Traditionally the best way to tell on ongoing story is the soap opera. While it is certainly true that this format is conducive to the overly melodramatic but that is also one of the major draws that gives this format its intensive ability to entertain. Although frequently derided soap operas tend to be long lasting with some stories unbroken for over fifty years. This style of programming initially began in the late morning or early afternoon targeting housewives who thanks to household labor saving devices had some free time after their work. Slowly the soap opera began to proliferate into the evenings. Usually these prime time series dealt with class difference typically families exhibiting wealth and power. The golden age of these shows were in the eighties with shows like ‘Dallas’ and ‘Dynasty’. Many current examples have shifted their demographic to encompass teens but a few hang on to more traditional viewer ship. One that has been successful for five years has remained reasonably solid for its entire run although it has begun to ramp up for that fateful leap over the proverbial shark. Rather than allow this series to degenerate into a shadow of what it was during its peak, they cancelled it at the conclusion of season five. It provided a fitting end although not every loose string was neatly tied up but after all that does reflect reality in that respect. An effort was made to address as many plot lines left hanging in the concluding episode of season four so credit should be given to the ABC network for respecting the loyal fan base the series created. The series rapidly gained a reputation for smart writing and taught acting from a highly professional ensemble cast. One thing that is notable here is the degree of pathos generated by the stories that held their audiences for five years. Unlike many of the classic prime time soaps were based on the fantasy of the rich but here the family at the heart of the series, the Walkers, are well off but still profoundly affected by the economic down turn that is so much a driving force in every one’s life now. Admittedly this has been a guilty pleasure that I while regrettable in its cancelation can at least say the Walker family saga was well told.

The Walker family was rich by many standards but not so wealthy as to remain immune from the recent recession. When the family business of produce supply located in southern California began to go under matriarch Nora (Sally Fields) had to face some difficult choices along with her children; Sarah (Rachel Griffiths), Republican pundit, Kitty (Calista Flockhart), on the run businessman, Tommy (Balthazar Getty), Kevin (Matthew Rhys), a lawyer and the youngest, Medical student Justin (Dave Annable). After five years of soap opera style plot twists, character surprises and just about every bizarre set of circumstances ever noted in Soap opera Dige

st the stage is finally set to let down the final curtain. The fourth season concluded with a few well established ploys. One perennial staple used here is the climactic car crash. It sets up the always popular ‘who will survive’ scenario. Kitty’s politically active husband Robert McCallister (Rob Lowe), survives but in a vegetative state. The familiar plot devices pile up when Kitty has to make the difficult decision to pull the plug. The opened the story up to face the dating scene as a single mother without the very over done device of divorce, something used to the point of excess here. Relationships are tangled with the mistress of Nora’s deceased husband, Holly Harper (Patricia Wettig) maneuvering to become the CEO of the Walker family business, Ojai Food Co. her daughter Rebecca (Emily VanCamp), was once thought to be Walker’s illegitimate daughter which turned out to not be the case which was a good thing consider she was engaged to Justin. They briefly marry but, guess what, divorce. In the car crash Holly also survives but exhibits another favorite soap opera medical condition, amnesia. Some socially progressive themes are introduced through Kevin who is gay and married to Scotty (Luke Macfarlane) who continues as parents this season. Although they have their share of issues to overcome their marriage is the strongest seen in the Walker clan. Sarah remarries to Luc (Gilles Marini), an underwear model she met in France. Nora’s Brother, Saul (Ron Rifkin) had come out as gay and ended the previous season under the specter of HIV. He also gets a happy ending when he proposes to his boyfriend. Not many past middle age gay men portrayed on broadcast network television.

This series may have gone out cramming every possible soap opera contrivance into the remaining episodes but they never lost sight of the main objective; to entertain the audience. From cancer and people uncertain of their true parentage this season pulls out all the stops. This may sound trite and in lesser hands it most certainly would have turned out that way. Fortunately the talented cast and intelligent writing rescue even this, the least successful of the five seasons. Once again Sally Fields provides the dramatic anchor and emotional core of the cast laying down a foundation used by the others to bring their characters realistically to life. Despite the fact that the situations frequently border on the outlandish the abilities of the cast sell it realistically. It’s a shame quality once more is pushed aside for the shows that somehow remain but now you can revisit the quirky Walkers whenever you want.

Deleted Scenes
Bloopers and Outtakes
Gilles Marini: Uncovered - Join the Cast's Hottest New Member As He Gives An Intimate Tour, Going Behind Closed Doors In His Dressing Room And Inside His Personal Workout.
Writing For The Walkers - Writing For The Walker Family Isn't Easy. Join The Writers As They Share The Personal Stories That Inspired Some Of The Most Memorable Moments Of The Season
Audio Commentaries