I have fond memories of this as a kid, but looking back I can see what a thin show it really is.
I think it was one of many shows riding the wave the Simpsons created, with its dysfunctional family only they took it a little further and made an unapologetically broken family unit.
A lot of the dynamics and scenarios are very cliche. Wives who want their husband's to do more than watch TV, disparaging elder sisters mocking their nerdy brothers. Daughter doing what she can to get money from her dad, dad constantly lamenting his existence and his career choice.
I'm all for dark humour but it's actually pretty relentless and there are precious few times when they put on just a little schmaltz. Goodness knows they've earned it. It's not like the desperateness of life is even a focus, it's all played for laughs and it frequently gets pretty depressing.
I think the presence of two amazing, veteran actors is a big part of the show's longevity. Robert Lindsay's choleric Curmudgeon has a deliciously relateable edge. Zoe Wanamaker is perfect as the wannabe madame Harper.
There was something reliable in an episode of my family. Low brow Hijinks a plenty done with a certain professionalism. Even if most of the gags took a predictable route.
Ultimately, it's a show with characters better than its script.
I think it was one of many shows riding the wave the Simpsons created, with its dysfunctional family only they took it a little further and made an unapologetically broken family unit.
A lot of the dynamics and scenarios are very cliche. Wives who want their husband's to do more than watch TV, disparaging elder sisters mocking their nerdy brothers. Daughter doing what she can to get money from her dad, dad constantly lamenting his existence and his career choice.
I'm all for dark humour but it's actually pretty relentless and there are precious few times when they put on just a little schmaltz. Goodness knows they've earned it. It's not like the desperateness of life is even a focus, it's all played for laughs and it frequently gets pretty depressing.
I think the presence of two amazing, veteran actors is a big part of the show's longevity. Robert Lindsay's choleric Curmudgeon has a deliciously relateable edge. Zoe Wanamaker is perfect as the wannabe madame Harper.
There was something reliable in an episode of my family. Low brow Hijinks a plenty done with a certain professionalism. Even if most of the gags took a predictable route.
Ultimately, it's a show with characters better than its script.