‘Going Dutch’ Review: Denis Leary’s Fox Military Comedy Needs More Basic Training

‘Going Dutch’ Review: Denis Leary’s Fox Military Comedy Needs More Basic Training

Denis Leary’s new comedy series, “Going Dutch,” launched on Fox with an ambitious premise that promised a mix of military culture and sharp humor. Despite its potential, the show struggles to find its footing, often feeling like it needs more “basic training” to hit the mark. While Leary’s trademark sarcastic wit and knack for playing flawed-yet-lovable characters shine through, the show faces significant challenges in balancing humor with the nuanced subject of military life.

The Premise

“Going Dutch” centers around retired Navy officer Dutch Reilly (played by Denis Leary), a brash and irreverent character whose life takes an unexpected turn when he is called back into service as a civilian advisor at a military base. The show aims to explore the clash between traditional military values and modern-day cultural dynamics, with Dutch serving as the old-school foil to his younger, more progressive colleagues. The idea has promise: comedy rooted in generational and ideological differences can yield plenty of laughs and poignant moments. However, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Familiar Leary Archetype

Leary is no stranger to playing the grizzled, no-nonsense antihero. From his breakout role in “Rescue Me” to his appearances in films like The Ref, his characters are often brash, outspoken, and deeply flawed. Dutch Reilly fits this mold perfectly. While Leary’s performance has moments of genuine charm, it also feels like a rehash of his previous roles. Dutch’s sharp tongue and politically incorrect quips sometimes land, but more often, they come across as tired and out of touch, lacking the depth or nuance needed to make the character truly compelling.

Struggles with Tone

One of the show’s biggest challenges is its inconsistent tone. Military comedies are tricky to execute, requiring a delicate balance between humor and respect for the armed forces. “Going Dutch” occasionally achieves this balance, particularly in scenes where the characters bond over shared challenges or navigate absurd bureaucratic hurdles. However, these moments are overshadowed by a reliance on cheap jokes and one-dimensional caricatures.

For example, the younger characters are often reduced to stereotypes: the tech-savvy millennial who’s glued to their smartphone, the idealistic recruit who clashes with Dutch’s cynicism, and the overachieving officer who plays by the book. While these archetypes can work in moderation, the show leans on them too heavily, sacrificing character development for easy laughs.

Missed Opportunities for Depth

What makes military comedies like MASH* or Stripes enduring classics is their ability to weave humor with deeper, more meaningful themes. MASH* tackled the absurdity of war and the humanity of its characters, while Stripes leaned into the chaos and camaraderie of military life. “Going Dutch” has the potential to explore similar themes, especially in a modern context where issues like mental health, gender roles, and diversity within the military are increasingly relevant.

Unfortunately, the show rarely ventures beyond surface-level humor. There are hints of deeper storytelling, such as Dutch grappling with his past mistakes or struggling to connect with his estranged daughter, who also works on the base. These moments could provide emotional weight and give the audience a reason to root for Dutch, but they are often undercut by the show’s tendency to pivot back to slapstick humor or forced punchlines.

The Supporting Cast

While Leary is undoubtedly the centerpiece of “Going Dutch,” the supporting cast plays a crucial role in shaping the show’s dynamic. The ensemble features a mix of up-and-coming talent and seasoned actors, but their performances are hindered by weak writing.

The standout among the cast is Zoe Ramirez (played by Isabella Gomez), a young officer who serves as Dutch’s foil. Gomez brings a refreshing energy to the role, managing to inject some much-needed heart and authenticity into her scenes. Her clashes with Dutch provide some of the show’s most entertaining moments, as her progressive ideals often challenge his outdated views. However, even Gomez’s character is not immune to the show’s tendency to lean on clichés.

Other characters, such as Dutch’s bumbling sidekick and the by-the-book commanding officer, feel underdeveloped and predictable. They exist more as props to set up jokes than as fully realized individuals, which limits the potential for meaningful interactions and storylines.

Visual and Production Quality

On a technical level, “Going Dutch” is serviceable but unremarkable. The show’s set design does little to distinguish it from other military-themed productions, relying on generic office spaces and barracks that lack personality. The direction and pacing are similarly uninspired, with many scenes feeling rushed or poorly timed. Comedy often thrives on rhythm, and the show’s uneven pacing undermines its ability to deliver laughs consistently.

What Works

Despite its flaws, “Going Dutch” has moments that hint at what it could become with better execution. Leary’s chemistry with the cast, particularly Gomez, provides glimpses of the character-driven humor that the show seems to be striving for. Additionally, when the humor veers into absurd territory—such as Dutch trying to navigate military bureaucracy or clumsily attempting to “modernize” his approach—it occasionally hits the mark.

The show also deserves credit for attempting to tackle contemporary issues within the military, even if it does so clumsily. Topics like generational divides, workplace diversity, and the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life are all relevant and worth exploring, especially in a comedic context.

Where It Falls Short

Ultimately, “Going Dutch” feels like a missed opportunity. The show’s reliance on tired tropes and shallow humor undermines its potential to be something more. With a sharper focus on character development and a willingness to engage with its subject matter on a deeper level, it could evolve into a comedy that resonates with a broader audience.

Denis Leary’s talent and charisma are undeniable, but they are not enough to carry the show on their own. The writing needs to be more incisive, the characters more layered, and the humor more thoughtful. Military life is rife with comedic potential, but it also demands a level of respect and authenticity that “Going Dutch” has yet to fully grasp.

Final Verdict

“Going Dutch” is a show with an intriguing premise and a charismatic lead, but it falls short of its potential. Denis Leary’s performance offers flashes of brilliance, but the weak writing, inconsistent tone, and reliance on stereotypes hold the show back. With more “training” in the form of stronger scripts and a clearer vision, it could become a standout military comedy. For now, though, it remains a work in progress.

If you’re a fan of Leary’s previous work or enjoy military comedies, “Going Dutch” may still be worth a watch. However, don’t expect it to rise to the level of classics like MASH* or Scrubs. As it stands, the show is more of a rough draft than a polished product—entertaining at times but ultimately lacking the depth and wit needed to leave a lasting impression.