KAOS, Not “a Soap with Unusual Names”?

Abstract

Charlie Covell’s vision and the intended message in Netflix’s 2024 series KAOS are explored in the context of recent audiovisual productions featuring powerful families and through a comparison of myths transformed for the needs of the series with the actual myths. We intend to demonstrate that the series reflects current issues and challenges similar to timeless concerns related to being human, which are present in the myths. Of particular interest is the characterization of female characters that focuses on protagonists Eurydice and Ariadne as primary examples. The series combines recognizable elements of classical myths with a modern feminist perspective and offers a new approach to ancient narratives, not only situating itself within the well-established network of classical reception but also deliberately increasing the agency of female mythical characters. Examining Eurydice’s and Ariadne’s portrayals contextualizes them within the contemporary receptions of these mythological figures and highlights elements particular to KAOS, such as the unique changes made to the characters’ respective myths. It is argued that the feminist vision of these characters aligns with broader trends in classical reception and opens up space to perceive these ancient women as liberated from the confines of the mythical ethos and time.