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.
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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.
I originally passed up on this show. I picked every network failure to invest my time in first. But, I have seen three episodes and it is a cross between Everwood and Thirtysomething. I am hooked. Thank you.
Rereading what I’ve written can only mean the show is toast.
I agree with everyone else here – I didn’t really enjoy the pilot too much, but every successive episode has been better than the last. I really love this show – it is ABSOLUTELY in my “Top 10″ now. Here’s to the Walker family!!
This show is also my guilty pleasure on a Sunday night. How about a TV Watch recap?!? It’s obviously successful enough to warrant one. I would definitely read…you could even replace DH’s TV Watch – that show is becoming retarded.
1. Nora and Sal doing shots for their mother will be my brother and I in less than 40 years
2. Love the fact that McAllister’s name is Robert and he was involved in an affair scandal (*cough real life) and watched a sex video (*cough again)
3. I swear Rob Lowe gets more beautiful with age
4. This show is amazing and I agree: I hope it sees some awards next season
5. I can’t pinpoint what my favorite quote was b/c there were too many
Thank god for Sunday nights!
I thought it was great how wonderful Mrs”C” looked, loved her scenes with Sally towards the end. I love this show.
Sally Field is my new reason for living.
I adore this show! I think it’s one of the smartest, funniest shows on right now. I can’t wait ’til Sally gets stoned next week…
I like the show a lot more than I thought I would, but it needs to get a little less predictable. Except for the medieval theme, you saw every problem with that party coming a mile off.
Oh and Fatima, just because Rob Lowe’s and Calista Flockhart’s characters don’t fit your definition of Republicans doesn’t make them less authentic. If you caught the scene where the Senator listed his positions, he’s pretty conservative, even if he’s not hard-core. Maybe you should listen to some of them instead of assuming that they’re “fascists”.
As a devote daytime soap opera fan, this show is my Sunday nighttime answer for getting my fix of drama, relationships, humor, and excitement all rolled into one superbly-written show for the 30-something crowd. I also love that it incorporates some of life’s real drama, such as Justin’s dilemma about returning to Iraq, and his drug addiction; and Kevin’s gay plight. The cast is great — I especially love the top three powerhouse women actors, Field, Flockhart, and Griffiths — and I am so glad that they added Rob Lowe as a love interest. Although you can almost predict from the moment he entered the show that he and Calista will end up in bed together — it is still interesting and addictive to watch them try to deny that fact every week with their oddly intimate scenes – whether it’s rifle practice on his ranch or sipping wine while chatting about shoes in a 2-foot by 4-foot closet. Kudos to the writers and producers …. love live the Walkers — keep it going for years to come.
Ooops. I meant to say “Long Live the Walkers!” Keep watching B&S!!!!!!
I’VE ADMIRED SALLY SINCE GIDGET–WE’RE THE SAME AGE-BROTHERS & SISTERS IS DYNAMIC-LOVE TO SEE HER BACK IN A WEEKLY-KEEP IT ROLLING–
Hey SALLY…. NO ONE cares about your politics…. So shut up when you’re on stage and just accept the awards if and when they come.