'Space Force' Spoiler-Free Review: Steve Carell's Netflix workplace comedy fails to make a perfect landing
Netflix's workplace comedy Space Force begins with General Mark Naird (Steve Carell) being appointed as the Head of Space Force. What follows next are his attempts at making sure that America has "boots on the Moon by 2024" else it's his head on a platter. The POTUS keeps a close eye on the functionings of Space Force, but hardly ever offers substantial advice. If anything, he makes things all the more difficult for Mark.
General Mark Naird is a lot like Steve Carell from 'The Office' yet he is not. In Space Force, he seems to have more control over compared to what he did in 'The Office'. However, Mark Naird will spare you from the endless illogical idiosyncrasies of Michael Scott. Given how stubborn Mark's character is, we'd have enjoyed more lawlessness. As most sitcoms go, 'Space Force' established early on the friendship that was due to blossom between Mark and Dr Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich). When they begin working together, they do not agree on a lot of things, constantly bickering.
But soon their differences are laid to rest when they both realize the dedication to their work. While Mark has pledged to his country and the American flag, Dr Mallory is devoted to the cause of science. And so, both of them often argue about the real purpose of space advancement and development. So much so that they threaten to endanger their relationship forever.
'Space Force' also boasts of other characters that are quintessential to this workplace. There is the whacky F**k Tony aka F Tony Scarapiducci (Ben Schwartz), the hyper-energetic, overexcited, over-enthusiastic, social media manager who does more damage than damage control. There is Brad aka Bradley, the scatterbrained assistant, who paired with F**k Tony is a disaster waiting to happen. Other friendships are more heartwarming. The art of not addressing the elephant in the room is carried out surprisingly well leaving viewers wondering what the hell must have happened.
'Space Force' is is not enticing since the very beginning. It is is a bit of a drab actually and only picks up pace through the season well after Episode 5. That's when 'Space Force' becomes enjoyable. Created by Greg Daniels and Carell, 'Space Force' doesn't bring to the table the energy we had expected or hoped for. It oscillates between age-old sitcom tropes and the interest to do better but fails. 'Space Force' will drop on Netflix on May 29.