TV Review: ‘FUBAR’ Season 2

‘FUBAR’ Season 2 receives 7 out of 10 stars.

Released on Netflix on June 12th, ‘FUBAR’ Season 2 gets us back in action with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Luke Brunner for another blend of spy thrills and comedy.

The cast also includes Monica Barbaro (‘A Complete Unknown’), Fortune Feimster (‘Barb & Star go to Vista Del Mar’), Travis Van Winkle (‘Road House’), Jay Baruchel (‘BlackBerry’), Scott Thompson (‘Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy’) and, new this season, Carrie-Anne Moss (‘The Matrix’) and Guy Burnet (‘Oppenheimer’).

Related Article: ‘FUBAR’ Forefronts an Entertaining Arnold Schwarzenegger Surrounded by a Funny, Likeable Cast

Initial Thoughts

If you’re craving some Arnold Schwarzenegger action, but don’t want to dive into some of the dodgier straight-to-home-entertainment movies he’s made of late, the return of ‘FUBAR’ might satisfy you.

We says “might,” as this is very much a Your Mileage May Vary series –– if your tolerance for Schwarzenegger taking stabs at being funny and a narrative that puts laughs over stunts (though there are still some impressive moments) –– isn’t all that high, then this might not be the show for you.

Script and Direction

‘FUBAR’ was created and is run by Nick Santora, who has had a hand in shows such as network procedural offering ‘Scorpion’ and Prime Video’s ‘Reacher.’ He certainly knows a thing or two about how to make funny live alongside spy material or vigilante action, but with ‘FUBAR,’ he’s created a delivery system for two things: Schwarzenegger channeling his past career and workplace comedy that just happens to feature big threats as part of its DNA.

For the most part, the scripts walk the line between the two on an effective level, helped by the cast. The show is never going to be the funniest or most action-packed out there, but if you’ve enjoyed its charms in the past, Season 2 certainly keeps up the same quality level.

Shoving the characters together in a safe house for a couple of episodes gives plenty of material for them clashing comically with each other, and several finding creative ways to get out and pursue their interests (see Monica Barbaro’s Emma dominating local paintball tournaments) is good for chuckle.

Once the major plot kicks back in again, the show returns to what worked about the first season, and for the most part it’s entertaining.

On the directorial front, the limitations of even a Netflix budget (and we’re certainly not talking money on the level of, say, ‘Stranger Things’ here), do sometimes shine through, but directors Phil Abraham and Jeff T. Thomas make the most of what they have.

Cast and Performances

Let’s be honest here: Arnie is Arnie. He’s a movie star whose best days are perhaps behind him, but he certainly throws himself into all aspects of the series. He’s not afraid to make fun of himself and his back catalogue and while he can’t quite do everything he once did on the stunt front, he’s convincing enough with the help of a team.

It’s also clear he’s having fun here, chomping on cigars, getting to interact with the rest of the cast and generally nodding towards past glories.

As Emma, Monica Barbaro continues to be among the highlights, balancing a light comic tone with committed action chops. She’s equally adept playing farcical moment with the likes of Jay Baruchel as she is looking like a badass when called upon.

Fortune Feimster, Milan Carter and Travis Van Winkle are still worth watching as Luke Brenner’s support team and surrogate family Roo, Barry and Aldon, and while Milan Carter is somewhat sidelined this year, he still gets some fun moments.

Jay Baruchel, even more than Carter, comes off worse this time around –– not because of his performance, which is still giddily entertaining, but because his character, Emma’s former fiancé, simply doesn’t have as much to do any more.

Still stealing scenes every time he’s in them is Scott Thompson as Dr. Pfeffer –– he’s a delight, and fans of the first season will be happy to know his puppet obsession is undimmed.

The new recruits for this season include Carrie-Anne Moss, who clearly relishes playing Luke’s former flame and a master spy in her own right, Greta Nelso. She goes full femme fatale, and plays well off of Schwarzenegger.

Finally, there’s Guy Burnet as Theodore Chips, a James Bond riff whose character pivots between hero and villain. Burnet is excellent in the role, whether he’s trying to flirt with Emma or threatening the team.

Final Thoughts

‘FUBAR’ certainly has niche appeal, but what it does, it does well, delivering Arnie puns, some level of spy craft and plenty of silly moments (Van Winkle and a pig are a particular highlight.

That’s it and that’s all. But hopefully this won’t be it and all for the show.

What’s the plot of ‘FUBAR?

The initial season of the series follows Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Luke Brunner, a CIA operative with a knack for inventively taking down bad guys and a venerable reputation at the agency.

But Luke, long since realizing the toll his job and its need for total secrecy had on his family –– he’s been divorced from wife Tally (Fabiana Udenio) for nearly 20 years –– is ready to retire. He plans to win his wife back and properly reconnect with his grown children, especially Emma (Monica Barbaro).

Before he can really call it quits, though, he’s informed that Boro (Gabriel Luna), the son of a terrorist Luke dispatched years ago while working undercover, has resurfaced and is aiming to relaunch his father’s dangerous organization with even more vehemence.

Season 2 picks up with Brunner, Emma and their family, friends and colleagues going stir crazy in a safe house. But then Luke learns that not only has old flame Greta Nelso returned, but there’s a new threat out there –– and he’s the only one who can stop it.

Who stars in ‘FUBAR’ Season 2?

• Arnold Schwarzenegger as Luke Brunner
• Monica Barbaro as Emma Brunner
• Fortune Feimster as Roo
• Travis Van Winkle as Aldon Reese
• Aparna Brielle as Tina Mukerji
• Fabiana Udenio as Tally Brunner
• Jay Baruchel as Carter
• Milan Carter as Barry Putt
• Scott Thompson as Dr. Pfeffer
• Carrie-Anne Moss as Greta Nelso
• Guy Burnet as Theodore Chips

Selected Arnold Schwarzenegger Movies:

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