William Sadler plays Darrin, the patriarch of the Tyler clan, father to Sharon, Aaron, and Jaye, and husband to Karen. He is a respected surgeon and is active in the local conservative political scene, which he and Sharon enjoy participating in together. Though set in his ways and highly opinionated, Darrin is a loving father and husband and is involved in the lives of all of his family members. He is particularly concerned about youngest, Jaye, who he feels is not living up to her potential.