In fact I shouldn't just say despite Ma Petrelli because even Pa Petrelli doesn't sound all that sane either.
Yeah, they're definitely dysfunctional.

Bear in mind with me that I don't really understand close families as I don't have one. No siblings, divorced parents...

And then there's Ando and Hiro and they're not family but I just love their loyalty to one another. And how Ando stayed with hiro's father awaiting hiro's return.
Gah! I have Ando issues. I'll stay out of that one.

I think Heroes is one of those things you'll either like and read all the stuff you can into or you'll just not.
Indeed! It either clicks or it doesn't. I was SO excited about the show when it first started but it just never deepened for me into more long-term affection. I'm happy for those people (like yourself) who are enjoying it though, as there's certainly a lot to 'play' with in that universe.

YAY Ugly Betty, that show is so sweet it gives me cavaties. ♥
Hee! That's a good description.