‘Home Economics’: family, class, money
Comedies that arrive complete with an obvious subject and theme tend to stumble. “Home Economics” (8:30 p.m., ABC, TV-PG) is “about” class and money and how it comes between siblings. Comedies should be “about” being smart and funny. While obvious and sometimes vulgar, “Schitt’s Creek” explored class, family and money, but kept the accent on the laughs.
Topher Grace (“That ’70s Show”) stars as Tom, the middle child of three siblings. Once considered a promising author, his books have ceased selling. How do we know this? He tells us in a voice-over that continues throughout the show.
Sarah (Caitlin McGee) is the eldest, mother of two with her wife, Denise (Sasheer Zamata). They’re first seen crammed into a one-bedroom apartment, where the “kids’ room” is actually the top of a bunk bed. Sarah has just lost her job and is in no mood to go meet her rich younger brother Connor (Jimmy Tatro), who has just moved back to their town, presumably Los Angeles. He’s not only returned, but purchased some gigantic glass box that he repeatedly reminds everyone used to belong to Matt Damon.
Some vague financial machinations may have made Connor a gazillionaire, but he’d much rather act like a “dude,” and ride in the toy bumper cars that Matt Damon may have left behind. Everything about his home is outsized and off-putting to Sarah and Tom. The room where Connor’s daughter stores her toys is larger than most homes. But that doesn’t stop them from feeling awkward about hitting up their ‘bro-like brother for some money.
Tom’s voice-over eventually morphs into the “hook” of the series. He’s decided on the subject of his next book and it’s his own family and the income disparity that seems to define them. He offers a hint that his siblings may not like that he’s using them for material.
Like any author, Tom has made himself the most three-dimensional of the group. Sarah seethes with resentment and sputters suitably “woke” diatribes that even her wife finds over the top. Connor is a
thinly drawn man-child whose wealth is a mystery to everyone.
Some may see “Home” as some parable about America’s class divisions. But what exactly is it saying? Even Tom, the “author,” isn’t sure. He’s appalled by Connor’s garish excess, but wouldn’t mind sharing it.
We’re told on several occasions that their family ties bring them together despite their differences. But I’m not sure why anybody else would want to stick around. ›
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