Fall TV Preview 2009: Brothers

Get our reviewer's take on Michael Strahan's foray into series television: Should you watch?

By Megan Masters Sep 11, 2009 7:46 PMTags
Brothers, Carl Weathers, Michael StrahanGreg Gayne/FOX

Brothers (Fox)

Premieres: Friday, Sept. 30, 8-8:30 p.m.
Competition: Ghost Whisperer, Smallville, Law & Order, 'Til Death, Ugly Betty, Sanctuary
Cast: Michael Strahan, Darryl "Chill" Mitchell, CCH Pounder, Carl Weathers
Status:
We've seen the first two episodes.

Should you watch Brothers? Read on...

We should preface this preview by stating that Brothers really does mean well.

The story follows retired superstar athlete Mike Trainor (Michael Strahan), who's come home to help his wheelchair-bound brother's (Darryl "Chill" Mitchell) floundering restaurant and his potentially memory-impaired father, Coach (Carl Weathers). Clearly pulling all the strings in the background is matriarch and Emmy winner CCH Pounder, but as much as we love her, this role leaves us missing her more dramatic endeavors, i.e. The Shield.

However, what is intended to be a heartfelt sitcom that deals with serious issues, like physical and mental handicaps, falls flat and becomes nothing more than a half-hour comedy filled with weak jokes about Strahan's gap and "Chill" Mitchell's paraplegia (and their father's possible dementia).

Our very own Kim Kardashian comes on to stir things up in October, so that could be fun, but overall Brothers just doesn't know what it is. Is it a comedy that focuses only on the defects of others, or is it a drama about the ties that bind a family together?

Long story short, as much as we love Michael Strahan's charisma in real life, it unfortunately just doesn't transfer to scripted drama.

Verdict: Pass.

Poll

Fall TV Preview 2009: Brothers

Brothers
Watch
9%
DVR
6.8%
Pass
84.2%

Are you interested in Brothers? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Find out more about the season's new shows in our Fall TV Preview photo gallery!

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