Here and Now

A great cast is stalled by stilted dialogue and unfortunate characterizations in the latest from Six Feet Under and True Blood creator Alan Ball. On one hand, Here and Now looks like it wants to be an edgier version of This Is Us, with its roster of multicultural siblings and complex family issues. On the other hand, it seems like the creators don't trust that direction and introduce a metaphysical plot thread that feels out a place in an otherwise reality-bound story.

What's most unfortunate is the script. No character ever sounds like a real person. They proclaim and declare and punctuate, but never just speak to each other like humans. You can practically see the words on the page as the actors voice this unnatural, overly written dialogue. The script especially lets down Holly Hunter, who can be excellent portraying strong yet eccentric characters. Unfortunately, here she's asked to play a character so overbearing and petty that she practically comes across as a villain. It's a thankless, borderline sexist characterization. Hopefully, new layers will be uncovered as the show develops.