I try really hard not to get too excited about the shows that are “in development” this time of year. But with constant updates to The Futon Critic’s development watch pages, it is hard not to become somewhat attached to a show that sounds like it has got the goods. The show I am most intrigued by right now is Brothers and Sisters. Here is the latest scoop from the Futon:
BROTHERS & SISTERS (ABC) - Rachel Griffiths (”Six Feet Under”) and Calista Flockhart (”Ally McBeal”) are the latest additions to the drama pilot, about the lives of four adult siblings. Flockhart will play Kitty March, who’s described in the casting notice as: “Early-mid 30’s, beautiful, very appealing, articulate, politically right of center, Kitty is the host of a radio show broadcast nationally on satellite and a moderate Republican who yearns for the Republican party of Eisenhower and Lincoln–and her dad. One of five children born to a vigorous, well-to-do, close-knit Southern California family, whose fortune was made by their “Golden Bear” specialty foods, Kitty lives in New York City, where she’s in love with venture capitalist Jonathan Sternfeld, but she’s only too happy to go back home to Malibu for her 30th birthday with her family. Devastated by the unexpected death of her beloved father but bolstered by his lifelong love and encouragement of her (and all his children), Kitty puts her grief behind her and it’s business as usual when she auditions for a TV talk show based in L.A. - a huge new opportunity for her. Somewhat putting a damper on her excitement when she’s offered the job is a counter-offer by Jonathan to marry him, settle in New York and raise a family–and though she loves Jonathan, her independent, ambitious spirit feels “cornered” by his untimely request.”
Griffiths then is set as Nora March: “Late 30’s, a woman who sometimes moves too fast, breathtakingly clear-headed and yet furiously romantic, strong, tough, decisive, loving and compassionate, Nora is the eldest March child. Married to Michael Trayler (a teacher) and the mother of two children, one of whom has Asperger Syndrome, Nora is an expert in corporate overhauls and has been brought in by her father to halt the decline of the family business, Golden Bear Foods. Frustrated by a lack of modern business techniques and an air of genteel laissez-faire at the company, Nora is further challenged by her brother, Charlie, a longtime worker at the company who clearly resents her presence. Like the others, Nora is rocked by her father’s death, and in the aftermath learns exactly what is causing the gradual decline of Golden Bear.” The pair join the previously cast Dave Annable, Balthazar Getty and Ron Rifkin in the Touchstone Television-based hour, which Ken Olin is directing from a script by creator Jon Robin Baitz.
There are so many things that just sound GOOD when I read that show write up. Of course, now I’m just going to be fearful that I’ve jinxed it, but I just have a REALLY good feeling about this one. And I don’t think it is because of my deep down Alias love being stoked by the inclusion of Olin, Rifkin & Getty.
Well, maybe it is that…just a little 
