In Episode two of the Netflix series, KAOS, the story further explores the lives of the gods and humans. Zeus continues to cope with his vulnerability after finding out that his immortality may be at risk, all while facing numerous challenges to his power and authority. He attempts to maintain overall control while facing these fears, leading to rising tension among the other gods.
Audiences are met with the character Hades (played by David Thewlis), the god of the Underworld, accompanied by Persephone. In this episode he is introduced more deeply, showcasing his personality and issues that arise in the underworld. All the while, the god of the sea, Poseidon, is shown to have his own concerns with the other gods. He continues to struggle with his own identity and his godly responsibilities. His interaction with mortals has unexpected consequences, forcing him to confront his own nature.
In the mortal realm, the show follows humans who experience odd events, and divine influences that complicate their lives. Orpheus continues to deal with the death of Eurydice and seeks to bring her back. He begins to take these initial steps to find that his search may lead him to the underworld, and Hades.
Riddy also feels out of place and insignificant, leading to growing frustration. In this episode, her interaction with divine entities grows more intense. These encounters suggest that she may be closely linked to the gods by fate more than she realizes.
Similarly to Orpheus, Kelsey also continues to grieve over a lost loved one. She begins to question the nature of life and death, reflecting on her loss. Her experience suggests there may be a way to connect with the dead, pushing her closer to answers about the afterlife, or closer to the divine realm. Dion feels increasingly manipulated by otherworldly forces, realizing that the gods have an interest in his actions. Rosie then finds herself caught in a deep mess with the gods while her decisions begin to have larger consequences.
In episode two of KAOS, the mortal characters the show follows continue to wrestle with fate, and themes of control and identity, all while they are increasingly affected by the gods. In this episode, these characters’ actions set the stage for their arc, revealing how their lives are being shaped by divine influences. This episode continues to build upon episode one’s world-building and the many characters’ introductions. This is one of the show’s main issues for viewers. There are so many characters with different plots, making it hard for viewers to keep track of the storyline. Ultimately, KAOS has been confusing and difficult to indulge in due to these issues, along with its pacing. On a positive note, this dark comedy is a fresh take on Greek mythology. It balances humor and drama well, allowing viewers to appreciate certain aspects of this Netflix original, such as its absurdity and modern retelling. Hopefully, the coming episodes will provide a clearer picture of the series as a whole.
Rating: 6/10