The definition of drama. (Brother's and Sisters)

Member Name: topherbenn

Product:	Brother's and Sisters
Date:	03/05/09 (128 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Outstanding acting, incredible script writing, fresh, original, fiery and emotional.

Disadvantages: None at all! Bring on season four!

'Brothers and Sisters' is an American television drama series. Originally aired in 2006, the show took America by storm, and after three series a fourth was commissioned in April 2009. The show has been nominated for many awards over the past three years, and Actress Sally Field won an award in 2008 for her outstanding role within the series.

SYNOPSIS

The television series centers around the dramatic lives of the Walker family. It seems this family are prone to hectic lives filled with disaster, it just comes with the Walker name. When father Walker dies, the family do what they do best and pull together, but it seems his death has repercussions none of them could have every predicted. Not only will they face shocking discovery's, but all their lives will be turned upside down as we follow them in their daily lives... if you wanted drama, he is the definition of the word.

CHARACTERS: THE WALKER FAMILY

Meet Nora Walker; the mother of the family, the worrier, and the one who has the answer to everything. She's had her fair share of problems, and is left lost when her husband dies in the family pool. Nora is the character who may come across as the strongest, but inside is falling apart, and her family is what she needs in a crisis. The character of Nora makes you feel like everything in your life is just going swimmingly. You can't help but sympathise with her and your heart goes out to her when everything is falling to pieces. Nora Walker is portrayed by Sally Field, her acting is flawless, so dramatic, yet realistic and true to this diverse yet complex character. I have no doubt that she deserved the award she won, anyone would think she's had an experience like Nora in her life, to be able to act as well as she does.

Sarah Walker is the oldest of the Walker children, but she's taking on everything; while trying to support the family business after her father dies, she's got a family and husband to contend with. She's being stretched as a person, enough to cause anyone to break down, and it's a wonder how she manages to cope, maybe it's got something to do with the bonds she has with her family; she's definitely a big family person, and thinks the world of her children. Rachel Griffiths does a fantastic job at portraying a mother that is on her way to breaking point, but some how manages to keep everything held together. She's outstanding, and although acting out sad scenes is never a nice thing to do, you can't help but glue your eyes to the screen when it's her moment; she's incredible!

Second sibling Kitty Walker is portrayed by a favourite actress of mine; Calista Flockhart. Kitty is the individualist, having moved away early on with her fiance, she's back to give her mother a helping hand after the family crisis. Kitty isn't afraid to speak her mind, she's a political figure, speaking out on a fabulous talk show. But her life is about to change, when she meets Senator McCallister, a handsome chap, to whom she falls in love with. Calista is a feisty actress, that knows how to do it best. She's quirky, yet serious and knows how to create a fantastic atmosphere on scene when times are tough. She's the reason why I first started watching the series, and have never looked back. Kitty adds that special sparkle to the show, and I can't wait to she how her life will be dramastised in future episodes.

The oldest brother Kevin Walker is a tough individual, he's had a lot to come to terms with in his life, most notably his sexuality. With a family so supportive, it has never been a problem. Kevin is a successful lawyer, and its through his career that he meets love interest Scotty. Kevin isn't afraid to voice he opinions, and it doesn't always get him a next date, the Senators brother knows this all too well. Kevin will try to do anything for his family and is the family's lawyer, he works hard to save the family business when a crises is thrust upon them. Matthew Rhys portrays Kevin Walker, and does an excellent job at making a gay man an integrated part of the series, he's not just 'the token gay character'. Matthew knows how to act it big, and work his sweet side on the viewers and potential lovers. I can't wait to see how Kevin's life develops in the series.

Tommy Walker is the brother who's been in the shadow of his successful older sister Sarah, but when his father dies, and secrets emerge, he might just be able to break the mold and prove to his family once and for all that he has what it takes to be a success. Newly wed, Tommy and Julia hope to make a baby, but when things don't turn out quite how they planned, Tommy must call upon his family for help. He's like the lost child, the one who didn't quite make a great success of himself at school, but is trying his best to make up for it. Balthazar Getty plays the brother and his acting is fantastic, he portrays a character in need of attention which he grasps and makes so believable on screen. His acting is emotional, but hard nosed, and it he adds something extra to the show.

Little Justin Walker is the baby of the pack, yet he's had a lot to deal with. When Kitty was caught up in the terrorist activities of 9/11, he enlists in the army. Whether his family likes it or not, Justin is going to fight for his country, he couldn't bare to loose a family member to a terrible incident. Justin Walker thinks of everyone before himself and it sometimes doesn't work in his favour, though he cares too much. Portrayed by Dave Annable, Justin is your typical high school jock, he's got the looks, and he's a great surfer. Dave is a fantastic actor, he knows how to play up to the camera's, giving the audience his fiery side, and yet also adding is vulnerable side when he gets drafted again later in the first series. With Justin's character having a few major love interests, he knows how to work the ladies, and he's the smooth guy every male watching the show wants to be.

SCRIPT WRITING

The writers behind this series really know how to create a powerful drama series. Each episode never fails to wow audiences, bringing shocks and secrets to life, week on week. The focus on each character is brilliant, with each getting enough screen time so you begin to relate to the whole family rather than just a few. It's the idea that they are such a close family that comes across in the script writing, and also the acting. Well written scripts are the basis for a grand series and the starting point for the actors to make the series successful. Each actor knows exactly what they are being asked to do, which is because of these writers. The stories rarely have unrealistic tendencies which just goes to show how they have gone through with a fine tooth comb to ensure that they produce a series that viewers will believe and really get to grips with. Personally I can't fault the writers, they have done a fantastic job, though of course I'd always love a little more screen time on Matthew Rhys.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The show is intended for a teen - adult audience, there is little by way of drug use or sex, the main themes of the show revolve around family disputes, secrets and lies, and break ups and make ups. The character of Justin has been a drug addict, so of course there is mention of this in the series, though what he takes, how he takes it and the depth of his addiction isn't such a large story, we more importantly see him going through his rehabilitation period. Actually sex scenes are very rare, it's not something that this show needs. Don't expect any sassy love games, it's all about the family.

IN SUMMARY

This is quickly becoming one of my favourite television drama series in recent years. I can't think of a series more explosive than this one, that has me eagerly anticipating the next episode when the credits roll at the end of another. It's fiery nature keeps you coming back for more. Character stories are never left unfinished which keeps you involved and ways waiting to see how things will turn out. I can't think of a better cast that the one on this show. The chemistry between them is outstanding. If I didn't no any different, I could easily say they were real life brothers and sisters, the acting is just that good! Whoever cast the actors for the show picked well. Where will the series go? I just don't know, which is exciting. It seems the Walkers are ready for anything, but I'm sure one day there might be that one crisis where everything falls apart and breaks, leaving irreparable pieces.

DVD

The first and second season are available to buy on DVD from most online retailers. The third season is set for a US release in the autumn, and judging on previous release dates, you can expect to see the Region 2 copy out around March 2010. With the forth season now commissioned, I wouldn't be surprised to be waiting until around this time next year before it gets it's UK release. The box set DVD's are around £20, though some deals I've seen them at £15. If you fancy a high tension drama series, this is the one for you. grab yourself a copy of the DVD and enjoy!

Summary: An outstanding drama series focusing on the lives of a family prone to crisis.