The series is based on an Australian film of the same name. There is an actual family with a matriarch. Ellen Barkin's Smurf Janine Codey is a frightening character. The Codeys are truly dysfunctional. One of the storylines that gets me the most annoyed is Lena, an innocent child. She lost both parents. Unstable uncle Pope is responsible for her welfare. Clearly CPS did the right act in removing her from their home. I know it's just a television series but I stop when I see Lena used as a pawn.