Season Review: F is for Family Season Four

It has been quite the wait since season three premiered in 2018, but F is for Family has finally made its return to Netflix. Ten fresh episodes to make amends for the drastic cliff-hanger that we were left with over 18-months ago. Additionally, this fourth season makes F is for Family the second longest-running Netflix original adult animated sitcom behind the recently finished BoJack Horseman. The streaming service has made no announcement yet regarding a fifth season but considering the popularity of other animated series’ that were abruptly cancelled there is no certainty.

When it comes to Netflix originals you take what you get when you can get it. And a fourth season is an accomplishment none-the-less, considering how many sitcoms find themselves cancelled by now.  F is for Family has utilized its star power and driving talents to stay on the positive side of reviews. It is that effort that has opened up the doors for Netflix and other streaming services to invest in original animated sitcoms. And hopefully means that the series doesn’t meet an untimely end like the aforementioned BoJack.

One of the most significant factors of F is for Family’s success is in large part due to the heart and family morals that the series drives on. In season four, the show seems to have doubled down on the family as promised at the end of the third season. The cliff hanger conclusion involved Frank and Sue Murphy discovering that they are pregnant with their fourth child. To make things more convoluted going forward, the last moments of the season involved Frank’s distant and abusive father arriving at their home.

Season four picks up where the show last left off with Frank confessing his struggles of his father’s untimely arrival to Father Pat. William Murphy, played by Jonathan Banks (Better Call Saul, Community) is the bane of Frank’s existence. The first few episodes are filled with flashbacks to Frank’s traumatic childhood under William’s roof. However, the grandfather makes quick connections with the rest of the Murphy family, and soon he moves into the neighbourhood.

Each episode lifting him closer to becoming a better father to his own kids. But not without facing the hard facts like how much like his own father he actually is, and how much he cares for him. Of course, Frank handles it in his own stressful and destructive manner. Resulting in him overexerting himself for his children, wife, and friends.

Each character is given strong arcs throughout season four. Starting with Sue (Laura Dern), who continues to struggle with her life decisions and brining her fourth child into the world. Her connection with Frank is tested throughout the episodes, and his devotion to being a better husband causes more strain than good. 

Little Bill Murphy (Haley Reinhart), who has been faced with bullying leading into this fresh batch of episodes finally learns to stand his ground. With tutelage from his father and coach, Bill becomes a grinder for the hockey team. Unfortunately, the role of the enforcer creates a new dilemma for the young boy as he now finds himself to be the bully. It becomes even more confusing for him as following his dad’s directions still has not gained him the admiration that he was hoping for.

In a more relevant move, another ongoing plot through the season is the rise of power for Chauncey “Rosie” Roosevelt (Kevin Michael Richardson). Frank’s co-worker at Mohican Airways ended season three determined to change things for the black community by running for Alderman. Not only does the new season see him win and become the first elected black official, but Rosie also becomes the star for an entire episode. “R is for Rosie” adds more narrative to black rights while showcasing the struggle for a newly elected black man in office. 

While a fifth season hangs in the balance for F is for Family it is hard to ignore the growth of this series. In the early years of this series, it was tough to understand why this generic sitcom was animated in place of live-action. Despite saving money, animation should typically be reserved for series’ that go places that would be a struggle to do in the real world. However, as this show continues to progress, it is understandable that the emotional notes hit differently as an animation. The characters grow and become wiser, where a live-action series attempts to keep the characters dopier as time goes on.

F is for Family does what it does best in season four. This may not be the funniest cartoon available. It is definitely not the flashiest. But it drives home on family. The ongoing dramas of these characters make it worth watching time and again. A fifth season is not only deserved, but it would also be hard not to see this series continue. 

Especially considering that this season once again left off on some unanswered questions.