'Brothers & Sisters' falls off the wagon

davey Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 10:58 PM EST

What a joke of a blog! This ep of Brothers and Sisters was great! Hot opening scene, touching 9/11 scenes. All amazing acting!

Howard Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 06:02 PM EST

Samantha, were you watching the same episode I was? For starters, that opening scene was so hot my TV almost melted.

Now, as for the 9/11 flashback: yeah, Nora's wig was awful, but the shock was on the money. I know people who were up and saw it live from the West Coast (I'd assume that Mr. Walker was an early riser). And it may have taken hours to get through because so many phones were down. However, I was down here for it, and I have a friend who were in Kitty's shoes and had a plane fly over their apartment. I know people who lost anywhere from 1 to 40 people they knew, and people who didn't lose anyone, but saw things that no person should ever have to see in his or her life. And the fact that Kitty didn't know anyone killed in the attack doesn't make it any less likely that she'd be shaken up. And I thought Calista played it pretty damn well.

The bigger issue with the show based on this episode is this: Nora blames Kitty for talking Justin into enlisting. But based on what we've seen so far, Kitty hasn't said anything to persuade Justin to do anything. I'm curious to see if Nora's ever going to realize that she was completely wrong about this situation, and what happens after that.

Zach Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 04:34 PM EST

Well, one thing is for sure. Ms. Harmon has more brain cells in the "bad-show detector" section of her brain, then the majority of these posters have combined.

Jason Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 04:04 PM EST

This show is great and the cast is amazing, but like the rest of what's on Popwatch, I find it hard to take seriously any criticism from a "blog" that can extol the virtues of "The Bachelor" and MTV's "reality" programming while complaining that "Brothers & Sisters" is too "akward". Maybe it's too mature for you.

Lucas Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 02:41 PM EST

This was a GREAT episode. I don't see why it has to be compared to Desperate Housewives. DH is set in some alternate reality where nothing makes sense and people get killed off to and fro by psychos, pedophiles abound and no one has a job. Brothers and Sisters resonates with anyone who has a normal, functioning family in which sometimes you get along and sometimes you don't. For those who opposed the 9/11 storyline. Why isn't this show "weighty" enough for one? I used to live six blocks away from the WTC. I could have uttered every word Calista Flockhart pronounced during her description. This is the first I have seen something on TV that resonated with what happened to me and my friends that, including any of those sappy specials every year that are abused by politicians and the media.

Mike Kennedy Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 02:30 PM EST

This show is beautiful in every way. It is a true sense of family. Being from a big family myself I relate to these characters. How people can say things aren't based in reality for this show is absurd...and why does it have to be wrapped up in a fuzzy bow Ms. Samantha Harmon - that isn't true life - life is raw, emotional and not always a bowl of sunshine. Is the Nine reality based, Lost, DH, House...no (I like them all by the way). It is television and it is television at its finest. Mark my words - when this show is long gone and off the air - when people think of a truly great hour of television this show will be on people's minds and this episode will be the cornerstone on which this shows success will be measured. This will be the first episode people will remeber when thinking of Brothers & Sisters. Sally Field is giving the performance of a lifetime (each week!) and Calista Flockheart erased any doubt in peoples minds about whether she can do anything that isn't goofy and with that scene with Justin - those 5 minutes will be tatooed on my mind as a powerhouse performance and make me think "Who is this Ally MCBeal character?"

Thank you Greg Berlanti, John Robin Baitz, Calista, Sally, and the rest of the cast. You are America's Family.

JillyRo Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 01:47 PM EST

Drag, I missed this episode! So does anybody know if B&S repeats on any other night by chance?

K Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 12:57 PM EST

Samantha, I think you're a little insane. The episode was wonderful. Very raw and emotional. Who are you to say Kitty shouldn't have felt what she felt? I think if I had seen a plane fly over my head, crash into a building, and watched bodies fall to the ground I would have handled it the same way. You're just cold.

lauren Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 12:40 PM EST

much more rachel griffiths is needed! stat! cut back on the gay brother's problems, which are repetitive anyway.

Larry Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 08:08 AM EST

I, too, love this show. Yes, the flashbacks were a little annoying but I thought so much else was great. Rachel Griffiths is finally getting a chance to shine (when she said to Ron Rifkin "you have a decision to make, old man" because he's sleeping with her father's mistress, it was classic). And I loved the interplay with Kevin and Scotty. And Calista Flockhart's acting in the flashbacks was definitely the strongest work she's done in forever.

moviemadd Tue, Nov 14, 2006 at 02:20 AM EST

This show is so over-the-top and strains so hard to be "meaningful" and make a statement every week. It's not substantial enough to merit include 9/11 as a story point. Calista's acting was good in the scenes, but using such a mammoth tragedy for a soap like this was tacky. And Sally Field's wig was awful, but she seemed to be the only actor to make an attempt to change her appearance in the 5 years since 9/11. I wish this show would ease off the Iraq War and other topical issues. It's too strident, just like Field and Flockhart's characters when they debate. And there are way too many characters (Rachel Griffith's step-son, anyone?). And who can tell any of Calista's on-screen lovers apart. Trim the cast (starting with Rachel's weak husband, Balthazar Getty and his bland wife, and the annoying and weak 'Scotty.')

Phil Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 11:52 PM EST

Am I the only one that thinks the picture of David Annable used in this item is about as bad as the ones used in the Marika/Cameron item??

I agree with mostly everyone here that Sally Field's wig in the flashback scenes was HIDEOUS.

And the fruit scene at the beginning of the show? I love the character of Justin as the recovering drug addict, but seriously, would he even KNOW how to spell CATALOUPE? Maybe thats why his boss was having difficulty figuring it out! But yeah, can't say I was surprised about him overdosing. I was super surprised however, that a drug dealer would also be the go to guy for a fake passport! I didn't realize being proficient in the handling of illegal substances also made you an enabler to cross international borders... right...

Anyways, love the show, love the cast, can do without some more flashbacks for a while, but lets not be bitter. It was bound to happen, its sweeps month, and we haven't seen Skerrit since the debut episode.

Please keep Scotty around. He's grown on me. I'd totally go out on a date with him, and like totally not offer to pay for his time like Kevin!

NOW, the only question remaining...WHO...WILL..PLAY...THE..ROLE...OF...REBECCA?!?!

Cindy Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 10:26 PM EST

Rachel Griffiths, Sally Field and Calista Flockhart an acting trifecta. All awesome.

dave Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 10:15 PM EST

The fruit scene was hot hot hot! The reviewer must be watching a different show. Calista, in addition, kicked butt with her scenes. Raw emotion. The actress from 6 feet under also kicked some butt against Patrica Wettig. Nicely done! Great episode.

Mark Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 10:00 PM EST

I'm sorry but I couldn't hear much of the dialogue last nite because I was laughing too loud at Sally's bad wig. Seriously. What IS that thing on her head ? Seriously.

boyden Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 09:56 PM EST

As much as I'm trying to see what some are saying, I must disagree with the poster also and am so glad to read that there are several others who do too. This show is awesome and it blows be away with each episode for the same reason it's being criticized. Each hour is so loaded. And some of the points critics make seem to be unreasonable. I mean, EVERY TV show requires you to suspend reality. It is, after all, television. The ensemble cast is doing a fine job. I could watch Sally Field read the dictionary. And I've been a fan of Calista's since Ally and, for me anyway, she always manages to evoke the rawness of an emotionally fragile human being to perfection.

Hopefully more people discover this jewel in the ABC lineup. We may have to rally to keep this on the air if the negativity continues.

People seem to have such high expectations of this show because of the high caliber of the cast instead of simply taking it at face value - a beautifully written and acted family drama. That's all it is folks. Nobody said these people are going to talk, interact or look like your family. It's TV! Just sit back and enjoy the stories that unfold in heightened drama from this fictional family. Simply allow yourself to be entertained by it and, hopefully, at the end of the hour you'll have something to think about before starting your week.

Gretchen Weiners Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 08:04 PM EST

Oh you're insane. That was the best episode of the season. And the cantaloupe scene couldn't have been hotter if Justin's name was Hot Hotterson.

chuck Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 07:49 PM EST

poor scotty ... i hope he's not really gone for good ... he's so cute ...

Daryl Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 07:22 PM EST

I totally disagree..this show is a great show and getting better with each episode.

Vicki Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 07:07 PM EST

No way, the cantelope scene was SMOKING hot!

alex Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:30 PM EST

My favorite part went something like this...

Sally Field: "I had sex with the contractor."

Calista Flockhart: "Your son is going back to war."

The writers managed to stick those two sentences together so quickly, not even the atmospheric music could catch up in time.

Tyler Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:25 PM EST

The episode was perfectly fine. I have no idea what you're talking about Samantha. Do you have nothing better to do? It's just a t.v show. They do it how they want to. They're not going to change it around because.. what? It follows Desperate Housewives? Gimme a break.

.. and how was the 9/11 thing overdone? A mother fearing for her daughter who lives 6 blocks from the towers? A daughter feeling disturbed seeing people jump from buildings? Wtf? I would be the same way.

Evie Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:19 PM EST

Every time they showed a 9/11 flashback I had to change the channel so I wouldn't have to see Sally Field and Tom Skerrit re-inact "shock!!" and "horror!!" And I wish Treat Williams still had his Everwood beard. That almost would have made the show worth watching.

Vance Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:19 PM EST

I totally disagree as well. I was just thinking Brothers and Sisters is finally getting good over the past few eps (though the previous episode from Nov 5th was possibly the best) and is quickly moving up my charts as one of my faves period.

Who is this reviewer? Totally way off like the other posters say.

Fatima Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:15 PM EST

Who said that Kitty was only on the phone when the event was actually happening? She very well could have been on the phone for hours. That's not even an arguement.

I did like the episode, I just got a little embarrassed watching Sally Field react like that. But I'm not a mother so maybe I just don't get it.

Ernesto Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:05 PM EST

Are you OUT OF YOUR MIND Samantha whatever your last name is...Calista Flockhart managed to make her breakdown scene recall of the awful feelings I have about 9/11 and even got a tear or two out of my eyes, hard to watch but something that was real, just because her character wasn´t in the towers doesn´t mean she didn't feel a thing, besides she mentioned PEOPLE JUMPING OUT OF THE BUILDING...she nailed that scene and she should submit this episode for an Emmy nomination...David Annable also was great in this episode trying to desperately get away from reality...I love this show more and more...GIVE CALISTA THE EMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lame episode Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 06:02 PM EST

Agree with the reviewer - terrible episode. We're supposed to believe that super code-cracking guy and his code-cracking programs wouldn't have thought to use the first initials of Dad Walker's kids? Plus the 9/11 scenes were overdone - and not believable. Kitty said she was on the phone for "hours" with her parents as the tragedy unfolded (she saw bodies, they saw paper). First, the phones were down (Nora even said so). Second, it didn't take hours. Third, highly unlikely that the Walker clan was watching it 'live' given that they were on the west coast.

Jusa Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 05:47 PM EST

I too thought it was an overall teriffic ep. For reals though, I'm with junior about SF's flasback wig. What was up with that?

That Justin overdosed was not a surprise. I thought that his recovery was just a bit soon. He was constantly getting high, then all of a sudden he was clean. It just didn't sit right with me.

pfitz Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 05:39 PM EST

Sorry Samantha, but I must disagree---the tongue-spelling was SUPER hot!!!!

I do agree that the flashbacks seemed overwrought and not as effective as I would have expected and hoped for....look out, tho--I hear there are more to come. The best part is to see Tom Skerrit some more.

matt Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 05:35 PM EST

Last night's ep of Brothers and Sisters was excellent tv! wow, the reviewer is way way way off! Dramatic, well-acted and written. Everyone brought their A game on, and this show keeps getting better & better!

junior Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 05:29 PM EST

Are you kidding me? If you can't stand the heat, then get out of the kitchen! Last night's episode was fantastic TV!

Loved the Sarah/Holly smackdown, loved the Sarah/stepkid bonding, loved Sarah's too cute kids (anything Sarah I loved), loved the Kitty breakdown, loved Nora's 9/11 reaction (she overdid it, please? how did u react to that image), didn't love the end of Scotty and Kevin (for the record, there was no official "break-up" when Kevin acted like a jerk and basically shot himself in the foot) but it was great too, loved Nora & Treat Williams in bed, and even didn't mind the flashbacks which were well weaved into the story. Hated Sally's flashback wig but we won't discuss.

Samantha, who ever you are, where are Michael and Annie for some real "B&S" love.

Fatima Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 05:21 PM EST

I like this show, and while I thought the 9/11 scene was WAAAAAAY overdone,(plz Sally, you are a two time oscar winner. show a bit of restraint)I think its annoyingly premature to say it "Fell off the wagon"

what next? Will it "Jump the shark" within the first 10 episodes? that's not even possible.

Elizabeth Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 05:02 PM EST

I agree that the show is a bit too intense. Especially on a Sunday night when you're trying to relax before having to go back to work the next day (yuck).

Paul Mon, Nov 13, 2006 at 04:31 PM EST

I thought the cantelope scene was pretty hot (and I am gay).

I thought the flashbacks took away from the story. It is like they took a page from the Lost book, which is NOT a good thing. The previous episodes were fine without flashbacks; keep it that way.

I am sure it will get back on the wagon next week. Next to Ugly Betty, this is the best new show on TV this season.