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« The Brothers & Sisters Writers' Blog
These Are a Few of Our Favorite Shows
Story editors Peter Calloway and Cliff Olin and staff writer Jason Wilborn are taking turns with this blog. This entry is from Peter Calloway.
When people find out I'm a writer for Brothers & Sisters [Sundays at 10 pm/ET, ABC], I am typically asked a series of questions in quick succession that, more or less, looks like this: "How many writers are there?" "How does the process work?" "Who is your favorite actor on the show?"
I'll answer those questions briefly: Ten. I have no idea. Whichever actor is reading this blog.
You know what is surprising? I've never been asked what TV shows the staff of B&S keeps up with. That's what I want to know about every staff — what TV did The Sopranos' watch? When David Milch came home from a long day of making up the beautifully vulgar dialogue on Deadwood, what did he watch on his TiVo? Did he watch reruns of NYPD Blue? Or perhaps Jeopardy?
So, without ever being asked, I'm going to tell you what shows we, the writers, watch, in no particular order (for the record, I'm stick only to shows that are currently on the air, otherwise Sopranos would definitely be on this list): Mad Men. The Wire. South Park. Flight of the Conchords. Deadliest Catch. Man vs. Wild (Bear Gryllls, you almost made me cry). The Hills (this one is painful to admit). Dirty Sexy Money (go Craig!). Friday Night Lights. Meet the Press. Daily Show. Reaper. Damages. The Office (Dwight receiving faxes from the future was the funniest TV moment of last year, in my opinion). 30 Rock.
Just to clarify, we don't all watch all these shows. In fact, I'm the only person on staff that watches Deadliest Catch, but it's one of the few shows I am willing to watch commercials for &Mdash; nowadays, the mark of a true fan is the willingness to sit through 20 minutes of advertisements in a one hour period. That takes dedication. It's so easy to just get a season pass and watch it later. But true fans can't wait. They must have it now.
While writing the above paragraph, I just had a disturbing thought — when "delayed viewership" is taken into account by Nielsen 7 days after the program airs, is it more flattering to be on the higher, or lower end of recorded shows? If you're one of the most TiVo'd, isn't that a dirty compliment, like saying you placed well in the consolation bracket? Aren't you just saying that a lot of people didn't think it was worth it to sit through the commercials?
Speaking of Tinos, I'd like to put on my Andy-Rooney-cranky-old-man hat and bring up a small pet peeve of mine: I hate not being able to talk about a show that was on the previous night because someone in the room hasn't watched it yet and doesn't want to have the plot spoiled for them. And when did spoilers become such a big deal? Why are we so obsessed with not being told the ending to a movie or a TV show that we probably won't see? I don't pretend to be innocent — I'm as guilty as everyone else.
But, let's see, enough of the rambling. You probably came to read this blog hoping for a teaser. In an attempt not to disappoint, here you go:
This week, on B&S, Kitty and Sarah's relaxing trip to a spa is crashed by Nora, while Justin's recovery from his knee injury darkens, and he slips into old shoes. My personal favorite in this episode, however, is the Saul storyline, which is beautiful, and sad, and enlightening. All around, this episode, written by Sherri "I heart The Hills" Cooper-Landsman and Liz "I love cheese" Tigelaar, is a joy to watch.
Enjoy. I hope you watch the commercials.
— Peter
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Oct 20, 2007 12:07 PM
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Hi
For the record, I do watch the commercials in Brothers & Sisters. I have a season pass too, but I do watch live.
Secondly, nice list. It's always great to see more love for Friday Night Lights, and I love Damages and Dirty Sexy Money too (though due to factors beyond my control, I have to Tivo that one.)
Can't wait for the show tomorrow.
Jake
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Oct 20, 2007 1:38 PM
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Hi Peter. It's great to hear from the "Brothers & Sisters" writing staff. I was wondering if in the next blog, you or one of the other bloggers could address why the show is going in the direction it is with Justin addicted to pills again and another case of marital infidelity this season.
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Oct 22, 2007 8:36 PM
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I DVR never watch commercials sorry. I like to just see the show I'm watching non stop. Every Monday I watch Brothers & Sisters & Desperate Housewives Sunday is Sports day. I notice none of the writers watch your lead in show DH.
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Oct 23, 2007 9:55 AM
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Thanks for sharing the writers' viewing choices. I too am a fan of Dirty Sexy Money, Friday Night Lights, Damages and Mad Men!
When it comes to DVR I'm an old fashioned girl who still uses a vcr but I always tape shows I really want to watch(whether I'm watching live or not LOL!) to make sure I don't miss anything if my viewing gets interrupted or if I'm unable to watch the live broadcast.
Any word on whether or not eric Winters will return since viva Laughlin has been cancelled?
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Oct 23, 2007 12:34 PM
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I, too, am interested in seeing whether Kevin's love interest returns now that VL is gone. I imagine there *had* to be a plan for him coming back, 'cause I mean...Jackman wasn't even at the upfronts via satellite. It was dead before it even hit the air.
I, too, would appreciate hearing someone address why Justin has fallen off the wagon more times than Chris Moltisanti and every existing marriage has fallen apart--but please don't take that to mean that Julia should come back to Tommy. Not only did that character never grow roots, but I wouldn't imagine the audience can forgive her after the heinous crap she's pulled. (I know I sure can't.)
I agree with you very much regarding the Saul subplot. I think it's being beautifully handled, and I think it's really great that you guys have let it hang in the background and taken it very slowly. A lot of shows would've pushed it right up front, but it shouldn't be that easy with someone from Saul's era. It's turned into one of the season's quiet pleasures. And I was glad to see Holly take the stage a little bit this week. Patricia Wettig was one of last season MVPs (can we say "robbed?") and I've missed her fascinating character.
I often wonder kind of shows certain casts and crews watch, so it was cool to read your list. I know FNL, Mad Men, and 30 Rock are huge in the industry, but I'm curious--are Reaper and Dirty Sexy Money (both GREAT shows) big among industry people as well, or are these just some favorites of your writers? I know DSM shares a little overlap there...
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Oct 23, 2007 5:58 PM
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I admit I felt a little cheated that there wasn't a new post here this week.
After watching "Domestic Issues", all is forgiven. Spectacular episode! Pete and Cliff nailed this one perfectly.
A little plug here: Put in a good word for keeping Scotty around for keeps? You two know how to write for his character so well.
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Oct 29, 2007 1:58 AM
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Also sad to not see a new entry. This was the season's best so far. Good Emmy submission for Rachel, Rob, and Calista, too. Everything balanced out very nicely.
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Oct 29, 2007 7:41 AM
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Just a quick comment for the latest show that aired on 11/4...
PROPS to whoever chooses the music...VERY nice hearing Afghan Whigs in the bar.
If anybody has "a little come on, come on" in their walk...its I'm not a hoochie...just misunderstood Lena
Excellent taste from an excellent show.
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Nov 7, 2007 11:37 AM
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Hahaha. Love the blog.
Bros & Sisses is one of the few shows I actually watch live on TV. So yeah, count me in as a commercial-watcher.
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Dec 4, 2007 10:53 PM
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Love, love this show, the level of writing is far above that of most other series television.
Hope to see more of Julia this season... the actress who plays her is so talented and lovely but seriously underused, IMO.
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Feb 4, 2008 4:36 PM
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