Chris O’Dowd - Searching for Roots, Finding Characters

Carrying the story is the amiable Mr. O’Dowd, whose distinctive accent is explained by Tom’s having lived in Ireland as a child. Now 30, with no job or wife, Tom is inspired by the bequest of a trunk of heirlooms to investigate his family as a way of — finding himself? Filling the empty days? It’s not exactly clear. Presumably there are epiphanies ahead. If they come, they may take place in America, where the action of “Family Tree” will shift in the second half of the season. The so far quiet and modest vibe of the show may shift as well. In any case, more members of the Guest ensemble, including Ed Begley Jr. and Fred Willard, will appear, which can only be a good thing.