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'Brothers & Sisters' season premiere: Who's your fave duo?

Sep 29, 2008, 05:05 PM | by Pop Watch

Categories: 'Brothers & Sisters', Mini TV Watch, Television

Patriciawettig_l 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) (and adorable) newlyweds-getting-frisk-ay story arc just because said newlyweds both happen to be boys.

4) The whale and the objets d'art*: You knew Moby Dick was a goner from first sight. This, however, made his destruction no less hilar.

5) Justin (Dave Annable) and Rebecca (Emily VanCamp): So what if Annable doesn't open his mouth all the way while speaking? So what if VanCamp's character apparently has nothing to do but wander around Casa Walker. The chemistry is hot. WHO IS GOING TO ARGUE WITH THE CHEMISTRY?

6) Kitty and That Chiseled Guy: You think when Rob Lowe signed on 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 as child actors go, these two are okay, but I really included them because I wanted to type the name "Maxwell Perry Cotton," a name that evokes thoughts 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 fellow readers have a right to know!

* Second use of fancy French term on PopWatch today must result in automatic ridicule on message boards by no fewer than three PopWatch readers


Lori Tue, Mar 3, 2009 at 12:16 AM EST

Where can I find that awesome lion tshirt Cooper was wearing on episode 317? I want to buy my kids one.

wkehp ombrxu Fri, Jan 2, 2009 at 02:33 PM EST

lbouekdqm zitb rhds thksgo czrdwq wndocvqb yjaoslhtq

sunseeker Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 06:45 AM EST

sallly field and matthew rhys are the best would like the show more if getty the sefish arrogant dirtbag got axed, no morals no class.

colleen Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

The last sentence should read: The overblown Kitty/Sarah stuff would have been much better with the addition of Julia's POV.

colleen Sun, Oct 5, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

That Blonde Lady is Sarah Jane Parker, and she was phenomenal in an ep of L&O:CI this summer. The writers don't get what to do with her, and Rachel's not faring much better. This is why I've defected to Mad Men. The overblown Kitty/Sarah stuff with the addition of Julia's POV.

stubborn-tv Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 11:38 PM EST

Normally I can't stand Emily Van Camp, but her chemistry with Dave is amazing int his show, so it's a serious competition between them two and Kevin (My favorite character) and Scotty.

Jennifer Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

Please give this show, and Ugly Betty, their TV Watch status back.

Ann Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 03:46 PM EST

At lunch on Monday, I immediately went to ew.com to read the B&S recap and was upset to not find one and then again the next day. I love the recaps and B&S totally deserves a full-page one. Seriously, I accidently stumbled upon this little bitty one!

NotWithoutMyTV Wed, Oct 1, 2008 at 11:59 AM EST

TWOP is great for recaps, but do yourself a favor and don't bother trying to post in their forums. Even though the discussion-level is smarter over there, the TWOP forum mods all get off on being the biggest fish in their tiny little ponds. You'll see what I mean just by reading the Dos and Don'ts for each show's forum.

Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 11:04 PM EST

two great sites for recaps that respect their readers are http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/, which puts up recaps right after the show airs and http://www.televisionwithoutpity.com/index.php, which posts a short recap within an hour or so, then posts an indepth recap about 5 days after a show airs. No begging necessary at either site.

BRING BACK TV WATCH Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 08:35 PM EST

Im pretty sure with all of the underrated shows you guys give credit to, this is what you do to one of the best shows left on television. You should be giving shows like The Hills or Gossip Girl "POP" watch because they are POP shows...Brothers and sisters is phenomenal television and deserves way better than pop watch blog..come on EW do the right thing!

A Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 06:02 PM EST

This is a great show and derserves more attention! Bring it back to substance y'all!

Meh Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 02:19 PM EST

Count me in for a reinstatement of B&S for it's own TV Watch. This was nice, Slezak, but we want more.

jeffrey Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 01:49 PM EST

uggh...this is insulting, half a page recap. i rather have no recap than this "oops last minute we forgot to do this while working on the hills and any other mtv garbage" post. this show is an emmy-winning drama and we get a post-it version recap. EW should be ashamed and disgusted by their stupidity. FIX THIS MESS ASAP!!!

kim Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 11:58 AM EST

I agree that it is outrageous that we don't get a TV watch for this show. I'm tired of TV being taken over by reality shows and now EW is folowing the trend.

ld Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 11:25 AM EST

I still love this show and can't believe it's been relegated to popwatch....dump some of the reality blogs (snore) and keep B&S on TV Watch!!!

to 2Cents Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 10:39 AM EST

Thank you!! That's exactly what I was thinking. Every time he had a scene I was like "d-bag" Especially after firing his own brother.

2Cents Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

Is it just me or is everyone else having a hard time separting the Tommy the character vs the actor Getty cause both seemed like big D*** both personally and professionally?

KrisFisch Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 09:53 AM EST

Now that that is out of my system...how much do you love Kevin and Scotty? Kevin's reactions are so heartfelt and incredibly moving. His reaction to Tommy by the fire was just so filled with emotion. He is by far my favorite Walker. I am so ready for Sarah to move on out of Ojai now for a new adventure. The final interaction between Nora and Holly was amazing. Nora showed up looking fab in a little red number and let Holly have it in the most effective manner, short, sweet and confident with a turn on her heel leaving Holly to digest.

KrisFisch Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 09:49 AM EST

TV Watch, TV Watch, TV Watch!!! Seriously, "The Hills" crap gets a TV Watch, but an incredible show like brothers & sisters gets bumped to a half page recap not posted until the end of the following day. Seriously? This show is brilliant with brilliant talented actors. Two brilliant actors with Welsh accents that are almost completely undetectable, SALLY FIELD (for God's sakes, people, this show has SALLY FIELD!), Calista Flockhart, Rob Lowe...I could go on, but I will just be more peeved! Bumped for a scripted reality show that apparently "deserves" a full recap. That show's ship has sailed. Recap more scripted shows and not that reality craptastic rediculousness.

Sniper Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 09:38 AM EST

This show, Sally Field's concerned/hurt mother face, Calista Flockhart's over acting, and the sledgehammer-obvious musical cues, all suck. THAT's why this stupid show doesn't get a full recap. They had to make room for a show with real emotional depth and skilled acting, like Gossip Girl.

Judy Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 09:19 AM EST

Kevin and Scotty are my favorite duo but I think the whole cast is great! I loved the season premiere!

matt Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

Wow! Every now and then B&S just blows me away. I hope they can continue this trend for the remainder of this season. The Sarah Walker blogs at the beginning and ending of the show were refreshing and reminded me of the power of the dead woman speaking from the grave at the beginning and ending of Desperate Housewives each week. There were so many intriguing scenarios established and that family weekend meltdown at the beach was a stunner. But, nothing had as much impact for me as the ending moment when Nora brought Holly back down to earth with the "Yes you do" speech.

jaime Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 08:41 AM EST

OMG. . .Brothers and Sisters doesnt get a TV Watch either???

1st Ugly Betty now Bro & Sis. WTF is going on EW. . .i love this website but seriously whats going on?

We need FULL RECAPS not damn POP WATCHS.

lala1215 Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 08:27 AM EST

I love you Slezak but seriously- a mini recap and posted so late?? WTF- bump the Hills recap and bring back my full B&S recaps NOW!

junior Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 08:10 AM EST

FULL RECAP NOW!

Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 08:01 AM EST

we've been downgraded to a popwatch blog now?!?! you are kidding me right?? And the dumb Private Practice gets a full TV Watch?? WTF!!

MK Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 07:56 AM EST

I will in fact argue the Justin/Becca chemistry--I'm not buying it. I don't deny that they had it last season, but now that they're allowed to have it, it just looks weird to me. Justin's speech at the end was great (maybe I'm just partial), but as a whole it's not working for me.

Side note: I won't belabor the TV Watch point, but are we really back to having to lobby for this? What are we now, the Kevin of the TV Watch family?

JY Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 07:49 AM EST

I spent all day at work refreshing the ew website for my B&S TV watch. This show deserves more than a mention on popwatch. Its the best show on tv out there. Mad Men gets its own tv watch, but more people watch Brothers and Sisters than Mad Men. Please rethink what shows get their own TV Watch.

SP Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 07:48 AM EST

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!

roberto m. Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 07:27 AM EST

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???

arnold Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 07:11 AM EST

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.

mike Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 01:44 AM EST

http://www.zshare.net/video/1953685869d892fd/

Joseph Tue, Sep 30, 2008 at 12:22 AM EST

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

viewer Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 11:45 PM EST

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.

Kari Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 10:54 PM EST

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

Lene Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:57 PM EST

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.

Laura K. Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:30 PM EST

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.

Missy Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 09:23 PM EST

I am really disspointed that the B&S recap is under pop watch now. It deserves recogition under TV watch.

NikT Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:42 PM EST

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!

WTF Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

I want a B&S recap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I dont like the popwatch instead of the recaps... same goes for Ugly Betty...!!!

Aaron Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:20 PM EST

"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!

Lindsay Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 08:08 PM EST

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!

Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 07:00 PM EST

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.

John Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 06:44 PM EST

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.

TV WATCH PLEASE Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

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.

Kai Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 05:49 PM EST

Why did Justin take blame for the kids breaking the whale? Being a kid is the best excuse ever!

katie g Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

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?

JDub Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

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.

Jimmy Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

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.

Whatever Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:59 PM EST

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.

Snarf Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:57 PM EST

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)

2Cents Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

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.

Alicia Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

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!

Kristi Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:29 PM EST

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!

Laura K. Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

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.

Raven_Moon Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:21 PM EST

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.

ryanlafferty Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:19 PM EST

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?

K Mon, Sep 29, 2008 at 04:14 PM EST

That "Yes you do" at the end gave me chills. Sally Field rocks!


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