Worth Watching
Space Force” on Netflix
A comedy series based on President Trump’s plan to create a new branch of the military? Maybe worth a few sketches on SNL… but a full-length comedy series?
It sounded like a bad idea. Now I’m laughing out loud.
Created by Steve Carell and Greg Daniels (with whom Carell worked in “The Office”), the story line is about a middle-aged general that is put in charge of the country’s Space Force because no one else of his rank wants anything to do with it.
Carell plays the bungling leader, much as he did in “The Office,” and John Malkovich plays his top civilian advisor. Malkovich is brilliant as the patient counselor, giving his role a tone of haughty sympathy that perfectly supports Carell’s foolish sincerity.
“Space Force” is, in many ways, a military version of “The Office.” The fun comes from watching Carell say and do the stupidest things while wanting him to be forgiven.
Carell said he wants the show “to have respect for the military and to find its humor in the competing demands of its protagonist’s home life and workplace.” And that it does.
Bottom line: If you liked “The Office,” you’ll like this.