When the series "Family" was first shown, I was just in my early 20's. At that time, I thought that it was the best thing on TV and did not miss an episode. That was many years ago. After watching the DVD realease, my take on the show is totally different. I do not believe that Kate and Doug did a nice job on bringing up their children. I believe they are selfish and spoiled, especially Willie. Does anyone remember if Willie ever got a real job and became self supporting.
shareIt's true that both Nancy and Willie took a few detours on the road to adulthood, but I don't think that's because they were selfish, or that Doug and Kate did a poor job in bring them up. I think Nancy and Willie both felt they could rely on their parents, so they didn't feel like they had to be in any rush to set long-term goals just because they were past the age of 18. This is a privlege enjoyed by children that come from stable, relatively affluent homes. They didn't rush right out and become brain surgeons or NASA engineers, but that doesn't mean that they wouldn't have become more ambitious later on, if the series had followed them into their thirties and beyond. I like to think that if there ever was a "Family" reunion show that all three kids would be doing well. But of course "Family" wouldn't be "Family" without a few problems and a little melodrama. LOL
shareI don't remember that Willie got a "real" job; without a high school diploma he had trouble finding jobs. I don't think Doug & Kate were bad parents, but I think their money & affluence prevented Nancy and Willie to learn that there are consequences to every action. When Nancy got divorced, she didn't have to live like most real-life single moms; she moved into her family's guesthouse (rent free, probably with electricity & utilities paid by her parents). She had built-in babysitters. Willie quit high school but still was allowed to live at home, meals & clothes furnished, doing just what he wanted to do. He couldn't have supported himself on the dead-end jobs he had anyway.
shareIt's been awhile since I've seen the later episodes but didnt
Willie become a screenwriter or something to do with writing???? Not sure whether he ever made a living at it though? I have the first two seasons on DVD but wish seasons 3,4 & 5 would come out.
You could be right; I haven't seen the later episodes in about 18 years. He married but his wife died in a dramatic 2-part episode. Nancy got her own apartment or condo, and Willie inherited the guest house.
shareOk I was VERY young..but Family was one of my favorite shows as a kid...BEFORE DALLAS that is...by the last season I was like 7 so I remember a bit.
Willie was told by Doug and Kate that since he dropped out of school he would at least have to get a job...so Willie for most of the show DID work at this job and that...then he got a photography gig that lasted a while I believe...THEN... I really do think in the last seasons or so he got a REAL job as a writer.
Willie actually inherited his grandmother's house in one of the later episodes in season 1.
shareHe couldn't have supported himself on the dead-end jobs he had anyway.