In the world of television programming the term ‘family series’ can hold two vastly different meanings depending on whether ‘family’ is the target audience or subject matter. When used as the demographic it conjures up images of mom, dad and the kids gathering around the TV enjoying some lighthearted innocent entertainment. As the subject family become the source of high drama, salacious affairs and backstabbing intrigue. In many cases one of the best sources of the later definition is to be found in a prime time soap opera. Traditionally the family in question occupies as socio-economic strata far beyond the regular people watching. One of the primary attractions for this genre is its ability to transport the audience to places they could never really go. In more recent years audiences have changed their expectations craving more in the way of characters and storylines that are relatable at least at some level. This presented a quagmire for the writers in this genre. The challenge became providing the required fantasy and excitement of the old school prime time soaps such as ‘Dynasty’ yet grounded enough that the audience can discover some common ground with the characters. One solution, a compromise of sorts, was hit upon by series creator Jon Robin Baitz. He came up with the concept behind ABC’s popular twist on the prime time soap opera; ‘Brothers and Sisters’. I admit that I am normally not a huge fan of the genre that is unless a superior example comes along. About three years ago I was asked to review the first season of this series and before the end of that premier episode I was hooked. The series contained not only a web of interwoven plot line but the ensemble cast provided exemplary skill in their performances. When you add to the mix direction that blends everything like a master chef you have a sure fire hit. Now as the fourth season prepares to air season three has hit DVD. If you have not caught this series before don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

The series focuses on the Walker family of southern California. They are part of that modern side effect of the recent economic downturn referred to as the working wealthy. That is to say their all live in well appointed homes, drive nice cars and are associated with the right social circles but they depend on the family business ‘Ojai Foods’, to keep them in their comfortable level of living. The matriarch of the family is Nora (Sally Fields) the widow of the founder of the company William (Tom Skerritt). Together they had five children now all adults; Sarah (Rachel Griffiths, Kitty (Calista Flockhart), Tommy (Balthazar Getty), Kevin (Matthew Rhys) and Justin (Jon Robin Baitz). It had been a surprise when William left the company to Sarah by passing Tommy who always seemed to be the heir apparent. She is eventually pushed out as CEO by Williams’ former long time mistress Holly Harper (Patricia Wettig). Sarah tried to move on by financially managing a new internet eco-friendlily startup company. This came after the newly divorced Sarah had an affair with a capital finance hot shot and almost ruins Ojai. Kitty is happily married to republican politician Robert McCallister (Rob Lowe) who is setting back into his U.S. senate seat after a failed bid for the Presidency. After many attempts at getting pregnant fails the McCallisters decide to adopt. This season Tommy tries to get control of the company back from Holly by engaging in an illegal stock deal. When his mother’s brother, Saul (Ron Rifkin) the long standing CFO, quits the company estranging himself from much of the family. He also comes out as gay which brings him closer to his nephew Kevin who is already out and married to Scotty (Luke Macfarlane). Life for the youngest, Justin is not exactly easy, after an injury during his second tour in Afghanistan he sustained serious injuries becoming addicted to pain killers. He became very close emotionally to Rebecca (Emily VanCamp). She is Holly’s daughter and was believed to have been fathered by William. When Rebecca and Justin fall in love ABC was not ready for an incest story line so it was discovered that Holly had another lover who fathered her daughter. This left the position of illegitimate child open to be filled by s newly discovered love child, Ryan Lafferty (Luke Grimes). Even Kitty undergoes some personal changes. First she sleeps with a political consultant. She decides to open a family relief center and winds up sleeping with the architect. To say the least life is never dull over at the Walker’s. One running theme is whenever Nora throws a dinner party mayhem is sure to ensue. The series almost slipped in the previous season but this year it managed to pull itself back on track. The plot lines included a merger of dysfunction family messes and political drama. It remains to be seen but this coming season will be crucial to its survival. This DVD set is well done as expected from this network and you will be pulled in to become a fan.