he Netflix series Space Force began with a premise that immediately promised craziness and satire. It is about a newly established Space Force led by a military officer who, like everyone else, is unsure of what the mission actually entails. The premise could have easily veered into chaotic absurdity, but its deft mix of humor, sharp commentary and heart make it truly fun across its two seasons.

Steve Carell plays Gen Mark R Naird, who feels simultaneously out of his depth and too competent for the situation. Carell, known for his impeccable timing and ability to mix comedy with pathos, does not repeat his Michael Scott from The Office, though there is a hint of that lovable obliviousness. Naird is driven not by the desire for popularity or validation but by an earnest, if misguided, commitment to push forward in a new and awfully underfunded branch of the military. Remarkably, Carell never lets the character fall too far into self-parody. There’s something piteous in his character’s confusion and Carell captures it flawlessly without ever losing the comedy.

John Malkovich essays the role of Dr Adrian Mallory. He is a scientist whose dry, biting intellect constantly challenges Naird’s more practical approach to leadership. The exchanges between the two men, driven by their distinct motivations, give a nice texture to the show. Malkovich excels at playing someone who seems both endlessly frustrated and completely invested in his eccentric pursuits. Their relationship forms the backbone of the series. It could have easily leaned on their contrasting personalities as a crutch but ultimately becomes one of the show’s most thoughtful dynamics.

The story of Space Force could be seen as a riff on government inefficiency and the folly of political ambition. It takes its shots at the preposterousness of bureaucracy but it does not stop there. The humour is layered with moments of introspection and vulnerability that make the show more than just a satire about space exploration. It is a series about power, ambition and the often ridiculous ways people chase those.

Lisa Kudrow, as Naird’s wife, Maggie, brings a surprising level of depth to a role that could have easily been reduced to just the supportive spouse. Her character is just as mired in the folly of the military system as everyone else. Kudrow brings a dry, offbeat humour to her scenes. Ben Schwartz, in his role as F Tony, the ambitious assistant to Naird, is wonderfully manic without ever being over the top. Tawny Newsome, as Angela Ali, a no-nonsense pilot, helps ground the show in some much-needed professionalism, presenting a contrast to the chaos surrounding her.

The story of Space Force could be seen as a riff on government inefficiency and the folly of political ambition. It takes its shots at the preposterousness of bureaucracy but it does not stop there. The humour is layered with moments of introspection and vulnerability that make the show more than just a satire about space exploration. It is a series about power, ambition and the often ridiculous ways people chase those. It is about trying to reconcile a sense of purpose in a world that is not only unpredictable but also (sometimes) painfully ridiculous and absurd.

While the show has obvious parallels with The Office and Parks and Recreation, the stakes here are more personal, more global and more absurd. The characters may be living through situations that are laughable on the surface, but the show never lets one forget the toll it takes on them. The series is not just about office politics in the traditional sense. It is about the larger-than-life consequences that come with trying to govern a programme that should have never started in the first place. It is also about people trying to cope with the system, make sense of it and survive within it.

The show’s critique of government overreach and military madness feels familiar. Perhaps too familiar if one has seen Veep or Parks and Recreation. Even then, the show manages to carve its niche. It is less about sharp political commentary and more about the people caught in the gears of an overwhelmingly broken system.

The pacing feels uneven at times. Some episodes drag on a bit too long, others rush through key emotional moments. The show’s critique of government overreach and military madness feels familiar. Perhaps too familiar if one has seen Veep or Parks and Recreation. Even then, the show manages to carve its niche. It is less about sharp political commentary and more about people caught in the gears of an overwhelmingly broken system.

Space Force stays true to its comedic roots. It’s fun, quirky and smart without losing its ability to entertain those looking for a good laugh. The characters are likable, flawed and human, even as they get caught up in the inanities of space exploration and government-funded military programmes. While it satirises the space race and government dysfunction, the focus always remains on the people involved.

Space Force does not play it safe. It takes a ridiculous premise and, in its second season, continues to ripen, building on the foolery and layering in real moments of growth for its characters. If anything, it proves that there is no shortage of humour to be found in the most chaotic of circumstances.

Verdict: For fans of office sitcoms, mockumentaries and satire, Space Force is sure to be a hit, much like The Office, Parks and Rec and Veep.

The author is a freelance contributor