If The Flight Attendant‘s “Drowning Woman” was a standout performance from Kaley Cuoco, then “Brothers & Sisters” was a masterclass in acting and picking yourself back up while the world still shatters around you. Seriously, we knew that Cuoco was talented; you have to be for how many seasons she survived on that other show we don’t talk about that she was on. But this…this showed everyone out there that Cuoco is coming for those awards and she’s going to get them, left and right.
Her character’s conversation in the opening minutes was raw, heartbreaking, and so real that it left us shaken. It’s like we were intruding on a private moment. But we were meant to see that moment. We were meant to see the pain, the suffering, and the fall. Because it happens. Even when you think that you’ve moved on and moved past the hurt, it pops up and reminds you of what you’ve been through. And that’s what happened to Cassie in “Brothers & Sisters.”
And the way that Annie responded was exactly what was needed. No scorn, no scoffing, no blaming. Just, “That happened. I love you. Let’s move forward.” And sometimes you need that. Yes, yelling and arguing are entertaining. But that doesn’t happen all the time. In fact, we don’t think it should happen during moments like this when the person has broken and is in need of some major love and support. And Annie gave that to her while still being herself, which matters because honesty is key.
Then there’s the whole “Brothers & Sisters” aspect of this episode. I loved the conversation that Cassie and Davey had on the plane. It was different than the one she had with Annie. But it was just as important. What followed after with the mom though, was unforgivable. We understand what Davey was trying to do. He was trying to bring his family back together. But you don’t do that to people. You don’t just sneak in a confrontation that ends in an act of violence and harsh words that don’t solve anything.
As for that act of violence; smacking someone in the face is an act of violence. That wasn’t a loving pat on the face. That was a slap full of resentment and anger. And yes, we know it was grounded in pain. People hurt each other. But the mom was unfair and cruel to the point where we never want Cassie to step foot in that home again. It’s bad for her mental health and will set her back aka the last thing that she needs. And she didn’t deserve it in the first place if we’re being honest.
Ultimately, The Flight Attendant 2×06 was a show and not tell example of Cuoco’s acting capabilities. Yes, there were people after her that ended up in a fiery explosion. But that wasn’t what this episode was really about. It was about picking yourself back up when you crash land. It was also about how things aren’t magically fixed when you realize how badly you fucked up. It takes work, patience, and a whole lot of support, which Cassie has.
The Flight Attendant new episodes air on HBO Max.
