netflix would be really pushing this show, right?  Unfortunately they haven’t been.  But, I’m here to report that KAOS is awesome and you should definitely put this at the top of your Netflix queue.  

THE SERIES STARTS OFF A BIT ROCKY…

Now, I do have to admit that the show starts off a bit rocky.  I honestly didn’t have any idea what was going on and it felt like a bit of a… well, chaotic mess.  The reason it feels this way is because there is so much backstory to reveal, so many Greek myths to riff on and so many characters to introduce, that it’s all a bit overwhelming to take in.  But, KAOS revels in its ambition, and even though it takes some time to settle into the bonkers, out-there storytelling… There was enough, in terms of craft, to keep me waiting to see if it could find its focus and thrive.  

BUT, THE WRITING IS BRILLIANT…

One of those things is the absolutely ingenious creativity on display in the writing.  This being a British production; you get a nice dosage of dark, dry comedy and acerbic wit.  And then you have a mystery of this prophecy and how these humans might come together to take down the God’s.  There’s the intrigue from the power plays, political movements, and gratuitous, opulent nature of The God’s existence atop Olympus.  And then, there’s the way in which creator Charlie Covell brilliantly intertwines ancient Greek mythology with modern day society. 

There were so many times throughout these eight episodes that I said to myself, “Wow, that was so imaginative.”  From Hera’s room of filing cabinets filled with tongues that reveal human confessions to a group of biker ladies aka The Furies, who hunt down humans who have done wrong in their life all the way to a running gag of Prometheus, the narrator, being eaten alive by a buzzard on the side of a mountain while telling us this crazy tale.  There is so much to unpack in this show, so much creativity brimming in every scene, that it’s hard to not keep watching, even if it doesn’t feel like anything is coming together.

AND THE CAST IS INCREDIBLE.

There’s also an embarrassment of riches when it comes to this cast.  Jeff Goldblum, who is ever reliable, chews up the scenery as the moronic, diabolical, manchild that is Zeus.  Game of Thrones’ Stephen Dillane, makes a wonderful narrator, and the way his character actually comes into play in the storyline itself, is fascinating to see unfold.  The underrated Debi Mazar, who I will always cherish from Empire Records and Beethoven’s 2nd, shows up as Medusa in a sign of truly inspired casting.  But, it is Janet McTeer, whose deliciously seductive and devilish turn as Hera, steals the show.  Not only does McTeer get the most to do out of all of The Gods, she ravages through every scene with such power that you cannot take your eyes off of her.  This is Emmy-Worthy work if you ask me.

There was a point during this season, around episode four, that I kept thinking that I really liked the show so far, but I felt like it was missing something.  And I came up with a couple of things.  I wasn’t really connecting with any of the characters. Most of them are vile and even the ones you’re meant to like, have an annoying amount of flaws.  It also felt like KAOS was lacking any kind of heart… everything felt very face-value and devoid of depth (kind of like The Gods, it is depicting). And finally, I was just patiently waiting for this storyline to start coming together. Because it really did come off as a jumbled unfocused mess.  

THE SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON IS SOME OF THE BEST TV, SO FAR THIS YEAR

Luckily, once episode five kicks in… he rest of the season is some of the best TV I have seen all year.  Everything that felt like it was purposeless or just a cheeky quip starts to connect.  Each random, disparate storyline begins to come into focus.  Although a lot of the underworld stuff, I found to be a bit dull… That exposition leads to some really amazing pay-offs.  All of the characters, even the ones I found to be irritating, their motivations became clear and I started caring about each and every one of them.  And it all leads to a season finale that left me breathless, emotional… and eagerly awaiting a second season, that Netflix better not let me down on.  I am tired of them bringing on promising shows like this, only to cancel them at the drop of a hat.

SHOULD YOU WATCH “KAOS”?

KAOS might not be for everyone.  It’s playing around with gender norms and sexuality, certainly might ruffle some feathers.  And it definitely teeters on the edge of what is appropriate and what is not… ven for the most desensitized adult viewers.  But, it’s also just so much damn fun, that you’re going to have a hard time not falling prey to its vices.  This is a showcase for great talent and creativity, and it also sports one helluva soundtrack.  Just make sure you give it some time and patience, and “KAOS” will reward you with one of the most brilliant, absorbing TV Shows of the year.  

KAOS is Streaming Now on Netflix.

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