BROTHERS AND SISTERS GAVE ME AN EPISODE I LIKE IN "36 HOURS"

BROTHERS AND SISTERS - The ABC Television Show

Wow, seven episodes into season two of a television show that I fell for hard last year when it debuted and I finally really liked an episode. Tonight, the writing had more substance… at least the actors seem to be able to get their acting chops into the material more than any other episode so far. The episode of Brothers and Sisters, “36 hours” showed what this show does best when it is allowed to from the writing – is relate to one another. I haven’t liked the predictability of the lines and the fluffy humor in past episodes. I prefer Matthew Rhys’ character in a relationship – or at least – trying to be.

Tonight, the writing was strong. The acting followed and I was in from the first segment prior to the first commercial knowing this episode was different and better. The writers were David Marshall Grant and Molly Newman. The director was David Paymer. The only minor writing bit that I didn’t like was with the scene of Tommy breaking up with Lena (I think that is her name). I thought Lena’s lines were “throw away” lines – just gratis type lines. Just lines to move the story along, not much thought put into them and bland all the way around.

Everything else was quite stellar for this little gem of a show.

I love how Sally Field got some lines again that let her talented acting shine through. Finally. She was especially great with the scene where she locked the door on Justin and also at the pool. Great scene at that family pool…almost as good as the kitchen setting for this Walker family.

The little scene with Robert McAllister and his daughter while ice skating was well-done. And the scene with Sally’s Nora and her brother, Saul Holden, baring the truth about his sexual orientation was the kind of scene that this show has made as its trademark.

Matthew Rhys as Kevin Walker

Matthew Rhys as himself

I didn’t know that Kevin (Matthew Rhys) had not been talking to Jason McAllister. How sad for him. Matthew was great tonight, but then he is always good even when the writing leaves me wanting more substance.

Even Holly Harper was likeable tonight. It was nice to see Rebecca confide in her mother about Justin Walker.

And the writing where Justin unloads on each person within ear shot was outstandingly well-written and well-acted.

I just hope that the fluff, predictable lines don’t come back.

BROTHERS AND SISTERS
Season 2
Episodes

12/2/2007: Holy Matrimony
11/25/2007: Something New


11/11/2007: 36 Hours
11/4/2007: Two Places
10/28/2007: Domestic Issues
10/21/2007: States of the Union
10/14/2007: History Repeating
10/7/2007: An American Family
9/30/2007: Home Front
9/23/2007: Brothers & Sisters: Family Album