Lovable ‘Jim’ brings back traditional family

In the 1950s, 'Leave it to Beaver' was the quintessential family sitcom. Dad was the center of the family, dispensing wisdom to his three adorable children. Mom stayed at home and always wore pearls.

Today, that view of family life is making a comeback. Well, sort of. In the new ABC series 'According to Jim,' Dad (Jim Belushi) is an architect who has a garage blues band. In between designing buildings and singing, Dad fumbles his way through child rearing. Luckily, Mom is around to provide some normalcy.

Cheryl (Courtney Thorne-Smith, 'Ally McBeal') stays at home to take care of their two young daughters and baby boy. While she doesn't wear pearls, Cheryl does try to provide a touch of class to their home. Which can be hard after chasing three kids all day.

A typical evening for Jim and Cheryl is quietly sitting on the couch after the kids are in bed.

'Look at us. Eight o'clock and we're already in our pajamas,' groans Jim.

'Yeah,' sighs Cheryl.

'Want to have sex?' Jim asks.

'Yeah,' sighs Cheryl.

'That's good to know,' says Jim.

Jim is a guy's guy. He's more comfortable talking about football than changing a diaper. His idea of playing with his daughters is to send them outside while he sits inside watching television. He pretends to be an iceman, who can only warm up if the girls stay outside to play.

Despite his gruff exterior, Jim is a soft touch who can't say no to his children.

In the premiere episode, Cheryl reluctantly sends 6-year-old Ruby to kindergarten. When Ruby cries, Cheryl spends the day at school with her. Jim mocks Cheryl's inability to separate from her child. He offers to take Ruby to school, but of course, he can't leave his little girl either.

In addition to his children, Jim also deals with his sister-in-law Dana (Kimberly Williams, 'Father of the Bride'). Dana may be a little self-centered and always whining about men, but she thoroughly enjoys verbally sparring with Jim. Cheryl's younger brother Andy (Larry Joe Campbell) is a lovable neurotic who works with Jim. Both do their part to keep things lively in Jim's house.

'According to Jim' is a harmless sitcom that may grow on viewers. No one portrays lovable lugs like Belushi. He can be gruff and cuddly at the same time. Belushi and Thorne-Smith have a chemistry that is reminiscent of a married couple who are comfortable in their relationship.

The sitcom brings back the traditional family to television and is the perfect companion for 'My Wife and Kids' on Wednesday nights.