Kaos: Mark Kermode’s fantasy TV series review (video).
Mark Kermode arrives to stride through a television landscape filled with gritty reboots, dark dramas, and superhero sagas, where Netflix’s “Kaos” comes crashing in like a bolt of lightning from Mount Olympus—only this time, the gods are more likely to be found suffering a midlife crisis than hurling thunderbolts. Created by Charlie Covell, the mind behind the darkly witty “The End of the F***ing World,” “Kaos” is a British mythological black comedy that blends ancient lore with contemporary irreverence. It’s as if the Greek pantheon got tired of their marble statues and decided to shake things up with a dash of sarcasm and a good, hard look in the mirror.
The series kicks off with a sight that would strike fear into the heart of any immortal: Zeus, the all-powerful king of the gods, spots a wrinkle on his forehead. This tiny crack in his divine facade sends him spiraling into a pit of paranoia and existential dread. What if this wrinkle is a sign of something more ominous? What if his reign is coming to an end? Zeus, played to perfection by Jeff Goldblum, is no longer the indomitable ruler of the skies but a neurotic deity grappling with his own insecurities. Goldblum, with his trademark blend of charm and eccentricity, turns Zeus into a hilariously self-absorbed figure whose solution to a potential cosmic crisis is to become even more tyrannical and unhinged.
As Zeus obsesses over his newfound flaw, the show introduces us to three humans who are unwittingly caught up in a prophecy that could bring about the downfall of the gods. These mortals—Eurydice “Riddy” (Aurora Perrineau), Orpheus (Killian Scott), and Caeneus (Misia Butler)—find themselves entangled in a web of divine intrigue and cosmic conspiracies. Their journey is a mix of tragedy and farce as they navigate the treacherous waters of fate, all while trying to make sense of the bizarre, god-driven world they’ve been thrust into.
One of the strengths of “Kaos” is its ability to juxtapose the epic and the mundane. Zeus’ wrinkle, which could be seen as a mere cosmetic concern, becomes a symbol of his crumbling power and the instability of the entire universe. Meanwhile, the gods themselves are portrayed as deeply flawed, almost petty beings. Hera (Janet McTeer) is weary of Zeus’ antics, Poseidon (Cliff Curtis) is bitter and vengeful, and Hades (David Thewlis) is more interested in running the Underworld like a dysfunctional family business than as a realm of the dead. These aren’t the majestic figures of classical art—they’re more like the cast of a dysfunctional family sitcom, albeit one with world-ending stakes.
The show’s tone is a tricky balance of dark comedy and mythological drama. Covell doesn’t shy away from the more absurd aspects of Greek mythology, instead leaning into them with a wink and a nudge. The gods’ squabbles, their manipulations, and their often misguided attempts to assert control over mortals provide a rich vein of humour. But beneath the laughs, there’s a deeper narrative at play—one that explores themes of power, mortality, and the often arbitrary nature of fate.
Visually, “Kaos” is a feast for the eyes, blending the ancient with the modern in a way that feels both timeless and fresh. The world of the gods is depicted as a place of faded grandeur, where marble halls and golden thrones are tinged with decay. The humans, on the other hand, inhabit a world that feels eerily familiar, yet just off-kilter enough to remind us that we’re in a place where anything can happen. The show’s aesthetic choices reflect its thematic concerns: the gods are out of touch with the world they rule, and their once-glorious realm is starting to show its age.
The cast is another standout element, with each actor bringing a unique energy to their role. Goldblum’s Zeus is the star attraction, but the supporting cast shines just as brightly. Janet McTeer’s Hera is a formidable counterpart to Zeus, exuding both weariness and strength as she navigates her husband’s increasing paranoia. Cliff Curtis as Poseidon and David Thewlis as Hades bring a darker edge to the series, with Thewlis in particular excelling as the Underworld’s brooding overseer.
“Kaos” isn’t just a show about gods behaving badly; it’s a clever deconstruction of the myths that have shaped Western storytelling for centuries. By infusing these ancient tales with modern sensibilities and a hefty dose of black comedy, Covell creates a series that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The show asks what happens when those who are supposed to be all-powerful begin to doubt themselves, and what it means for the world when the gods’ greatest enemies are their own insecurities.
In the end, “Kaos” is a delightful blend of mythology and modernity, where divine drama is undercut by human folly, and where the line between the sacred and the profane is deliciously blurred. It’s a show that will appeal to anyone who enjoys their comedy with a side of existential angst, and their mythology served with a twist of irony. Whether you’re a fan of Greek myths or just looking for something a bit different, “Kaos” offers a wild, witty, and wholly original ride through the dysfunctional world of the gods.
