‘Obliterated’ Netflix Series Review - A Cocktail of Chaos or Comedic Catastrophe?

"Obliterated," the Netflix debutant that crashed into our screens like a wild party on its November 30th premiere, barrels through its eight-episode stint with the fervor of a bull in a china shop. Crafted by the creative trio of Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, and Josh Heald, this series dishes out a mixed platter of action, comedy, and inebriated heroics in the neon-lit playground of Las Vegas.

At its core, the show unfurls the escapades of a crack team of elite soldiers from the various branches of the U.S. armed forces. Tasked with thwarting a diabolical terrorist network, their exploits take an unexpected turn when a debaucherous celebration post- "mission accomplished" reveals that the bomb they neutralized was just a masquerade ball. The real danger emerges, forcing our intrepid heroes to navigate the labyrinth of their intoxication and sober up in record time to save the shimmering city from annihilation.

Shelley Hennig, Nick Zano, and Terrence Terrell headline this raucous romp, infusing life into characters grappling not only with thwarting disaster but also with their own personal entanglements. It's a smorgasbord of drama, humor, and high-octane action, often laced with the sort of NSFW banter that makes you feel like an eavesdropper at a rowdy poker table.

Yet, amidst the glittering lights and high stakes, "Obliterated" trips over its own shoelaces. Its ambition to straddle the line between action and satire leaves it gasping for coherence, akin to a daredevil trying to juggle dynamite sticks. The show's Achilles' heel is its struggle with maintaining a consistent tone, resulting in a cacophony of subplots that feel as disjointed as a deck of cards scattered in the desert wind.

Moreover, the series, in its zest for irreverence, stumbles into the thorny thicket of stereotypes and clichés. The portrayals often toe the line between humor and offensiveness, tiptoeing into the realm of caricature rather than carving a fresh path in the genre.

However, for all its flaws, "Obliterated" struts its stuff with commendable gusto. Its mishmash of action, satire, and comedy is like a spicy cocktail – not for everyone, but certainly intriguing. The humor crackles with electricity, injecting a zany vivacity into even the most perilous situations. And while the series might occasionally resemble a low-budget production, its unapologetic embrace of over-the-top action sequences and witty quips ensures a raucous ride.

Yet, this low-budget charm can be a double-edged sword, reminiscent of a magic show where the smoke and mirrors distract from the substance. Beneath the flashy facade lies a yearning for more depth, a longing for the series to transcend the chaos and deliver a more substantial narrative.

In summary, "Obliterated" is a high-stakes gamble. It's a fever dream of action, comedy, and satire that might leave you rolling the dice for more or cashing in your chips for a different show. Its erratic journey mirrors the unpredictability of Las Vegas itself – a whirlwind where you might stumble upon a hidden gem or find yourself lost in the neon haze, yearning for a clearer path.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times