The current TV landscape leaves little to complain about. Snobbish academia folk may scoff and cite the low-life nature of many game shows, the preposterous, adrenaline-driven drivel that are some action shows and the formulaic routine that dominates some sitcoms. In response to these people I simply smile knowingly and proudly shout the names of unique and sharp sitcoms like Aliens in America, Big Bang Theory, 30 Rock, How I Met Your Mother and Samantha Who, of touching and and engaging hour-long dramadies like Grey’s Anatomy, Desperate Housewives, Pushing Daisies, Ugly Betty and Boston Legal, and of perfectly plotted and character driven dramas like Lost and Friday Night Lights.
In such a spectacular landscape it is difficult to pick a favourite. Even so, I think I have. There’s one show that I look forward to more than any other every week. It makes me laugh, it makes me cry, it makes me stand up and cheer. The characters are lovable AND believable, the relationships are transcendentally real and the stories are entertaining and heartfelt. This show not only gives me warm fuzzies, cold shivers and butterflies every week, it also makes me proud to be my brother’s sister and my parents’ daughter. And that show is Brothers & Sisters.
The impeccable cast couldn’t be better and the writers are perfection personified. The Walkers may be somewhat dysfunctional but when it comes down to it they couldn’t function any better if they never had a single fight. This week’s episode, in which Nora contemplated moving to DC with her beau Isaac, was particularly touching as her children worried about losing her. Meanwhile, the show’s secondary family is coming together as Rebbecca searches for the truth about whether William Walker is really her father.
Check out this Sunday’s episode (entitled “Separation Anxiety”) of my favourite family on ABC.com.