MCN Review: 'Ties That Bind'

UP Network takes a takes a shot at an original drama with its new show Ties That Bind.

The series, the first scripted effort for the family-entertainment network, stars Kelli Williams as Allison McLean, a strong-willed woman who juggles being a tough police detective with her role as caring wife and mother of two teen kids. When her brother Tim (Luke Perry) is sent to prison for two years on an aggravated assault conviction that Allison had a hand in securing, she takes in her brother’s two teenage kids, Mariah (Matreya Scarrwener) and Cameron (Rhys Matthew Bond).

Click here to see a video of Kelli Williams discussing her starring role in Ties That Bind.

The move isn’t necessarily welcomed by Allison’s husband Matt (Jonathan Scarfe), her son Jeff (Mitchell Kummen) or her daughter Rachel (Natasha Calis) -- not to mention by Tim’s children, who are a little upset over Allison’s role in their father’s incarceration.

On top of all of that, Allison has to track down the bad guys with her partner Devin (Dion Johnstone). In the first episode Allison and Devin look to solve a robbery perpetrated by an young, teen boy and his pregnant girlfriend. The writers do a good job of juxtaposing Allison’s dogged but humane approach to policing with her struggles at home.

Ties That Bind stays true to UP’s brand while not being preachy or mushy. The result is a well-rounded and entertaining series that adults will like and won’t be afraid to watch with their kids.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.