Previously on Greek – a hotness monster, Logangate ’08, Cappie and Casey kiss, the Unholy Alliance officially forms, and the Odd Trio work things out. It’s a little good, a little bad, and totally awesome.

So, how does this episode stack up? Well, let’s just say it didn’t exactly lay low and ride out the storm, if you know what I mean. Brothers & Sisters was everything a good Greek episode should be: fun, quirky, and heartfelt. The shortened version of all this is that every single character was totally awesome this episode, except Evan Chambers. (Evan, what is up, dude? I liked you! Don’t let me down, man.)

The long version is that this episode was all about what really makes this show tick: family. It’s not just the sort that we’re born into, though Casey and Rusty did star in the central moment of the episode, tying everything together and making it clear what it means to be a family (told you they were the axis of the show). It’s the family we choose and the loyalties and friendships that go along with that. It’s all very heartwarming and sentimental, and even Rebecca Logan caved to it eventually.

And it was a good thing, too, because Tegan was back (played by Charisma Carpenter and she has great hair!) to deal with Rebecca’s problems, made very public by Annoying Blog Girl, as I like to call her. (Did anyone else cheer when Rebecca tackled ABG to the ground? “Put that in your blog, bitch!”) Casey actually succeeded in what I was beginning to think was impossible: she made me like her! After a heart-to-heart with dear old Cappie and then her brother, she offered Rebecca a place in their ZBZ “family” if she wanted it.

Of course, Rebecca refused at first (followed by an awesome scene between Rebecca and Ashleigh in which I would remember why I love Ashleigh so very much – she is not a sidekick!), but soon enough she accepted Casey’s offer of true sisterhood. In a moment that made me squee with delight, Casey stood up to Tegan and made sure Rebecca wasn’t going anywhere. I, for one, hope that meant Casey and Rebecca have finally turned a corner. I don’t exactly expect them to become BFFs, but their enemies schtick is tired. So, Rebecca slept with Casey’s boyfriend and then started dating her ex. Cappie couldn’t be expected to wait around for Casey forever, and Evan was clearly a schmuck anyway, or at least he is as of this episode. It’s time for them to start acting like sisters, already.

By the way, can I just gush a moment here about the Unholy Alliance? Frannie and Evan together is so perfect, it almost makes me overlook all the bullcrap he pulled this episode. Almost. Sorry, but calling Rebecca sloppy seconds just to piss off Cappie is classless and a total dick move, even for Evan. But enough about the clearly lamer half of the Unholy Alliance, let’s talk about how great Frannie was this episode, shall we?

When she wasn’t busy getting busy with Evan, she was standing by her sisters and doing her very best to keep her Little Sis afloat against tidal wave Tegan. When she backed Casey against Tegan, I think I actually let out a little whoop of glee. Though, how much longer we’ll have this “declawed” Frannie is anyone’s guess. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to see a few people get scratched. I have a strong feeling it’s coming. The writer’s have done a great job of making her a likable character, and it’s about time to test the boundaries of that audience good will.

Meanwhile, I could have died and went to heaven when Rusty ripped Cappie a new one. (He was terrifyingly adept and he’s also very spritely, you know.) It was about time Rusty stood up for his friendship with Calvin (and vice versa). Not just Switzerland anymore. They became the mighty country of Ralvin and their friendship will be respected. Also, Evan was a gigantic asshole.

Seriously, if there’s one major complaint I have with this episode, it’s what a complete and total toolbox Evan was for it. I know he is Cappie’s rival, but they’ve always done a pretty decent job of showing Evan’s side of things and keeping him from toolbox territory. By the time he forced Frannie to out their relationship in front of the whole Greek system, I was ready for a random meteor to land on his head. He’d better accept the truce Cappie seems ready to offer, or I’ll have to write him off completely.

But I guess I’ll let that all slide for now because above all else, this episode gave us cheerleading Dale. That’s right. Not only did he retire his “Southern Cross” (the Confederate flag) in the name of the Odd Trio’s new pact, but he revealed his passion for cheerleading and the faux-movie Cheer It Forward. Damn the shortsighted buffoons who denied him in high school just because he was a guy, no matter how talented he was! He will not be silenced any longer! He will not let Poland fall!!

All in all, it was a more than satisfactory premiere. Though, when the hell is Rusty’s freshman year going to be over? Their timeline is all wonky from the writer’s strike, and I’m more than ready for this never-ending year to be over.

See you next week, pledge. You know the drill, Tuesday, 9/8c on ABC Family and then back here for my all-important review. And don’t forget to do my laundry! My socks better be folded, not rolled!