A good premise was supported by strong scripts and an equally talented cast, playing their repective roles to their full potential.

However, the characterisation of Timothy's mother, Phyllis, as an extremely evil, selfish, spiteful woman made the show annoying to watch. One felt not so much hatred towards Phyllis, but more constantly frustrated at the characters' (particularly Timothy's) spineless nature when facing her. If it was intended that the audience should feel sorry for Timothy, then the writers failed - rather, one felt increasingly angry at him (and to an extent, also his father) for not leaving home for good.