Schwarzenegger takes on the role of Luke Brunner, a seemingly ordinary owner of a fitness equipment store in the eyes of his family. His divorce from Tally (Fabiana Udenio) resulted from his frequent absence during crucial life events. However, little do they know that Luke is no ordinary store owner; he is, in fact, a spy. He works as part of a CIA team, including tech expert Barry (Milan Carter), who masquerades as a fellow fitness store employee. Luke’s team also consists of specialized agents Aldon (Travis Van Winkle) and Roo (Fortune Feimster), the latter adding her comedic touch to the dialogue.

As the plot unfolds, an international incident involving the South American separatist leader Boro (Gabriel Luna) emerges, connecting to Luke’s past. It is revealed that Luke’s daughter, Emma (Monica Barbaro), is an undercover agent within Boro’s organization. This revelation shakes the foundation of their father-daughter relationship, leading them to collaborate while grappling with the truth.

The premise of FUBAR leans more towards the tone of “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” rather than “True Lies,” as Arnold Schwarzenegger was not part of the former. Nevertheless, the series heavily draws upon familiar tropes and scenarios, often reminiscent of superior source materials. The familiarity sometimes becomes uncomfortable, especially in scenes reminiscent of “True Lies” involving Schwarzenegger, Jamie Lee Curtis, and the late Bill Paxton.

Regrettably, FUBAR occasionally ventures into unsettling territory as Luke’s relationship with Emma develops, entangling her with her nerdy fiancé Carter (played by Jay Baruchel, underutilized in this role) and the more visually appealing Aldon. Furthermore, one operation involves Emma engaging with a one-dimensional character who finds pleasure solely in spanking. These aspects of the show are neither amusing nor enjoyable, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste.

Overall, FUBAR fails to escape the shadow of its predecessors, borrowing heavily from better sources without adding enough originality to stand out. Certain moments feel uncomfortably familiar, while others lack the comedic punch they aim to deliver. The series struggles to balance humor and discomfort, ultimately leaving viewers with a dissatisfying experience.

FUBAR falls short in delivering humor, which is an expected consequence when an action-comedy series is helmed by individuals primarily skilled in action. However, the globe-trotting adventures and episodic missions lack the necessary grandeur and precision. The show’s attempts at humor often become tiresome, such as a recurring gag where Luke fails to grasp the concept of “cuckolding.” Additionally, some comedic setups lack satisfying payoffs, leaving the audience wanting more.

The scripts strain to infuse the characters with witty farewell lines and deliberately reference Schwarzenegger’s extensive filmography. While some references are direct, others are potentially obscure enough to be mere coincidences. However, including these references and the overall use of slang and vernacular feel outdated and stale. For instance, the characters engage in banter about waiting for a Presidential Decision Directive to authorize torture, leading to a cringe-worthy exchange like when Roo quips, “You down with PDD?” and Aldon responds with, “Yeah, you know me.” The outdated humor becomes incredibly uncomfortable in an episode that features parallel threads of torture, making it one of the most pro-torture depictions on television. This particular episode, amidst an otherwise forgettable series, becomes excruciating to watch.

Furthermore, any plotline solely focusing on Luke and Emma’s non-spy family dynamics, including a sudden introduction of a previously unmentioned child with cancer, adds to the overall forgettable nature of the show. These aspects fail to resonate and contribute to the overall lackluster experience of FUBAR.

FUBAR occasionally falls short in terms of plot complexity. The storyline follows a more predictable and straightforward narrative, lacking significant surprises or twists. However, the fast pacing and Schwarzenegger’s charisma make up for any shortcomings in the overall plot. The show’s primary focus is providing an enjoyable experience rather than delivering intricate storytelling.

Schwarzenegger and Barbaro deliver commendable performances in FUBAR. Schwarzenegger embodies a grizzled and quintessentially Schwarzenegger-esque version of septuagenarian masculinity, despite the show’s attempt to pass him off as 10 years younger. He convincingly portrays an oblivious father and effectively balances weariness with the ability to unleash some formidable action. His portrayal fares better when he embraces the role of an oblivious dad rather than struggling with clunky dialogue like pronouncing “Galifianakis.”

Meanwhile, Barbaro brings her Top Gun: Maverick swagger to her character, capturing both impatience and versatility in the spy game. However, her chemistry with both Baruchel and Van Winkle lacks the necessary spark.

Feimster, guest star Adam Pally, and Aparna Brielle, who portray an NSA operative with an unclear purpose, elicit laughter, albeit not consistently. While they contribute moments of humor, these instances are infrequent and do not leave a lasting comedic impact.