No Ordinary Family (Tuesdays 8/7 Central) (ABC)

No Ordinary Family (Tuesdays 8/7 Central)

ABC

Sep 27, 2010 By Kyle Lemmon Web Exclusive

When we first meet the Powells, their familial foundation is crumbling. After 16 years of marriage, Jim and Stephanie’s relationship is on the rocks. That changes with an impulsive trip to Brazil, and a plane crash into a phosphorescent Amazon River. When they get back, they slowly start recognizing they have superpowers: Jim (Michael Chiklis) gains Superman-like abilities, Stephanie (Julie Benz) has super-speed, daughter Daphne (Kay Panabaker) becomes telepathic, and son JJ (Jimmy Bennett) gains super-intelligence. What makes this series stand out is writer/executive producer Jon Feldman’s (Dirty Sexy Money) attention to detail.

We learn that each character’s powers are uniquely connected to a major flaw. For instance, JJ struggles with school and Jim feels helpless as a police sketch-artist. The Powells’ snarky dialogue can be a bit annoying, but executive producer Greg Berlanti (Brothers & Sisters) cares for the family dynamics. Even the special effects are commendable. Some of the acting and line delivery can be a bit hokey, but that comes with the comic book-esque material. Hopefully ABC won’t devolve this into super villain-of-the-week storytelling. No Ordinary Family has a pretty super start as a dramedy. (www.abc.go.com/shows/no-ordinary-family)

Author rating: 6/10

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Average reader rating: 7/10