“the family show”

A character driven family dynamic sets up simple, family-centric plot lines that unfold in an often surreal way.

characters:

THE FAMILY

  • DAD (MR. STEVE, 41) - Super basic, wet-cardboard-cutout impression of a man. Tries with varying success to embody the persona of “father” or “man of the house”. Tries, with limited success, to bond or relate to anyone (at all).

  • MOM (MRS. KAREN, 37) - Overbearing mother, especially to her son Kevin. She hovers, criticizes, and oversteps boundaries which leads her children to a host of challenges including low self-esteem, dependence, and perfectionism. She thinks that she is doing what's best for her children, but ultimately her hovering causes harm.

  • SON (KEVIN, 17) - A sensitive young man who is coming of age and trying to find his place in the world. In a lot of ways, Kevin can be seen as the linchpin of the show.

  • DAUGHTER (NYLA, 31) - The daughter from the mom’s first marriage. (Please take a moment to LOL at the age difference between her and her mom) Legally adopted by the dad. Half sister to Kevin.

  • GRANDPA (71) - He and Kevin have a special love/hate bond. They keep it real with each other and have the closest relationship of any of the family members, though they are polar opposites and rarely agree on anything, especially cultural and social issues. Grandpa is old-school and ultra conservative/Christian and has raised his daughter, Karen, to be the same way. Karen is raising her kids the way she was raised, and with grandpa in the house, her strictness and hovering is at a fever pitch.

other characters:

  • TOPAZ (42) - Dad’s old roommate from college. After a heartfelt surprise visit, the family is letting him crash at their place until he get’s back on his feet. He uses the living room closet as his “bedroom”, like Harry Potter. He sleeps standing up, like a horse.

  • CURTIS (“it’s not polite to ask a gentleman his age”) - Owner of the local pawn/antiq store. Drives a hard bargain. He doesn’t like having to part with his unique curios so he gives them an exorbitant mark up. An authority on all things historical and obscure, especially when he’s making stuff up. Well read, stays informed, know it all. Kevin sometimes picks up shifts at his shop when he needs an extra hand.

  • JASON (35) - Nyla’s lover. He comes over sometimes. They get in loud epic shouting matches that she starts just to create drama and piss off her mom.

  • OTHER - On TV segments: news, sports, stand up specials, commercials, Batman lol