In This Section
TV Guide Spotlight
Also on TVGuide.com
|
« Brothers and Sisters
Episode Recap: "The Feast of Epiphany"
How fitting that in this time of striking writers, and absent first-run programming Brothers & Sisters should return to the air, however briefly, with an episode about coming together and catching up. Yes, it's true that nearly every episode of this delightful show features some sort of Walker gathering, but this time the family is getting together, at Nora's nudging, simply because they haven't seen each other in a while. Well, that’s not entirely true. Nora has a crush on Kitty's friend, Isaac, and has invited him to dinner with her whole family as backup. However, things rarely go according to plan around this clan and by the end of the evening the gang's baggage is all on the table by dessert. Would we have it any other way?
The wedding cliffhanger was the prevarication hanging over Robert's campaign, which, of course, makes him a perfect fit with this family that has a tendency to have its secrets exposed. The politicos arrived at dinner after the Senator's live town hall meeting addressing his so-called wartime heroism and ever-the-last-to-know Kitty created an awkward moment by posing the theoretical dilemma concerning the revelation of a secret that could hurt someone else. Cue the furtive glances about the table as those in the know silently weigh in on Tommy's infidelity and the resulting triangle between him, Justin and skanky Lena.
As predictable moments go this one was rather enjoyable. By the end of the evening, Julia (Nora and Isaac) knew about the affair and had confessed her own meaningless indiscretion with a high school flame during her sabbatical from the marriage. But wait, just before that dust-up Robert finally admitted to his new wife that he was "ambivalent" about her timetable for having kids. Ambivalent. What a politician.
Elsewhere Holly, Rebecca and Dave were also ensconced in a cozy dinner fraught with simmering tensions. Holly was mysterious, Dave was slickly charming and Rebecca was piecing together her mother's murky past enough to question whether William or Dave was really her father. You see, Holly, when you lie, people don’t believe you. You can assure Rebecca all you want that she's a Walker, but your twenty years of saying a director was her father couple with the appearance of a washed-up actor ex-boyfriend will keep Rebecca doubting your word.
As for Kevin's ex? Well, he's coming back to town and wants to have lunch. While Kev nearly decided to keep Scotty in the dark with some excuse about Scotty fearing a dumping should Jason return, Kevin finally did come clean. We call this growth.
While everyone was busy putting it all out there Sarah was busy being light and flirty delivering some of the best lines of the night in between deflecting advances from her new business associate. "Mom's hot for a Republican!"; "All the men in the family can do with a little cricket on their shoulder." Kitty, however, had the best dead pan of the night reminding us that, "not all Republicans are gay."
They may not all be gay, but in this make-believe world of Walkers, it seems that all the republican candidates have something to hide. Kitty's earlier theoretical dilemma played out as expected when Robert's biggest competitor for the nomination dropped out of the race after his personal secrets were revealed. Now, it could be a straight shot to the presidency for the senator and his baby-craving wife. Should that happen, I tell you one thing, I'll be looking forward to those family gatherings at the White House.
Find video of Brothers & Sisters with our Online Video Guide.
|
TVGuide Links:
|
|
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 1:04 AM
|
I was surprised to see this recap because I was unaware this was on tonight. It makes me realize all the more, though, that I'm okay with not watching the show anymore.
Loved the first year and defended it at every turn. But the end of last season and the beginning of this season, I was really losing interest.
I'm sorry to say, but I'm through watching.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 3:14 AM
|
I wanted so much to love the show tonight, but I really didn't. It's walking the soap line and coming up on the bad side of it. McAllister can't win the presidency without this taking a huge jump out of reality, and it has always liked to be "into" current politics. So you know you're in trouble when the most interesting thing on the show is his campign. I've been okay with the storyline up to now, but the sequences with the family are always the highlight.
Not so tonight. I mean, yes, it was well-acted and all, but seriously? We're doing the "we both slept with the same girl" fight thing on THIS show? Lena was interesting for a couple episodes as a means of allowing Tommy to compare himself to William, but now it's just getting annoying. Adding Justin to this storyline has been pretty blah. I was hoping the wedding episode was the end of this storyline, and really don't buy that Justin would take her back after that. I guess I was wrong, but I enjoy the show for its intelligence. To a degree it is a soap, but it's a smart one, and I can't believe it's going down this road. It seems like a ratings ploy for more 18-49ers, but let me tell you what, I am 19 and this love triangle is the least interesting crap on the show right now.
I'm not liking Holly and David either. It seems as though he is Rebecca's father despite Holly's words; if he is, that negates everything about her point and purpose on the show to date, and if he's not then the storyline is pointless. Either way they lose.
Okay, positives: I do like Sally Field and Danny Glover together; they play off each other really well. More of them please, less of Tommy-Lena-Justin! Sarah and her new guy were fun too, although I don't remember his name. And it will be interesting to see Jason again, since I think he has a real spark with Kevin. Now that Viva Laughlin's dead, I hope he sticks around (sorry, Scotty.) All in all, though, I really did not like this episode.
I'm not giving up on the show yet -- I'll at least watch the two more episodes they've got in the can -- but it's more out of loyalty than liking it.
Sigh.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 6:41 AM
|
I did not understand why Justin was so bent on only blaming Tommy for what happened. Lena knew he was married so she was just as culpable.
Robert should have told Kitty he did not want children before he married. I thought he said before he did not want more children at all but now he says not now. Was I mistaken?
I loved the interaction with sarah and that guy. I am not too sure I want Jason to come back since I like Kevin and Scotty. All in all I found the episode enjoyable.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 9:06 AM
|
I was so happy to have this show back, if only for a week - I've missed the Walker clan. I agree with what one of the other posters pointed out - Justin shouldn't lay all the blame on Tommy for what happened with Lena. Yes, the married man should not have hooked up with his secretary, but she sure took every opportunity to throw herself at him - she knew exactly what she was doing, and so should not be blameless. And I don't get why Justin's still with her - their scene was a little awkward as it seems Lena is still into Tommy (she referred to herself as Justin's "brother's mistress," to which Justin had to say "ex-mistress") - run away Justin, run away.
Interesting that Saul wasn't at the family dinner - they barely even mentioned him this week, which is a bit strange, isn't it? I really do love this fictional family - they're always good for a laugh. Here's hoping they come back soon!
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 9:45 AM
|
Didn't Robert reassure his daughter in a past episode that she wouldn't have to worry about a step-sibling? (or at least not soon). And I also thought that after Kitty's miscarriage Robert admitted (not to Kitty obviously) that he was relieved because he didn't want to be a parent again. If he really doesn't want any more children--and knowing Kitty wanted a baby before they got married--then that marriage is already in trouble.
Usually the artificial reality of these shows doesn't bother me since the writers make up their own world for the characters to exist in but I'm getting tired of the political campaign; really B&S in the White House is not the show I want to watch.
Hmmm, how convenient that Julia also was unfaithful when she and Tommy separated. At least they didn't play out the betrayed wife scenario (boring) and they agreed to work on their marriage. Justin's having what he believes is no-strings sex with a hot chick--why would some guy in his twenties give that up even if it causes family trouble? Justin's trying to keep his and Lena's fling behind locked doors but I think she's still got troublemaker written all over her. I she wants to get serious and Justin is forced to start bringing her to family dinners that there's going to be problems.
I missed Saul at the family dinner (and why wasn't he there? Did anyone in the family say?) But it was great how Isaac took the Walker craziness in stride since he's got five kids himself. Really, the only way Nora seems to find anything out is because everyone in her clan has loose lips whenever they get together.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 10:11 AM
|
Nice recap Rhoda. I too didnt feel the episode and thinks its getting a bit soapy. First off Robert did tell his daughter that she didnt have to worry about a step-sibling. After Kitty miscarried he told Isaac that he was happy she did because he doesn't want anymore kids. Even though he told Kitty not now, the look on his face said something else.
As for Rebecca, i could tell she wanted David to be her father simply because he is alive and well as opposed to William who is dead and buried.
Justin-Tommy-Lena that entire story-line needs to be done and over with. I think that even though Tommy and Julia are going to work it out, i believe that as one person wrote Justin is going to be bringing Lena around and thats going to cause problems. I think Lena is using Justin, its the only way she can be around Tommy all the time and not just at work.
Love how Nora and Isaac had a good time despite everything. Hate to say it but i Love Kevin with Scotty, i just think Jason is too dull, i dont really see chemistry with Jason. But i can already see another triangle forming between all of them already.
As for sarah i hope she has a fling or something with Steven Webber's charachter they play off each other well.
Interesting thought where was Saul? i didnt hear any mention of him except when Kevin told Sarah that it was Saul who figured out that Tommy slept with Lena. Did anyone hear anything else?
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 11:58 AM
|
|
well, let's see. I still love this show, regardless of how not on it might have been this week. I think the neat and tidy wrap up of tommy and julia's situation was a bit too neat and tidy, but I'm still glad that storyline is hopefully behind us. I think rob lowe was kinda excited to finally get to participate blow by blow in a family squabble this week - he needs a bit of practice, but he'll get it! Sarah's "mom's hot for a republican" dance was awesome!! and I agree, I have no idea what introducing Dave into the mix is all about - we all thought he was rebecca's dad, but I did believe whatsherface's denial that he was...hhmm..please shave..!!
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 12:00 PM
|
I too am tiring of this soap that tries to be cutting edge with the issues.
Is Nora a better liberal because she is willing to date a Republican or because it is a black man? Double points for a black Republican [implication is there only 2 or 3 in the whole party.
I found it very amusing that the Chavez Fan Club are interested in each other. And of course it will be the evil black Republican who will have leaked the info about the other candidate's kid.
Lena plays the skank so well. Great acting.
I thought there was something when Rebecca was first introduced about DNA tests but now I wonder. You know David is the real dad when Becca makes a play for Justin, otherwise she has no reason to be on the shoe.
Oh, that's right so much that happens on this show has no reason except for the writers who have Deus Ex Machina every week.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 12:17 PM
|
I'm betting that David really is Rebeccas father and that Holly lied in order to keep herself (and her daughter) attached to the Walkers. As soapy as this show is getting I wouldnt put it past them.
How long, after that piece of truth comes out, do you think it will take for Rebecca and Justin to hook up?
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 12:41 PM
|
|
Me too thinks that Holly is hiding something. If David is indeed Rebecca's father, then all her money and everytyhing she has is gone, right? That would be HUGE!!! But Holly's been lying for the longest time now...Love the Walkers!! They're just to real, in an unreal kind of way, and just plain funny!!!!
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 12:49 PM
|
There would be absolutely NO reason for Holly to lie about Rebecca's paternity. She already has the $10 million from the land deal (and her receiving that had nothing to do with Rebecca).
And for Holly to allow her daughter to believe she's a Walker and struggle to become a part of their family, when in reality she's not, would be so callous and cruel on Holly's part that I can't imagine the show would go there.
Not to mention, it would contradict basically all of Season 1 to make Rebecca a NotWalker. (Recall all of the comments about how much Rebecca "looked like" William.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 12:55 PM
|
To me... it was nothing but a red herring to suggest that Becca is not related... what would be the point of that???? I suppose because her name was the key to finding out about the land in season 1, she was needed then... I don't think that Ken Olin would want to be a regular anyway... he would have to be if he was the father... it was just a stunt to act again with his wife..... Wall St. Journal on Friday had a wonderful article about the cast of Thirtysomething and how successful they are today in many roles... mostly behind the camera instead of in front...
D
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 1:13 PM
|
|
Ken Olin is only scheduled for 1 more episode. Make of that what you will.
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 1:40 PM
|
As I watched Isaac and Nora flirt last night, something felt very familiar. And then I finally figured out what it was: Places in the Heart. One of the best movies of all time. Sally and Danny have the best chemistry. Better than the on-screen chemistry between married Ken Olin and Patricia Wettig. Now we know why they weren't cast as spouse on Thirtysomething [homage].
I'm responding here to many posts (here and elsewhere):
- Steven Weber has definitely had some work done, but he's still cute.
- Rebecca's hair is finally cuter.
-Did you notice that no one ever says, "I'll bring a bottle of wine." They bring "a couple bottles" of wine. Hilarious.
I'll miss B&S. This writers' strike is killing me. It's like all my friends have gone on some vacation to a place with no cell phone coverage. They are dead to me.
Too much? I thought so. 
|
|
Jan 14, 2008 2:28 PM
|
|
|
