Parents' Guide to Big Mistakes

Schitt's Creek proved to the world that Dan Levy has a way with witty, snappish dialogue, and this crime caper-y series scripted by Levy and Rachel Sennott (Bottoms) follows in that mold. However, just like Schitt's Creek upon its premiere, Big Mistakes leans into a complicated plot, and it takes time to get to know the characters caught up in it. It took Schitt's Creek almost an entire season to cut down a little on the frantic antics; Big Mistakes gets to the humanizing sooner, but it's a wee bit frustrating waiting for that to happen, considering this series' stellar cast, who are absolutely at their best when they're just navigating ordinary family moments. In the meantime, Big Mistakes' bigly premise is of the regular-folk-caught-up-in-a-criminal-milieu variety, and the consequences that unspool from Morgan's first-episode mistake are frantic. However, Big Mistakes is a lot more fun when the characters slow down enough to simply hang out at home, chewing the fat and criticizing each other the way real families do in their downtime.

The sibling chemistry between Ortega's Morgan and Levy's Nicky is one of the best things about Big Mistakes; they bicker hilariously with each other while evading criminals and danger. Laurie Metcalf is also tremendous as their harried mom—no surprise, she's terrific in everything—while Abby Quinn is a hoot as Natalie, the golden child who's a striking contrast to the hapless Morgan and Nicky. Morgan's character, a failed actress turned reluctant schoolteacher trapped in a loveless relationship with the gormless Max (Jack Innanen), gets the most screen time and the best lines; she's the character who could most easily evolve into the heart of this series. But before that happens, Big Mistakes has to let us get to know her, and the rest of her family. If you have the patience to wait, this bright comedy has treats in store.