First of all, I agree it's a great show. I love it, the writers do a great job in building convincing human characters. The story is plausible, with the right touch of humor, drama, suspense, etc. It is odd, however, to notice the amount of alcohol-drinking in every episode o the show. Anyone remembers how the tobacco industry used to pay producers in the 60s and 70s to include scenes with people smoking in glamorous situations? I am terribly reminded of the tobacco lobby when I see that the Walkers always have to drink copious amounts of wine, vodka, beer, tequila, even a "South African Surprise" from Chevy Chase to Nora Walker in an episode. If you consider the whole plot, all the story lines, the show is very realistic. But even though I don't live in the USA now, I have lived for years in Atlanta, GA, and I can't believe the Walkers'drinking habits are the normal, or average, for Americans. Actually, I think to be "cool" these days in the US you adopt healthful habits, with a daily glass of wine, yes, but the Walkers drink a whole bottle every day... or so it seems. I think first of all it is paid merchandising for the Wine and Spirits Industry, they are probably taking on a big chunk of the costs for the show. Just like the tobacco industry in the 60s. Second, I think the whole drinking habit is portrayed in the show as very "cool", very normal, and this is a bad example to youngsters in the US and in the World. Notice how every single time two of the Walkers want to relax they drink. If they want to get closer to someone, they drink. If they want to have fun, they drink. Jeez, can't you have fun and get close to someone you love without alcohol? Of course you can. Viewers should be aware that not everything you see in a show is "coincidence" - much o it is paid and hidden advertising, and to do this the producers are hiding from the viewers the fact that they are being paid to advertise something. There should be a regulation making it compulsory for producers to disclose paid merchandising in scenes. And if fellow-viewers agree with me, let's campaign for Br. & Sis. to reduce the amount of wine and drinks. Other than that, I still like the show, and will continue to watch it, but with a critical eye.
Review of Brothers & Sisters
