By Michael Slezak
At long last, last night marked the return of the Walker clan, in all their gossiping, secret-hiding, wine-drinking glory. I’ll admit it: I went in for a second glass of Shiraz at the midway marker, and I didn’t regret it, either. Heck, I needed something to mellow me out while watching an hour’s worth of intense inter-Walker tension. Anyhow, to recap the Brothers & Sisters season premiere, I present my list of the evening’s top 8 duos (ranked from most compelling to least). Enjoy! And feel free to re-order in the comments section below!
1) Holly (Patricia Wettig, pictured) and Nora (Sally Field): Anyone who doubts B&S is all about its female characters obviously didn’t stick around for the final confrontation between these hellaciously hot women of a certain age. Holly really did seem to have the advantage throughout the hour — convincing one of Nora’s sons to fire another one was a doozy — but I loved how Nora got the upper hand with just three words ("Yes you do") when Holly said she didn’t believe William had had a second mistress. You know Nora must’ve floated all the way to guest parking after dropping that bombshell.
2) Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) and Kitty (Calista Flockhart): I didn’t love love love the wall of ice that cropped up between the normally tight sisters, but then again, Sarah’s self-absorption rang true, as did Kitty’s devastated response to the fact that her sister couldn’t find time over the course of a month to write a letter of recommendation to her adoption agency. The only part I didn’t buy was that Nora, who’s shown a flare and passion for writing in seasons past, would’ve cooked up such a cockamamie missive in the first place. Wouldn’t it have been better for Kitty to catch Sarah’s lie in a more subtle fashion, compounding the subsequent emotional bruising? (Side note: Was I the only one outraged by ABC’s post-Housewives promo declaring that B&S is a show that stars Field, Flockhart, and Lowe, but not Emmy-nominated Griffiths? What the hell?)
3) Kevin (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty (Luke Macfarlane): Thank you, ABC,for refusing to shy away from the tried-and-true (and realistic) (andadorable) newlyweds-getting-frisk-ay story arc just because saidnewlyweds both happen to be boys.
4) The whale and the objets d’art*: You knew Moby Dick was a goner fromfirst sight. This, however, made his destruction no less hilar.
5) Justin (DaveAnnable) and Rebecca (Emily VanCamp): So what if Annable doesn’t openhis mouth all the way while speaking? So what if VanCamp’s characterapparently has nothing to do but wander around Casa Walker. Thechemistry is hot. WHO IS GOING TO ARGUE WITH THE CHEMISTRY?
6) Kitty and That Chiseled Guy: You think when Rob Lowe signedon for this show he ever thought he’d be relegated to couch-filling/standing sternly in doorways? Yeah, me neither.
7) Paige (Kerris Dorsey) and Cooper (Maxwell Perry Cotton): As far aschild actors go, these two are okay, but I really included them becauseI wanted to type the name "Maxwell Perry Cotton," a name that evokesthoughts of the highest-thread-count sheets that money can buy.
8)Tommy (Balthazar Getty) and That Blonde Lady: Zzzzzzzz.
Finally, re. utter lack of Uncle Saul (Ron Rifkin): Booooo! And re.introduction of ever-fine Mitch Pileggi as Kevin’s boss: Woooot!
What’d you think of the season premiere, PopWatchers? Your fellowreaders have a right to know!
* Second use of fancy French term on PopWatch today must result inautomatic ridicule on message boards by no fewer than three PopWatchreaders
Comments (1-30) of 59 Add your comment
That “Yes you do” at the end gave me chills. Sally Field rocks!
It’s too bad the show got bumped to mini-recap status on Pop Watch. No offense, but I really enjoyed the full-fledged write-ups last season, and Lord knows there’s enough drama on this show to fill up a few pages. Can we lobby to bring it back?
I love “Brothers & Sisters.” I’m glad it’s back. I liked the “Yes you do” moment, too. As for my favorite couple it’s definitely Kevin and Scotty.
My favorite line of the night was actually probably Justin’s “Oh crap” after Paige and Cooper caught him kissing Rebecca. It was just so perfectly timed and reminded me of everything I love about the show. I actually enjoyed the Kitty/Robert relationship–I’ve never really liked him for her, but when he stood in that doorway and refused to broker peace between Sarah and Kitty, I was proud of him.
Oh i’m sad this got bumped off TV watch wwaahhh
ok now that i got that over with, loved the ep! No complaints here!
Yeah, I know this is TMI, but I totally had a sex dream about Mitch Pileggi thanks to that episode of B&S. Skinner FTW!
Thank you for this. I love this show in a way that is unholy and could not wait to see if my obsession was catching.
Kevin and Scotty are my fave couple although I love it when Nora takes on Holly.
As for the Sarah/Kitty thing, it felt off…
Finally Justin and Rebecca great chemistry – still an ick factor though (shudder)
EW’s priorities are whacked. The Hills gets a recap, but B&S (not to mention other worthy shows) get relegated to a next day BTW on Popwatch. Traveling fast into “US Magazine” territory.
I think Rob Lowe is happy to be working considering the mess his personal life is in these days, but yeah after the West Wing this is kind of step backwards for him. Part of the reason for this is the cast is way too large. They could dump Tommy and wife whose name I can’t remember because she’s hardly ever around. His storyline seems forced and tacked on. Personally, I think they screwed by not leaving Rebecca a Walker just because van Camp and Annable have good chemistry; she really serves no purpose other than being Justin’s girlfriend. Hell, Justin serves no real purpose either.
Regardless, this series is a major guilty pleasure for me. For the most part the cast is fantastic as a group and they have great chemistry.
I too enjoyed last years full recaps of B&S, whoever the woman was, she should totally get her job back…no offense Mr. Slezak, you did a brilliant job. My favorite lines were Justin’s “Oh crap” after scolding the kids for saying it AND of course, Nora’s “Yes You Do” as you explained in your recap. Such a simple line, but the way she delivered it really sent chills up my spine. One more thing, I would love to see Uncle Saul develop a relationship this season…he deserves to be happy.
I love love love ew.com, and spend an hour after work ravaging all the tidbits can get…
but I have to admit that I’m saddened by the loss of so many of the TV watches I loved – Entourage, B&S, ANTM …
Can we, your devoted public, at least get an explanation WHY these recaps have left us without a word or goodbye?
Why did Justin take blame for the kids breaking the whale? Being a kid is the best excuse ever!
Could we please get a regular TV watch for this show. I can’t believe you decided not to have one this season. Fix it now.
Yeah, I agree-I’m desperate for a regular TV watch for this show. The fact that Betty and Brothers are both without them makes me cry. If Pushing Daisies is also cut, I will peeved.
i wish this was still a tv watch. although i’ll take slezak over the girl who was writing it before. i’m still grossed out by justin and rebecca. i think i always will be. cuz it’s gross! to kai, justin blamed the kids for breaking the whale becuz they did break the whale.
I must say, I am also rather disappointed that this awesome show has been changed to a PopWatch, only because B&S is worthy of a Recap. If The Hills gets one, then so should B&S.
Does anyone wonder at all how Rebecca, who has yet to really work at all, affords a really nice looking apartment and a convertible?? I’m sure after how she and Holly left things and how spiteful Holly can be, that Holly isn’t bankrolling this joint. And how I wish they would give the luscious Dave Annable something more to do than hanging around with Rebecca. He’s obviously got the acting chops, give him something more to do!
“I wanted to type the name “Maxwell Perry Cotton,” a name that evokes thoughts of the highest-thread-count sheets that money can buy.”
lmao!
I want a B&S recap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I dont like the popwatch instead of the recaps… same goes for Ugly Betty…!!!
I would like to agree with others THIS SHOW needs a TV watch, not just a Popwatch write up! PLEASE PLEASE!!!
The show was SO good last night, I just enjoy watching this family so much!
I am really disspointed that the B&S recap is under pop watch now. It deserves recogition under TV watch.
Kai didn’t ask why Justin blamed the kids, he/she asked why Justin took the blame. He did that because Paige was still holding his relationship with Rebecca over his head.
Not that I’m not enjoying a Slezak TV Watch, but let’s have a longer one, back where it used to be, please!
Loved the return of the Walkers. Even thought Tommy had something to do and wasn’t as wooden as he used to be. Still a snore, but a bit less so.
I love this show, its one of the best shows on tv.
Can someone please explain what is tv watch and pop watch?
Thank you in advance
jerrynkari@verizon.net
justin and rebecca.. yuck. it’sd like a greek tragedy in reverse. i’m surprised how the family didn’t even blink when they said they were dating.
Hmmm. Slezak, that seemed thrown together at the end of the day, and I’m a fan. Posted after 5pm and only a half a page? Come on now, EW. Let’s get with it. Where was the mention of the way Kitty kicked Robert and gave him that I-told-you-so look when they heard the news that Justin and Rebecca are dating? Or a more in-depth discussion of the way the kids are true Walkers in the way they blackmailed Justin to keep the dating story under wraps? Or how nice it was to have them all under one roof again for the opening episode? Or mention the way Tommy sold out his brother 9who was just about to make partner!)? Seriously, EW, you if you need someone to write your TV Watch (NOT Pop Watch), let me know. I will do it! And I’ll throw in one for Ugly Betty and America’s Next Top Model (both of which were dumped this week!) as well. Seriously. Contact me. joe@kitchensofa.com
http://www.zshare.net/video/1953685869d892fd/
I love that when watching Justin and Rebecca, I can never decide if I’m more excited or icked-out by their chemistry. I’m also embarrassed to admit that as soon I as I saw Mitch Pileggi, I literally shrieked, “SKINNER!!” I hope he will be on the show again.
what a short tv watch. i waited all day yesterday to read it at work and didn’t. i logged in this morning to read it and i only get that? where is page 2, 3, 4 as other tv watches are???
Although I love Slezak’s work with EW, I’m agreeing with the majority to bring back a full TV Watch recap. What gives? Ugly Betty, Top Model and now B&S??!! As faithful readers we deserve an explanation as to why our shows arn’t top priorities!