ABC Strikes Gold with Family Drama "Brothers and Sisters"

ABC struck gold this past fall in its never-ending quest to regain the network's once strong ratings stance. The family drama entitled Brothers and Sisters centers around a typical dysfunctional American family torn apart by lies and misunderstandings but brought back together by pure, unadulterated love.

It took the show very little time to gain ground on Sunday night (10 p.m. Eastern) thanks to its strong lead-in Desperate Housewives. Executive producers Ken Olin and Greg Berlanti took some risks in putting together a cast of seasoned veterans along with budding stars and one or two virtual unknowns. However, the risks paid off in spades, melding together one of the strongest casts on television today, including:

Calista Flockhart, as Kitty Walker, is the only Republican in the family. Full of energy, spunk, and strong opinions, Kitty butts heads with her mother and siblings regularly but manages to stand her ground. Flockhart is best known for her hit show, Ally McBeal. It earned her a Golden Globe Award in 1997 and a People's Choice Award in 1999. It also brought her Emmy, People's Choice, SAG, TV Guide, and American Comedy Award nominations in 1998, 1999, and 2001 and additional Golden Globe nominations in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Flockhart is a critically acclaimed classically trained stage actress who has more than a few film credits under her belt.

Sally Fields plays the opinionated yet loyal Walker family matriarch Nora. Although Fields wasn't the first choice to fill those shoes, she has proved to be the better choice. Fields is no stranger to the small screen. She took home an Emmy for her portrayal of Sybil - - a woman with multiple personalities - - in the television drama with Joanne Woodward. She won another Emmy for a guest star role as a woman with bi-polar disorder on ER. Of course, baby boomers best remember Fields as the lovable television Gidget and for her role The Flying Nun. She is also a two-time Oscar winner for Places in the Heart and Norma Rae. Otherfilm credits include Forrest Gump, opposite Tom Hank; Mrs. Doubtfire, opposite Robin Williams; and Steel Magnolias.