I went to “A Conversation with Brothers & Sisters” last night, which was a panel of the stars of the show & some of the writers and producers. It is one of my favorite shows, mostly because of what one of the writers said, “Everyone sees their family in the characters,” but also because of what one of the producers said, “Everyone wants a family like the Walkers.” It’s true: I see myself & my sisters in the way they interact; I see my cousins & aunt & uncles in the way that they shout over each other at family gatherings. But I also see places where communication is more open and politics are less taboo than in my family. Apparently, it’s a very popular show which, given that it’s one I like, is very odd (I’m usually the kiss of death to any series).

But as I looked out at the people on stage, it occurred to me that I also like it because it deals with some of the issues that are most important to me in a very natural way. Firstly, the 12 main characters were evenly gender-divided and the four additional panelists were, too (including the moderator). I honestly didn’t count until I realized that Sally Field (who I love!), who was sitting in the center, was flanked by women: so I did a quick glance, and it seemed pretty equal; so I counted; then I counted again because I couldn’t believe it; then I counted just the cast. I’ve been watching this show for as long as it’s been on (almost two seasons, now) and this is the first time I’ve noticed that it’s equally gender-balanced. It’s not something that they hit you over the head with, which I find is often the case when women are purposely added to make it more “even”.

Additionally, one of the main characters is gay. But he’s out and it’s not an issue (any more) to his family. They occasionally mention it, and he has story lines that would not be there if he weren’t, but again, it’s such a natural element that it doesn’t feel preachy. He has relationships (and sex scenes) just like the het characters and his personality brings a uniqueness to them more than his sexuality. [Apropos our recent conversation about scandal, his exboyfriend/good friend is staying with him because he needs a place to stay; something I should surely extend to any of my good friends. They, of course, discuss all the emotional boundaries of a situation like that.]

I remember discovering the West Wing and really liking it because it seemed like the way I wished politics was (bold, respectable, and altruistic). Brothers & Sisters arouses the same feeling in me: I watch it because that’s what I wish family life (not just mine, but in general) was like.