The discussion around the Netflix series Kaos brought out a mix of feelings, and it seems like a love-it-or-hate-it experience for viewers. Here are some of the key takeaways from the review.
Overall Reactions:
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- The show is described as niche and “camp,” with some viewers struggling with the heavy doses of gore and convoluted plotlines. The group seemed split, with some finding certain storylines compelling (such as Ariadne’s) while others felt disconnected from the whole.
Character Highlights:
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- Zeus: Played by Jeff Goldblum, the portrayal of Zeus is divisive. Some found him squirrelly and odd, while others thought he wasn’t menacing or complex enough to carry his role as a central antagonist. His neurosis rather than divine power left some viewers feeling disconnected.
- Hera: Janet McTeer’s performance as Hera was highly praised. She embodied power, evil, and charm with grace, with some panelists naming her as their favorite character.
- Ariadne and her father: This storyline seemed to have the most depth and emotional weight, resonating more with the panel than other arcs in the show.
- Orpheus and Riddy: The portrayal of these characters seemed to fall flat for many. The relationship didn’t feel compelling, and Riddy’s storyline, in particular, felt underdeveloped.
- Underused Characters: There was some disappointment over the lack of exploration of certain key characters like Hades and Persephone, who appeared briefly but didn’t get enough screentime to really resonate.
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Plot and Themes:
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- Politics and Themes: The political elements, such as the Crete versus Troy conflict, had some merit, but the refugee and gender identity themes surrounding Riddy were seen as undercooked or contrived. These ideas didn’t seem to mesh well with the mythological backdrop.
- Confusion with Writing: The series was described as disjointed, with storylines that didn’t always connect well. Despite starting with a promising premise—Greek gods experiencing modern problems like midlife crises—the show didn’t fully deliver on this concept.
- Ending: The open-ended conclusion left viewers unsatisfied. It felt like the writers were banking on a second season that might never come, leading to a lack of resolution that frustrated the audience.
Mixed Tonality:
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- The overall tone was considered strange, blending modern references with ancient mythological figures, and it didn’t always succeed in balancing the humor and drama. Although the show had moments of humor and wit, it didn’t consistently hit the mark, leading to uneven pacing and emotional depth.
Ultimately, Kaos had elements that sparked interest and intrigue—particularly its performances and certain storylines—but left many viewers feeling that it could have been much more cohesive. Its blend of myth, modern-day themes, and quirky characters didn’t fully gel for everyone.
