Netflix's new board game adaptation, Exploding Kittens, falls short of being a faithful representation of the game. When I first heard about the show, I anticipated a close adaptation, though I had no idea how that would work—and if you've played the game, you'll understand why. Then the trailer came and I thought "the God and the Devil in cat bodies sent to Earth? Hell, yeah! Sign me up!" That excitement lasted until i saw the first episode of the series.
The series introduces us to a careless, apathetic god being punished and sent to live with the Higgins family, non-believers who need their problems fixed. The Higgins family is dysfunctional and distant. The mother, Abbie, initially comes across as strict and aloof, but we soon learn she fears losing her family as her children grow up. She is married to Marv, who works at the local bulk-buy store. Their son, Aiden, is obsessed with becoming famous online, while their daughter is an intelligent, science-devoted young woman. The family has very obvous compatibility issues and Godcat tries to bring them together by forcing them to play a deadly board game, which is also nothing like Exploding Kittens, the board game. This event sparks the family's journey towards becoming more involved in each other's lives. As the series progresses, we discover that Abbie was neglected as a child by a mother who didn't care about her interests. Abbie is continuing this cycle, but desires to break free from it. We watch the family make mistakes but also begin to bond more.
This family drama is laden with clichés and jokes that will likely become outdated soon. The satirical elements of the series are overly obvious, making it feel like the writers are spoon-feeding the audience rather than being subtle. For instance, naming the "Karen" type neighbor Karen is unnecessary; viewers can make that connection without explicit labeling. The humor often feels forced and lacks the cleverness needed to sustain interest over multiple episodes.
What began as a promising premise quickly devolves into an unfunny show with superficial humor. The initial excitement generated by the unique concept—a divine cat sent to fix a dysfunctional family—fades as the series relies heavily on predictable plotlines and uninspired gags. The writers seem to struggle with balancing the absurdity of the premise with engaging story arcs. The potential for a rich, layered narrative exploring family dynamics and celestial politics is squandered in favor of cheap laughs and formulaic scenarios.
I had a glimmer of hope with Devilcat's introduction and the exploration of Hell & Heaven politics. The idea of celestial beings navigating earthly challenges and the interplay between their heavenly duties and personal agendas had the potential to add depth to the storyline. However, this aspect of the show fails to deliver.
One redeeming aspect of the series is the performances of Tom Ellis as Godcat and Sasheer Zamata as Devilcat. Their banter and dialogue are a delight to hear, and provide the show's few genuinely enjoyable moments. Ellis brings a charming irreverence to his role by capturing the lazy yet well-meaning nature of his character. His comedic timing and delivery often elevate the material, making even the most mundane scenes entertaining. Zamata, on the other hand, infuses Devilcat with a sharp wit and mischievous energy. Their chemistry is palpable, and their interactions are the highlights of an otherwise lackluster series.
While Exploding Kittens have an intriguing premise and strong performances from its lead actors, it ultimately falls short of its potential. The over-reliance on clichés, outdated jokes, and superficial humor undermines the show's ability to deliver a compelling narrative. The missed opportunities for deeper exploration of its unique themes and the lack of subtlety in its satire leave much to be desired. Tom Ellis and Sasheer Zamata's superb performances are not enough to redeem the show as a whole.
Rating: 2/5
Exploding Kittens is now streaming on Netflix.
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