User Reviews

"Brother Brother" is a story of why it's best to be painfully honest in human relationships. Eddie Cane (excellently played by Frankie Avalon,) hooks up with White Rook after he finds out Kirby is part of the squad. Eddie is extremely happy to see Kirby, who was his brother Tony's best friend. Kirby is not as happy but goes along for old time's sake.

Frankie Avalon is a ton of personality and it's entertaining to watch him get under everyone's skin, especially Littlejohn and the Sarge. When he gets himself into big trouble, Kirby and Saunders must bail him out. In the process Eddie Cane grows up about 10 years.

Sutton Roley did some good action directing. Considering the poor lighting, the chase scene must've been very dangerous to shoot. I'm critical of Saunders cover from German gunfire after the accident. Roley could've corrected this with a larger item to shelter the Sarge thereby making the scene more believable. I'm also critical of the German officer telling his subordinate to stand up in front of automatic gunfire to throw a grenade. He was only gaining a few feet. Moving to the side and around while maintaining cover would've been much more German. Roley's close ups of Kirby and Cane having it out during the battle sequence were outstanding and emphatically brought out excellent dramatic acting on both parts.

I liked Ed Lakso's screen writing because the story transitioned from monumental pretension to blinding veracity; and the consequences of both created a happy ending.

Here's a guest star who storms in and takes over the show, not unlike an earlier episode this third season with Mickey Rooney. Frankie Avalon's big personality is truly overbearing, as he shows up in the squad as a kid from Kirby's hometown with something hanging over his head -namely Frankie's brother died saving Kirby's life.

Though a popular performer, Avalon was never taken very seriously as an actor, even among singers of his time like Fabian and Bobby Rydell, but he's terrific in this plum assignment. Starting off as a light-hearted diversion, it develops darker moments as the boys encounter a large German force under their reconnaissance.

Recalling a memorable Mike Kellin episode, this story examines how one soldier can manipulate another, often threatening the cohesion of the entire squad, especially given the life and death circumstances of their patrols.

But a strong plot twist has Frankie sealing his own fate with a foolhardy move. There's plenty of suspense generated here, as dangers increase exponentially.