Family Tree

As a fan of mockumentaries, Chris O'Dowd, British humor, and genealogy, this show was the perfect cup of tea! Every episode had me chuckling at one part or another, thanks to one of the elements above. It definitely targets a very specific niche, which is perhaps why it missed the mark with some viewers. What some find too absurd and silly others live for in a series, myself included. Each episode ended with some quirky twist, coaxing me to continue on to the next one-I ended up watching four in a row! It is lighthearted, witty, and spontaneous. You truly feel like you're a part of Tom Chadwicke's heartwarming journey. I could have gone without some of the more coarse content/dialogue, but it also makes the show what it is. Very sad that this unique series wasn't renewed for a second season!!

Good show. It's like a celebration of director Christopher Guest's style of mockumenting people who shouldn't be documented being they're so mundane. The secret sauce here is Nina Conti with her Monkey puppet. Like on the series Soap, the dummy says all the politically incorrect things a human can't, and she's drop dead hilarious. More than a reason to watch this series. The lead character's best friend Tom Bennett sucks the life out of main character Chris O'Dowd and the rest of the family that is discovered. All in all, it's Monkey's ride.

The subtle use of language and play on life's uncertainties make this show one of HBO's greatest. Chris O'Dowd and Nina Conti are superb throughout the eight episodes, illustrating a sense of humour that is both nuanced and delightfully absurd. This show is a pleasure based both in London and Los Angeles, with vivid eccentrics who transcend cultural contexts. If ever there were a show that deserves a second season, it is this one.

I love some of the vocabulary Chris ODowd uses and the low key way he says them. That's a shocker for example. The manner in which he speaks is brilliant and different. The Irish accent adds more flavour as well. He is a brilliant actor and I really enjoy this show after giving it a go. Wasn't so sure at first. The plot lines are very interesting and comical too. Michael McKean almost convinced me he was British. He has the British accent spot on. I just love the low keyed character of Tom Chadwick and the way he speaks. He seems to avoid hurting other peoples feelings and is so gracious, maybe not with his close buddy though. The scene in the restaurant with the salt woman was so funny and an example of Tom Chadwicks unique personality. I wish I could remember his lines. He looked so embarrassed and shocked at her. LOL. Love him! And the show and its premise etc.

Stumbled onto HBO's half-hour comedy "Family Tree" and watched the first three (of 8 ordered so far) on demand last night. VERY funny, especially 1 & 2. 3 slipped just a bit. Am looking forward to 4 later tonight. I believe they are showing all shows to date tomorrow. Catch up. May not be your cup of tea, but o man, if it is you are in for a treat. In some ways this may be pure comedy but I suspect it is a takeoff on the couple of genealogy shows that were popular the last couple of years. The humor is the usual Brit TV humor but given an original boost by reminding us how convoluted our current life is by having us go along on the journey as "facts" about our ancestry are uncovered leading first one direction and then abruptly swinging away at 90 degrees or 180 degrees leaving us no more informed about the "reality" of our past but thoroughly amused by the commingling of what is, what might be and what might have been. Highly recommended for anyone but especially those engaged in ancestry study at any level.