Steve Carell Shines in Hidden Psychological Thriller After Space Force Failure

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The comedy series “Space Force,” starring Steve Carell, was intended to be a follow-up in spirit to his iconic role on “The Office.” Regrettably, it fell short of matching the success of its predecessor. With Carell collaborating once more with “The Office” co-creator Greg Daniels, Netflix’s “Space Force” premiered in 2020 boasting a well-known cast and substantial funding. However, despite the anticipation, the series struggled to find its comedic stride, ultimately ending after two seasons. Although it had moments of sharp satire, the show lacked the emotional depth and witty dialogue that characterized Carell’s groundbreaking sitcom. For viewers yearning for another hilarious series akin to “The Office,” “Space Force” fell short of expectations.

Interestingly, some fans might have overlooked the fact that following “Space Force,” Steve Carell took on a completely new type of role, demonstrating that he’s not just limited to sitcoms but is indeed a multi-faceted actor with great versatility. While “Space Force” didn’t quite take off, Carell stealthily starred in a psychological thriller where he delivered a deeply grounded and intensely emotional performance since his departure from Dunder Mifflin. This relatively unknown Steve Carell production is “The Patient,” a Hulu original that garnered critical acclaim but didn’t quite make the headlines, despite its compelling narrative that provided Carell with opportunities to push the boundaries of his dramatic skills in captivating and unforgettable ways.

Space Force Wasn’t A Good Office Replacement, But Steve Carell Was Great In The Patient

Steve Carell’s Space Force Didn’t Land, But The Patient Proved His Serious Side Was Worth Watching

The Space Force show on Netflix boasted a stellar lineup with Steve Carell, a contemporary political setting, and an impressive ensemble featuring John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, and Lisa Kudrow. However, contrary to expectations, the series failed to live up to its potential. The humor was inconsistent, jokes frequently missed their mark, and the script focused more on satirizing bureaucracy than delivering laugh-out-loud comedy. While it wasn’t a complete flop, it didn’t meet the high hopes of becoming the successor to The Office as fans anticipated. Carell’s character, General Mark R. Naird, had some amusing moments, but lacked the charm and appeal of Michael Scott that viewers were accustomed to.

To clarify, Steve Carell’s performance in “Space Force” wasn’t the issue; his acting was strong and character portrayal was delightful as always. However, the script seemed uncertain, struggling to balance political satire with a space-set workplace comedy. After Netflix ended “Space Force” in 2022, one might expect another high-concept or humorous project from Carell next. Yet, surprisingly, he gave one of the most poignant performances of his career instead.

In August 2022, the limited series titled “The Patient” premiered on FX on Hulu, marking a significant change from Steve Carell’s regular roles. In this show, Carell portrays Dr. Alan Strauss, a therapist who finds himself kidnapped by his own patient, Sam Fortner (Domhnall Gleeson), a serial killer seeking assistance in controlling his violent impulses. The series is a tense, gradually unfolding thriller that primarily takes place within a small basement room. Despite the limited space, Carell delivers an intense and multi-dimensional performance, revealing Dr. Strauss’s emotional struggles, sorrow, and determination layer by layer.

In a stark contrast, the worlds of ‘Space Force’ and ‘The Patient’ could not be more different. While ‘Space Force’ attempted (and often fell short) to deliver laughs, ‘The Patient’ delved deep into psychological complexity and palpable tension. Steve Carell’s nuanced portrayal of Alan Strauss in ‘The Patient’ served as a testament to his versatility, proving that he is capable of much more than merely playing the clueless boss or a comical general. He infused the role with quiet intensity, authentic fear, and emotional vulnerability – qualities largely missing from ‘Space Force’. If ‘Space Force’ left some viewers doubting Steve Carell’s prowess, ‘The Patient’ made it abundantly clear that he is far from finished exploring his acting abilities.

The Patient Is Totally Different From Steve Carell’s Other Shows, But It Deserves More Love

Steve Carell’s Space Force Got The Attention, But The Patient Is The Real Must-Watch

Although The Patient didn’t achieve the immediate cultural impact of shows like The Office or Space Force, it gradually became one of Steve Carell’s most lauded performances in his career. With an impressive 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series garnered praise for its taut narrative, unsettling ambiance, and stellar performances from both Carell and Gleeson. However, despite the critical acclaim, The Patient failed to attract a broad audience or generate viral buzz – possibly because viewers were still accustomed to seeing Carell in comedic roles rather than intense, dramatic ones.

In contrast to most of Steve Carell’s TV roles, such as those in “The Office,” “The Morning Show,” and “Space Force,” The Patient stands out due to its lack of comedy. Instead, there are no jokes or awkward humor. In this series, Steve Carell portrays Alan Strauss, a man dealing with immense stress silently, and his performance is deeply emotional rather than comedic. This character is quite different from the lively Michael Scott, but equally compelling. For longtime fans of Steve Carell, this change might feel surprising, yet it offers a fresh and insightful perspective on his acting abilities.

In this portrayal, the character delves into topics such as regret, pain, and absolution, employing a methodical build-up that appeals to those who are willing to be captivated over time. The interactions between Carell and Domhnall Gleeson are particularly gripping, charged with tension, uncertainty, and subtle emotional undercurrents. The sparse environment and concentrated narrative provide an ideal platform for Carell to deliver some of his most intricate performances yet. While it may not be showy, its impact is indisputable.

Instead of the lighthearted humor in “Space Force”, “The Patient” demonstrates a level of seriousness and depth that showcases Steve Carell’s versatility, proving he doesn’t rely on mockumentary formats or large casts to excel. While fans adore him as Michael Scott, “Space Force” tried to recapture the same magic. Yet, “The Patient” proves Carell can stand out with a strong script and space for exploration. Despite “Space Force” grabbing attention, it’s “The Patient” that deserves recognition. It’s a series that lingers – subtle, intense, and surprisingly emotional. For those who dismissed Carell’s post-“Office” career after “Space Force”, “The Patient” is a must-watch.

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2025-05-30 22:40