Speechless

Update: this series never went downhill.

This terrifically funny sitcom has a rather odd structure. It's similar to shows like Fresh Off the Boat and the Real O'Neals, except that since the character the series is built around can't speak, his brother fills the role of POV character.

At the same time, neither of the brothers really powers the series. Instead, Minnie Driver's brilliant performance as their force-of-nature pushes everything forward. She is a complicated character, stubborn, guilt-ridden, neglectful of her other children yet wildly noble in her unstinting efforts to protect her neediest child.

In similar series, the family is often a generic backdrop to the kids, but here, the family itself is quite interesting; a rather bohemian group that functions as their own traveling circus.

When I first heard about a series centered around a disabled kid, I thought, that sounds depressing, but this series is anything but. JJ is severely disabled, but he's likable and funny, and the series does a good job of making disability seem like something you have to deal with rather than something that defines you. It's a series that takes something very serious and makes it fun without making fun of it.

It's unfortunate this show only went three seasons. It seemed that season three was where they were just starting to hit their stride. The cast had come together nicely and the writing had a little more edge than the previous years. The entire series is entertaining and fun. Definitely worth a watch.

First of all, I want to say that this is one of my favorite shows. As a disabled person, there aren't that many shows that I can relate to that are beautifully done.

The DiMeos remind me a bit of my own family, although maybe not as quirky as they.

The people who have made the show really show that it is possible to make a comedy show about a different family, without it being an after school special, with love and many recognizable situations.

And what I like about the show is that it's not just a focus on the disability, it's about the whole family.

I still think that some of the actors should have won an Emmy for their roles, because they played SO good.

This show, seems to be, something different from the usual sitcom fare. So I am going to try something different in this review. I am going to give my opinion and not present it as undeniable fact. I won't say that the show is funny, but I will admit that I found it funny. I personally enjoyed it more than the Goldbergs, though I do watch that show regularly and for the most part enjoy it. I missed the pilot of Speechless and base this opinion on the second episode. I found the acting to be fine, even the children. All of the kids made me laugh at one point or another. I think the actor cast as the new aid is perfect and shows a real chemistry with the special needs son he is charged with assisting. I understand that there will be negative reviews for just about any show, I just recommend you use them for what they are. Some stranger's opinion who, if you read them, seems to think that their opinion is fact. And if someone really thinks that if they don't laugh, then it's not funny period, then they don't understand what a sense of humor is.

Season 2 is almost over and this show continues to deliver. Speechless masterfully takes a difficult and potentially isolating health issue and shows the world stubborn love, camaraderie and strength all while making you smile. The characters all have their own "extreme" traits - Maya's brazen outlook for one - and it works beautifully in this hilarious symphony of a family supporting each other no matter what comes their way. Also, I'd be remiss not to mention the amazing job JJ's character does at reminding the world that there's so much more to a person than what you see. This show is first class. For anyone that likes to laugh, Speechless is a must see.