The opening shot of Command Z is a wormhole, but not the cosmic kind you’d expect from a time-travel saga. Instead, it’s the spinning wheel of death, that infuriating symbol of digital paralysis we all know too well. This cheeky, self-aware wink from Steven Soderbergh sets the tone for his 90-minute sci-fi satire, a series that treats its high-concept premise with the same mix of reverence and irreverence as a computer glitch. Command Z, independently financed and shot by Soderbergh in the summer of 2022, is a rare beast: a time-travel comedy that uses the genre’s tropes to deliver sharp socio-political commentary without resorting to sermonizing.

The series follows a group of employees tasked with traveling back in time to July 17, 2023, to revise history and save the world. It’s a premise that allows Soderbergh and his co-creators Kurt Andersen and Larry Doyle to explore themes of regret, responsibility, and the consequences of our actions. The series is divided into eight episodes, each directed by Soderbergh himself, with a total runtime that feels like a feature film stretched out over multiple sittings. This structure gives Command Z a unique rhythm, allowing it to build momentum while maintaining a sense of immediacy.

What makes Command Z work so well is its tight, snappy pacing. Soderbergh’s direction is efficient and playful, never letting the series linger too long on any one idea. The dialogue crackles with wit, and the performances are uniformly strong. Michael Cera, in particular, shines as Kerning Fealty, a neurotic scientist who serves as the heart of the series. Cera’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing, balancing Fealty’s anxiety with moments of genuine pathos. Roy Wood Jr., as Sam, provides an excellent foil for Cera, grounding the series with his level-headedness and dry humor.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Liev Schreiber stands out as Kohlberg Pryce, adding a layer of gravitas to the otherwise zany proceedings. Chloe Radcliffe, JJ Maley, and Laura Seay all deliver strong performances, each bringing a unique energy to their roles.

One of Command Z‘s greatest strengths is its ability to marry socio-political sharpness with jaded absurdity. The series doesn’t shy away from tackling big issues like climate change, economic inequality, and political polarization. It’s a rare beast that can make you laugh while also making you think about the state of the world. The premise itself is a clever commentary on our obsession with undoing past mistakes, and the series explores this idea in nuanced and unexpected ways.

However, Command Z isn’t without its flaws. At times, it feels more like an exercise in style than substance. Soderbergh’s direction is efficient, but the series sometimes struggles to balance its ambitious themes with its comedic tone. The humor can feel uneven, veering from clever to cringe-worthy. Additionally, the series’ brevity works against it at times, with some plot points feeling rushed or underdeveloped.

That said, Command Z is a refreshing change of pace from the usual time-travel fare. It’s not afraid to take risks, and its heart is in the right place. The series’ commitment to donating proceeds to charitable causes is a testament to that. It’s also worth noting that Command Z is a series that rewards close attention. Its dense, dialogue-driven narrative demands active engagement from the viewer, making it a challenging but ultimately rewarding watch.

In comparison to other time-travel comedies like Groundhog Day or Palm Springs, Command Z stands out for its willingness to tackle serious issues head-on. It’s a series that doesn’t just want to entertain; it wants to provoke thought and spark conversation. This makes it an excellent choice for viewers who enjoy their comedy with a side of social commentary.

Ultimately, Command Z is a clever, ambitious series that doesn’t always stick the landing but is never less than engaging. It’s a series that demands your attention and rewards your engagement with sharp writing, strong performances, and a unique blend of humor and heart.