Kaos has finally premiered on Netflix with an eight-episode season 1. Kaos first caught our attention in 2020, making it a long-awaited premiere. Was it worth the wait?
While I’ve watched the series in its entirety, this review is only the first in a nine-part review of the eight-episode series. There are so many rabbit holes to go down, it is based on Greek Mythology after all. This review will only seek to answer the question of should you tune into Kaos or should you skip it altogether.
The series starred Jeff Goldblum as Zeus, who is paranoid over what he believes to be the start of his prophecy. The prophecy goes “A line appears, the order wanes, the family falls and Kaos reigns.” Zeus notices a wrinkle on his forehead and believes it to be the line. The series is centered around Zeus trying to figure out if the prophecy is actually coming to pass, who is at fault if it is coming to pass and how he can stop it.
Pros to watch Kaos:
- Jeff Goldblum is excellent, as expected. The show is set in the modern era while the plot is a modern styled version of traditional myths. Zeus as played by Goldblum is a grumpy God, he dresses like a retired mobster from the 80s and 90s who are retired and living in Florida. He is worried about betrayal, losing control and no longer being respected. His concerns are next level because he is a God, King of the Gods.
- Kaos is a fresh rendition of the myths. There was some apprehension about how they would do the retelling of stories we’ve heard a million times and make it something fresh and captivating for 8 episodes. Kaos uses dark humor, a perfectly matched cast and modern relatability that is not over-done to risk losing familiarity with what we love about the myths, even though there are changes.
- The score is captivating. There were several familiar songs and some that seemed written specifically for the show. In both cases, they fit the scene and added to the intrigue or excitement of the scene.
- Any changes were done well. There are some parts of plot that include familiar myths that seem to have been changed slightly or different than I remembered; however, they weren’t big enough to take one out of the show or take away from the show.
- Character casting was spot on. Goldblum’s Zeus was great as mentioned but he wasn’t alone. While the series was filled with likeable characters, my top 3 were Medusa, Hera and well maybe 4, Persephone and Hades as a duo. Medusa is played by Debi Mazar, who does not have a very large role but stood out because of the attitude she brings to Medusa that just feels right. It is one of the best examples of reimagining gone well. Hera is played by Janet McTeer who brings all the things we know about Hera to life. McTeer brings the jealousy and wrath expected of her character. Lastly, Persephone (Rakie Ayola) and Hades (David Thewlis) seem the most changed, but it wasn’t bad, I liked their version. I’ll let you see for yourself.
- I almost forgot, but an honorable mention to Dionysus played by Nabhaan Rizwan, who actually seemed like he was playing a young Goldblum as his character is Zeus’ son.
Cons:
- There are some characters that felt a little gimmicky and over-done, such as The Fates and The Furies. A little, not so much as to elicit eyerolls.
- I could’ve used a little more drama, intrigue and mystery. It was a fun watch, but I would’ve preferred an even darker more series tone.
The pros and cons are from a bird’s eye view of the show. There will be more to come in the dedicated episode by episode analyses to come. In the meantime, go watch check it out and tell me what you think episode by episode.
TIRRecommends: Yes, add Kaos to your list if you like Greek Mythology, Dark Humor Fantasy Dramas or Jeff Goldblum.
Show Similarity (If you like these shows you will like Kaos): American Gods, The Sandman, Once Upon A Time
Looking Ahead: Episode 1 review
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