Monsters of Television

“It’s ok, you can say it. Best sidekick ever”

The thing that’s going to keep No Ordinary Family afloat is something that the show has, in only two episodes, has proven it does extremely well: ground everything into relatable, realistic terms. Even on a show about people who can read minds and run at super speeds, the core of the conflicts and resolutions are rooted in real people.

Jim and Steph have a very believable marriage despite the fact that many of their recent arguments are somehow centered around the use of their powers. Jim has always been overzealous about the use of his abilities while Steph has remained more cautious. But a role reversal brings to light many issues average marriages face everyday: hypocrisy, lies and the need for validation.

Steph confronts Jim about his crime fighting. He’s been lying to her about going out and trying to catch bank robbers. Of course she’s upset because he can hurt himself but she’s more upset that he’s been lying to her about it. Isn’t that usually the case: the fact that you’re lying is often times more hurtful than the lie itself?

She wants him to stop not only because he could get hurt, but because she has no idea what the toll their new powers are taking on them. The two make a pact not to use their powers anymore until she can do some Reed Richards-level obsessive digging into their powers. While Jim agrees, this doesn’t stop Steph from speeding around the house doing chores or running from home to work to save time. Sure, there’s a difference between vacuuming quickly and trying to stop a moving van, but the usage of power is the usage of power.

The height of Steph’s hypocrisy comes when she speeds to Arizona to pick up a sample of water from the crash site where the family got their abilities. She rationalizes that it was for the good of their family, she had to use her abilities. The point was moot anyway because as it turns out the water sample proved to be nothing but water. Their powers came from somewhere/something else.

The most heartfelt scene of the episode involved Steph helping Daphne. Daphne was once again becoming overwhelmed by the thoughts of all those around her infiltrating her mind. Steph tells her to focus on her own thoughts to push out the others. And it works. This scene was great because the dialogue could have been replaced with anything. It was about a mother giving advice to her daughter and her daughter not being a bitch and thanking her for once. Very sweet.

JJ still hasn’t told his parents that he has an ability. His parents have been proud of the good grades he’s been bringing home recently and he wants them to be proud of him, not of his ability. He won’t be able to hide it much longer though cause he’s got a douchebag of a teacher that’s accusing him of cheating. There’s a nemesis that has nothing to do with superpowers.

JJ feels that Jim doesn’t believe he isn’t cheating and Jim levels with him. He knows what it feels like not having people believe in you and he won’t do that to his son. Another great parent/child moment.

If No Ordinary Family can keep these things up, coupled with the more fantastic aspects of the show, it is sure to remain a hit.

Final Thoughts:

• Glad to see the super metabolism coming into play with Steph’s powers.
• The politics of suburban families is something I want no part of.
• Of course Detective Cho was gonna die. Once Jim told her his secret that fact was solidified.