Space Force

When I heard that Steve Carell was going to play the lead role in a comedy about America's "Space Force," I had to give this a go.

I found Carell's General Naird underwhelming. He doesn't have the magic that he had on The Office, and the characters underneath him aren't sure whether he's a tyrant or just a buffoon.

Except for one: Dr. Mallory, played by John Malcovich. He's the one who saves this show. He sees right through Naird's bluster and foolishness. He doesn't get swept away by the jingoism of the Space Force, yet he's not preachy about how he truly brings Naird, and therefore us, down to earth with his gentle, authoritative voice.

Beyond that, don't expect too much. It's worth a weekend binge, but not much more.

There are lots of subtle (and not so subtle) stabs at American politics. This series basically is one big parody on Tr*mp's former Space War plans. Tr8mp supporters might not like this Season 1.

The good: an original, slowburning comedy with terrific actors and especially John Malkovich is brilliant in his role as a peace loving scientist, who works for the newly created American military Space Force.

There is 1 problem though with this Space Force, they are going WAY over budget and they have nothing to show for it. Lots of nifty lies and fake news (that are hilarious) are being spread to make the new Space Force look extremely important though...

Quite funny...but it is not a laugh out loud kind of funny. The subtle (some less subtle) jokes elicit more smirky kind of laughs, because lots of people (American politicians, American military) constantly get made fun of through parody.

Any bad? It's first most a subtle parody and not a laugh out loud comedy. I liked this parody, but some will expect many simple jokes like in The Office. They will be disappointed though...

ADDITIONAL note posted in 2022: Season 2 is fortunately also really enjoyable to watch. And it has got a few more laugh out loud moments, compared to the more subtle humor from Season 1. Although I personally am more a fan of the more subtle humor from Season 1...

After having spent 20 years in the Air Force, there are so many similarities to how things actually get done in the military, that it's hard to believe it's fiction. I think that's where people will have a problem with the show. Those who know, will watch and and be like "yep, I've seen that before" and laugh; others will be like "this is so stupid and unreal". It reminds me a lot of Tropic Thunder where Hollywood insiders got all the jokes and the general public didn't. I'm not sure how much research they did in writing the script, but those who know how the military works will laugh at it.

One thing I cannot stand about today's entertainment is that politics seem to be taking over everything... HOWEVER, Space Force does it right. Slightly left leaning but still takes a few jabs at the left. The jabs at both sides are light hearted and in my opinion shouldn't offend anyone. If you're going to do political satire it's best not to let one side take all the blows. I think there is a great balance in this show and the jokes don't completely ridicule someone's opinion (okay it goes pretty hard at the idea of a Space Force but seriously, lighten up). Yes it makes fun of the current administration, but it's little things that everyone can laugh at. Besides, there were obvious hits at AOC and Pelosi as well.

No, it's not The Office in any way, shape, or form, and not all the jokes land on their feet, but I recall watching the first season of The Office feeling it was a 7 at best. It just took some time to understand the characters and humor and I think it'll be the same for Space Force.

My advice is go in without thinking of The Office, without thinking of Michael Scott, and don't take the political SATIRE to heart...

"Space Force" trade marked by Netflix before the United State government, this Steve Carell comedy is surprising. Not a particular fan of Carell's typical low-brow comedy, but somehow this contemporary comedic vehicle retains a wry intellectual wit about it, probably greatly helped along with the dynamism between Carell and award-winning actor, John Malkovich. The fresh take and parody of America's newest military branch has delightful scenes that pit science versus human intuition along with a decent rather unique set of family dynamics. Each episode somehow incorporates a sensitive and powerful emotive message and performance by Carell. An entertaining and actually captivating series that easy and fun to watch along with a heartful storyline.