‘Grounded,’ but How Much Life?

When the series debuted two years ago, “Grounded for Life” sounded like a cute title for a Fox sitcom chronicling the exploits of one kooky clan, the Finnerty family.

But with this season’s ratings wobbly at best and possible replacements warming up in the bullpen, the title at this stage might be considered downright prophetic.

Fans are already circling the wagons, forming save-the-show factions and trying to get word out to the uninitiated about giving the show a chance. Tonight at 8:30 you can judge its merits for yourself in the new episode “Relax.”

The show’s usual flashback construction, sort of a “Memento” for the sitcom set, follows the Finnertys on a family outing to an amusement park that, unbeknownst to them, is holding a gay pride day. Sean (Donal Logue), who has temporarily lost track of his wife and kids, runs into a co-worker who’s there to celebrate the park’s promotion--and greets Sean with a warm hug when he assumes that Sean is doing the same.

Sean, of course, had no idea of the man’s sexual orientation, and now he’s worried how the rest of their blue-collar buddies at work might react if word gets out. And word does get out.

It’s the type of TV plot that might have seemed a daring venture 30 years ago, but the episode moves blithely forward anyway, mining Sean’s rattled nerves for all they’re worth.

The show’s funniest moments actually involve Lynsey Bartilson as daughter Lily, and her ongoing battle to stop the world at large from stealing her boyfriend.

“Grounded for Life” is still a work in progress at becoming a series truly worth saving.