ABC’s new series “How to Live with Your Parents (For the Rest of Your Life)” has a top notch cast (Sarah Chalke, Elizabeth Perkins, and Brad Garrett) and a real life story … kids moving back with their parents.
Polly (Chalke) is a newly divorced mother of one who’s struggling in today’s economy. She moves back in with her parents, but finds it isn’t as easy as she had thought it would be. That’s a surprise! She has a different view of parenting than her carefree and somewhat outspoken parents do.
The show starts with Polly and her daughter Natalie (who’s wearing two different rain boots – cute) at the front door of her parents’ house. Her parents answer, but are scantily dressed. Polly tells them her problem and asks to live with them for a while. Ah, the story begins … and part of me envisions my kids at our door in a few years wanting to move back in. Gulp.
Polly’s mother, Elaine (Elizabeth Perkins), is eccentric, spur of the moment, and no-holds-barred when it comes to voicing her opinion … whether little Natalie is in the room or not. She is a little like her character on “Weeds,” but not as vulgar (and we all loved that character!)
Elaine and Polly have different ideas on how to raise children. Polly is more conservative and wants to keep Natalie sheltered. Elaine thinks Natalie should have freedom and learn from her mistakes. And Elaine’s inability to sensor what comes out of her mouth in front of her grandchild is a problem for Polly.
Elaine’s step dad, Max (Brad Garrett) is funny, too. He’s very easygoing, but also sort of a hippy type who does things a little off the beaten path, like jogging in his work clothes!
There are a lot of funny one liners in this show. For example, when Elaine wants to set Polly up with a 60-year-old, Polly says that 60 is too old for her. Elaine says, “Sixty is the new 30,” and Polly says, “No, 30 doubled is 60.”
I also thought it was funny when Polly told her mom she speaks too outwardly (and was an uber slut) about sex, “just because you slept with every guy in your improve class,” to which her mom responds, “and Karen”… that brought a laugh my way.
And then the flashback when Max had a bout with cancer. Lying on his hospital bed under sedation, he says, “They took my ball,” and Elaine says, “I think it looks better with one, it’s more distinctive.” That was a good one. It’s the delivery, too. Elizabeth Perkins is a pro at how she delivers her lines.
In this first episode, we basically get to know the characters, their back story, where they are in their lives, and what we can look forward to.
What did you think about Polly’s ex-husband Julian? He shows up a lot at the house for no apparent reason. He even helped Polly drive her “date” home (who was drunk and on Dazedan (I think that’s a made-up drug, but I may be wrong!). Did you think that was funny when they leaned Luke (her date) up against his condo, and Julian says to Polly, “Aren’t you going to kiss him good night?” I chuckled out loud.
I think this show can be a success. Again, it has a great cast, a cute storyline, and a good delivery of jokes. Elaine actually reminds me a little of my mom (don’t tell her I said that). That makes it extra funny for me.
What do you think about the show? Does it have potential? Will you watch it again?
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