The least convincing couple is Jaime and Hugo. Well, the story is really about Jaime and her quest to have the perfect life — the married kind. She and Hugo were engaged, but as the wedding date drew closer, Hugo couldn’t honestly commit to Jaime nor could Jaime honestly believe Hugo would be committed to her. It wasn’t enough for Jaime.
The story wouldn’t be complete without a struggling young couple added to the mix. But Jaime plays more as an immature and spoiled brat who wants everything and nothing at the same time. At first you think it’s just that Jaime doesn’t know what kind of man she wants. But then you slowly begin to realize that Jaime just doesn’t know what kind of woman she is.
Carolyn and Palek are the most complicated. They have been married for a while and are trying unsuccessfully to have a baby. It wouldn’t be a big deal if it weren’t for the fact that the two have been trying for over a year. It wouldn’t be a big deal if it weren’t for the fact that each is fertile as the Garden of Eden.
Pregnancy isn’t a right, it’s a gift. Timing is everything, but Carolyn can’t understand that. She consumes herself into the concept of family that involves having children. Palek is more understanding. He can go about his day without constantly wondering what’s wrong. He doesn’t spend his day taking a pregnancy test alone in the bathroom of a drugstore nor does he contact old flames asking what-if questions. While I can’t believe he doesn’t think about their problems, he is able to deal with those problems without the stress.
The most contrived aspect of the show is that through the first six episodes most of the characters eventually seek therapy with Dr. May. It isn’t contrived that people who want help seek a therapist, it’s contrived that they seek this one person and that eventually the couples, their lives, their storylines will intertwine and this one therapist is in the middle of it all. Even Dr. May has her own relationship problems and she’s a couple’s counselor for crying out loud.
The show has a funny way of providing answers to various questions. In some cases, Dr. May provides guidance and tips. In other cases, answers are randomly aired out in passing by other characters, but with no real substance. Take, for example, why David and Katie’s daughter Isabella (Aislinn Paul) had her period so early. It’s the nitrates in the bologna that’s causing her increasing hormones. A reason is just thrown out there without any real consequence or follow-up. Who really knows why puberty is striking children sooner than in previous generations?
Article comments
1 - Bob Andelman
You might be interested in this audio interview with Michelle Borth.
Thanks! Bob