What I’m Watching: Family Tree

Family Tree: Season 1, Episode 7 “Indians” (B+)

This show continues to astound with its never-ending series of genealogical revelations. To have Tom discover that he could be both a Native American and a Jew in the same half-hour is absurd, yet this show makes it work, with him adopting some ridiculous and not overly offensive historical traits of both peoples as soon as he realized his potential ancestral connections. To help him make those links, there were even more great guest stars on tap in small but crucial parts. Graham Greene took time out from his series regular role on a show I used to watch, “Defiance,” to stop by as the very modern Native American chief, and Kevin Pollak, of “The Usual Suspects” and stand-up comedy fame, was the very Jewish Marty Schmelff. Bea and Pete’s visit to the United States has been predictably wild, if not quite as crazy as it could have been. I’m enjoying people’s reactions to Bea’s other half, which are subtler than might be expected but still entertaining. Pete’s obsession with the hot tub was amusing as well. Most of all, it’s a relief to see one of Tom’s dates go well for once. Amy Seimetz, who is currently portraying the world’s worst mother on “The Killing,” is endearing as Ally, Tom’s new American crush who wanted to go to the food truck across the street when he arrived in a fancy new car. With just one episode to go and unknown chances of a second season, we’ll see how far his love life and his search for answers about his past gets in the season finale.