2 series, same time, have Detroit ties

Metro Detroiters will be forced to make a choice this weekend -- watch "The Unit" on CBS, Channel 62, or "Brothers & Sisters" on ABC, Channel 7.

Both shows air at 10 p.m. on Sunday, and both have installments this week that were co-written by Metro Detroiters. Decisions. Decisions. OK, maybe a little background on each episode and writer will help.

Native Detroiter Randy Huggins co-wrote Sunday's episode of "The Unit." Titled "Hero," it introduces a new member of the team, played by Wes Chatham ("Barbershop," the defunct TV series).

Meanwhile, Jonas (Dennis Haysbert) is on the home front, prepping his daughter for an interview with Julie Chen of CBS' "The Early Show." Chen, who is married to CBS Network president and chief executive officer Les Moonves, will guest star.

As for Huggins, 37, he is a St. Martin de Porres grad (the Catholic school closed in 2005) and an alumnus of Grambling State University, a Historic Black College/University in Grambling, La.

"Hollywood is a different world, but being from Detroit prepares you for anything," says Huggins, a former schoolteacher.

Then you have Sunday's episode of "Brothers & Sisters," titled "Taking Sides." Beth Schwartz co-penned the script, which will pick back up with the ongoing tension between Robert (Rob Lowe), who still intends to run for governor, and Kitty (Calista Flockhart).

Schwartz, 29, is a graduate of Wylie Groves High School in Beverly Hills and the University of Michigan. This is the second episode Schwartz has co-written for "Brothers & Sisters" this season.

Television You can reach Mekeisha Madden Toby at (313) 222-2501 or mmadden@detnews.com">mmadden@detnews.com.