I've been having a little bit of fun watching the TV drama Brothers and Sisters this season. I think it is a combination of Knots Landing as if it was produced by the crew of thirtysomething.
That comparison makes sense to me considering that some of the people associated with this current show include ex-thirtysomething cast members Ken Olin (producer/director), Patricia Wetting and David Marshall Grant (story editor and script writer). Grant appeared in a controversial episode from 1989 in which he and another actor were in bed together so I find it rather interesting that almost 18 years after that particular episode aired, one of the main male characters from this current series has several on-again/off-again romantic relationships with several men throughout the first season. As far as I know, there has not been as big of a controversy as a couple of decades ago. Interestingly, I found out that the ratings for the season finale ranked number one in its time period.
Sometimes the show is too silly for its own good (I especially disliked the Games Night storyline) but once in a while (which seems to be happening more often in later episodes) are kernels of truth about the dynamics within a family. There are a lot of gray areas with most of the characters within the Walker clan. Not everyone is perfect and that is very refreshing to me. Sometimes the show is right on the verge of melodrama but thanks to a very strong ensemble, including Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Matthew Rhys, Dave Annable, Ron Rifkin and especially Sally Field, they are able to pull back and show the numerous emotions when it comes to personal changes and how it affects themselves and the family.
One's reactions to Brothers & Sisters certainly depends on if one can relate for feel empathy for the characters and the situations that are presented. The show has quietly developed a strong following in its first full season and I am looking forward to season two.
That comparison makes sense to me considering that some of the people associated with this current show include ex-thirtysomething cast members Ken Olin (producer/director), Patricia Wetting and David Marshall Grant (story editor and script writer). Grant appeared in a controversial episode from 1989 in which he and another actor were in bed together so I find it rather interesting that almost 18 years after that particular episode aired, one of the main male characters from this current series has several on-again/off-again romantic relationships with several men throughout the first season. As far as I know, there has not been as big of a controversy as a couple of decades ago. Interestingly, I found out that the ratings for the season finale ranked number one in its time period.
Sometimes the show is too silly for its own good (I especially disliked the Games Night storyline) but once in a while (which seems to be happening more often in later episodes) are kernels of truth about the dynamics within a family. There are a lot of gray areas with most of the characters within the Walker clan. Not everyone is perfect and that is very refreshing to me. Sometimes the show is right on the verge of melodrama but thanks to a very strong ensemble, including Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, Matthew Rhys, Dave Annable, Ron Rifkin and especially Sally Field, they are able to pull back and show the numerous emotions when it comes to personal changes and how it affects themselves and the family.
One's reactions to Brothers & Sisters certainly depends on if one can relate for feel empathy for the characters and the situations that are presented. The show has quietly developed a strong following in its first full season and I am looking forward to season two.