The Real O'Neals

After watching three episodes of this series, I want to support this show and see more. Having a an almost teenage daughter I want her to feel loved and supported. All the characters in the show have their "secrets" and are figuring out how to deal with their new changes and yet still love and support each other. The mom with her religious beliefs working it out with the dad who she is divorcing and "secrets" she found out about her kids, the dad still trying to be a dad to his kids, the older brother being supportive of his younger brother and of course Kenny, dealing with his "coming out". This is probably the least interesting to me. I like the family dynamics and overall the warmth and love of the family.

I have been a long term of Martha Plimpton, from her early dramas to the hilarity of Raising Hope, so I am happy she is back on TV. Fortunately, she again picked a great vehicle to display her talent. I don't understand the negative reviews since aside from writing that is several notches above many sitcoms, it actually displays characters who are warm, affectionate, and compassionate in spite of their flaws. To suggest that the show reflects negatively on all Irish Catholic families is tantamount to suggesting that "Psycho" reflects negatively on all motel owners. And on top of that, the show is often quite funny. Who could ask for more from network TV!

I hope you will ignore the negative reviews and watch it to decide for yourself.

The O'Neals are a traditional Irish-Catholic family in Chicago. Eileen (Martha Plimpton) tries to keep up appearances but her marriage to Pat (Jay R. Ferguson) falls apart. On top of that, their son Kenny (Noah Galvin) comes out of the closet. The brutish oldest son Jimmy (Matt Shively) reveals his anorexia. The youngest Shannon (Bebe Wood) is smarter than all of them and questions her faith. There is family friend Jodi (Mary Hollis Inboden) and Eileen starts dating Vice Principal Murray (Matt Oberg).

This is structurally a traditional sitcom except it piles on all the non-traditional elements. I like almost everyone except sometimes Kenny gets whiny. His effeminate manner only accentuates that aspect. It keeps me from fully embracing him. Sometimes, I really like him and root for his struggles. Other times, I want him to be above it and be the bigger person. This was canceled after two seasons.

The central idea is interesting, but once in season 2 the limitations of the show are evident.

There's not much that works beyond the gay jokes that seem repetitive by now. The secondary character are too conventional, too stereotypical sitcom material.

Just binged the two seasons on HULU. The writing is very good. I found myself laughing out loud a lot, which is rare for me. The jokes don't pander, and contain many cultural references. Started watching because of Martha Plimpton. Who is always brilliant. The rest of the cast is wonderful, and the plot lines are inventive. As a gay guy, I appreciate all the cameos and references (Gus Kenworthy, Jane Lynch, Cheyenne Jackson.........).