“No Ordinary Family” isn’t just another TV show; it’s a gem that deserves a spot on every superhero fan’s watchlist. From the moment I started watching, I was completely hooked. This series isn’t just good; it’s genuinely exceptional, offering a unique blend of superhero action, family drama, and comedic moments that keep you eagerly anticipating what happens next. It’s a show that proves how compelling and entertaining television can be when it dares to be different.
Unfortunately, “No Ordinary Family” was perhaps too unique for its own good. In a landscape often dominated by the ordinary, this extraordinary series, with its open-ended cliffhanger at the end of season one, was prematurely canceled by NBC. The reason? Likely the all-too-common culprit: ratings that didn’t reflect the show’s quality or passionate fanbase.
Life often gets in the way of catching shows live, and “No Ordinary Family” was one of those series I missed during its initial run. Thankfully, the season one DVD became my gateway to this fantastic world. Spending a few days immersed in the Powell family’s adventures was a reminder of the magic of discovering a great TV show on your own time.
In an era where originality feels increasingly rare, especially in network television, the cancellation of shows like “No Ordinary Family” stings. It echoes the earlier losses of other beloved, genre-bending series like “Heroes” and “Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.” It sometimes feels like audiences, particularly in America, are losing patience for shows that require a bit more engagement, even when they’re as entertaining and accessible as “No Ordinary Family.” While it’s not highbrow or overly complex, it’s consistently gripping and a joy to watch.
What makes “No Ordinary Family” so special? At its heart, it’s a brilliant reimagining of the superhero mythos for the modern age. It cleverly borrows elements from shows like “Heroes” and animated hits like “The Incredibles,” weaving in humorous nods to comic book culture and relatable family dynamics. The result is a show that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. It’s lighthearted, fun, and avoids the trap of becoming overly angsty or relying on tired tropes. Imagine if Christopher Nolan had directed this series – the fun would have been completely sucked out! Thankfully, “No Ordinary Family” embraces its lighter side, enhanced by impressive, movie-quality special effects that bring the superpowers to life.
As a longtime superhero fan and comic book enthusiast, “No Ordinary Family” immediately piqued my interest. It’s a delight to see a show that not only understands but also celebrates comic book lore, with characters who are aware of and playfully interact with superhero conventions. Each episode feels significant, contributing to a larger, engaging narrative that unfolds throughout the season.
From the very beginning, this series had me captivated. While the initial episodes take a little time to find their stride, the show quickly hits its stride by the season’s midpoint. The premise is set in motion by a dramatic plane crash in the Brazilian jungle. The Powell family – Jim, Stephanie, Daphne, and JJ – are on a family trip when disaster strikes. Miraculously, they survive, but they return home fundamentally changed. Beyond the unexpected strengthening of their family bonds, they’ve each developed extraordinary superpowers. The once-ordinary, perhaps even boring, Powell family has transformed into an “extraordinary” family of super-powered individuals.
Let’s meet the extraordinary Powells:
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Jim Powell (Michael Chiklis), the family patriarch and a police sketch artist, embodies superhuman strength and durability. Think Bob Parr/Mr. Incredible from “The Incredibles” or Ben Grimm/The Thing from Fantastic Four. Interestingly, Chiklis himself played The Thing in the “Fantastic Four” movies, adding a fun layer of meta-reference. Jim uses his newfound abilities to fight crime and protect his city.
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Stephanie Powell (Julie Benz), the driven career woman and research scientist mother, gains superhuman speed and an accelerated metabolism. This rapid metabolism allows her to heal from injuries almost instantly. The family’s trip to Brazil was actually to accompany Stephanie on a scientific expedition, the very expedition that triggered their transformations.
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Daphne Powell (Kay Panabaker), the teenage daughter, develops telepathy, the power to read minds. As her powers evolve, she also gains the ability to “push” thoughts into people’s heads, a skill she initially uses to navigate the social complexities of high school.
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JJ Powell (Jimmy Bennett), the teenage son, becomes a super-genius, experiencing a significant boost in cognitive function. He can instantly grasp advanced mathematics, learn languages with ease, and understand complex machinery. Many viewers, including myself, might envy this power, especially considering the challenges of high school math!
Of course, the Powells must keep their powers secret. As the series progresses, they grapple with understanding the source of their abilities while simultaneously using them to combat crime. They eventually face powerful adversaries that force them to unite and use their powers to confront even greater threats to humanity. They are aided by Stephanie’s enthusiastic comic book fan-girl lab assistant, Katie Andrews (Autumn Reeser), and Jim’s best friend, George St. Cloud (Romany Malco), a twice-divorced assistant district attorney who provides a base of operations in his garage.
As I said before, “No Ordinary Family” is a fantastic, fun, action-packed superhero TV series that never takes itself too seriously. It’s pure entertainment. However, as I also mentioned, the increasingly short attention spans of modern audiences likely contributed to its undeserved cancellation after just one season. Learning about its premature end was genuinely frustrating, especially considering the potential for so much more.
In short, “No Ordinary Family” was simply too enjoyable, too “extraordinary,” to last in a world that often favors the mundane. It’s an 8/10 show that deserved many more seasons. If you’re looking for a superhero show that’s fun, engaging, and perfect for family viewing, then you absolutely should Watch No Ordinary Family. You might just find yourself as captivated as I was, and equally disappointed that there isn’t more to watch.
