Family Affair

One day I was watching an episode of Family Affair and about 3/4 of the way through, something odd happened. Tim Curry said something mildly amusing and then, in the background, I heard something that while not a real laugh, was definitely a chuckle. I checked to see if I'd missed a character in the scene. Who made that noise? , I wondered. I then realized that this show had a laughtrack all along. I didn't even know it was a comedy.

It actually took 3/4 of an episode for even the LAUGHTRACK to laugh....once. I have never seen that before.

If this is a sitcom and I'm still not convinced it is, it has to be the least funny one I have ever seen in my entire life. I am not kidding. It's like adding a laughtrack to the Days of Our Lives or something.

Too bad, because Tim Curry can be one of the funniest actors, if he had good material to work with. Not the case here...Here he looks really bored and ashamed of himself.

For those of you (like me) who remember the first "Family Affair" you probably groaned when you heard of this "remake." So, apparently, did a lot of professional critics. Well, I have good news for you -- FORGET its a remake, watch it for itself, and you will find a refreshing, touching, funny show!

Yes, I admit it didn't start out too hot -- sappy story lines, 6-year-olds mugging too much, slapstick humor, and too much laugh track. But no more! After now 6 episodes, its gotten better each time! The story lines now manage to achieve that rare mix of being simultaneously touching and sensitive, yet funny (sometimes laugh-out-loud, other times amusing). Uncle Bill (the rich bachelor, Gary Cole) is learning to parent his nieces and nephew. Mr. French (the butler, Tim Curry) is learning to adapt and now keeps harried but effective control of the household. Sissy (the 14-year-old niece, Caitlin Wachs) is learning, in a gentle way, that she really does need someone to look after her. The two 6-year-olds are cute but thankfully have had little screen time lately.

The cast works quite well together. In particular, Curry is perfect as the butler, and Wachs is a delightful young actress who brightens each scene she is in.

The storylines indicate the writers now realize this show shouldn't be a "remake" but an opportunity to underscore how today's families may be unconventional yet still function and care for each other. If they keep it up, this will be a great show! For those of you with kids, its safe to let them watch. For those without, you don't realize you're watching a G-rated show.

Forget its a remake. If you watched it earlier and didn't like it, give it another chance. If you've never watched it, don't judge it until you've seen it! I think you're missing a GREAT show!

I was really hoping that this show would be much better because I am from the same block as Gary Cole and graduated from the same high school as him. I think Gary is a good actor and I want to support his work, but not even his talents can bring these one dimensional, unhumorous scripts to life.

First of all: ABSOLUTELY GET RID OF THE LAUGH TRACK! Nothing is more pathetic then a show with audible laughs that isn't taped before an actual audience. It's like your trying to say to us: "Hey viewer, this is where your supposed to laugh, in case you couldn't figure it out on your own because our writing is so bland." 2nd thing: The day players you are hiring are very bad actors. They are for the most part stiff, boring and they look like they are not comfortable in front of a camera. Fire the casting director. All the talented young actors in L.A., and this is what you come up with?? Come on..... The bright spot of the cast is the girl that plays Sissy. She has the potential to be a breakout star. The scripts should be centered around her more. Gary's a good actor, but he doesn't have much to work with here. Tim Curry is also a fine actor, but he is definately mis-cast. Also, the short silly "feel good" clips of music that play throughout the show need to stop. This is a weekly t.v. show, not a feature film. I could write a whole page on the writing, but I'm not going to bother. I heard the show was cancelled anyways. But basically I would do a complete overhaul of the writing staff. Hire the writers from Dawson's Creek- they'll be out of a job soon anyways.. I'd hate to say it, but this show is pretty dreadful. And Aaron Carter was absolutely horrible- very bad actor....

"Family Affair" may seem rather dense and insipid, but I thought it was really good. The only thing that was bad about it was the premiere, because it dragged out for an hour and brought everything together. After that the show turned out to be a breeze.

To remark such vile comments on a show which hasn't even been developed yet, is beyond me. We need to to be given the chance to explore these characters and story more before given judgment on how the original series was, because not all remakes follow the original concept, but instead try to give us a different and unique view on the modern ways and world of today.

This show has been marvelous so far, and I do enjoy Tim Curry as Mr. French. He gives the show hope and does a splendid job.

I am disappointed in the production of this show. It's nothing like the original. It has no baring to what the original story line or characters. I am a big fan of Anissa Jones and I was shocked to see Jody younger than Buffy in the new Family Affair. Both do not act like the originals or maybe they are not suppose to be like the original.

I give this new show a BIG thumbs down. I expected more from Tim Curry even though he had to gain weight for this show. Please cancel this show and save production money.

By the way, if anyone saw the original with Brian Keith, Sebastin Cabot, Anissa Jones, Johnny Whitaker and Kathy Garver than they know what this show was all about. The original was not funny but it was relaxing to watch.

I adore Tim Curry but not this show. He's a wonderful actor and he's wasting his time with this show.