"No Ordinary Family" Review: The Next "Heroes"?

A show about a normal family who suddenly develop superpowers seems right up my alley. Especially when the cast is led by the always solid Michael Chiklis. But I just couldn’t get excited about “No Ordinary Family” for one big reason—“Heroes.”

I know it’s unfair to compare “Family” to a previous show it had nothing to do with, but it’s impossible not to in this case. There’s a “Heroes” season one vibe all over “Family” as the show unfolds and the powers start to be revealed. And seeing how good that debut season of “Heroes” was, that’s actually a compliment. But we all know how “Heroes” imploded at the end of that first season. And for me, that disappointment loomed over every minute of “Family”…

Chiklis is Jim Powell, a police sketch artist who has become completely disillusioned with his life. He’s disappointed he can’t do more to catch the bad guys. And he’s having troubles at home with his workaholic wife, Stephanie (Julie Benz), a researcher. His daughter, Daphne (Kay Panabaker), is having boyfriend issues and his son, JJ (Jimmy Bennett), is struggling to succeed in school.

Jim decides they need a family vacation to bring them closer together. And when they barely escape death after their plane goes down, it appears his plan has succeeded (although not the way he was expecting). However, by the time they get home, everything has gone back to normal. Or so they think…

Soon, they each start showing signs of a super power. Jim is able to do more to catch the bad guys. Stephanie suddenly has the extra time she’s been looking for. And the kids develop their own powers as well. But this is not “The Incredibles” here. The quartet does not immediately suit up and start fighting crime. These are ordinary people discovering they can do extraordinary new things.

And as if that didn’t make the show enough like “Heroes,” a serial element is added in the premiere’s closing moments that comes right out of the “Heroes” playbook. I was actually disappointed in myself for not seeing it coming.

“Family” is a good show with lots of potential. But for those of us still stinging from the brutal rise and fall of “Heroes,” it will be hard to get invested. For those of you who didn’t watch “Heroes,” you’ll totally enjoy it. But don’t get too sucked in. A show like this can totally knock the wind right out of you before you know it.

Unfortunately, I speak from experience…

“No Ordinary Family” premieres Tuesday, September 28th at 8 p.m. on ABC…

Photo Credit: Bob D’Amico/ABC