TV: Who watched The Family?

TV: Who watched The Family? - Part 4

We got another entertaining and insightful episode from The Family - the Nigerian clan The Adesinas, living in east London.

Who watched it then? I did - and I loved it.

The focus seemed to be on Julie again. [What about Olu (above: photo courtesy of channel 4) though? What has he got to say for himself? I'm waiting for something.] Julie was throwing away items in the house much to the annoyance - and amusement - of the Adesina crew. Her mother was naturally unhappy and asked her where particular items, such as her pastry spoon disappeared - the daughter seemed to think she was the responsible and cleanest adult in the house, driving her mother to say: "I'm not the daughter, I'm the mother!" Once again, instant vintage quote from Vicky, the matriarch.

I was cringing at the seeming lack of respect from Julie towards her mum as she appeared to shout at her mum or talk in a condescending manner. A part of me wonders what she would be like if she was called 'Jumi' and had been sent to Nigeria for 'some home training' [which is the opposite of a cosy lifestyle: being told what to do 24/7, being physically disciplined if stepping out of line - in other words a social-services-free lifestyle] for a few years.

A friend of mine wondered if Julie was suffering from 'middle child syndrome': seeking attention and control of the family unit in equal measure. Neither the eldest with familial responsibility on one's head, nor 'spoiled' as the youngest, the middle child Julie may wonder what her role is in the tribe. It's a theory we can only speculate on. Whatever your position in the family, is disrespect the mum or dad called for, eh? Or can you understand her frustration and stance as a 'lone voice in the wilderness'?

Someone else suggested Julie served as an analogy for a new paradigm shift in Nigeria as a country, while old-school resistance lingers, refusing to 'clean up'. An interesting viewpoint.

What are your thoughts? Let me know below.

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