Julius Levinson (Judd Hirsch)

Character Analysis

Julius is David's father…and an all around quirky dude. He obviously cares a lot about his son, but he shows that love by giving David a really hard time. He meddles, he guilt trips, he badgers, he's critical, and he has comments about everything—especially when it comes to David.

For example, when David is convinced has information that about the whole alien sitch that the White House is missing, Julius is skeptical—and delivers his opinion pretty, er, bluntly:

JULIUS: All I'm saying is they've got people who handle these things, David. They want HBO, they'll call you.

You see, Julius isn't super-impressed that David works for the cable company after a long career at M.I.T. And he clearly doesn't miss an opportunity to say so.

Julius does sometimes extend the advice beyond David, though. When he and Connie are discussing her failed marriage to David, he suggests that the failed spouses are still in love. When she kind of blows that statement off as unimportant, he remarks,

JULIUS: "All you need is love." John Lennon. Smart man. Shot in the back—very sad.

Sure, it's odd that he talks about John Lennon, his death, or that quote as though Connie would need the background on any of it—all three are super famous—but that's Julius in a nutshell: he's a (stereo)typical meddling dad, offering advice and commentary where— maybe—none is necessary.

Despite the interfering and criticism, Julius is definitely endearing, probably because he's funny and clearly believes he's trying to help the people around him live a good life. So, you can't get too cranky with him, right?