Almost Heroes – Episodes 1-2

The first two episodes of "The Atypical Family" plunge viewers into the turbulent lives of a seemingly privileged family: every member – except those who marry in – possesses supernatural abilities.
But the modern world is catching up to them. Chronic illnesses block their powers, and the mysterious Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee) appears like a savior – but her intentions are anything but selfless.
Episode 1: A Family Crisis on the Brink
The matriarch, Bok Man-heum (Ko Du-shim), gathers her relatives at a cliff – a symbolic location for her desperate plea. Her visions? Blocked by insomnia.

Daughter Bok Dong-hee (Claudia Kim) can no longer fly due to health problems. Son Bok Gwi-ju (Jang Ki-yong), once a time traveler, is stuck in a depression. And granddaughter I-na (Park So-yi) seems to possess no powers at all.
The emotionally charged climax: Gwi-ju throws himself into the sea, seemingly a suicide attempt. But the truth is tragically banal – he only wants to save I-na's stuffed animal, a symbol of his powerlessness.
He is rescued by Da-hae, whose perfect timing already raises suspicion.
Episode 2: A Game of Lies and Empathy
Da-hae reappears – this time at the matriarch's wellness center. Her secret? She hypnotizes Man-heum into the first restful sleep she's had in years. Promptly, she lands in the ostentatious family mansion, which, despite its gold wallpaper and pool, is riddled with dysfunction.
Here, the tragedy unfolds: Man-heum's obsessive pressure to preserve the family honor destroys any cohesion. Instead of empathizing with Gwi-ju's depression, she pushes Da-hae as a daughter-in-law candidate – a supposed new beginning that leads to a clash.
When I-na's birthday is forgotten, the situation escalates: accusations clash with blame, while the girl appears stoic.
But flashbacks reveal her inner struggle – she carries the burden of her mother's death and her father's despair.
Da-hae: Savior or Con Artist?

The stranger cleverly exploits the cracks. While she comforts I-na (and thereby wins Gwi-ju's trust), the series reveals her double game: she is part of a con ring that spies on wealthy families. Her charm is calculated, every tear staged.
Yet her affection for I-na seems unexpectedly genuine – a spark of humanity in the manipulative calculation.
The catch: The series exposes Da-hae's lie early on. Every one of her actions now becomes a mystery. When she deliberately courts Gwi-ju in episode 2, you desperately hope he sees through her game.
But her empathetic gestures towards I-na slowly erode his resistance – and even trigger a time travel event at the end. A glimmer of hope?
Strengths and Weaknesses
The series scores points with its central question: How "normal" is a family that is breaking apart under the weight of expectations and superpowers?
At the same time, it stumbles over clichés:
[list][*] Dong-hee's character: Her "plus-size" design (fat suit + fat-phobic dialogues) feels like a relic from the 2000s – unnecessary in times of body positivity.[*] Marriage Plot: The rushed wedding intrigue between Da-hae and Gwi-ju remains bumpy. Why is Man-heum pushing so aggressively? The motivation seems superficial.[/list]Conclusion
Despite its weaknesses, the series captivates with its bittersweet mix of fantasy and everyday drama. Da-hae's ambiguous role could bring a breath of fresh air – provided the story sensitively deepens themes such as depression and family pressure.
It remains to be hoped that Dong-hee's development is more than cheap comic relief.
»The Atypical Family« is streaming on Netflix