THIS IS US And We're Lovely

Article first published as THIS IS US Review on Seat42F.

Are you missing Parenthood? NBC must understand because, while the Bravermans are not slated to return any time soon, a new drama looking to fill that place in your heart is on its way. Called THIS IS US, it’s far from a clone of that wonderful, much-missed series, but it does tug at many of the same emotional heart strings as a number of stories play out.

At the onset, we are introduced to four individuals who share a birthday, all turning thirty-six. There’s: Kevin (Justin Hartley, Smallville, The Young and the Restless), an actor frustrated with a sitcom that has made him a star, but that he considers beneath him; Kate (Chrissy Metz, American Horror Story: Freak Show), an extremely overweight woman who is desperately trying to lose the pounds; Randall (Sterling K. Brown, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story), an adopted man seeking the druggie father who abandoned him (Ron Cephas Jones, Mr. Robot); and an expectant father, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia, Heroes, Gilmore Girls), whose wife, Rebecca (Mandy Moore, Tangled), is going into labor with triplets.

The above plot threads may seem carefully calculated to tug at the heart strings, and they probably are. After all, drama writers have to know how to write drama that will land with viewers. Yet, it doesn’t feel forced, the performances of all lending themselves to a very authentic-seeming story with a bunch of people you will quickly come to care about. Like the best of the primetime stuff, it can be a bit more than the normal person goes through, but it avoids the soapy ridiculousness of the more comedy-leaning programs.

There are supporting characters, too, as there must be to keep the stories going. In the core cast is Randall’s wife, Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson, Louie), and a love interest for Kate, fellow fat support group member Toby (Chris Sullivan, The Knick). The latter gets more development initially, and he has some rough edges, but I think both will be fine players in future installments, which will surely use them as more than just small, side parts.

Clearly present are strong themes of family and acceptance, the two main viewpoints expressed, and ones worth hanging a show on. There are bonds here that we will (hopefully) almost all relate to, and characters that are immediately sympathetic. It’s good stuff.

The closest THIS IS US comes to breaking new ground is probably in Kate’s story. We’re not used to seeing people quite so heavy on television, and especially not in a leading role like this. Yes, Mike and Molly existed, but it was by and large (no pun intended) a comedy that played with stereotypes, and its subversion of the norm was less blatant. THIS IS US goes head-on tackling the issues, motivations, and sorrows for someone who is struggling with body size, and it may do for the overweight what series like Will & Grace and Modern Family did for gays. Specifically, teach viewers to have more compassion for their fellow human beings, promoting understanding of the problems real people struggle with. I dig it.

Given the type of series this is and the way the first hour unfolds, if you’ve watched much of this type of television at all, you’ll begin to wonder where the connections between the characters are. Aside from the show Touch, one expects everyone to connect pretty solidly in an ensemble cast like this. And while I refuse to spoil anything, I will say that I called the ending “twist” by midway through the episode. However, I wasn’t completely sure I was right until it actually played out because it’s a bit of a tricky one, and it does something I didn’t expect a show like this to do. Kudos for some interesting writing.

THIS IS US premieres Tuesday, September 20th at 10/9c on NBC.

Grey's Anatomy The Complete Seventh Season soon on DVD

     Coming to DVD Tuesday, September 13th is Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season. This season begins by focusing on how people deal with trauma, since season six ends with a two-hour hospital shootout, resulting in several dead bodies. Each of the main characters goes about their recovery in a different way. Derek (Patrick Dempsey) feels invulnerable. Meredith (Ellen Pompeo) must find a way to tell Derek that she loses their baby. And Cristina (Sandra Oh) escapes into marriage with Owen (Kevin McKidd), even though she can't even bear to be in the operating room anymore.

     It's a season of evaluations of what the main characters want out of life. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) dumps her beau, only to soon be romanced by Nurse Eli (Daniel Sunjata). Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) and Callie (Sara Ramirez) have lots to discuss if they want a future together, as Callie soon becomes pregnant with Mark's (Eric Dane) baby. Meredith and Derek also consider parenthood. Mark would like Lexie (Chyler Leigh) back, but the younger Grey's eye is soon caught by Avery (Jesse Williams). Alex (Justin Chambers) also falls for someone new in Lucy (Rachael Taylor), but his personality presents a barrier to the new relationship. Teddy (Kim Raver) impulsively marries a man named Henry (Scott Foley, Scrubs, Felicity) just to provide him with health insurance. But Henry likes Teddy quite a bit more than just as his doctor. April (Sarah Drew) would like to lose her virginity, if the right man comes along.

     Then things get really serious. A beloved patient (singer Mandy Moore) returns, having survived serious drama, only to die now. It's a devastating turn of events for her husband (Ryan Devlin, Cougar Town, Brothers & Sisters) and Dr. Bailey. Meredith must make a decision that could kill her entire career, or ruin someone close to her's life. Callie is in a very, very bad car accident. Richard (James Pickens Jr.) must face the fact that his wife, Adele (Loretta Devine), likely has early signs of dementia or Alzheimer's. These events are just skimming the surface of the stories packed into the twenty-two episodes in the set.

     Grey's Anatomy mixes humor and gripping drama together into a fine batch of wonderful episodes, never more adeptly than in last season. Seven seasons in, one of television's most popular dramas is stronger than ever, and not just because of the reset the shooting gives them. The characters are incredibly well defined by this point, and the writers rise to the challenge of writing them material that really explores the boundaries of their personalities, sometimes testing their character to its limit. It is impossible to name an all-star cast member for the year, as each soars in season seven. It's really a tour de force, and may arguably be the best season of the show yet.

     A definite highlight of season seven is "Song Beneath the Song," a musical episode concerning Callie's vehicular accident. The cast perform many of the songs made famous by Grey's over the years. It's a smart move, sticking with tunes already associated with the medical drama, rather than searching for new ones that may or may not work. The episode is presented in two formats on the DVD: the original, broadcast version, and an extended copy that adds four minutes to the length. The additions aren't obvious upon a brief skimming.

     There is a slight inconsistency between the DVD menus and the box set packaging regarding "Song Beneath the Song." For some reason, on the DVD, the two versions are counted as separate episodes, totaling twenty-three numbered installments instead of twenty-two. This means for every episode after "Song Beneath the Song," the episode numbers do not match what it says on the box, which does not have the extended version on its list. It's a minor error, that effects the playing of the videos not at all. I'm inclined to think the packaging is the better version.

     The best special feature on Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season is "The Music Event: Behind the Scenes." It's a comprehensive fifteen minute featurette, following the pitching process of the event episode, straight through the table read and production. The actors and producers weigh in with their opinions, and special effects are even briefly touched on, regarding having two Callies appear at the same time. It is a must watch for any fan of the series.

     Unfortunately, it appears most of the bonus feature efforts are put into that excellent bit, as the other fillers are disappointing. There are sixteen deleted scenes from eleven episodes, totaling less than fourteen minutes in length. A few are halfway decent moments, but most deserve their cutting room floor fate. The two minute, forty-five second blooper reel, filled with flukes and giggles, is no better. Neither really add anything to the Grey's experience.

     Finally, all six webisodes from Seattle Grace: Message of Hope are included, as well as a four minute making of special on the shorts. They follow Richard as he attempts to boost the hospital's public image with the help of a consultant (René Ashton). Directed by Kevin McKidd and David Greenspan, this second batch of online extras are far better than last year's weak effort. For one, it's a more compelling story that actually enriches the world of the central hospital. For another, this year's saga has main characters Richard, Owen, Avery, and April, instead of just relying on the guest stars. While not particularly fantastic, it is worth a watch, and should only take you about twenty minutes.


     Pick up a copy of Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season, on DVD next Tuesday, September 13th.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Grey's Anatomy DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as DVD Review: Grey's Anatomy: The Complete Seventh Season on Blogcritics.