Q-Force
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Stereotype-filled LGBTQ+ comedy isn't for kids.
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Q-Force
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What's the Story?
Q-FORCE is an adult animated comedy series about a self-identified gay spy and his team proving themselves to the U.S. military. When Steve Maryweather (Sean Hayes), the top cadet of his graduating class at the American Intelligence Agency, is recognized at graduation, he proudly comes out thanks to the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell." But the agency's homophobic director, Dirk Chunly (Gary Cole), immediately calls on cadet Rick Buck (David Harbour) to replace him, and sends Maryweather, aka "Agent Mary," to West Hollywood to start a new division. A decade later, Maryweather is surrounded by a talented team of operatives, including tech expert Deb (Wanda Sykes), hacker Stat (Patti Harrison), and a drag disguise master named Twink (Matt Rogers), all of whom work from his garage in hope of getting an assignment. But Director Chunly, who refers to the group as Q-Force (for "queer force"), still refuses to send them into the field because they're LGBTQ+, and it's up to them to take matters into their own hands, with an assist from the AIA's highest-ranking straight woman, Deputy Director "V" (Laurie Metcalf). But they're ready and able, and plan to show the intelligence agency that they have what it takes to save the world.
Is It Any Good?
The celebrity-filled, adult-oriented animated Netflix comedy is the first TV series to feature an (almost) all LGBTQA+ crack pot spy team. It also features some likable characters, and a few lighthearted moments. Despite these details, Q-Force lacks the smart, sharp writing necessary to transcend or transform into witty social commentary the endless array of common, decades-old stereotypes it relies on for laughs. Furthermore, the homophobic and sexist slurs uttered by straight, male military operatives are so rude that there's nothing humorous about them. Some folks may find it funny and irreverent, but the overall show does little to improve LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment media.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about adult animated comedies. Aside from things like cursing, violence, or innuendo, what makes them specifically for adults? Is it the themes? The humor?
Q-Force features lots of stereotypical insults and representations of the LGBTQ+ community. What is the purpose behind incorporating this? Is there a way this series could be written and produced to highlight LGBTQ+ themes without relying on these slurs or generalizations?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 2, 2021
- Cast: Sean Hayes , Laurie Metcalf , Wanda Sykes
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Comedy
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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