Kaos - Season 1

In Kaos we all still live under the yoke of the Greek gods and it is a fun retelling of Greek mythology in the present day. Jeff Goldblum (The World According to Jeff Goldblum) takes on the role of Zeus, the supreme god who rules from Olympus with Hera (Janet McTeer, Ozark) at his side. He enjoys his position and the power that comes with it and makes the most of it. Relaxing in his comfortable tracksuit, he is amiable when everything goes according to plan, but tough if people do not carry out his will. However, his popularity is starting to decline. Not only is humanity increasingly rebelling against him (particularly the previously defeated Trojans are a nuisance), but cracks are also beginning to appear within the pantheon and there is little unanimity.



For example, son Dionysus (Nabhaan Rizwan, Juice) resents Zeus for not being given a more important role within the pantheon, Hera cheats, Prometheus (Stephen Dillane, Game of Thrones) seeks revenge for the punishment he received for giving the fire to humanity and Hades (David Thewlis, The Artful Dodger), among others, also has some difficulty with how Zeus arranges his affairs.

Contrary to what the title of the series suggests, there is little chaos about this series. In fact, the series is very well and tightly put together.

All this makes Zeus insecure and suspicious, especially when he also discovers a wrinkle in himself that could be related to a prophecy that is unfavorable to him. But it makes him also determined to tighten the reins over the pantheon and over humanity. If everyone fears him again, then everything should be fine again and his position should be assured for eternity. The question, however, is whether this will actually work or whether Zeus is digging his own grave.



Contrary to what the title of the series suggests, there is little chaos about this series. In fact, the series is very well and tightly put together. It is easy to watch because of the pleasant pace that is maintained and the central story remains sufficiently interesting until the end of the season. Something that must not have been an easy task, because in addition to this central storyline, several classic stories had to be incorporated into the series.

The classic stories from Greek mythology that emerge in the first season, such as the (consequences of the) Trojan War, the love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, the labyrinth containing the minotaur that Minos had Daedalus build, are all well developed. with a modern twist. And it all fits seamlessly into the whole. In addition, the many references and details, such as the names of locations, buildings and the like, contribute to the atmosphere that is created and ensure that the series is full of (dark) humor.

I have always had an above-average interest in (among other things) Greek mythology, which certainly contributes to the recognisability of many of the elements in the story, but even if you are less familiar with the various stories from the Iliad and Odyssey, it is the whole thing is still easy to follow. In my opinion, prior knowledge is certainly not necessary.

What is also the icing on the cake for me is the Zeus portrayed by Jeff Goldblum. I read somewhere that the initial intention was for Hugh Grant to play the role of Zeus and that they then ended up with Goldblum (because Grant was unable to do so). And he manages to portray a wonderfully over-the-top Zeus, and I am very curious to see how he will fare during the second season (provided the series is renewed).