Is No Ordinary Family the best show on television?

Stay at home parents cherish time away from their child. We love them dearly, but those moments when we relax and have some adult time, watch television or read a book is a hot commodity. For those stay at home parents who have a part time job or home based business your time during the week is even more valuable.

I don’t, I can’t watch television during the week. I’d love to watch something every night of the week, but then my clients wouldn’t get their work done, my wife wouldn’t receive any conversation and Daddy Mojo wouldn’t get any reviews, commentary (or fart jokes) written. Having said that, I stop what I’m doing on Tuesday nights so I can watch No Ordinary Family on ABC.

No Ordinary Family is described as an action, comedy, drama, sci-fi show. That’s a huge description that makes it sound like the show is trying to do too much. Most shows that try to do too much end up failing at all levels, but not this show.

The family is the Powell’s and every member has a super power. Jim, the dad is played by Michael Chiklis, who is almost invulnerable, while Stephanie (Julie Benz) has super speed and the ability to heal quickly. There are two children who have telepathic abilities, as well as a heightened intelligence. Stephen Collins plays Dr. King, who is somehow a key figure in the super powered universe and runs a company that is central to many plot twists.

Astute action cinema fans will recognize the mother in the show from Rambo; she played the peacenik who leads the group down the river. The father was in The Shield, The Comish and played Ben Grimm in The Fantastic Four movies.

What is great about No Ordinary Family is that it’s smart without being arrogant. It’s fun to watch and is family friendly for all ages. If I were a young boy I would love this show because it’s got enough ‘super’ stuff to keep that age entertained. The show also doesn’t dumb down the family, the all have real relationships and problems, outside of their super abilities.

I came for the ‘super’ and stayed for the stories. Many people draw parallels to this show and Heroes, which I found a bit too confusing and didn’t care for. No Ordinary Family is good, entertaining television that doesn’t try to be too much. If I’m super slammed with work, I can miss watching a week and not be too lost at the next episode.

We may have cursed the show by liking it because ABC recently shortened its 2011 season to 20 episodes and it’s airing on a new night…against Glee and NCIS. Watch No Ordinary Family, you won’t regret it.