Moonbase 8
The world has already suffered through a couple other space-themed comedies this past year– Space Force still lingers on the mind – but the potential on display throughout Moonbase 8 is marvellous. A24 and Showtime put their brains together to present a comedy that takes on the final frontier: the Arizona desert. Following three hopeful astronauts in a space station simulation, this six-episode series provides a glimpse at a trio adapting to life in a space station and the lack of formality their simulation provides.
Moonbase 8 lacks the punches necessary to create truly memorable comedy. The compelling nature of our three leading men is just enough to pump out some off-key hilarity, but those moments are few and far between. Humour heavyweights John C. Reilly, Fred Armisenn and Tim Heidecker star in a show that prides itself on flutteringly brief guest stars, and a group dynamic that depends on stereotypes and good-natured back and forth for three bumbling space cadets. Each have natural charm, their abilities as performers provide performances that grapple well with source material that has pockets of brilliance.
Neither Heidecker, Reilly or Armisen stand out as the strongest character; they seem to be in unison with their palatable but completely forgettable performances as three hopeful astronauts. There’s always room for improvement and, with Moonbase 8, there’s plenty to be expanded upon or changed entirely. It’s a series mired with the usual issues – a completely safe, strictly regimented comedy that, for the most part, will offer up some light moments of relief and nothing more. Static direction and able performances, it’s more or less the exact sort of thing you’d expect from a comedy from this era.
A passable piece that will be alluring to those that find value in Armisen and Reilly, but for fans of Heidecker, this may be far too grounded – his brand of comedy completely absent from a series that’s in desperate need of originality. Moonbase 8 doesn’t quite clear itself for launch, with many moments struggling to move past preliminary checks, tried and tested humour that will sit well with executives and suits but do little to appeal to an ever-changing audience. Timeless this is not, it feels like a waste of premise, one that could’ve been far more poignant and engaging than a show that feels flabbergasted to get its feet off the ground. What should have been one small step for comedy, is a giant let down for mankind.