Im re-watching while I get through this yucky bug, and "for the fashion" of course. Theres a resurgence in interest in this series...everything old is new again, right? 

Well, NOW I am noticing the step dynamics. Throughout the different seasons, as the characters age, and engage with bio parents, and "that other thing" with the billionair little boy lost and the almost-his-age-step mother. I noticed it mainly in season 5-6. 

Each of the respective stepparents are treated with respect for the most part, treated like family, except when a dramatic twist happens in season 6 and the nasty little stepdaughter turns into a smirking, horrible monster, and you get to see the cliche of "I dont think we should be together if she doesnt like you..." acted out, and its so obviously BAD. 

It just made me think that this series had some stepparent input...