By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
February 19, 1997
3 out of 4 stars
There is a moment in tonight’s episode of “Party of Five” when Bailey Salinger (Scott Wolf) stares vacantly at his brother and sisters as they confront him about a drinking problem he doesn’t believe he has.
Sallow and dazed, he looks like a hollow shell of the ruddy teen who took it upon himself to keep the orphaned family together three seasons ago. His older brother Charlie (Matthew Fox) may have had legal custody of the brood after their parents died in an auto accident, but it was Bailey who kept the household running smoothly and took care of his sisters Julia (Neve Campbell) and Claudia (Lacey Chabert) and baby brother Owen (played by twins Andrew and Steven Cavarno).
Tonight’s “Party of Five” is grim and powerful, and it shows Bailey at his worst. He is a liar and thief who rationalizes his actions by saying it’s about time he lived for himself, rather than for others. His family and friends call him on it with an intervention, leaving Bailey feeling betrayed and trapped.
This is a pivotal episode because it deals with Bailey’s alcoholism in a realistic way. Unlike many series in which addictions are treated as superficial cuts that heal quickly, this well-written Fox drama has spent the season laying the groundwork for Bailey’s deterioration. It shows that alcoholism doesn’t happen overnight – and neither does recovery.
Viewers got an inkling of Bailey’s desperation last season when he gave up the chance to go to a private East Coast university to help save his family’s restaurant business. While his best friend, Will, went away to college, he commuted from home and attended the cheaper San Francisco State.
This season he made a stab at independence by moving into a small room rented by party girl Callie and her boyfriend. When the boyfriend moved out, Bailey had an affair with her, resulting in the breakup of his relationship with his faithful girlfriend Sarah (Jennifer Love Hewitt).
“Party of Five” is to be commended for not vilifying either of these young women. Bailey didn’t become an alcoholic because Sarah dumped him. Nor did Callie force him into a lifestyle he didn’t choose.
After spending much of the first season as doe-eyed, eager-to-please Bailey, Wolf turns in a powerful performance that shows the gray shades of his character’s psyche. Batting back his family’s accusations with spiteful remarks, he manipulates them – as well as the viewer – into believing that he is being railroaded. It becomes clear that no matter what threats his family makes, Bailey won’t help himself until he can admit he has a problem.
Despite a loyal following of more than 10 million fans who helped save “Party of Five” twice from the network guillotine, the series is in jeopardy of being canceled again. Last season the writers spiced up the characters’ sex lives to attract viewers. It would be rewarding if the show could return next year so we could watch Bailey turn his life around.
A little optimism never hurt.
