Arnold Schwarzenegger returns for an all new season of the action comedy FUBAR. His character, Luke Brenner, leads a CIA team tasked with protecting the country. He has a romantic history with the next threat he faces, and it complicates his life both professionally and personally.
You would expect a show’s second season to go bigger and better. However, FUBAR takes a step back and feels more subdued and grounded compared to before. The locales are less glamorous, and the production value has dipped. The special effects aren’t nearly as clean and crisp, and it creates a campy aura.
In addition, this season is very dialog heavy. It’s as if there is a need to explain every minute detail of every plan and the reasoning behind it all. You don’t tune in to an action series to hear incessant talking. For a story based in a visual medium, showing could be more impactful than any amount of words.
The new episodes don’t have the same tension as well. The original gimmick was the secrecy behind Luke and his daughter Emma working as secret agents. With the truth already out, it plays more like any other government agency action show. There is the added wrinkle that the antagonist has a romantic history with Luke. Though it becomes the new source of strife within the team and family, it doesn’t quite reach the same level.
Fortunately, FUBAR retains many of the qualities that made it so enjoyable. The humor is entertaining on several fronts. The cast always had good chemistry with each other so the playful quick quips back and forth are good for laughs. There are silly situations, and it’s admirable that the cast fully commit adding to the fun.
But you tune in for the big stars. Schwarzenegger is as charismatic as ever. He might have lost a step action wise, but he was never a meticulous choreographed fighter. The actor still has it with regards to smash mouth fights and guns blazing shootouts. More endearing is the relationship Luke cultivates with his daughter. Schwarzenegger brings unconditional warmth, love, and support. It’s so sweet.
Carrie-Anne Moss is a welcome addition to this season of FUBAR. She is someone who can match Schwarzenegger’s presence and plays off of him well. Moss also fits into the series able to convey a hardcore villain in one scene, but can easily transition into the less serious moments without skipping a beat. She is game for whatever is thrown at her, and her enjoyment comes off on screen.
Season two might be a step down, but the humor and star power still make it an entertaining watch.
Stream FUBAR season two on Netflix.
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