The first episode of No Ordinary Family was…well ordinary. It’s a standard superhero pilot. Here’s how we got our powers. Here’s how we learn how to use them. Here’s our first crime fighting with our powers. It’s kind of like the first episode of Heroes, but it doesn’t seem to have the same angst that Heroes had.

The dad and mom were drawn out decently for a pilot, but the kids only got broad brush strokes (the daughter a little more than the son). Michael Chiklis is good as the dad and Julie Benz was decent as the mom. Romany Malco is great as Chiklis’ best friend. Autumn Reeser is Benz’ best friend, but doesn’t really appear long enough to get a sense of her. We get a super powered bad guy and some bad guy friends which point to a larger mythology. Possibly because the Dad’s story was fleshed out more I like him and his friend best.

The pilot didn’t break any new ground, but doesn’t disappoint either. I’m in for the short term, but the next few episodes will go a long way to see how well it handles the powers and the characters. I’m cautiously optimistic, but then again I gave Heroes until season 3 before I gave up. Recommended