My Family - The Harper's (My Family)

Member Name: KJunior

Product:	My Family
Date:	13/03/09 (51 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Laughter, quick wit.

Disadvantages: None

My Family is probably now my best comedy programme. Starring Robert Lindsay, Zoe wanamaker, Kris Marshall, ex eastenders star Daniela Denby-Ashe, Gabriel Thomson, Keiron Self, Siobhan Hayes and Rhodri Meilir.

My Family first aired in 2000. It's about the Harper Family Ben and Susan, who live is Chiswick, England th their 3 children, Nick, Janey and Michael. Over the years head of the household Ben has had to put up with not only his children annoying him and his wife nagging him, but an annoying Dentist Rodger, a lodger Alfie and another lodger, Ben's cousin's daughter Abi.

Ben Harper is a dentist and the Husband of Susan, otherwise known to his family as either 'failed doctor' or 'Mr grumpy ass' Ben is fairly miserable, stingy-like and snappy. He just wants to be left alone to watch the football with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Ben always forgets to buy his wife a wedding anniversary present, or doesnt like housework. He is often heard telling his children ''i love you i just don't wanna be anywhere near you'' Under all that anger, misery, sulky exterior lies a loyal, loving family man.

Thank god we have Susan Harper, the tour guide, the woman who holds the whole family together. Susan will often let Ben know where he's going wrong and what she wants of him. In one epsiode you see the married couple have the weekend to themselves. The 3 grown up children are out and Susan wants to do things as a married couple, like look in the magazines for sofa layouts, but Ben's idea of doing something together is learning Susan how to be a slob, naturally Susan doesn't take well to this and ends up lashing out and arguing with Ben. Despite all this she dotes on her hubby. Susan is also well known for being a terrible cook and often causing upset by just feeding her family.

Nick Harper. Sadly Kris Marshall isnt in the show anymore but my god he was wonderful as Nick. Nick is the eldest and is quite childish and very silly at times. Ben refuses to acknowledge his son often wondering 'why we had him' Nick enjoys making stupid schemes up to make quick cash and one time decided to make a motorbike challenge and ended up in hospital where Ben was forced to show his emotions. Ben, aswell as Susan is always bailing Nick out of problems such as, rent he doesnt pay at his own flat, tins of Tuna he steals when he works at a supermarket and ends up framing Ben. Susan adores her little boy and wants Ben to interact more.

Then we have the only Girl Janey Harper, the second eldest child. A college drop out and pregnant as a teenger. Janey is a shop-a-holic and loves buying new clothes and shoes. She has Susan wrapped around her finger when it comes to money. Janey also loves the guys and often has them falling down to her feet, and teases them. When Janey first had her child Kenzo, she didnt want anyone to know who the father was, and then, 3 DNA tests were taken secretly by her younger brother Michael. Janey is also very sneaky and clever, she once tricked Ben and Susan into thinking she was a lesbian and even brought the girl in to make it look real, Janey wanted to go on a back packing journey and thought if she told her family she was a lesbian they would think less of the money and concentrate on the fact she was gay. Very clever.

Michael Harper, The youngest child and a very clever one. In Michael's younger days when he was about 12 he was known as a geek but his intelligence soon shone through. He particularly enjoys out-witting her father Ben and getting the better of him. Unlike Nick, Michael knows just how to make quick cash and spends it wisely, most often than not without his family knowing. Susan has a problem with letting Michael grow up. one episode shows Michael at 15 trying to impress a girl of the same age who has less of an angelic, innocent image as Michael. Susan quickly hates the idea of her 'baby' dating a 'tart' Ben tries to point out the girl is just 15. But when Susan fishes around a find a roll up in Michael's desk she immediately informs Ben her their son is taking drugs. You must really watch this to find out exactly what it was, its hilarious and probably one of the best scenes of My Family. In more recent years Michael has grown into a clever, relaxed young man.

Ohhh, Rodger Bailey. Rodgers works as a Dentist with Ben, and he hates having him there. Roger is a very likeable person, nothing gets him down and he cant do 'angry' very well, so he's always excited and happy, again much to Bens annoance. Roger shows interest in Abi, and has a hard time telling her, but with Susan's help he finally gets there.

Abi Bailey, is Ben's Cousin's daughter and is equally as bonkers as Rodger, probably the female equivalent. She married Rodger. Abi first made her appearance in My Family when she put her first through the Harper Family glass door and ended up in hospital with them. That's a classic moment i tell you. Abi will often outrage Ben, whilst she gets away with everything with Susan. Ben flips out when Susan secretly invites Abi to live with them. Things took a weird turn when Abi went off to be a nun.
Last but not least Alfie Butts. Alfie is a very loveable, musical character and his the Harper's lodger. He's a bit slow at times but then, you wouldn't be a true Harper if you wasnt. The Welsh heart-throb befriended Michael and they often have gambles on who can attract the ladies more. Alfie slotted into the family nicely.

I recommend this programme to anyone out there who loves comedy.

Summary: Misfit family.