Parenthood is not a movie. Well, check that, it is a 1989* film starring Steve Martin. But this review is about the TV show. Its first two seasons stream on Netflix, and Jeff and I are basically in love with it. Here's why:
1. I love Lauren Graham. I think I've said that before. I'll probably say it again.
2. The writing on this show is so freaking natural. I feel like there must be some improvisation because they talk over each other and interrupt one another in such a real way. Also, for the most part, it's not predictable. Something doesn't always go wrong in situations where you think something will go wrong. Things don't always go perfectly in situations where you think it'll be smooth sailing. They've thrown formula out the window in a refreshing way.
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3. This goes along with the naturalism of the show, but I'm impressed with how they incorporate humor into some really tense situations in a not cheesy way.
4. There are two teenage girls on the show, and I swear they must have studied the speech patterns of the women who play their moms because they talk just like them. I may have even imdb-ed one of them to find out if maybe they were related in real life too. They weren't. I felt duped.
5. There's a character with Asperger's on the show, Max, and everything I've seen concerning him has been very well researched and, again, natural. I'd love to know what a parent of a child with Asperger's thinks too. For example, I was extra impressed with a scene where his behavioral therapist discreetly removes her hoop earrings when he starts to throw a fit and puts them back on after he calms down. (Although I did wonder why she was wearing those in the first place.)
In conclusion, watch this show. You'll enjoy it.
*Grrr! I Googled "Parenthood" to get the year of the film version and a spoiler popped up. Lame. I promise it wasn't on purpose, Jeff.
