Fans of '80s action movies and Arnold Schwarzenegger were undoubtedly excited when they heard about Netflix's new series, FUBAR. The show promised to deliver the ultimate blend of nostalgia and entertainment, with Schwarzenegger stepping back into the action hero shoes that made him a household name. However, while FUBAR has its moments of B-movie thrills, it ultimately falls short of its potential, leaving viewers wanting more.
In FUBAR, Schwarzenegger portrays Luke Brunner, a seasoned spy on the brink of retirement. Just when he thinks he's out, he's pulled back into the world of espionage for one final mission. This time, he must rescue an undercover agent who turns out to be none other than his own daughter, Emma, played brilliantly by Monica Barbaro. The father-daughter dynamic becomes the central focus of the show, as Luke and Emma juggle their spy missions with intense therapy sessions, often led by the quirky CIA shrink, Dr. Pepper (Scott Thompson).
While the concept of reconciling family issues amidst high-stakes spy missions is intriguing, FUBAR falls into a repetitive pattern that drains its overall impact. The constant repetition of Luke's absence in Emma's life and the fear that she might repeat his mistakes become tiresome after a while. It's the lack of fresh ideas and the show's reluctance to explore new territories that make FUBAR a prime example of "Watch While You Use Your Phone" television.
Although FUBAR features a talented supporting cast, including Milan Carter as the wisecracking Barry and Aparna Brielle as the object of his affection, Tina, these characters often come across as superficial and fail to captivate. The courtship between Barry and Tina feels forced and lacks genuine chemistry, resembling the innocence of a kids' show rather than a mature storyline.
One of the show's biggest letdowns is its sanitized approach to life-and-death situations. Whether it's dismissing them with a B-movie shrug or overly melodramatizing them, FUBAR fails to strike the right balance. A subplot involving a dying child borders on manipulation, detracting from the show's early promise of unpredictability. Additionally, the focus on the villain, Boro (Gabriel Luna), in the latter half of the season, diminishes the show's potential for excitement and intrigue.
Furthermore, it seems that even Arnold Schwarzenegger himself loses interest in FUBAR as the season progresses. The repetitive discussions about Luke's parenting struggles become monotonous, and it's evident that the star's enthusiasm wanes. This lack of investment is reflected in the season's cliffhanger ending, which fails to generate the desired urgency due to the lackluster storytelling that preceded it.
Despite its shortcomings, FUBAR still manages to provide some enjoyable moments. The best episodes deliver B-movie action thrills that keep viewers engaged, and Monica Barbaro shines as Luke's daughter, Emma, adding depth to the show's emotional core. However, these fleeting moments of excitement are not enough to salvage the series as a whole.
In conclusion, FUBAR falls short of its potential as a comeback vehicle for Arnold Schwarzenegger. While it initially promises a nostalgic and entertaining experience, the show succumbs to repetition, a lack of fresh ideas, and an underwhelming second half. While it may still be worth a watch for fans of Schwarzenegger and action flicks, be prepared for a show that fails to deliver on its full potential. FUBAR is now available for streaming on Netflix, but don't expect it to revolutionize the genre or leave a lasting impact.