Brothers & Sisters is the kind of drama that’s watchable because it’s so well made. The dysfunctional family set-up is more laboured than shocking, and the script is standard at best. And yet, viewers find themselves tuning in… and staying.
The secret to Brothers & Sisters’ success lies with the attention to detail. Authenticity has obviously been important to creators, with every scene looking Hollywood-perfect. Cupboards are opened to reveal matching crockery and draws are pulled out to reveal intricate silverware. The small touches are attended to and the viewers appreciate it.
Just about every episode contains some sort of family showdown that quickly escalates to full-scale pandemonium. The Walkers might just be the most irritating people on Earth, and that’s the point, really. That’s what families are. They’re not pretty and they’re certainly never what you expect or want them to be.
The family brawls seem almost contrived, they’re so petty. But amid the awkwardness there’s a ring of truth. Familial disputes are always sort of embarrassing. That the Walkers duking it out makes you want to turn away is a sort of credit to them for capturing that overwhelming discomfort.
Minh Nguyen
