Almost Family Review: Generational AF (Season 1 Episode 11)
One minute Almost Family Season 1 Episode 11, “Generational AF,” is getting the term “mansplaining” wrong and Edie is cheating on Amanda with Tim. Then the next, Roxy is an inspiration to women and they are finally almost comparing Leon’s actions to rape.
It makes reviewing the episode difficult. The show is growing, even if the process has been painful. Yet, this hour isn’t quite as good as Almost Family Season 1 Episode 10, “Courageous AF.”
“Mansplaining” is an unwelcome explanation that a woman doesn’t need or want by a man. Isaac’s story about the monkeys is an interesting comparison. He’s not exactly correct, though.
He tells Roxy that this matriarchial tribe of monkeys comes together to fight off an unwelcome male when a female makes the call and Roxy made the call.
But Roxy’s call isn’t for protection — it’s one of strength. She’s given women strength by telling her story about Nick. Although, perhaps everyone is protecting each other, so it’s possible I’m being too critical here.
It’s just very hard to ease up on a show that’s been wrong so often.
The same can be said for characters, which is why it’s difficult to allow Leon to grow.
Perhaps the only way to make that happen is to have Leon spend time with his mentor Dr. Lewis and realize that he has learned medicine and admired a horrible man for years.
He doesn’t seem to have recognized that the many times he committed medical rape were wrong and he needs to pay for them yet — but he’s on his way. Being proud of Roxy for not testifying for him is a step. However, in the interest of not going overboard, let’s move on.
Julia is also growing.
It’s still absolutely ludicrous that she’s not Leon’s daughter and it will always be. But I’ve always wanted to know her mother Sarah. So, if Julia trying to learn who Sarah was before she got pregnant with her and searching for her dad is the way that has to happen, fine.
Nate and dance are both strange but welcome vehicles to make that happen. But like I said, Julia’s growing up. That means repairing relationships that were built on lies. It means realizing she wants children. And it also means connecting with her mother and her body through dance if she needs to.
She needs to relax, and it would be beautiful if she learned how in the place that made her mother feel the most alive.
It’s a shame that Almost Family doesn’t introduce us to Sarah in flashbacks. They’re an easy way to add richness to the show, especially just a few episodes after they’ve shaken the show’s very core by telling us Leon’s not Julia’s father. Well, who is her mother, then?
It’s difficult to tell if the mistake with Julia is equal to or worse than having Edie sleep with Tim, though. Cheating on Amanda with anyone else of any gender identity would be preferable.
This is the penultimate episode of the season, but Tim and Edie’s sex doesn’t leave me wondering if they’ll get back together or even what will happen next. A woman struggling with her sexuality is returning to the man with whom she felt trapped.
So that makes me wonder — why erase so much character growth?
What did you think of this episode of Almost Family? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Almost Family airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.