What I’m Watching: Parenthood (Season Premiere)

Parenthood: Season 2, Episode 1 “I Hear You, I See You” (B)

I need to keep reminding myself that I gave the first season of this show an A- when it ended back in May. Maybe it’s the fact that some shows of the summer, like “Mad Men,” are just so good that this pleasant NBC series feels like drama lite. It may also have something to do with the new arcs that don’t impress me all that much. For one thing, Sydney’s very specific questions about her family history are all too reminiscent of those horribly obnoxious TV promos and posters that were all over NBC and New York City back in February, and that’s not something about which this show really wants to remind us. While “Modern Family” deftly handles family tropes that are relatable to many viewers, this show isn’t always as subtle about presenting them, especially in this case. Zeek has never been nearly as good a character as he should have been, and while this therapy gives him a chance to at least try and improve on his stubbornness, it’s not overly thrilling to watch. I’m always up for a “Dirty Sexy Money” reunion, but I’m not buying William Baldwin as Adam’s new boss (clearly I’m still hung up on both DSM and SFU – I wrote Nate and then Nick before correcting it to Adam). Adam’s devoted family man doesn’t need any work problems since those always turn out to be far less interesting than the drama at home. Of all the TV parent-child driving education out there, Haddie and Kristina’s adventure wasn’t all that memorable. Let’s hope for a more reassuring episode two.