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The first season of the Netflix series FUBAR featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger hit screens on May 25, 2023, attracting mixed reviews. FUBAR follows veteran CIA agent Luke Brunner who must team up with his undercover agent daughter Emma Brunner to nab a revenge-thirsty crime lord intent on living up to his late father’s criminal legacy. While it marks Schwarzenegger’s TV debut in a leading role in scripted live-action series, it has also become one of the most criticized in his post-governorship career.
A USA Today article addressed the many flops in the series, which has been tagged cringe-worthy, embarrassing, and as a disappointing comeback for Schwarzenegger after a long hiatus. Aside from the predictable turn of events as the undercover Panda Luke Brunner was supposed to extract turned out to be his seemingly perfect daughter, the show did not quite offer much in the surprise department. At least not one that managed to carry viewers along. Most critics claim the series was powerfully riding on Schwarzenegger’s former glory in the live-action realm. Many likened it to his ’90s hit, True Lies, noting that it could have easily been a direct sequel.
Netflix Fubar General Reception and Review
Depicting romance, family, violence, betrayal, and comedy, FUBAR had all it took to soar to unbeatable heights. However, the one element that seemed to be missing was consistency. Most of the characters seemed to struggle with an identity crisis, juggling between badass unpredictable, and a misunderstood individual with daddy issues. The character switch could make sense for Emma and Luke interchanging between their real lives and their CIA alias. However, when the villain gradually becomes less unpredictable and more diplomatic as the series progress, it losses the whole essence of villainy. And what should have been missing instead? Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Given his cultural relevancy, casting the legendary actor in a movie that’s so likely to flop seems like a career murder, and certainly not one to bring the former Terminator and an ex-governor of California out of his real-life retirement. Since its release on Netflix, FUBAR has attracted widespread criticism, with most viewers condemning the predictable storyline and sick humor. Nonetheless, the actors have earned praise for their ability to bring the live-action drama to life and save it from being a complete flop with their impressive talents. One critic noted,
“FUBAR starts with a lot of promise but quickly declines with a messy tone, overused & ineffective humor, and a story that lacks focus. Arnold’s charm and comedic timing still works for long-time fans but he’s let down by the material that surrounds him.”
Another critic described it as a “slim idea stretched over eight parts,” and “fouled up in mostly recognizable ways.” One critic noted that it lacked originality, and brandished cliches and cringe-inducing jokes. Overall, the series has a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with the divided opinion indicating it is a decent show after all.
Will There be a FUBAR Season 2 on Netflix?
The open-ended wrap of FUBAR season 1 gives room for numerous possibilities for continuation, necessitating a season 2. From Luke’s failure to win back his ex-wife Tally after several attempts, to the unresolved love triangle between Emma, her fiance Carter, and her smoldering hot coworker Aldon who she predictably kissed along the line despite their season-long bickering. However, with the initial reception of season 1, the fate of FUBAR season 2 is hanging by a thread.
Neither Netflix nor the show’s executives have revealed if FUBAR would return for a second season. But there are several positive pointers towards it, including Schwarzenegger’s appointment as Netflix’s Chief Action Officer months prior. Additionally, there are also several unresolved issues a potential season 2 could exploit without losing originality.
Netflix FUBAR Season 2 Cast and Potential Release Date
Although FUBAR season 2 release date is not confirmed, one could take a wild guess about the possible cast to expect. Certainly, Schwarzenegger would return in his capacity as the revered CIA agent Luke Brunner, while his Monica Barbaro would reprise her spot as Emma.
Milan Carter’s character, Barry would remain a fixture for technological contributions as the intelligence guy, while Aparna Brielle would hopefully stay on as his love interest and NSA agent Tina. Seeing as the bulk of a potential FUBAR season 2 would cover Luke’s post-retirement plan to win his ex-wife, Fabiana Udenio would certainly return to the next season as Tally. Donnie, played by Andy Buckley added his comedic influence to the series as Luke’s love rival. Hence, he just might stay on.
Jay Baruchel as Emma’s fiance Carter also has a storyline that would fit perfectly into FUBAR season 2, especially with his discovery of a possible love rival, Aldon. Of course, Travis Van Winkle has to make the cut to trash out whatever is brewing between Emma and Aldon. Barbara Eve Harris as Dot is also a welcome addition to season 2 of the Schwarzenegger Netflix show, as is Fortune Feimster (Roo). Given that the season ends with the death of Boro, his roleplayer, Gabriel Luna would most likely sit out the next season. Unless somehow, he manifests the inexplicable immortality most villains often possess in movies since Michael Meyers. Otherwise, a new villain awaits Schwarzenegger in the next installment of the Netflix series.
Should the show be renewed for a second season, the release date could be about a year from now, perhaps, sometime in the summer of 2024. The speculated date is based on previous releases on the streaming platform, which mostly have yearly intervals.
What Does FUBAR Mean?
FUBAR season 1 did a great job at showcasing the complex family dynamics experienced by CIA operatives who have to hide their career identities from their loved ones, as with Schwarzenegger’s character. Having a season 2 in the books would mean a deeper dive into the outcome of their FUBAR situation. By the end of the first season, Luke and Emma’s cover is blown. By implication, not only their family but also every terrorist group they’ve stood against with their CIA alias now knew their real identities. Thus the series’ title.
Notably, FUBAR is a military acronym for “Fucked Up Beyond All Recognition,” which spells out the predicament of the Brewers by the end of season 1. Despite their decision to start afresh with new identities elsewhere, they remain in danger. A potential season 2 would possibly cover their lives on the run from scarred criminal lords and cartels looking to take revenge on the father-daughter duo, and by extension, their loved ones.
The presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger can also act as a propelling force to interest a wider audience and have more people rooting for a new season on Netflix. That seems unlikely with the divided viewers’ opinions on various platforms. Concurrently, the negative reviews might work against its renewal especially if it results in dropped ratings or decreased viewership. A glance through history confirms shows with higher ratings and viewer interest often have the most chances of renewal. However, there’s a possibility the negative reception could become a marketing advantage in its favor as most critics would be eager to see if Netflix and the producers would do a better job in the Schwarzenegger series by next season rather than offer another pitiful try at comedy.