Pilot Review: Family Tree

Family Tree (HBO)
Premiered May 12 at 10:30pm

British humor is something that appeals to some and does nothing for others, and, as presented here from co-creator Jim Piddock fused with the maniacal mind of American auteur Christopher Guest, it’s quite distinctive. Guest has created excellent mockumentaries with “For Your Consideration,” “A Mighty Wind,” and others, and that tactic is still at work here in this new HBO original series. It’s reminiscent in many ways of past efforts by the network to bring offbeat British humor to American audiences, “Life’s Too Short” and “Extras,” and while this one is also airing on BBC Two just like those two, new installments will screen on both networks simultaneously rather than arriving on HBO several weeks or months after airing in England. Chris O’Dowd, who recently wrapped on arc on one of HBO’s biggest hits, “Girls,” is a far more intelligent and sympathetic protagonist than Warwick Davis’s self-portrayal or Ricky Gervais’ Andy Millman, and it’s clear that he’s the one who will be giving the looks of shock to the camera rather than those around him. His reaction to the fact that his date thinks dinosaurs still exist was priceless, and I love just how long she went on justifying her claim. Tom Bennett’s Pete is a great character, so proud of the fact that he continues to work at the zoo, and I think his friendship with O’Dowd’s Tom will be one of the show’s strongest assets. The very definitely American Michael McKean should prove entertaining as patriarch Keith, and I heartily enjoyed Nina Conti’s introduction to Bea, whose life as a ventriloquist makes her job at the bank especially difficult. Discovering that his photographer great-grandfather was apparently Chinese puts this comedy into a very strange but appealing context, and I’m eager to see what becomes of this quirky show.

How will it work as a series? First and foremost, it’s a comedy, with Tom having misadventures thanks to the questionable guidance of those he associates himself with, and Bea presumably having her own hi-jinks due to her eccentric coping mechanism. But having the backdrop of Tom’s search for answers about his lineage should anchor this show in a great way, keeping its tone occasionally serious and making a definite impression on its viewers.
How long will it last? It’s impossible to say with these international co-productions, but the starting numbers were not great, especially after “Game of Thrones” and “Veep,” both of which have already been renewed for next year. “Life’s Too Short” is getting a send-off special, while “Extras” aired just thirteen installments total. I think HBO might be enthusiastic about this one, but I wouldn’t expect more than two seasons at the very most.

Pilot grade: B+