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« Brothers & Sisters
May 20, 2007: Goodbye
After it was resolved that Justin's deployment to Iraq would be delayed to allow him to work on his recovery, much of his story line has centered on his struggle to shake his addiction. But Justin's fears about going back to war were always there in the background. And tonight those fears became a reality in the worst way, as Justin found out at the last minute that his departure date was earlier than planned.
At first I liked the way Justin handled his goodbyes individually — until, like Nora, I realized that he was saying goodbye for real, in case he wouldn’t be coming back. Even though I can see, rationally, how it doesn’t matter whether or not the word “goodbye” is actually said, I can understand how Nora felt that avoiding a formal goodbye would bring Justin back to her, as if not saying goodbye would make it impossible for him to die.
Justin’s early departure coincided, unfortunately, with Kitty’s engagement party. He’d already said his goodbyes (except to Nora), so it seemed like it could be possible for him to quietly slip away. But this is the Walkers we’re talking about. I think we knew there was no way Justin could really leave without them realizing.
And I’m glad it was Rebecca who told Nora and Kitty. I know it wasn’t what Justin said he wanted, but I think she did the right thing. Nora deserved a last chance to say goodbye. And she was finally at a point where she was ready to do it, after hearing how the Senator didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to his father, who passed away while he was deployed. The scene in the airport was so sad — the words Nora, Kitty and Justin exchanged were just right for the moment, and the way Nora and Kitty started crying harder as Justin walked away felt so real that it was hard to watch.
Even though the extended McCallister family (led by the Senator’s uncle, Major Weiner, played by Garry Marshall) was pretty annoying, they did provide some welcome comic relief in this heavy episode. How ironic that the Senator, who appears to be so refined, is actually from a family that is louder than the Walkers. I was always thinking the Senator was trying to adjust to the Walkers, and here he comes from a very similar background. Maybe that’s why he and Kitty hit it off so quickly.
The McCallisters also helped the Walkers relax a little bit after the day — make that the year — they had. When Nora (followed by the rest of the Walkers) headed toward the pool, this season of Brothers & Sisters really came full circle. The season started off with a tragedy, when we watched William Walker fall into the pool as he suffered a fatal heart attack. The season ended on a hopeful note as the Walkers — plus the new additions of Holly, Rebecca and the Senator — looked at that same pool and jumped into it.
Other notable moments (all of which set the stage for story lines that are sure to be explored more next year):
— Rebecca revealing to Justin her affair with a teacher (and the teacher's suicide).
— Saul's reaction to his friend Milo’s revelation that he left his wife and is gay.
— Kevin and the Senator’s brother Jason getting along a lot better the second time around, and Kevin’s surprise at finding out that Jason is a minister.
It’s been great watching Brothers & Sisters along with you this year, I’ve really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and insights. See you next season!
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May 21, 2007 1:19 AM
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This was quite a finale. There were lots of tears and many hearty laughs (Major Weiner or Major "Whiner"). Season finales are bittersweet since we have to wait until the Fall to continue our affair with these characters. I, for one, cannot wait!
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May 21, 2007 1:58 AM
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An excellent end to an excellent season. Thank you Mary Kate for all of your blogging recaps. I am still a bit teary eyed from Justin's departure.
Here's to a safe return to our Brothers and Sisters in the fall.
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May 21, 2007 2:27 AM
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I absoutly loved this show. Tonights finale was so great. Of course I cried towards the end, with Justin's good. But I also laughed at the Senator's outrageous family members. As annoying he might be, I hope we get to see more of Major/Uncle Wiener or Whiner.
When the Emmy nominations are announced, I better hear Sally Fields name for Best Lead Actress in a Drama. All of her scenes for this season was just absoutly magnific. How can they not nominate her.
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May 21, 2007 2:41 AM
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Am I the only one that thought the scene between Saul and Milo was hinting that they either had a "thing" once, or were very close to it? Did he not put his hand on his and say that he missed him?
Hmmmmm.......
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May 21, 2007 8:16 AM
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I cried at least four times. I love these characters and can not wait until next season! I haven't missed a single episode.
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May 21, 2007 8:21 AM
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What a great end to the season. It was both sad and funny just a perfect episode. The McAllisters were a real fun bunch. I think that Saul and Milo were involved in the past, hence the reference to the trip to Key West and the missing of him. This show is at its best when they are all in the same room yelling and fighting as evidenced by tonights fantastic scene in the dining room. Each actor brings so much to their role and the family. They all play off each other really really nicely. I hope this new found acceptance of Holly leads her to become a bigger part of the show next season because i think she brings a lot to the table. For a show that faced such turmoil before it saw air, this has become one of my favorite shows and is on a steady rise to the top following the death of VM and What About Brian.
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May 21, 2007 8:32 AM
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Yes, qupert, I too thought they were hinting that Saul might be gay. Ausiello has mentioned that Saul has a secret and I was terrified that it would be more money/business related lies. I would hate for any thing to alter his relationship with Nora. It's so incredibly sweet!
While I'm thinking about it, how exactly will Justin continue on the show next season? Do his scenes from the battlefield? Will he come home early or injured? I refuse to believe that he won't be coming back...I refuse!
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May 21, 2007 8:33 AM
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Wow, I really loved this finale. Instead of some over-the-top cliffhanger, just make the end-of-season episode so d*** good that fans HAVE to tune in next season. What a concept!
From the surfing with Tommy to the heavy conversation with Rebecca to the airport goodbye scene (couldn't hold back the tears), I found all the scenes with Justin terrific, which makes me wonder how this series is going to proceed without him. I loved the wrinkle with Uncle Saul. Ah yes, forgot that for men of that generation, they didn't come out, they just stayed "bachelors."
The only thing I didn't like so much with this episode was the blossoming relationship between Kevin and Jason. Sorry, maybe I'm just hung up on Chad (SERIOUS chemistry there), but I'm just not buying the chemistry between the two. Maybe Chad re-enters the scene next season after sorting things out in his head??
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May 21, 2007 8:34 AM
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I wasn't surprised at all about Saul - the rumor mill about that has been going on for months. But I like the way it was handled. I agree with many previous posters who say with the writing and acting it feels as though we are evesdropping on something and shouldn't be watching, it's that real and emotionally intimate.
I liked the way new plot lines were opened up for the fall without a shocking cliffhanger - what a refreshing change! Although I wonder what problems may be in store to stir things up now that things have been resolved - at least for now - between Holly, Sarah and Nora, and Kevin and Robert.
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May 21, 2007 8:38 AM
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This show just gets better and better. It has turned out to be one of my favorites this season. Do you think Rebecca will keep her part of "the kiss" a secret, since Justin is the only one that knows - and he is now gone? I though it was so funny when the Senators brother started prayer after making out with Kevin in the pantry.. and to see how happy Kitty was that they had "sucked face"! I can't wait to have the Walker's back into my home next season!
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May 21, 2007 9:00 AM
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Very poignant episode. I liked the way there were no cliff hangers, just left you with a desire to reconnect in the Fall. I wonder if there is any desire to simulcast on Bravo since it appears more men are to be coming out of the closet. Where are the lesbians seems kind of gender prejudiced. Saul hang on to the hetro-metro.
I suppose I was the only one who was terrible upset with Justin being in uniform with a three day beard on his face. I realize the writers have no real respect for the military, after all why couldn't the whole US Army delay it's plans so Justin could attend an engagement party? But come on show some respect.
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May 21, 2007 9:04 AM
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What a great show! I wasn't sure what to expect when this show started in the fall, but it turned out to be one of my favorites this year. I think I like it so much because it's just so real & so believable. I'm really impressed with the person Justin became over the year - that's some great character development. It was great to see how he spent some time saying goodbye to each of his family members, although I'll admit that it was so hard to watch him say goodbye to Nora & Kitty - but again, that's what makes this show so amazing. Real people, real emotions, real life. Can't wait to see what the next season brings!
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May 21, 2007 9:14 AM
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One more thing.....what about Kevin and Jason McCallister.....won't they be brothers-in-law?? Isn't that a bit oogy? I mean, I know they aren't blood related, but still, a bit of an oogy situation I think.
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May 21, 2007 10:13 AM
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I LOVE this show! It's so dysfunctionally normal. Very, very good ep, but the McAllisters annoyed me just a wee bit. If they were in MY house, I would've had words with some of them! LOL! Are we sure the senator wasn't adopted or something?? I also did notice the stubble. It bothered me in the sense of attention to detail, but otherwise that scene was very hard to watch! Kudos to Dave, Sally & Calista! The pool scene at the end, does bring the show full circle. Love it! I want to move in w/ Nora! LOL!
And yes I bet what little money I have that Saul & the friend were involved. As soon as they said "Key West" a little bulb went off in my head. I'll be patiently waiting for the Walkers in the fall!!! Until then....tootles!
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May 21, 2007 11:27 AM
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