Brothers and Sisters Sparkles in Its Sophomore Debut

Brothers and Sisters came roaring back to begin its sophomore season and it certainly did not disappoint its loyal fan base. The premiere was typical Brothers and Sisters at its best: catty siblings, an emotional roller coaster of a Mother, and a few shockers. Oh and who saw Sarah's misjudging of her hookup coming? Not me, that's for sure.

With Justin in Iraq and unreachable, Nora was a basket case, trying to keep occupied by "texting" other war mothers. The first real heartbreaker came when there was someone at Nora's front door and she sensed it was bad news about Justin. It turned out to be Kitty who returned home for some family TLC. Nora, however, gave Kitty the cold shoulder, even as they were shopping for wedding dresses for Kitty's pending nuptials. Nora revealed, in a classic Brothers and Sisters loud, unorganized, quarrel with Kitty, that she felt Kitty could have pressured Senator McCallister to find out news about Justin's whereabouts. Kitty held her ground, even though she was constantly talking about Justin on the news when asked by reporters. When McCallister finally gave Kitty and Nora the news they wanted (Justin was ok and on his way home from his mission), the family threw a party to celebrate Kitty's birthday, the one-year anniversary of William Walker's death, and the realization that Justin was coming home. The family did not expect to find out after that the plane Justin was in en route home crashed and "there were casualties." Only time will tell whether Justin has made it, and if so, what condition he is in. (Hint, hint)

Elsewhere in Cali land, Kevin and Senator McCallister's pastor brother heated up, only to be granted a dividing path by the church. The Pastor will be heading to Malaysia for what could end up being a year away from Kevin, who at first, gave his signature selfish pity act, but later realized what was needed over in Malaysia is more than he needs. He also does not want to lose something special he foresees in the relationship.

Kevin may not be the only gay family member, as Uncle Saul yet again hinted to a secret double life (much like his deceased brother-in-law.) Although Uncle Saul may have courted Holly last year, he was reminded of insecure feelings after a visit from an old friend. Another telltale sign was an emotional one-liner where Uncle Saul scolded Kevin for not being grateful for the life he has, sending another clue to Uncle Saul's jealousy of the life he could have had.

Tommy and Julia and Joe and Sarah are the couples in serious crisis. Tommy can't get through to Julia and try to help her cope with the death of her son. She finally was able to face the family, but previews for next week show that she is still hung up with what seems like a bad case of postpartum depression. Joe and Sarah have a brief reconciliation on the washer and dryer, and with the realization that Justin may be dead, Sarah realized what's important in life and asked Joe to move back in. Joe was unwilling, sending a shockwave to Sarah, who quickly realized that a temporary roll in the hay was not enough to stop a pending divorce.

Rebecca finally gained Kitty's acceptance after going to great lengths to be friendly and open up to Kitty. She did not, however, forgive her Mother for sheltering her from the siblings and a different, more loving, life she could have had.

Brothers and Sisters came back with a vengeance by sticking to the same formula that brought it success last year: family drama and bickering, emotional storylines, standout performances, pending secrets and ingenious arguing between Nora and Kitty. Sally Field did not disappoint, either, after winning an Emmy two weeks ago for her role as Nora. With so many juicy storylines on the canvas and horizon, Brothers and Sisters is sure to continue to soar.