Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his iconic roles as a movie star and former California governor, is now venturing into the world of Netflix series with “Fubar.” Drawing parallels to his 1994 film “True Lies,” this new show revolves around a father-daughter duo entangled in covert lives. While Schwarzenegger’s character, Luke Brunner, is on the cusp of retiring, he discovers that his daughter Emma, portrayed by Monica Barbaro of “Top Gun: Maverick,” has been recruited by the CIA. This revelation compels Luke to postpone his plans for a quiet life and attempts to reconcile with his ex-wife, Emma’s mother, after years of strained relationships caused by their hidden agendas.
The narrative unfolds as Emma reluctantly follows in her father’s footsteps, both in her personal life with her nerdy boyfriend Carter (played by Jay Baruchel) and in her secret profession, where she encounters dangerous individuals. The series, executive produced by Nick Santora and Schwarzenegger himself, skillfully capitalizes on Schwarzenegger’s charm, delivering clever one-liners while engaging in action-packed sequences reminiscent of his earlier films like “Commando.” Barbaro convincingly portrays the role of an impressive super-spy, albeit with occasional disagreements and clashes with her father.
Despite the compelling performances by the cast, “Fubar” struggles with an overwhelming sense of familiarity, as almost every aspect of the show feels derivative. The banter among the team members, including Luke’s office-based companion Uncle Barry (played by Milan Carter), often leans towards humor, adding to the overall predictable nature of the series. Streaming platforms have become a natural destination for renowned movie stars as they age, as evidenced by the success of Taylor Sheridan-produced dramas like “Yellowstone,” which have attracted veterans like Sam Elliott, Harrison Ford, and Sylvester Stallone. Schwarzenegger’s collaboration with Netflix seems fitting, given his enduring popularity, and the streaming service has even commissioned a docuseries titled “Arnold,” set to premiere in June.
However, the existence of another Schwarzenegger-related project highlights the fact that “Fubar” lacks novelty and feels worn-out. The show serves as an eight-hour reminder for viewers who recently indulged in the star’s earlier movies. It is worth noting that CBS recently canceled a reboot of “True Lies.” Nevertheless, Schwarzenegger’s involvement in a similar concept within the less pressured environment of streaming platforms may prove to be more promising. While “Fubar” attempts to keep audiences engaged through its cliffhanger episodes, the real highlights arise from the chemistry between Schwarzenegger and Barbaro, rather than the otherwise generic plot.
As the title suggests, “Fubar” adopts a lighthearted approach, not taking itself too seriously. However, considering Schwarzenegger’s triumphant return, to quote his relentless cyborg alter ego, fans might have hoped for a more inspired project. “Fubar” premiered on May 25 on Netflix, inviting viewers to decide for themselves whether it lives up to their expectations.
