What I’m Watching: Life in Pieces

Life in Pieces: Season 1, Episode 8 “Godparent Maze Mexican Farts” (C+)

This was a good episode for parenting, starting with the search for the ideal replacement parents in the unfortunate event of an untimely demise of the existing ones and leading to two paternal moments with young, impressionable children and grandchildren. Jen and Greg’s storylines tend to be the most fun, and crossing off both their parents (I can only imagine who will play Jen’s parents when the time comes) seemed like a no-brainer. Though we got a chance to see some of Tim’s skills put to use in the second segment, his nonchalant, lackadaisical attitude combined with Heather’s narrow focus on the task at hand resulted in them not paying enough attention to their own children running outside to play with deadly objects. The eventual selection of Matt, who was brought to tears by being chosen, was nice, and I’m sure kids will someday be on the table when he eventually proposes to Colleen. John bonding with Samantha when she used him to be able to have her first kiss in the maze was sweet, and he doesn’t often get to do too much of use. Tim taking Sophia to the Mexican market was relatively silly, especially since she somehow knew enough basic Spanish to be able to serve as translator for him. The final segment was the least sophisticated, and you would think that Colleen would warn the dinner guests that they might all have uncontrollable gas after eating her cauliflower rice. Martin Short’s grieving widower felt a bit out of place, merely a device to show the entire family breaking bread and cracking up together.