ABC debuted the new sitcom "The Neighbors" on Sept. 26, and one thing's for sure: It's original. The show involves a typical family that moves into a gated community. However, they are shocked to learn that they are the only humans on the block. It seems more like the premise for a sci-fi series than a sitcom, but the humor is definitely there. If the first episode is any indication, this new series will generate plenty of laughs. Here is a recap of the series premiere of "The Neighbors."
The origins
In 2002, a real estate agent is preparing to show off a new gated community. When he turns around, he sees a large group of people wearing matching pink shirts. It's clear that something about them is strange right off the bat, but the agent is only interested in making a sale. The leader of the group says that they will buy the entire block and instructs his followers to choose a home. He tells his wife that they will wait there until they receive word from their home planet and shows off a green device called a "poo-pod." A decade later, the batteries on the device are drained, and the charger was left behind. This prompts one alien couple to leave for home, thus leaving one house vacant.The Weaver family moves in
The empty house is bought by the Weavers, a working family looking for a change. Parents Marty and Debbie both work, and they have three children. Daughter Amber is the typically angry teen, while younger kids Max and Abby are the typical American kids. When they move in, they are greeted by the entire community. The leader, who introduces himself as Larry Bird, presents the family with a pie. He also reveals his wife, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, and his two kids, Dick Butkus and Reggie Jackson. Obviously, the Weavers immediately sense something's weird about the neighbors. They agree to go to dinner in order to learn more.The fallout from dinner
While they visit the neighbors for dinner, the Weavers are surprised to learn that they don't eat food. While the Weavers dine, Larry's family simply reads. In addition, Debbie learns that Jackie does whatever her husband asks. That angers her, at least until Jackie informs her that Larry was the one that was pregnant with the kids. The strangeness finally boils over when Max and Abby see Dick reveal his alien form. Marty and Debbie think the kids were just seeing things, but the entire neighborhood shows up in their slimy-green alien form.While the Weavers are deciding what they should do, a domestic dispute between Larry and Jackie ensues. Larry seeks counsel with Marty, while Debbie offers her advice to Jackie. As different as they are, it's clear that both couples share some similarities when it comes to relationships.
At the same time, Dick Butkus is about to take the poo-pod into the transporter, meaning that he will move to the future and never see his family again. With the encouragement of Debbie, Jackie stops him from doing this. After she destroys the poo-pod, she and Larry reconcile. The Weavers decide to stay on the block, and the community rejoices with a subtle cheer. It looks like the humans and aliens have a lot to learn from each other.
