Council of Dads

Just when you think they can't squeeze in another politically correct storyline character, they do! I am waiting for the transgender surgery storyline, though, I don't think they've gotten there yet, but they will! And the combined clichés are plentiful, too. Not only gay men married, but black gay men. Not only a little girl who lives as a boy, but also a Chinese lesbian teen girl! One thing I don't understand: We are always told how gays and lesbians are mistreated and lead hard lives because of their sexual preference, yet when the adopted Chinese girl states she is a lesbian, the entire family breaks out in smiles of joy. Why, when she is going to have such a miserable life at the hands of the public?

Yes, this show is an attempt to provide us with a summer "This is Us." Yes, I will watch anything with Sarah Wayne Callies in it. Yes, this is an overwritten show. Yes, we're introduced to two young LGBTQ... family members in one family (I'm glad we're being sexually all-inclusive these days, but I actually would like to have one show without children struggling with their sexual identity. It starts to lose its importance and begins to come across as a plot ploy, which is disrespectful in itself.). BUT I find myself getting drawn in more and more with each new episode. AND I think I've cried through each episode- even when I know that's exactly what the writers want me to do.

So I suggest giving it a chance. No, it's not "This is Us," but it is a tender and sweet family show that will leave you feeling warm inside.

As with any pilot, viewers endure more character introduction than plot. Unfortunately, the character introduction portion of this pilot was so heavy, bland and scattered, it completely dampened what might end up being a decent story. I was not immediately hooked. I'll give this another watch....maybe two. But right now, there is absolutely nothing going on that makes me want to spend much time attempting to find a reason to care about these characters.

Yes, there are lots of little plot lines, yes there are multiple tv tropes at play and yes it is a tearjerker most episodes. It's also well written dialogue, and has characters that you can root for quickly, and the story lines are fast. It's not full of filler and unnecessary garbage. I think this is a show designed for today's smart tv viewer who doesn't have to have everything spelled out for them, and who isn't afraid to cry over characters in a tv show. And not for nothing, if you let it, this show can lead into some thoughtful discussions about some potentially tough subjects, like the best episodes of "This is Us".

I am only up to episode 4 but am really liking it so far. During these stressful times this is just the kind of show I am looking for! Please keep it going after this season!!