Every fall season, one pilot stands above the pack, charming viewers and critics right off the bat. ABC’s Brothers and Sisters was not such a show. The family drama had a clunky, directionless, and notoriously re-tooled pilot that seemed to reek of cancellation.
An A–list cast including Sally Field and Calista Flockhart, a splashy promotional campaign, and a creator (Jon Robin Baitz) with a Broadway pedigree couldn’t save the show from taking a critical beating. I didn’t think the pilot was that bad. Sure, it had problems but the dynamic was interesting enough for me to tune in again. And I’m happy I did, as it’s quickly become the most improved new show of 2007.
The show, which revolves around the lives of the six Walker siblings, has really picked up steam due in large part to the amazing cast and top-notch writing. When patriarch William Walker (played by Tom Skeritt who was also Sally Field’s husband in Steel Magnolias) dies in the premiere, the rest of the Walker clan is left with emotional messes to clean up. Brother Kevin is a gay man who has commitment issues. Conservative sister Kitty is unlucky in love and always at odds with mom Nora. Youngest brother Justin is a junkie just back from duty in Afghanistan. Sure, it’s another “pretty rich people with problems” soap but it’s an underlying humanity elevates Brothers and Sisters above its Dynasty trappings.
Baitz and Everwood creator Greg Berlanti have written flawed and layered characters. The storylines present all sides of political and emotional issues blurring the distinction between the good guys and the bad guys. For example, we’re not supposed to like Holly, William’s mistress of 20 years. She’s the ultimate betrayal and could easily be the “Alexis” of this show. Luckily, rich character development and a complex portrayal by Patricia Wettig make Holly human and even likeable.
Article comments
1 - TV and Film Guy
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2 - sean Paul Mahoney
Thanks!!
3 - Sterfish
I agree with you about this show. I watched the pilot and wasn't all that impressed. I kind of abandoned this show for a while. However, my mom kept watching and when I joined her a month or two later, I found that the show was quite good.
I don't know if it's exactly appointment viewing for me, but given what else comes on Sundays at that time, it's something I don't mind watching. I like the characters and the acting is pretty good. I think it's another ABC blockbuster show waiting in the wings.
4 - sean Paul Mahoney
Last night's finale did not disappoint! Funny, shocking, and a total tear-jerker.Berlanti & Baitz wrote this episode and you could definitley tell.
Sally Field should just have the Best Actress Emmy mailed to her today. She's that good.
I highly recommend getting hooked on this show over the summer if you havent yet seen it.
5 - unknown
Im from the UK ansd just finished watching season 1 on dvd it is one of the best shows of 2007!!!!! one minute you are laughing the next minute you are crying your eyes out (episode favourite son my fav of the whole season. The acting is superb and all of them play a major role in creating a dysfunctional but loveable family. I cant wait for season 2 to be shown but we have to sometimes wait over a year for a new show.