The After

Of all the love stories on tv right now, I gotta say none carry the same weight for me as my dearly departed favorite, Everwood.

Everwood revolved around the Brown family. Julia Brown, the matriarch, held everyone together. When she died, her loved ones became kind of ghosts too. Until Dr. Andy Brown packed up his whole life, son, Ephram, daughter, Delia, and moved them to a place neither of them had ever heard of, Everwood, Colorado.

The transition was difficult as grief laid bare other issues. Andy had been a gifted surgeon but a parent in name only. How do you comfort your kids when they're strangers? Delia was easier, younger. Ephram was the challenge.

The series showcased Andy's immense love for Julia, but it's theme was always about Andy's love for Ephram. He hadn't been there for birthdays, piano recitals and special events. He hadn't known Ephram's friends or interests. But throughout the four years Everwood was on the air, he strove to make up for all his failings when Julia was alive.

There were other loves of note throughout the series. The Abbott Family especially were the kind of people to aspire to. Harold and Rose. Amy and Bright. So many connections that felt genuine and earned.

Everwood marathons invariably leave me dehydrated and wistful. But I still damn you, Berlanti.