The Family

Network: ABC
Episodes: 12 (hour)
Seasons: One

TV show dates: March 3, 2016 — May 15, 2016
Series status: Cancelled

Performers include: Joan Allen, Alison Pill, Margot Bingham, Zach Gilford, Liam James, Floriana Lima, Madeleine Arthur, Rarmian Newton, Rupert Graves, Floriana Lima, and Andrew McCarthy.

TV show description:
This thriller TV show follows the return of a politician’s young son who’s been presumed dead since he disappeared over 10 years ago. As the mysterious teen is welcomed back into his family, suspicions begin to emerge. Is Adam Warren (Liam James) really who he says he is?

Claire Warren (Joan Allen) is the matriarch of the Warren family who threw herself into a political career following her son’s disappearance. PTA mom turned Mayor, now with the Governorship of Maine in her sight, Claire’s political motives come under scrutiny when Adam’s shocking return suddenly makes her a player on a national stage.

Claire’s once devoted husband, John Warren (Rupert Graves) drifted from their marriage following Adam’s disappearance and tired of living in the shadow of Claire’s political career. Now the author of a successful grief management book series, he travels frequently, is unfaithful to Claire, and becomes sick of the hypocrisy of his role as happy husband.

Willa (Alison Pill, Madeleine Arthur) is the Warren’s perfect, tightly laced daughter, has never shaken her childhood guilt over letting Adam disappear on her watch and has become deeply religious in the ten years since it happened. In an effort to make up for the pain she’s caused her family, she’s thrown herself into shaping Claire’s powerful political career, often at the expense of her own personal life.

Danny (Zach Gilford) is the family’s older son. Once a popular, athletic and self absorbed teenager (Rarmian Newton), he’s spent the past ten years wasting his potential and pouring alcohol over the pain of losing his brother. When Adam suddenly returns, Danny wonders if it’s actually Adam that’s back or a dangerous stranger living in their house.

A celebrated detective with the police force, Sergeant Nina Meyer (Margot Bingham) covered Adam Warren’s disappearance as a young Officer, eventually solving the case by forcing a confession out of the family’s neighbor. She was quickly promoted but now, devastated that she put the wrong person away, Nina is determined to find the boy’s real kidnapper.

Hank Asher (Andrew McCarthy) is the Warren’s neighbor and a known sex offender. He was bullied and coerced into confessing to Adam’s murder and served ten years behind bars before Adam reappeared. Hank is abruptly released from prison to a life he barely recognizes, full of anger towards the family who ruined his life and the justice system that locked him away. Will he seek revenge or redemption?

Series Finale:
Episode #12 — What Took So Long?
Claire finally realizes what Adam and Ben endured when she visits the hell hole-like tomb where they were kept, exploding with grief, anger and frustration. Meanwhile Jane looks to make a getaway as Nina closes in on Doug’s location, and Agent Clements’ time is running out. Hank comes face to face with his inner demons, and one phone call shatters Ben’s world, forcing him to tackle an uncertain destiny.
First aired: May 15, 2016.

What do you think? Do you like The Family TV show? Do you think it should be cancelled or renewed for another season?