After watching six of the first season's ten episodes, I can't wait to see the next four in the weeks to come. The series is currently available only in Canada via one broadcast network and two geolocation restricted streaming services, but I fully expect this to widen once those who review series for the content provider purchasers, networks, cable and streaming services have. It is addictive for two reasons. The first is that the story is an ongoing one which means there is an important element, the primary one really, to the key characters' relationship, and it is that the relationship, which develops from one episode to the next, is one you could not predict, certainly not after the six episodes I've watched.
To say that the law practice headed by the father, the senior Mr. Svensson, his son Daniel and daughters Abigail and Lucy (she's the consulting psychologist of the firm, not a lawyer), all children from different mothers, is a dysfunctional family, simply understates the situation; they clearly are. It is not a show simply written for laughs; it is witty that's for sure, but comical, not so much as it is an interesting observation of human and family relations and life today.
The writers have managed to knit together a blanket of personalities which are all flawed, and human relations, all full of tribulations and surprises, and that's just the members of the family law practice; the cases they take on present even more of life's trials (pardon the pun) and tribulations. Throughout, you get a sense of love, but one that seems to percolate if not brew. You can't tell where it's all going, you can only hope and wait till the following episode.
To add to your viewing pleasure is a great looking setting, Vancouver; the cinematographers have much to use with this city and they make the most of it. I've been to that city several times and the series makes me want to go back agin. The cast was well picked, starting with a most recognizable Victor Garber as head of the family practice and an experienced and talented Jewel Staite as the black sheep of the very extended family; I like the other family members as well as the key supporting ensemble. You will love them too, unless your family dysfunctions are irredeemable; I don't think theirs are.
