Brothers

People who subscribe to PrideVision, the Canadian GLBT channel, have the chance to see reruns of this great TV series. A friend of mine had taped a few episodes for me a while ago, but I hadn't had the chance of seeing more episodes. I can now catch up, with great pleasure!

It is a shame that time and a limited viewing audience has all but buried "Brothers." If you didn't have Showtime in the 80s you missed out on a show that had as much heart and humor as "Will and Grace" back in atime when AIDS made a gay series untouchable for a TV network. Showtime took the risk and the result is a wonderful series that I saw as a young man but can remember certain scenes vividly and can still hum the a-capella theme song. Modern day viewers will rake the Donald character as being too stereotypical but he was no sissy. He was proud and strong and that should be seen as a plus. The rapport between the brothers was excellent as they try to understand the gay world after the youngest of the 3 comes out. Who can forget gruff Lou trying to blend into the gay scene sitting a park growling: "Hey babe, nice legs!" or Joe responding the his brother's attraction to a Russian when told that he's big and sleek and foreign by saying "so get a Volvo!" Has this show been released on VHS or DVD? If not it should. This is a groundbreaking series that should be resurrected for a new generation to enjoy and share and laugh.

This was a sweet and funny series and was far ahead of its time compared to other gay-themed TV series. It prob. would never have survived on network TV at that time (make that definitely would not have survived) at least without compromising its humor. Also, forget Roseanne or any other shows with gay characters: s far as I know Brothers featured the first male-male gay lip-lock in prime time. And it featured a lot of prime Hollywood talent as guest stars. Nor was it "just" gay-themed, but it showed that gay and straight, family is family, and sexual labels don't mean a damn thing.

Showtime schedules a month of gay programing each year during June and I've suggested to them that they broadcast reruns of the series at that time. I haven't checked this month but maybe with more pressure they'll realize they have a treasure on their hands.

Originally aired on Showtime, then syndicated, it ran for 8 (?) seasons, and was ground-breaking for having the first openly gay *proud* character (Cliff) from the premiere episode, albeit not the main character (Joe). Played with sensitivity and great humor, Cliff was a real gay man - not a stereotype, not hung up about being gay, and never "redeemed" by seeming to be straight. His foils were his construction worker brother, Lou (not too bright, but deep down loved his baby brother) and his best friend, Donald Maltby, who *verged* on stereotype, but because of extraordinary acting always managed to turn the character on its ear and show you something more than just a caricature (notably his brilliant speech about blame and AIDS in one episode, which was very knowledgeable and forthright anyway, despite it being so very early in the epidemic). I'm sure the show will never air again, and it might not even ever be available as a Columbia House collectible series, but if you ever get the chance, watch those old episodes! (And, being from Philadelphia, where the show is supposedly set, maybe someone will be able to explain to me how very good-looking Cliff ever went for 8 years with only two boyfriends for four episodes!)

This Showtime TV Series was one of the most Brilliant and Sensitive TV Sit-Coms ever written. The rapport between the flamy Donald, and the homophobic Lou was hysterical. It's a shame the episodes are not more completely documented here on IMDb. The acting by Star Robert Walden as Joe Waters may have been his best, tho he is obviously better known for his more serious role as Joe Rossi in the Lou Grant series. Philip Charles MacKenzie as Donald Maulpey may be playing this flaming gay role as Stereotypical, but is always the character with the most brilliant answers to life's common problems. Hallie Todd, as Joe's daughter Penny, was not in every episode, but unforgettable when she was. It is a true measure of comic genius, when the writers and actors who can make you laugh hysterically episode after episode, can also make you cry. I miss this series and wish I had Every Season on DVD or VHS or Reel to Reel. It is more than entertainment, it is great education in human relations and gay issues.