During the two-episode premiere of Brothers we learned a bit more about the friendship between Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. We also learned a little about the potential wrinkle—could they be actually brothers?
In this comedy that features the two playing fictionalized versions of themselves, we get to explore those ideas. This week’s episode, “Little Woody,” shows how far Harrelson is willing to go to get answers. Let’s dive in. SPOILERS BELOW.
Ma Mac’s plan
We begin with Ma Mac (Holland Taylor) waiting to ambush Woody. She knows that he’s looking for answers about her relationship with his father, and she wants to squash it. Since she’s sure Woody won’t give it up, she hatches a plan to get him and his family sent packing. It involves some subterfuge.
Meanwhile, Woody still needs to deal with the Travis Brothers and the debt they want paid. He has all his calls directed to Joy’s (Brittany Ishibashi), much to her dismay. But he needs her help. He tells her to answer the call from the Travis Brothers and indicate the family is now in Hawaii. She is dubious of the plan but gives it a go anyway. It works, as the brothers seem to think he and his family have left for now.
But Woody’s problems aren’t at an end. Ma Mac begins to sew discord, trying to convince Matthew to send Woody and his family packing. And her plans are starting to take root with him, even if it isn’t working with the rest of the family.
Matthew on the campaign trail
Meanwhile, Matthew is on the trail with Gwen (Lisa Gilroy) and it’s not quite what he expected. Matthew has some natural charm and seems to make friends wherever he goes. But Gwen suggests there is more to running for governor than being likeable and everyone’s friend.
Matthew comes to realize that at a stop when he’s hit with a heavy question regarding housing regulations and taxes. He’s stymied, as he hasn’t even heard of the statue. Gwen bails him out but suggests he needs to brush up. So, she sends him some podcasts, and he begins to study. Turns out, he really can make it all work. When he runs into the same woman a bit later, he has a comprehensive, well-reasoned answer. She’s impressed, and he’s back on track.
Little Woody
Meanwhile, in his Cold War with Ma Mac, Woody has a plan. He needs to buy time so that his daughter can run a DNA test to get to the bottom of the rumor. So, he figures the best way to make some new friends is buying a puppy for the McConaughey family. While the kids are thrilled, Matthew is more than a little annoyed.
When the puppy ruins a supposed heirloom from his father—which was really a ruse from Ma Mac—Matthew orders the dog be taken away. Woody complies, but Matthew soon learns it’s a crushing blow for his family. So, he has to reverse course and head back to the adoption agency with Woody.
They’re able to get the dog back—after a $5,000 donation to the human society. The family’s peace is restored, and Woody and Matthew are back on track. Woody even makes peace with Ma Mac, promising to drop his search—while continuing the plan in secret with his daughter. So, for the time being they’re all staying like one big, happy family.
I’m enjoying the back-and-forth of this series. It’s a short commitment each week, and it’s a lot of fun with a couple fun actors. I like the story threads and the antics and the way these two play off one another. This is a fun addition to the Apple TV lineup.
Brothers streams Wednesdays on Apple TV. Check back next week as we recap all the action of season 1.
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