TV Review: Steve Carrell Launches His “Space Force”

From its very announcement, Space Force, out May 29 on Netflix, has garnered a natural buzz. First, you have Steve Carrell as the lead, of which everyone wants to see The Office’s Michael go up to space. Moreover, he created the show, alongside Greg Daniels, as the ultimate, hilarious trolling of Trump’s actual Space Force. Thus, coming in, I was expecting crazy antics, stupidity, human delusions, and many mishaps and misadventures, of which Space Force DOES deliver them. Yet, it does it through moments: not episodes. 

Space Force has some hilarious, cringingly awkward moments that remind you of shows like, The Office or Modern Family. Those moments are what makes you anchor into Space Force, along with the sweet instances and combative bonds Steve Carrell’s General Mark R. Naird builds with the likes of his daughter, Diana Silvers as Erin Naird and John Malkovich’s Adrian Mallory. The difference between Space Force and the other shows mentioned are that the other ones have memorable episodes; 20 – 30 minute supernovas of perfect, comedic timing, storyline, and timeless archetypes on how to make a great sitcom/ laugh. Space Force doesn’t quite have that. 
The Space Force Cast Talk About Their Characters | TV Insider

I really wanted to like Space Force more, and its first season, as well as the concept, makes you want a Season 2 that is bigger, bolder, and more fluid in its delivery. Watching the 10 episodes, there is a gnawing feeling of “this could be more” that makes its launching concept have a rough landing. It is because of the very names it is bound to like, Steve Carrell and Trump’s United States’ Space Force that you expect it to be an enrapturing, burst of silliness, but, again, those bursts come in a few scenes in a few episodes. In essence, it is like going on a rollercoaster, marketed as “the craziest ride you will ever take,” and it only has two drops. Still, the performances of Steve Carrell and John Malkovich, along with Lisa Kudrow’s Maggie Naird and Ben Schwartz as F. Tony Scarapiducci, are enough for you to realize a particularly special element to Daniels/ Carrell’s creation: heart. 

I watched Ryan Reynolds tribute to one of my FAVORITE comedic actors, John Candy; noting how the actor always brought an element of vulnerability to his characters. Even if they were outlandishly dim-witted, they always had big hearts to over-compensate for, possibly, small brains. For some reason, I had an “A-Ha” moment, and realized that, in many ways, that is why you stay for Space Force. Malkovich’s Adrian and Carrell’s Mark really do care about their teams, their mission, and the ones/ purposes they love. Their dynamic is one of my favorites of the show because Adrian is a brilliant man of science, while Mark is just trying to get to space, look successful, and re-connect with his daughter. Their clashes and chemistry give the show its biggest heart, and remind you that part of why we cringe at awkward comedy is because we know a good character was trying to do better….. but failed miserably and Space Force does have some funny fails. Space Force comes out May 29 on Netflix. 

Note: Check Out The Hilarious Jimmy O. Yang , who play Dr. Chan Kaifang, in his Amazon Special: Good Deal. So Funny! 
Space Force | Official Trailer | Netflix