A provocative and darkly comic meditation on the disparate forces polarizing present-day American culture, as experienced by the members of a progressive multi-ethnic family — a philosophy professor and his wife, their adopted children from Vietnam, Liberia and Colombia and their sole biological child — and a contemporary Muslim family, headed by a psychiatrist who is treating one of their children.
As Audrey Bayer puts the finishing touches on her husband Greg’s 60th birthday party – a milestone Greg is loath to celebrate – cracks begin to emerge in their progressive, multiracial family. Ramon, the couple’s Colombian-born son, who’s just starting a relationship with Henry, a barista, is having unexplained, recurring encounters with the numbers “11:11.” Duc, adopted from Vietnam, enjoys the fruits of a lucrative career as a “motivational architect,” but his celibacy troubles Audrey. Liberian-born Ashley, a successful fashion-industry exec, is finding more and more reason to shake up her marriage with her husband, Malcolm. And 17-year-old Kristen, the couple’s youngest child, chafes at her banal life, especially compared to her more exotic siblings. After a troubling incident at the birthday party, Audrey and Greg take Ramon to a therapist, Dr. Farid Shokrani, who has an unlikely and unexplainable connection to the young man.
Ramon and Shokrani explore the possible psychic connection between “11:11” and a photograph in the doctor’s office. Kristen and Ashley run into trouble. Duc gets good news about his self-help manuscript, but his mood is dampened by the publisher’s request. Audrey is enlisted to help break up a politically incorrect new society at school. Disturbed in part by a medical diagnosis, Greg loses his cool in the classroom. Ramon crashes a family meeting.
Greg gets detoured in the wilderness on the way to an ethics convention. Audrey finds herself in the media crosshairs after a hate crime at school. Following a mountain-bike race with best friend Malcolm and their pals, Duc reveals the secret to staying in control, a credo that’s tested by Carmen, a fellow life coach. Haunted by a painful memory, Shokrani looks for unconventional help to get him through a wedding. With help from Ashley, Kristen’s crush on a predator comes to an end. Audrey ends an otherwise bad day with a rare good night with Greg.
Greg and Audrey look to the past to find financing for the Empathy Initiative. Kristen is partnered with Navid, Farid's son, in a school project, and learns there's more to him than meets the eye. Farid debates Islam with the mosque's Imam, much to Layla's chagrin. Ramon worries he may have shared too much with Henry. The family heads to a familiar retreat to celebrate Haley's birthday, with an unexpected conclusion.
Farid has trouble separating professional and personal perspectives after Ramon’s most recent incident. Kristen and Navid stumble onto potentially incriminating activity. Duc and Carmen make a pledge over tea. Ashley and Malcolm have dinner with the parents of Haley’s classmate, but come away with divergent opinions about the couple.
Rocked by a disturbing revelation, Ramon escapes into the past. Farid looks for meaning in a translation, while Kristen takes comfort in the music of the Torah. Audrey finds that an old college friend, Steven Benjamin, is receptive to her Empathy Initiative pitch. Greg works out with Duc and Michael, and submits a foreword to Duc’s soon-to-be-published self-help book.
Greg joins Ramon and Kristen to the gaming expo, where "Realms," and Ramon, attract considerable attention. Bruised by some inappropriate remarks, Duc takes out his frustrations on a fellow biker after a mountain race. Audrey and Steven reminisce about old times and missed opportunities. Ashley questions her place in society, and her relationship with Malcolm. Navid gives Kristen a makeover as the two plot revenge against Madison. Farid crosses a line in his treatment of Ramon.
Rebuffed by Ramon, Farid finds his growing obsessions disrupting his career and his marriage. After Audrey turns the tables on her husband, Greg makes a vivid point about life's meaning during a lecture. Ramon and Duc turn to Carmen for clarity during difficult times. Ashley is unsettled by a boutique interloper. Kristen and Navid plot their revenge on Madison and her pals.
Greg and Audrey uncover unpleasant truths about Ramon’s adoption. Kristen and Navid embrace their rare connection, but pay a price. Audrey has second thoughts about Steve after his true intentions are exposed. Ashley considers a lucrative business offer as the chasm between her, Malcolm and Hailey widens. The family celebrates a landmark birthday with cold pizza and honesty.
Ramon goes missing after a disturbing family incident. Audrey clashes with Steve during and after a morning talk show. Ashley and Malcolm weigh the pros and cons of a corporate future. Farid’s guilt drives him to extremes, damaging his family ties. Greg gets enlightenment during a visit with Audrey’s brother Ike. A cataclysmic event shakes the family to its core.
Tim Robbins
Greg
Holly Hunter
Audrey Bayer-Boatwright
Jerrika Hinton
Ashley
Daniel Zovatto
Ramón
Raymond Lee
Duc
Peter Macdissi
Dr. Farid Shokrani
Sosie Bacon
Kristen
Andy Bean
Henry Bergen
Joe Williamson
Malcolm Collins
Necar Zadegan
Layla Shokrani
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