Bangkok Post

ARNIE RETURNS IN A LIGHTHEART­ED SPY SERIES

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Whether you’re a fan of Arnold Schwarzene­gger or not, most of us grew up watching his movies and know him as an OG action hero. After being on the big screen for decades, FUBAR marks the first time the Hollywood icon has ventured onto the small screen.

In FUBAR, Schwarzene­gger plays CIA operative Luke Brunner. Nearing retirement, Luke is called back into the field for one last job. He soon discovers a family secret while on a mission as he finds out his daughter Emma (Monica Barbaro) is another agent. As the father and daughter learn they have been living double lives for years, they realise their relationsh­ip as a family has been a lie, and they truly don’t know one another at all. Forced to team up as partners, the series follows them as they tackle universal family dynamics set against a backdrop of spies, action and humour.

You may have also heard that CBS recently cancelled their True Lies series, which was based on James Cameron’s 1994 action comedy movie starring Schwarzene­gger. It felt as if they deliberate­ly tried to ruin the memories of a fun movie, so coming into this new show with Schwarzene­gger, FUBAR feels even more like True Lies. But instead of the wife, now it’s the daughter who Schwarzene­gger’s spy character is working with.

The first season of FUBAR consists of eight episodes and each run less than an hour, having one solid story arc that carries all the way through even though there are distractio­ns here and there. However, those expecting action and thrills might be disappoint­ed by this show as it is not a serious spy or even serious action series. The story is meant to be fun, comic relief rather than a realistic spy story, as many scenarios are unlikely to happen in real life. But once you understand the nature of the series also something endearing about their and start approachin­g FUBAR with a relationsh­ip. The spy team in FUBAR less serious eye, the show is fun and is not a collection of bumbling idiots. somewhat engaging. Instead, they’re actually pretty competent.

Showrunner Nick Santora and his The writers also make sure all team of writers did a good job balancing other characters have something about humour and spy action. Schwarzene­gger them that makes them likable. And the and Barbaro play father and daughter humour is presented in a way where well, and their banter is fun to it bounces off between the characters. watch and there is progress in a way Even though the jokes can get absurd that allows for personal growth. There’s and tiresome at times, I found myself connecting with the characters and enjoying their antics and chemistry.

Overall, FUBAR is a lightheart­ed and entertaini­ng spy/family series. Schwarzene­gger and Barbaro have a good dynamic, leading to some heartwarmi­ng interactio­ns and funny banter. It’s well worth watching if you’re looking for a fun time and a series that’s able to deliver excitement and action without taking itself too seriously.

 ?? ?? FUBAR
Starring Arnold Schwarzene­gger, Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter Created by Nick Santora Now streaming on Netflix
FUBAR Starring Arnold Schwarzene­gger, Monica Barbaro, Milan Carter Created by Nick Santora Now streaming on Netflix
 ?? ?? Monica Barbaro and Arnold Schwarzene­gger.
Monica Barbaro and Arnold Schwarzene­gger.
 ?? FUBAR. ?? Arnold Schwarzene­gger in
FUBAR. Arnold Schwarzene­gger in

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