It’s almost launch day for Space Force on Netflix, but will it succeed in taking the workplace comedy to the stars, or will it be grounded before liftoff? Not sure if you should make this your next binge? Our preview of the original comedy series is here to help you decide ahead of its premiere on Friday!
(Please note that there are some minor spoilers ahead.)
First, here’s the official synopsis of the series:
A decorated pilot with dreams of running the Air Force, four-star general Mark R. Naird is thrown for a loop when he finds himself tapped to lead the newly formed sixth branch of the US Armed Forces: Space Force. Skeptical but dedicated, Mark uproots his family and moves to a remote base in Colorado where he and a colorful team of scientists and “Spacemen” are tasked by the White House with getting American boots on the moon (again) in a hurry and achieving total space dominance.
In his much-anticipated return to the sitcom format that made him a household name on The Office, Steve Carell stars as General Naird. Carell also serves as co-creator alongside the person who adapted The Office for US television, Greg Daniels. In addition to Carell, Space Force features an all-star cast that includes John Malkovich, Lisa Kudrow, Jane Lynch, Noah Emmerich, Jimmy O. Yang, Ben Schwartz, and the late Fred Willard.
Naird begins the series thinking that he’s getting a huge promotion. Instead, he’s assigned to lead the newest branch of the American military that sounds too ridiculous to be true. Their mission is to get “boots on the moon” per the President and establish a base there, asserting America’s dominance in space. At the same time, Naird is dealing with an incarcerated wife and being a single dad to a rule-breaking daughter.
As US Space Force competes with other nations like China, Russia, and India for galactic dominance, Naird often ignores his team of experts and makes calls that don’t always work in their best interests. There’s also an ongoing rivalry between Space Force and the Air Force which highlights Naird’s insecurities.
On its surface, Space Force appears to be poking fun at military pomp and circumstance. At the same time, it’s offering barely camouflaged commentary on current events and the questionable competence of the powerful people calling the shots. The storyline ventures into ridiculous territory at times and the character development isn’t as strong as it could have been, but there are some entertaining moments.
Still wondering if you should give Space Force a shot? If you enjoy slower-burning comedies like The Office or even Community, you should definitely add this to your list. If you’re expecting a faster-paced series with lots of laughs, like Veep, or a comedy with a whole lot of heart like Parks and Recreation, you might want to skip this one for now.
Space Force blasts off Friday, May 29 only on Netflix. Planning to binge it this weekend? Don’t forget to add Wiretap to Chrome to see time-synced posts from friends and fans across the universe, or even add your own reactions while you watch.
Photos and Video Courtesy of Netflix
