ABC's Brothers and Sisters Coming to DVD

Brothers and Sisters is ABC's new drama about a contemporary American family, dysfunction being a major character. However, no matter what their individual problems are, the Walkers come together and find strength as a family. The first season follows the Walkers after the patriarch of the family dies. Along with news of their father's death, the five children discover some well kept secrets including a mistress and illegitimate daughter.

Brothers and Sisters also has a cast that blends seasoned actors with some newer faces. I first tuned into the show because Sally Field plays the mother. The idea of a television show detailing an older woman's life was new and casting Sally Field struck me as a perfect choice. Not being a fan of Ally McBeal, I was a bit concerned about Calista Flockhart, however where Ally was unsure, Kitty Walker is strong and driven. By the same token, I was a huge fan of Alias, so Ron Rifkin, Patricia Wettig, and Balthazar Getty were major draws for me. Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under), Emily VanCamp (Everwood), Matthew Rhys, Dave Annable (Reunion), and Rob Lowe (The West Wing) add to the ensemble cast and truly make it feel like a family. Sure, it has some soap opera elements, but that keeps audiences watching and distracted from their own lives - because hey, at least we aren't that messed up.

What is most refreshing about Brothers and Sisters is Kevin Walker. He's one of the siblings, a successful lawyer with relationship issues... oh, and he's gay. But unlike most gay characters on television, his sexuality isn't his entire identity. While it is a part of Kevin, he isn't a stereotype or stock character, but more representative of a real person. Kevin's gayness is no more his sole defining characteristic than Justin's addiction troubles are his or Kitty's conservative views are hers; yes, these are big parts of who the characters are but not their sum total.