Brothers and Sisters - Season 5 [DVD]

Brothers and Sisters started out brilliantly in Seasons One and Two, with compelling and twisting storylines and plots, and the development of some of the most enjoyable characters on television. Then seasons three and four came along and lowered my expectations of the show- still great viewing, great acting and great stories but somewhat lacking the magic given in its primary seasons. This no doubt has led to the cancellation of this marvellous programme, which leads to Season Five being it's final season.

The season shows a marked improvement on the previous two seasons; the story jumps a year forward following the accident in the cliff-hanging finale of season four, and this jump seemed to jump-start the excellent plots again as it gives the programme room to breath and develop.

The characters Robert, Rebecca and Holly leave this season, which are sad losses, but the core family members remain central and the stories are once again compelling.

I really love this season- because this season further develops the characters and their relationships, which is what the crux of this show is all about. What little storyline there is with Rebecca and her family is really moving and lovely, Sol finally gets a decent storyline this season, Kevin and Scotty's relationship flourishes further and Sarah and Lúc's romance is truly moving. Nora is as excellent as ever this season, and although Kitty takes a smaller role in this time around, she remains to be dynamic and delightful viewing- although sadly, there are not as many Kitty/Nora arguments as before which are, in fairness, amazing!

As far as plots go this season, there's more love and romance, plus paternity and parenting and work related drama. There remains to be a copious flow of wine in the Walker household, but this season sees a drop in politics and business, which are sad losses because they added a certain calibre to the show.

Whilst, on the whole, I loved Season Five, my sister, who is also an avid fan, admitted she felt these episodes felt disconnected and disjointed in comparison to previous seasons- and I don't completely disagree with her- the season does feel a bit lost in places, and the final few episodes, where the plot develops into something altogether more exciting, feel a little rushed through- if they had spent a few more episodes focusing on these plot points the season would have been stronger.

It's not their best season by far- it's certainly lacking something, somewhere- although I can't quite put my finger on it. However it does nicely wrap up what has been an excellent television programme with great acting and stories, leaving viewers with a lovely warm feeling inside. It remains to be the compelling family-drama we fell in love with, and concludes our love in its final episodes- although, frankly ABC, one last season would have properly concluded some of the storylines left open in Season Five's finale.

Altogether, this is a excellent show and great season, and I highly recommend this box set and well as its predecessors.

Brothers and Sisters - Season 5 [DVD]
I hate so say it, but the 5th and final season of Brothers & Sisters was not in the same realm of quality as the previous ones. All previous series had their story lines well developed, grounded in the lovely characteres, with meaningful discussions and debate and the unveiling of family dynamics in a truthful and enthralling way.

The loss of characters such as Holly Harper, Rebecca and Robert Macallister were deeply felt. Apart from some good story lines (Kevin and Scotty's adoption process), the plot did not seem to respect the personalities previously shown by the characters. Kitty (Calista Flockhart) just dipped in some of the episodes with a very poor story line, so disappointing to see character murdering like that...

Nora's Walker story was completely crazy and it felt all she claimed before and the feeling she had about family unity and such belonged to someone else.

I was so disappointed with the Finale, having absolutely adored this series till Season 4.

It felt they just gathered money they could find to put the final season out, as they could not have the cast quality or script writer's flair anymore. If you have watched all previous seasons, of course you will see the final one. I hope you don't get as sad about it as me...

With news that Brothers and Sisters has just been axed in America, Which will make season 5 the last.

This season wasnt the best, but with enough suprises and secrets to fill out another 24 episodes.

I do think producers would have found it hard to write season 6 and kept it fresh.

I have loved this series from the off, the acting and storylines often very strong and moving.

The final episode of season 5 kind of wraps everything up @ Sarahs wedding, with Nora (Sally Field) doing voice over with her words of wisdom right to the final credits.

Gone but not forgotten.