The Netflix original series KAOS has been making buzz among audiences and critics alike since its global release on 29th August. Starring bonafide Hollywood legend Jeff Goldblum along with actors like David Thewlis, Cliff Curtis, Nabhaan Rizwan, and Janet McTeer, among others, the 8-part series is a contemporary re-imagination of Greek Mythology and its popular roster of characters comprising of Ariadne, Zeus, Eurydice, Prometheus and Dionysus among others.
The plot of the show primarily deals with a devious scheme constructed to dethrone Zeus, who is shown as a tyrannical leader and a philandering despot. Through its various subplots and characters, the show also aims to focus on modern-day themes of dysfunctional family dynamics, rebellion against agents of unbridled power, and the eternal conflict between destiny and free will.
Disclaimer: The following article is based on the author's opinion and contains spoilers for KAOS.
What happens to Dionysus' Cat in KAOS?
Despite being a show about literal gods, KAOS also focuses on their insecurities and vulnerabilities, making them more empathetic and relatable to the audience. One such character is Dionysus, Zeus’s son from a mortal woman. He is shown to live a glamorous but futile lifestyle, mainly focusing on pleasure and madness.
As the show progresses, Dionysus becomes more responsible, seeking validation from his narcissistic dad, Zeus. This arc of responsibility also included his caring for a cat named Dennis, who was originally Orpheus’s pet.
With its characteristic adorable nature and beauty, the cat has already become a fan favorite. Therefore, it was a shock when Zeus killed Dennis in the final episode.
Although the death occurs off-screen, and the show is no stranger to unforeseen deaths, like Game of Thrones, the sudden death of the beloved feline character churned a polarizing reaction from the viewers who were contemplating the consequences of such a shocking event on Dionysus, particularly, and other characters.
How KAOS has incorporated a John Wick-eque storyline in the plot
The death of Dennis can, in a way, remind the viewer of the death of John Wick’s dog in the eponymous first film in the action franchise, which brought into motion a chain of violent events. By the early signs of it, it seems that KAOS is also going on the same route.
As an act of vengeance against the gods who betrayed him, Zeus underwent a spree of vengeance, including the vile act of killing the cat. According to fan theories, Zeus killing Dennis also stems from the fact that he was born a human and knows how it feels to live with no power.
This also makes Zeus more insecure and egoistic. So, to better manipulate his son, he needs his full attention, which gets interrupted by Dennis' presence in Dionysus’s life. For Zeus, love is a liability rather than a positive binding force that can hurt his family.
According to critics, this act also signifies Zeus’s complete rejection of humanity and becoming more evil. This marks the transformation of the character to a villain with no redemptive qualities.
However, this act makes Dionysus more alienated from his dad and prompts him to act more vehemently against him. His attempts to seek his father's approval in the early parts of the series are now replaced with a strong, vengeful feeling.
As it can be speculated, this feeling can translate into the John Wick moment for the show, where Dionysus might unleash a series of violent events upon his dad to take vengeance for the only thing he deeply loved.
However, the consequence of his death and whether he can be brought back to life as Zeus did with his dog will only unfold in the second season. The possibility is still in speculation since Netflix has not announced it.
Reddit sees a collective meltdown from fans of Kaos
The death of Dennis has garnered extreme reactions from the fans, to the point that #Justicefordennis is trending on most social media platforms. This might remind one of the #JusticeforBarb social media trends after the premiere of another Netflix hit show, Stranger Things Season 1.
Due to the immense virality of the trend, Netflix made some creative changes in the second season, including a funeral scene for Barb, which provided some closure for the character and her disgruntled fans.
Similarly, for KAOS, discussions are rife regarding the consequences of this scene. One user named Mister Fusspot pointed out in the show's official subreddit that Dennis can be the reincarnation of the Greek goddess Hecate in feline form.
The goddess originally associated with magic, witchcraft, and the night, she is respectfully treated by her cohorts because of her mystical powers. The user speculates that she might come back in her original form and humble Zeus or summon chaos to the world because of Zeus’s actions.
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