Jeff Goldblum’s Paranoid Zeus Unraveled by Mysterious Prophecy — Rate It!

In Netflix’s new mythological dramedy KAOS, a confrontation between humanity and the gods is on the horizon.

Charlie Covell’s latest series follows Zeus, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, who is tormented by a newfound wrinkle on his forehead. This physical flaw triggers paranoia in the king of gods, who believes it heralds an ancient prophecy about his downfall. As his anxiety spirals, Zeus starts to self-destruct.

In Episode 1, our narrator Prometheus introduces himself as a prisoner because he “knows too much about a certain person,” referring to Zeus as the “unmitigated bastard.” Prometheus hints at a plan to dethrone Zeus which involves three humans.

The first human introduced is Riddy, a woman from Krete who is trying to end her relationship with her famous musician boyfriend, Orpheus. At a grocery store, Riddy encounters a dirty woman, played by Billie Piper, who tells her that her relationship is over.

Back on Mount Olympus, Hera, Zeus’ wife and sister, tolerates Zeus’ insecurities. She bears ill will towards Dionysus, Zeus’ son, who became a god despite his human mother being turned into a bee by Hera. When Dionysus asks Zeus for a promotion and gets laughed off, he steals Zeus’ watch, leading to bigger problems.

After a monument to the gods in Krete is desecrated, Zeus becomes more paranoid. Hera tries to console him, yet it’s clear Zeus is deeply troubled. A vertical wrinkle on his forehead sends him into a frenzy, prompting him to consult Prometheus about the prophecy. Prometheus lies to Zeus, ensuring him he can’t be destroyed.

Riddy visits her mother, who is a tacita. Inside the confessional, her mother’s ability to speak is hindered due to Hera’s cruelty. Her mother gives Riddy a prophecy identical to Zeus’. Shortly after, Riddy meets the woman from the grocery store again but is killed by a bus. The mysterious woman foresees Riddy leaving everyone that day.

Riddy is buried with a gold charm meant to ensure a safe journey to the god Hades. Orpheus, in a state of despair, tries to end his life but accidentally shoots Dionysus instead, who, being a god, cannot die. Dionysus tells Orpheus there’s a way to reunite with Riddy without dying and mentions that “gods don’t bleed.”

Prometheus reveals that while humans receive prophecies, Zeus was once human and thus can be destroyed by them. He has been waiting for ages for the perfect scenario to bring about Zeus’s downfall, claiming, “This is our only chance.”

The episode ends with a black-and-white scene of Riddy on a boat filled with people, all wearing life vests.

So what did you think? Grade the premiere of KAOS, then let your thoughts be known in the comments!

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