What I’m Watching: Family Tree

Family Tree: Season 1, Episode 6 “Civil War” (B+)

I really love how committed this show is to deepening the genealogy of the Chadwick line and making it even more ridiculous every episode without going too far or trying for outright comedy. Tom finding two pictures of his great-great-grandfather, one in which he was wearing the Union uniform and the other in which he was wearing the Confederate uniform, both missing buttons, was great, and I like that, as with every other step of this search, something like his participation in a Civil War reenactment was ultimately required. Rick’s warning about how he might be made fun of because of the inconsistencies of his costume – make that uniform – made the subsequent mockery even more amusing, and Tom getting arrested as a deserter when he tried to get up to use the bathroom was very funny. Rick’s wife shooting their captors was a fantastic finale, and it was enjoyable to see her want to participate but express frustration at having to play a prostitute instead of a nurse. Pete hasn’t yet arrived, and now he’s coming with Bea, which should make things even more entertaining. With only two episodes to go this season, it appears that Tom will be spending more time in America, which I think is terrific, since Pete and Bea stand out enough in their home country, and having them get to express their peculiarities on American should be even more of a quirky and welcome delight. I don’t know if this show will make it past a first season, but I’m enjoying it for now.