Psst: Enjoying 'Parenthood'

Article by: NEAL JUSTIN , Star Tribune
Updated: March 8, 2010 - 5:32 PM

NBC's "Parenthood," with Peter Krause and Lauren Graham, is a promising new series.

Actor Peter Krause plays the role of the earnest dad in NBC's new "Parenthood."

Photo: Handout, NBC

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It's been great sport these past few months ridiculing the brass at NBC, but let's take a break from the tomato hurling to give them credit for greenlighting "Parenthood" (★★★ 1/2, 9 p.m. Tuesdays, KARE, Ch. 11).

This promising new series reminds us that you don't need time-traveling islands to create addictive drama. The travails and (minor) triumphs of a middle-class family will do just fine -- as long as you're blessed with witty writing and a top-notch cast. "Parenthood," the second series based on the 1989 Ron Howard movie, has both in spades.

Minnesotan Peter Krause's battle with a possum in this week's second episode provides the kind of goose bumps one normally expects from a high-speed car chase, while Lauren Graham's attempt to get through a job interview without fainting reminds you why it's so great to have our "Gilmore Girl" back in action.

Ratings last week were so-so, but let's hope NBC sticks with this gem -- and resists the temptation to cast Jay Leno as the cranky neighbor.

NEAL JUSTIN