By Jennifer Larson

America’s favorite family is back. After surviving a year that included the death of its patriarch and a new born twin, Kitty’s (Calista Flockhart) engagement to Republican presidential hopeful Robert McCallister (Rob Lowe), the discovery of an adulterous betrayal, a return to war and a marriage on the brink of disaster, what more can we expect during the second season of BROTHERS AND SISTERS? Who knows, I mean it is the Walker clan after all. And after a year that would have torn apart families with a weaker familial bond, the Walkers finally have something to celebrate … Kitty’s getting married. Well, they’re ready to celebrate now, after getting over the shock and horror that he is a Republican … gasp!

During the season premiere, the family comes full circle. They are celebrating Kitty’s birthday and remembering the family patriarch, who took a heart attack induced header to his death in the family pool a year earlier. Meanwhile, they are still coming to grips with Justin’s (Dave Annable) abrupt return to Iraq. But that worry has to be put on hold, while the family plans Kitty’s birthday. Unfortunately, her father happened to die on her birthday the year before, so that kind of puts a damper on the celebration. But I guess that’s what you call the circle of life. Shopping for your wedding dress fits nicely into that category as well. But when this mother and daughter get together, things seem to get pretty tense. At least there are no secrets in the Walker family. No matter how hard they try, they just can’t seem to keep their yappers shut. Then again, there is the fact that nobody has spilled the beans about uncle Saul’s (Ron Rifkin) presumed homosexuality. Of course that’s only because they haven’t figured that out yet.


Meanwhile, Kevin (Mathew Rhys) and Robert’s brother seem to have kicked up their romance over the summer. I had high hopes this one would work out; can you imagine their family reunions? Warm and fuzzy doesn’t come to mind, especially when you consider the problem Nora (Sally Field) is having with Kitty’s inability to gather intel about Justin. Sadly, God has called Kevin’s boyfriend to Malaysia to do his work. Not the easiest thing for a commitment phobe who’s fallen in love to hear. But hey, if Kevin’s mother can share a special moment at her husband’s gravesite with the mistress he kept for over 20 years, he can suck it up and tell this guy he loves him before he loses him forever. And why is Kitty so upset over her illegitimate sister hanging around? Ok so she moved into her old room, cozied her way into Nora’s heart and is years younger and fresher looking, but honestly is that reason enough to hate the girl … ok I’d hate her too.

At least Rebecca (Emily VanCamp) wasn’t the one that told the whole family about Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) and her estranged husband reconnecting on top of their washing machine. But just give her a few more months, she’ll fall into the Walker curse and begin to fit right in. I mean my god; if Rebecca’s mother can get invited to a family celebration they can’t be all that bad. Come on, they have their problems, but they are full of love. Which reminds me, Kevin finally opened up his heart and told his guy he loved him. He’s still going away to help the poor, but he’s going with a full heart. Ultimately, the family – and others – all came together and gave Kitty a birthday to remember. Unfortunately, no Walker family celebration can end on that happy note. And when Robert gets a call telling him that Justin’s unit has been hit by sniper fire, the drama begins all over again. Usually a tragedy brings people together, but this isn’t your average family. Time will only tell, but something tells me they will find their way through it.