Worked as a short series, but...

I just watched the whole thing on youtube over the past few days

I think this show worked great as a short lived series. I wouldn't have wanted it to go on for two or three full seasons.
But I think there should have been just one more episode

(spoilers)

I think the most important plot aspect of the series was Mitch and his sexuality, and how he had kept it from his family. In the later half of the series, as more family members found out, it was gearing towards Billy finding out, which of course was the climax of the plot as Mitch feared his father's reaction more than anyone.
I just finished watching the last episode a few moments ago, and was genuinely shocked to see Billy react like that! After cheating on his wife and getting another woman pregnant, he still has "old fashioned" feelings against gays? That made the series finale a cliff hanger to me, not him asking for Susanne's forgiveness. Yes, Suzanne's mental stability was a driving part of the show, but it seemed more like the comedy gimmick of the show rather than the main plot.

I wish this show had just been given one more episode! The last episode shouldn't have ended with Billy asking for Susanne's forgiveness. He made his choice when he knocked up Shelly. A 14th episode should have been about Shelly's words getting to Billy, and him coming to terms with everything, and accepting Mitch as the son he always was. Suzanne has moved on...in her twisted crazy ways, so I don't think there was any reason to try and have them reconcile.

A 14th episode should have had Billy marry Shelly, Suzanne marry herself, and Billy accepting Mitch.

Well, those are just my thoughts on the show.
I really liked watching it. Jane Curtin got plenty of laughs out of me.
Although some plot points were left unreconciled, I'm glad it was a short show


"Why would they want the Duke's...son killed?"