I will not say Brothers & Sisters is the best show on television. I probably wouldn’t even put it in my top 10. But I’ll say this: On Sunday nights at 10, when the weekend is waning and the dreaded workweek looms like larger than Jennifer Hudson’s presence in Dreamgirls, there’s something comfortably awesome about escaping with the kooky drama of the family Walker — and in particular Sally Field’s meddling, maddening matriarch Nora.
I was howling last night watching her demand to know "Where did they hide the booze?" for her sixtieth birthday bash — hot-junkie son Justin was home from rehab, turning it into a dry event — and later, down covert shots with big brother Saul (Ron Rifkin). And the show’s writers really nail the truth that no one can get under your skin quite like your own mom: Whether she’s driving Tommy crazy by referring to his wife’s "fetus" or batting her eyelashes at Kitty’s charming Senator boss, Nora rings wonderfully true. (Speaking of irksome moms, how delicious was it to see Nora’s own mother show up, in the person of Marion "Mrs. C." Ross?)
Bonus points to the series for the surprisingly funny romance between Kevin (Matthew Rhys) and closeted, Spicoli-slang-speaking soap actor Chad Berry (Jason Lewis). "Let’s retire ‘bro’ from the bedroom," was last night’s best line. Sure, timeslot rival Battlestar Galactica‘s the better show, but it’s way way way too intense to watch it right before the butterfly is supposed to land on my hand; that’s why from now on, it’ll be a Monday at 8 DVR pleasure, while B&S wins the live-viewing showdown.
LOL on the butterfly reference, you’re too cute! I tried watching “Brothers and Sisters” but was unable to make it past Calista’s voice and was forced to delete it in the TiVo queue. But since you’ve convinced me to try “Ugly Betty” I will try this too. And as for Sally Field, she completely ruled as “Gidget.” Seriously.
Slezak how you could say “Let’s retire ‘bro’ from the bedroom…” as the best line of the episode is beyond me! As a fellow gay man, I’d have thought for certain you’d have laughed hysterically when Kevin comes out to Grandma Ross saying he was gay, and she goes, “No! Maybe Justin, but definitely not you!!” PRICELESS!! This show is the perfect way to end a long weekend!!
Brothers & Sisters is so far my favorite family movie. I got so hooked on it! They cover every as pects of a twisted LA family. Acting wise, Sally Fields & Calista F. really brings the show colors but all the actors are excellent especially the gay brother! Hope it continues to have more seasons & more interesting twists. Bet you the show will be a contender for next year’s award season! Kudos to the producers!
I was not really into this show when I first started watching it. But now I LOVE it, the writing is great, and the ensemble cast is really really good, when they have them all in a scene together it’s too funny. They all gel really well together. They now have me hook line and sinker and I do not miss it. Good show indeed!
you are taping Battlestar…
oh…I mean digitally recording…I can’t get past that.
I am so glad people are giving this show the love it deserves. After reading about all the backstage drama it was having, I was definitely worried that it would be cancelled. I look forward to it now every sunday as a way to end my weekend. I especially loved last night when Kevin went to get wine from the closet and Kitty asked him if his boyfriend was in there. I cracked up! More Brothers and Sisters!
Once again Slezak, you eerily prove that we are of like minds. B&S is the perfect show for a Sunday night wind down period. Although, I do admit to missing all my Sunday night programming last night for a full-series marathon viewing of “Fat Actress” with some friends. Ha! Good times. I need a popsicle…..
How about Rob Lowe saying “I’ve seen it all before” when he saw the sex tape. It cracked me up–
I’m sorry…Kara “Starbuck” Thrace vs. Calista “Ally McBeal” Flockhart? There’s absolutely no contest. It’s Battlestar all the way.
I adore this show and all its crazy characters. It’s refreshing, with all the good elements of family dramas Everwood and Seventh Heaven, yet the sophistication of thirtysomething and even the late, great Once and Again. Who’s your favorite sib? I’d have to choose Kev!
Monday at 8? When do you watch “How I Met Your Mother?”
Ah, Slezak. I delight in how you give this show love. I, too, completely adore this show; and look forward to it every Sunday night. For me, it’s as soothing as drinking hot tea in front of a fireplace.
At first, I was completely confused by all the story lines and characters but now I completely crave this show. It is my weekend guilty pleasure.
I absolutley love this show, but I have to adsmit that when I first watched the pilot I didn’t really like it, but it has been getting better for each episode, and now I love it!! It’s so funny, and I especially love Kevin and Kitty! Last night’s ep was amazing. The writers are so talented!
I loved Sally Field’s “You’re my second favorite republican after Abraham Lincoln.”
They funny thing about this show is that they have no idea what a republican is. All their republicans are essentially democrats, and all their democrats are basically socialists. If they were ever to introduce a fascist character it was just be a regular republican. oh wait….no difference.