Netflix's new series Zero Day, which premiered on February 20, 2023, is generating quite the buzz, though not all of it is positive. With Robert De Niro returning to the screen as former President George Mullen, the series has quickly climbed to the number two spot on Netflix's most-watched shows list. While the actor's performance draws praise, the series as a whole has seen mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike.
The show presents Mullen as he is thrust back to duty following cataclysmic cyberattacks on the nation. Despite enjoying retirement and procrastination on his memoirs, Mullen is called upon by the current president (played by Angela Bassett) to lead a task force aimed at addressing the crisis. The series blends political drama with aspects of classic conspiracy thrillers, portraying Mullen as he attempts to navigate both his past glory and the challenges of contemporary politics.
Reviews for Zero Day highlight the disconnect between the engaging presence of its star and the writing quality. The show currently holds a critics' score of 57% alongside a disappointing audience score of 49%. Critics commend De Niro’s enduring star power, with The Daily Telegraph stating, "The main reason to keep watching is De Niro, whose star power drives the show. Enjoy watching a master at work, even if he looks as if he could do this stuff in his sleep." This sentiment seems to echo across many reviews, underscoring how pivotal the actor's performance is to the overall experience.
Some reviews, such as those from The Times, express more optimism, stating, "This manages to meld the addictive nature of traditional network TV with Netflix’s glossy production values to produce a highly watchable drama." This opinion reflects the dichotomy of experiences among viewers. Yet, vanity fair reminds us, "Zero Day is not quite as sleek and sure-footed as it probably wants to be. It is nonetheless compelling, with a sprawling mystery unraveling at steady pace over six episodes." Clearly, opinions about the show are heavily nuanced.
Despite De Niro's strong portrayal, others feel the show falters significantly. RogerEbert.com notes, "One of the most overqualified ensembles in the history of television keeps Zero Day watchable, but you have to turn off your brain to stop it from making you crazy." Critics are particularly vocal about the pacing and dialogue, with TheWrap stating, "At six episodes, Zero Day still feels too long, a sign it probably should have just been a Netflix movie." This sentiment reflects the series' struggle to sustain interest over its run time.
Focusing on Mullen’s ethical quandaries, Zero Day attempts to contextualize modern political strife within its narrative, drawing parallels to real-world events and political figures. Critics point out how Mullen’s character—an elderly white man with minimal expertise—feels outdated against the backdrop of contemporary issues. AV Club insists, "There are so many groan-worthy lines here, and far-fetched scenarios, it's hard to take any of the insights this show has about our current political climate all seriously." Such critiques raise questions about the effectiveness of the show's approach to significant themes.
The exploration of these themes is also complicated by Mullen's relationship with his daughter, portrayed by Lizzy Caplan. Alexandra’s character serves as a critique of younger generations' disillusionment with the political system, contrasting sharply with her father's traditionalist views. Throughout the series, Alexandra's idealism leads her to risky decisions, reflecting the generational divide and prompting emotional confrontations between father and daughter.
While some viewers appreciate the intended nostalgia of the narrative, others argue it still leans too far on outdated perceptions of social issues and political dynamics. The closing scenes of Zero Day suggest Mullen’s return to status quo, emphasizing the narrative's comforting conclusions over genuine change. Many are left questioning whether this approach resonates or alienates potential audiences, particularly those concerned about contemporary political realities.
Overall, Zero Day has sparked discussions surrounding its portrayal of American politics and the effectiveness of its storytelling. With double-edged reviews emphasizing De Niro's performance as the major draw, discussions of lengthy episodes and dated narrative approaches might overshadow its reception. Fans of political dramas may find reasons to tune in, but the series' mixed scores raise questions about its staying power and relevance.
For more updates, stay tuned as Netflix continues to develop series aimed at engaging audiences with timely issues, even if Zero Day reveals the challenges of populist narratives clashing with complex societal themes.