For me Thursday night television has been pretty dismal over the past few months. If you were not a sports-loving, food-cooking, reality-obsessed kind of person, then those old DVDs you had stuck at the back of the cabinet probably came out on more than one occasion recently.
Thankfully 'Parenthood', an entertaining new US series started on RTÉ Two last night. More than a few dramatic topics were covered in just the first episode (long-lost sons, infidelity, drug-use, a family dealing with Asperger’s Syndrome, working mothers and stay-at-home dads) making this a must-see slice of drama on Thursday nights.
Based on the 1989 movie of the same name, 'Parenthood' ticks all the boxes when it comes to star status. Lauren Graham ('The Gilmore Girls' anyone?) plays Sarah, an unlucky in love singleton who has just moved back to Berkeley with her son and daughter. Dax Shepard finally showcases his acting abilities as Crosby, a man so terrified of his girlfriend’s infatuation with having a child, that he promises he’ll have one with her in three years. But that was before an old flame turns up with his long-lost five-year-old son in tow. Adam, played by Peter Krause, is the Superman of the show, the go-to guy when the going gets tough. He and his wife Christina have just found out that their son Max has Asperger’s and suddenly their world has come crashing down around them.
Erika Christensen is Julia, a workaholic mother who is finding it increasingly difficult to juggle her family and work. Not only that, but she also has the other mothers to worry about, as each of them seem a little too interested in her stay-at-home husband. There’s a pretty humorous grandfather thrown into the mix strangely called Zeek and his wife Camille. Each relationship is entwined and just as dysfunctional as the next.
Admittedly, the cast is a bit jam-packed. With over 15 characters introduced to us in the first episode, it’s a bit much to take in. However, as was probably the case with great series such as 'Friends' the pilot episode is never going to blow you away. What is huge though, is the likeability factor of each character. After one episode I already found myself pondering their situations and secrets. In a hurray moment, I was overjoyed to find that last night’s show was a double bill and indulged in a second hour of the Braverman’s story.
Lauren Graham was the perfect choice to play Sarah. While her character bares a striking resemblance to Lorelai Gilmore, her quirky acting style is always watchable.
A middle class, white American family, all living in the same area and unbelievably close – it has been done before but I have high hopes for this series. There is a nice mix of humour and drama and while some of the storylines are a bit far-fetched, (Crosby’s total lack of real surprise after he finds out he has a child) it’s really just a soap but everyone looks a bit slicker and the sun is shining. What’s not to like?
Two episode down and I think it’s a grower. I’ll be setting the DVR for this one.
Sarah Carty
