FUBAR ★★
Constituent: Nick Santora
Address: Phil Abraham, Holly Dale
Distribution: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Monica Barbaro, Jay Baruchel, Aparna Brielle
Country: United States of America
Duration: 45 to 57 minutes (8 episodes)
Year: 2023
The first fictional series starring Schwarzenegger doubles as both a celebration and a gentle spoof of a career built on action. Think of it as a revival of the buddy-action comedies from the 80s and 90s that paired formidable figures with unlikely partners. Classics like Red Heat, Twins, The Last American Hero, and the iconic Risky Lies echo in spirit. This remake shifts the dynamic from a romantic couple to a father–daughter duo, inviting a fresh twist on that familiar premise. Whether it mirrors or outgrows the Cameron original remains to be seen, but the goal is clear: entertain first, then tease the arch of celebrity action lore.
The title, borrowed from military jargon, stands for an expression roughly meaning “too damaged to recover,” a sly wink at the protagonist and the actor playing him. Schwarzenegger remains in impressive shape at seventy-five, while the series compresses a decade of events to suit its plot beats. CIA veteran Luke Brunner is not retired yet, yet he steps toward a freedom that would let him chase a grand mission: securing a future for his ex-wife Sally and taking her on a global voyage aboard a boat that isn’t simply a boat, as some folks insist on saying.
Brunner’s path is disrupted when a mission to rescue a covert operative in a Guyana paramilitary network kicks into high gear. The former leader’s son, Boro Poland, now moves the chessboard with an iron will, and the danger of a mole in their ranks becomes personal. Only Brunner can steer this risky course, preventing the sale of a portable weapon of mass destruction to the highest bidder while navigating an increasingly tangled international crisis.
Complicating matters is the task of saving Brunner’s own daughter, Emma. The moment he lands onshore, the stakes tighten as he discovers Emma is not the naïve ally he hoped for. Played by Monica Barbaro, Emma is far more capable and stubborn than her father realizes, challenging his assumptions about loyalty and trust. The dynamic between Luke and Emma evolves from friction to a reluctant partnership as they confront a world where deception hides in plain sight and loyalties shift with the wind. The conventional father–daughter trope becomes a vehicle for humor, heart, and a few sharp, if imperfect, lessons about growing up under the shadow of a famous father.
Nick Santora, known for crafting the tech-thriller Scorpion, appears to aim for a light, entertaining blend of action, wit, and occasional warmth. The balance is delicate: too many jokes risk underplaying the stakes, while a relentless pace could undermine character growth. The show frequently leans on pop-culture nods, quick quips, and a supporting cast that endeavors to keep the energy buoyant. Some viewers may find the humor too on-the-nose, as if the punchlines were guided by a playful, algorithm-like prompt, while others will relish the nimble banter and the filmic energy that comes from pairing a legendary star with a fearless modern co-lead.
The strongest element rests in the chemistry between Schwarzenegger and Barbaro. Their scenes crackle with a tension that feels earned, a rare blend of seasoned gravitas and contemporary swagger. The emotional core surfaces in moments where Emma pushes back against a father who wants to control the narrative of his own family, and Luke, for all his bravado, must reckon with the consequences of his choices. The show occasionally lingers on visual motifs—a muted, grayish landscape that hints at moral ambiguity—yet it never loses sight of the central question: can a stubborn dad and a resolute daughter find common ground long enough to stop a dangerous threat?
As the plot unfolds, supporting players—portrayed by Milan Carter, Travis Van Winkle, and Fortune Feimster—bring humor and texture, adding layers to the mission that might otherwise feel thin. Their jokes sometimes land squarely, other times drift toward the obvious; still, the performers’ energy helps sustain momentum during episodes that lean toward over-the-top action. The show’s tone may skew toward popcorn entertainment, but it succeeds in delivering a compact, action-forward experience that keeps audiences engaged episode after episode.
Ultimately, FUBAR’s appeal rests on a simple truth: a well-morned crisis can be navigated when two generations collide and decide to cooperate. The father–daughter duo embodies a classic screen dynamic—conflict tempered by affection, friction softened by shared goals. The result is a hybrid of adrenaline and affection that feels particular to its era, a modern spin on the old-school buddy formula that still manages to feel fresh in its own imperfect, unapologetic way. Viewers who enjoy brisk, character-driven action with a splash of humor will likely find it refreshing, even if certain narrative choices draw mixed reactions.
Overall, FUBAR invites audiences into a brisk, high-stakes world where failings and loyalties collide, and where family ties can become both the greatest vulnerability and the strongest weapon. The chemistry, the pace, and the punchy exchanges offer a compact, entertaining ride that recognizes its action-film past while pushing a new chapter forward. Whether it reshapes the archetype remains to be seen, but the show certainly gives fans something to talk about as it hurtles through a series of globe-trotting escapades and personal revelations.
[End of review excerpt. Attribution: Industry press materials and coverage.]