The Family Returns
The Family returned to Channel 4 last night for a second series. This time, cameras are following a British Indian family, the Grewals of West London – all nine of them, with five under one roof. And don’t forget the two dogs. The question is, will we warm to them the way we warmed to the Hughes last time?
As the episode opens, you are introduced to the mother and father, Sarbjit and Arvinder. As Arvinder lazes on the couch, he shouts to his wife upstairs to make him some tea. And while she’s at it, some paratha for breakfast too. Although Sarbjit comes across as a stereotypical Asian wife, reluctantly submissive, she clearly does care for her husband. Later on in the show, you see brief but telling moments between the two of them that make it clear that although they were thrown together in an arranged marriage they do love each other. The more I see Arvinder, the more I like him. He’s chauvinistic in some respects, and a loving husband/father in other respects. He’s also a total joker with some interesting quirks. Although we haven’t yet met all the children, I like Shay the most already. She’s streetwise and funny. As the daughter-in-law (and wife of eldest son Sunny), she’s been wholly accepted by the family as one of their own. There’s an interesting back-story with her mother, who has disowned her for marrying into a lower cast, which I’m sure will cause more drama as the series progresses. Tindy, the youngest, is also quite the joker. Whilst he clearly is some kind of playboy, he likes to appear humble in front of his family. He stumbles quite badly when his mother finds a woman’s belt in their car. Sarbjit, who is grossly overweight by anyone’s judgement, then decides to try on the belt – just to make sure it’s not hers, of course! Just one of the funny moments in the first episode.
For now, the Grewals have got my attention. I look forward to meeting daughter Kaki and her puppeteer-ex-Bollywood-actor-husband Jeet. I’m laughing at the mere thought of what he could be like! In some respects, the new series will re-enforce Asian family stereotypes. It’s clear the Grewals live a daily life that is heavily influenced by culture and tradition. But what matters is that they are an eccentric but ultimately loving and caring family. As the series goes on, I’m sure they’ll provide lots of laughs and many reasons for us to keep tuning in.
I think this point may be minor but the Grewals themselves are considered a high caste tribe.They are Jatt.Jatts are the most dominant ethnic group but also high caste group even though this family appears to be working class.Shay's family would be considered the lower caste as they are Takhan but here it does not appear to be a caste issue more of a “care and control” issue.The fact Sunny is older and only a security guard.
The Grewal family is typical of a Punjabi working class family in Britain.Thats their way.They do behave just like that.However they most definately are high caste with Grewal also being the most dominate Jatt name .
They are openminded and tolerant and both parents speak English.The kids are degree holders as in Tindy and Kaki so its 2 of 3.Thats typical working class Punjabi Jatt family.The majority of Jatt families are better set up than them but they are open and tolerant just like them.
I think the new indian family r brilliant better than the english family im asaian and im proud to se a family like that i never mis the programme the mum is funny bt there a close family i hpe khaki alrite i wish it was on 4 lnger nt 8wks good on u 4 puttin a dif family