Chaos (2011) User Reviews

Good Pilot Episode

[l-piotrowski · 7/10 · 8 April 2011]

I liked the pilot episode I saw today online. I thought the characters were interesting and the writing crisp with sly humor. The show seems to be a mix of Human Target with the action and fun interplay between the characters and Better Off Ted with the witty, slightly sarcastic take on the bureaucracy of an organization.

It has a quirkiness to it that is quite appealing with various twists and turns to keep you off guard. This is refreshing given the lack of good entertainment on TV nowadays.

I will watch this weeks episode and if it is a good as the pilot, then I think CBS will have a hit. Hopefully they give it time to get the good ratings I believe will occur.

a breeze of fresh air

[mylafonseca · 8/10 · 2 April 2011]

up to the moment, we have only the pilot episode released, but this show has already shown it has a lot of good things going on...

first of all, it's really funny - and it manages to be like that avoiding clichés or easy ways out. it does not patronize our intelligence and it comes up with creative and funny twists that are just great!!! furthermore, it has an interesting assemblage of cultural roles. a naive but good-hearted brand new CIA agent from Puerto Rico turns up to be assigned to a six-year veteran CIA rogue team formed by 3 agents that combat the bureaucracy inside the Agency: two Americans and a Scottish. but they have access to almost any other culture or part of the world, so the show brings up a multi-cultural context.

with humor, criticism, irony, mockery and fun, the show focus on how this CIA team manipulates other agents, the Agency, and the system itself to grasp their goals. up to now, to do good.

*** it's definitely a breeze with a lot of fresh air from what we typically see on TV nowadays!!!

it's first episode made of me a fan, as well as a lot of people thorough the world. let us hope it continues to do so.

i bet it will. ;)

Poor character development

[echo33 · 7/10 · 3 July 2011]

I finally decided to catch up with this show on my DVR before they cancel it. I found it to be a fun show but poorly written in some areas. I found a big problem with the character of Rick Martinez. He is suppose to be some language savant yet in one episode he had to ask the Russian woman what she had said. Huh?????? Shame on the network for showing the episodes out of order as that confused me as well. I do believe this show would need a couple of seasons to make us care about the people in it but I do not think we will get that.

In closing, do they really need to wear suits to every single mission they go on?

Best pilot I've seen in years

[sortmaster · 10/10 · 3 April 2011]

I thought this opening episode was excellent. If they can keep up the writing, this show is sure to find an audience. I watch all my shows on the net so I'm not sure about networks/time-slots, but I hope they don't bury this one because I think it's got some broad-spectrum appeal.

I like the main characters. They have a good spectrum of personalities. The weakest link I see is the main protagonist, since he's playing the wide-eyed idealist newbie. His evolution will be needed as the series progresses, but the rest give a good feel of jaded spies. The backbiting and info dealing of the CIA co-workers is hilarious, I can't wait for the next one!

If you liked Chuck's season 1, you'll likely find something to like here so give it a shot. It's less cheesy/campy, though still has a light-hearted feel.

Bring back Chaos!

[davidritter · 10/10 · 2 May 2011]

My wife and I loved Chaos! Please bring it back! There was no advertising about the show...it's no wonder it went down. It would have been more successful had there been promotion on other shows, in magazines, and even billboards! It was our favorite new show! The actors were fantastic, and there are no other shows about the CIA. Also, unique to the show were the characters and the plot lines we reviewed were fantastic! The show was clean, intense, humorous and addicting! Eric Close and Rodriguez were the stars, but all of them rock! What can we do to bring it back? Start a petition? Who can we call to put pressure on the studios and media? Please reconsider! San Diego

Fast-paced, entertaining hour!

[s-a-lay · 10/10 · 9 May 2011]

Pilot was really funny, and subsequent episodes were well-written, fast-paced, dramatic with appropriate humor, and left my Live Watch US participants wanting more. Acting was outstanding, and the chemistry between actors was definitely reminiscent of NCIS and The Mentalist. This show was a refreshing change on all fronts from the typical schedule offerings.

Alas, the show, clearly appealing to both genders in the 18-54 (18-49 and 25-54 audience segments) audience segment, was scheduled on a night this audience tends to time-shift because they're not home watching TV and are out socializing. Nor was the show adequately promoted to both genders (the four primary actors have a largely female following); nor was it scheduled with similar shows that appeal to this audience segment.

Online and CBS network promos were typical of the network, but other promotional strategies CBS does for new shows, TV talk show interviews and magazine & newspaper interviews, was lacking compared to other new CBS shows. Too bad...this was one show that shows promise of leading a change in network entertainment that cable networks are capturing and pulling audiences from the major networks. The female audience members were ignored with male-oriented promotion; they learned about the show through the male actors' fan sites.

Entertaining show, cast with clear chemistry and appeal, good writing, and a fast-paced hour were wasted on Friday nights. Hopefully, when CBS airs the show this summer, it will get a more appropriate time slot and better promotion.

They are back on TV !

[Ty-134-USSR · 29 May 2011]

On Saturday night, nothing to do, switching TV channels, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the characters' of CHAOS on TV. Thank you CBS that launched the CHAOS on TV again. Great episodes. Wonderful script. Cool acting. I am waiting for next Saturday to see the new adventures of the "Musketeers of the 21st Century". Good job guys. I am not understand how CBS could stop running such a good film. And now, without any announcement and advertisement they have put it on TV. It is not a good respect for the viewers. I hope that CBS will be corrected it, and they will follow more by viewers opinion. Chaos showing on TV that is already a good sign. Thank CBS. All the Best to the Cast and Crew of Chaos.

Just awful.

[ianeff · 1/10 · 1 June 2011]

Wooden acting, self-satisfied, self-aggrandizing characters, boring action sequences, blah, blah, blah. There's really just nothing good about this series.

I'm trying to avoid spoilers, here, so I'll just say that when this bloated monster tries to be clever, it comes off as crass, and that I expected appreciably more from Freddie Rodriguez, whose character in Six Feet Under was understated and subtle.

The crux of how horrible this thing is comes at the end of every episode, when the characters come together and toss their heads around about how amazing all the plot-foiling and butt-kicking they've just done was. It's infuriating, annoying, and really not worth your time-- like the latter episodes of every trashy comedy out there.

Give it a chance!

[StopAnimalAbuse101 · 10/10 · 11 May 2011]

This show is excellent! I instantly loved it! It just needs a chance, it wasn't given proper advertisement and wasn't given a good time slot. The actors are fantastic, the writing was fantastic, it just needs a chance to show that it really has chance to be successful. If given the proper advertisement to the right crowd, I think that it would be wildly successful. CBS NEEDS TO MARKET THIS!!!!! I'm a frequent CBS viewer and I've only seen about two or three commercials for this. This was in about a two or three month period. This show has a great premise and it's a great drama with some great comedy in it. I just wish CBS would market it and give it another chance. That's what it deserves.

Find a Way to Keep It On!

[dhassel2001 · 10/10 · 4 July 2011]

I have been a fan of the show since the pilot, and I mirror every comment so far in that CBS has not managed the show well at all! I think the writing and the acting are both superb, scarily so since it resonates with me as believable when it comes to working in a bureaucracy. Kudos especially to the writers for balancing the humor and drama elements, keeping a tongue-in-cheek humor that has been fun to watch! I have currently seen more hints from CBS treating this as a summer show in hiatus than canceled, which I can live with and hope to change with word-of-mouth advertising. CBS needs to talk it up MUCH MORE and find it a steady home. I agree with during the week, maybe a Wednesday night/Thursday night fare more than on a Sunday night. I'll be there whenever it shows!

Chaos is quite refreshing

[pipacs-1 · 9/10 · 10 July 2011]

A really fun show for anyone who enjoys laughing and giggling a lot. As intended, the four leads balance each other. Kurtwood Smith is always a joy to watch and I hope he returns soon. I have enjoyed seeing Michael Badalucco and wish he was in more episodes. As a comedic actor he has the chops. Each episode plot seems new and full of imagination. Well, I am usually surprised. Maybe the budget could be increased so more things could explode. Nothing gory, please!

I really hope this show stays around for awhile. Kudos to CBS for adding an entertaining and wacky show to their lineup. Saturday night seems about right for those of us over 70 and at home.

Chaos

[sumner25-66-731942 · 10/10 · 28 May 2011]

I really enjoy Chaos. It is well done, funny and edgy. Please give it a chance. 3 episodes are not enough, you need to give people time to watch it. This is a great ensemble cast and they play off each other well. I think showing these episodes on Saturday night is not going to get viewers very well. You didn't publish that Chaos was coming on. If my DVR had not bee scheduled to record Chaos, I would have never known it was on. Please give this show a fair shake. Advertise this show and show some of the funny scenes. I'm sure that audiences will enjoy something different this summer. Help this show gain the following and the numbers I know it can get. I think that if you advertise this show and put it on during the week, you will see that it can get a good audience.

Excellent

[Nate_the_Cinephile · 10/10 · 19 December 2011]

The show is very entertaining. I thought the cast was impressive before I watched it so I checked it out. It imaginatively combines hot topic political new topics with James Bond style stories. I've been a Bond fan for a long time so I think I'm allowed to say that. I don't want to go on and on here but in short, excellent show and Bret Ratner (director) has risen a few notches in my eyes for having done this show.

Other things I might mention are: I watched the whole first season at my leisure on amazon instant video. I started by downloading one show, then another, then the whole season because it was so good! In my eyes it watching online during breaks from work was a very refreshing experience because the show is set in many (recreated) places around the world.

Another side note: Check out the cool cast interview on cnet.com at I think the "buzz out loud" special for "south by southwest" (could be a different special tho.)

Chaos is a fine peace of artful created series

[mission_pu · 9 August 2011]

Chaos has all the components I like in a action comedy kind of series. It has a ongoing story that isn't too complex to follow and interesting action in every episode. The missions are thoughtful designed and not too unrealistic, still with some humor attached.

The series is about four CIA agents that together build a perfect team. They are on missions that mostly aren't approved in the first place, but of course pay out well all the time. Every guy has its specialties and plays a important roll in the missions. Of course some romance has been included in the ongoing story of the series that give it a fun touch.

I am really looking forward to see more seasons in the future.

Great fun!

[Moviefile · 9/10 · 17 July 2011]

Having now seen all 13 episodes I will really miss this show as it has been a breath of fresh air compared to just about everything else currently on TV, such as the rather plodding Covert Affairs which despite its bigger budget is so much less entertaining than this spoof of the spy game.

Chaos has an engaging cast, decent scripts and all played with a lightness of touch. As others have said the balance between humour and drama is handled very well. The episodes just fly by and for me are pure enjoyment. Thanks to all involved in its production. A nice Blu-ray release with lots of extras would be appreciated! A second series would be really nice too.

Fantastic mix of drama and comedy with a cast to match.

[slayer15685-1 · 10/10 · 24 April 2012]

Chaos is a fantastic mix of drama and comedy with a cast to match that will leave you wanting more.

The show follows Rick, a newbie to the world of the CIA, who through clever interplay and plot development, shows that being a spy has as many risks inside the office as out in the field.

I thoroughly enjoyed this show especially Christina Coles role as Adele Ferrer. However I have to admit I was most upset and truly disappointed at CBS's dismal response to the program and can only hope that someone will realize their mistake and produce another season. Until then I highly recommend this series to those interested in something a little different and enjoys a good laugh.

This is the best TV show that I have ever seen ... bar none.

[awebsmith · 10/10 · 3 July 2011]

It is a superbly written, well-acted and amusing satire of the CIA with wonderful film footage from around Canada replicating extraordinary global scenarios which enhance the theme of this show. The only thing that could be added is to include another agent that is a woman. There are already two notable female cast members that work at CIA headquarters, but it might be intriguing to have another ODS (Office of Disruptive Services) field agent that is a woman. Perhaps an exotic Chinese female spy skilled in martial arts that has been flipped might be an idea to consider? Just offering one viable suggestion but this is a great production in any case.

Chaos cancelled? Madness.

[finney_family · 10/10 · 27 September 2020]

First impressions were excellent and it got better and better, seeing this exciting and funny series becoming really big; up there with all the top dramas, only for some crazy reason the powers to be thought 'that's it, no more'. Probably because it didn't get so many million viewers instead of seeing its potential. Huge mistake. Cancelled after only 13 episodes. It's a must see show and surely would have been extremely popular considering the far less entertaining shows that were given a longer run and even a second season.

I like it, I like it, I like it.

[redyoyo06 · 15 July 2011]

This series appeals to me. I like the very ordinary looking characters, but fully competent, down to earth.and common looking. Some are rather cute. No James Bond these! But, vicious and cunning just as well. And really courageous, and possessing great sense of humor. The Boss, Higgins is also great. The Office of Destructive Services (Is that sort of the Hurt Locker?) I also like the tough but vulnerable Deputy Director. I intend to follow the episodes, as much as I can, God willing. I like the ways the characters interact with one another, instead of just blurting out techmical, over burdensome lines that dare to test your knowledge of medicine, criminal science, etc., etc., ad nauseum However, the missions, circumstances, and events are real and plausible enough for me, without overtaxing my brains or memory. Yes. Virginia, THERE ARE Dopeys like me who still watch TV. And Please leave your science in the SCHOOL LABS Already! I don't care to know that a grain of the Kalahari Sand was found in the dead men's Jockey Shorts. But really, I don't find any of the episodes anyway near senile, and I know there was a good flow of events that don't bore me. Well, this is all for now folks.

Redyoyo06 Panorama City, CA

an undiscovered gem

[flowirin · 8/10 · 16 August 2015]

I love a good comedy, but i loathe canned laughter, which is endemic to US comedy. CHAOS is a rare exception - the humour is played completely straight, woven into adequate tales of intrigue and classic spy meets spy nefariousness.

Continuity between episodes is broken, so i suspect the episodes were aired out of sequence.

Acting? It is hard to tell. Each role is played by an actor who fits the archetype almost flawlessly, seemingly dropped entire from the age of classics into the series. So any ham or stilt is hidden by years of exposure to the characters.

In summary, a dry spy thriller with adequate plots, decent acting, eye candy and moments of hilarious dry humour. A great relief from the status quo.

enjoyable

[viniglass · 9/10 · 19 March 2014]

good clean espionage humor, miss it. Lil' corny at times, but that comes with good clean. Was interested to see where they'd take the plot line, maybe they were afraid of being so effectively topical that someone pulled the plug. I have no idea really, just wanna see the show again, even the existing episodes to share with friends. I thought it was good for some laughs, with actors I enjoyed watching, playing characters I felt inclined to want to get to know. Near as I can tell that's the first bit. They got it in the box, at least once (thirteen episodes.)That's the second bit. Then poof! it's Canadian shot so, Canadian CIA? The show was entertaining. Perhaps they used up all the good espionage jokes in the first season...