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« Brothers & Sisters
February 18, 2007: Love Is Difficult
It was a surprise to hear Noah’s name mentioned tonight. After briefly appearing in the opening episodes, he seemed to disappear. I thought we were going to go through the rest of the season without hearing about him again. But in attempting to address her feelings toward Joe’s friend Vanessa, Sarah was forced to confront her own confusing extramarital friendship and how it affected the way she feels about her husband. Coming clean to Joe didn’t seem to help much, at least for now. In fact, Sarah looked so inconsolable during her solo visit to the therapist that it was hard not to wonder if Sarah and Joe were ever going to be able to get back to the place they were before.
And Sarah’s marriage wasn’t her only problem. Tommy continued to distance himself from her and the rest of the Walkers by officially going into business with Holly, although not until he did some checking to make sure Holly was being genuine in her offer. The flashback scenes with William (guest star Tom Skerritt) made Tommy appear a little more sympathetic. Tommy seems to have worked his way up to the top of the family business, while Sarah’s Ivy League education and work experience at a large corporation allowed her to start right at the top. Clearly Tommy’s been in Sarah’s shadow for a long time, despite his consistently solid performance, and that can’t be easy.
The tables were turned tonight for Kevin and Chad, with Chad for once doing the chasing. Kevin forgave him rather quickly, as seems to be his pattern with Chad. But their happiness was short-lived, as Kevin seemed pretty shaken by Michelle’s phone call. The sight of Michelle sitting alone with a bottle by her side was pretty depressing, and I hope Kevin takes her warning seriously. If Chad is, in fact, not ready, then trying to be in a relationship with him is going to bring Kevin nothing but heartache.
Kitty and the senator continued testing the waters of being both co-workers and in a relationship. Trying to interpret polls looked like it could be a potential problem, but I think if they take the senator’s approach of not worrying about what people think, they’ll be OK. I think Nora will be OK, too: It was nice to see her getting involved with subjects that really interest her, like writing and art. It seems like that will be a lot more fulfilling than her attempt to get involved at Ojai, as she doesn’t appear to have much of an interest in business.
And last but certainly not least, we finally got to meet Rebecca (Emily VanCamp). Her brief appearance at the end didn’t allow us to find out much about her character. But now that Tommy and Holly are working so closely together, she’s most likely not going to be a stranger to the rest of the Walkers for long.
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Feb 19, 2007 12:27 AM
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Yes! First comment!
OK, where do I start with this episode? First, I know that I say this a lot, but as someone who works for a member of Congress, this Kitty/McAllister thing is just ridiculous! No U.S. Senator would publicly date a staffer like that! It's preposterous. I like them as a couple, I just wish he wasn't her boss. And frankly, if I was his constituent, I'd wonder why he was in his field office so much and not in Washington where he belongs while the Senate is in session. Doesn't he have to vote and go to committee hearings? Come on, writers, let's make this a tad realistic, OK? Don't get me started on the poll conducted by his Senate staff, which would never happen. That is a strictly political function which can not be conducted on government time with government employees or funds.
I just can't get past a lot of the things that would never happen. I mean, he has police protection! Doesn't happen for a junior Senator like that. /rant over
Tommy is stupid. I realize where this is coming from, that he feels like he needs to still prove himself to his father. But to trust Holly and go into business with her? Stupid, stupid, stupid. Now he has a wife and kids to think about. And how is Nora going to feel, knowing that one of her children is going into business with the woman who had an affair (and a child) with her husband? Not smart, Tommy.
I really liked Justin this week, and his interaction with Kitty. I'm curious to see how the writers deal with his deployment.
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Feb 19, 2007 1:35 AM
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I agree with you Great8, Tommy is stupid. I don't trust Holly for one second. I also like the whole Kitty/McAllister thing, even through he's her boss. And as for Rebecca, I know people (including Michael Ausiello) are crazy for Emily VanCamp joing the cast, but I going to be the minority here. I think they should have cast someone older. Nothing against Emily, but she just looks too young and I think Rebecca supposed to be 21 or something. She looks like a 16 year old, not a 21 year old. Can't wait in two weeks of how Nora will react to Rebecca's existence.
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Feb 19, 2007 5:37 AM
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Myinka18, I disagree with your snap judgment of Rebecca, played by Emily Van Camp. I think she looks quite her age which is in fact her real age. The problem is too many older adults are playing teenagers (The O.C. anyone?) that we immediately think anyone who is really 21 or above can't play anything less than 17. Personally, I'm thrilled Ms. Van Camp was selected for this role. She'll fit right in with her acting talents. Her time on Everwood on the WB was too brief and now on ABC, she'll finally get the audience and recognition she deserves.
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Feb 19, 2007 8:26 AM
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I agree with Stylish. People are too used to 20-somethings playing teenagers that it makes 20-somethings playing 20-somethings look too young.
Sometimes you can't really go by how old someone looks anyway, but on how they act. Take it from me- someone who still gets carded for alcohol even though I am in my (mid)30's.
I, too, am thrilled Emily VanCamp's on the show, which is the only reason I'm watching it. I watched the first two episodes and didn't really "feel the love" so I gave up on it. When there were reports of Emily VanCamp joining the cast I caught up on all the episodes online. I am glad I did. It is great, with or without the new cast addition.
I also like Kitty and Robert's relationship- if you took out the fact that he's a Senator, bidding for President and her boss. I like their scenes together when they are in settings outside of the office, but I just don't like them when they are at work.
I also liked Justin and Kitty's scene, but that was the only scene Justin was in. That's not right.
I am a little confused about Tommy wanting to take such a huge risk right now, before his babies are born. Why would he want to risk everything now? I am also a little confused about something he said. He said that he would sell his shares, but continue on as an employee as long as they take care of distribution at Ojai. Why would they do that if they are going to be two different companies? How can Tommy be an employee at Ojai and run his own winery? That seems like too much to take on.
Kevin and Chad can only end in heartbreak, I am afraid.
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Feb 19, 2007 9:03 AM
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I was glad that we finally got to know Tommy a little better tonight. The flashbacks gave us insight into his feelings and motivations for his(stupid, yes) business venture with Holly. It's obvious that Tommy's feeling of inadequacy next to Sarah goes back earlier than her working at Ojai, and it seems that his father never helped. I liked Sarah and Tommy's conversation at the end, and the realization that at least Tommy isn't completely trusting of Holly, and that he realizes Sarah has his best interests at heart.
And, wow, Holly looked completely sick when she realized Rebecca was at the door. I wonder if she knows that Tommy knows that Rebecca is his sister?
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Feb 19, 2007 9:31 AM
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Did Joe and Sarah's therapist seem familiar to any other Alias fans? I think it was the same actor who played Sloane's (Ron Rifkin, aka Saul) double a few years ago.
I love this show. It's the great way to end the weekend.
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Feb 19, 2007 10:44 AM
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Washingtonian - Yes, the therapist was played by Joel Grey who also played Arvin Sloane's brother on Alias. Isn't it confusing when they are on the same show because they look so familiar!!!
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Feb 19, 2007 11:46 AM
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It *is* the guy who played "Sloane" on _Alias_. I saw that and was very amused. First we have Ron Rifkin and the actress - what's her name - who played the CIA shrink, now him! Now we just need serious computer problems and "Marshall" can walk on... 
Love the interactions between Kitty and the Senator. Lovely chemistry. Actually why I really like this show - the actors just seem to spark off each other.
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Feb 19, 2007 11:46 AM
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I really enjoyed last night. I am not sure what I think of Holly. I am still a little confused on that one. But I was a HUGE fan of Everwood! So I was very happy that Emily is joining the cast!
I was glad we got to see Tommys wife. She is hardly ever shown.
I hope Sarah and Joe work it out. I like them together and think they are good for one another.
I also love Justin! He is just so much fun to watch!
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Feb 19, 2007 11:53 AM
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the senator reminds me so much of mcDreamy, which isn't a bad thing at all, they r both great!
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Feb 19, 2007 11:56 AM
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Joel Grey is a long-time actor, mostly Broadway, I guess, but plenty of other things. He starred with Liza Minelli in the Caberet movie and many more, plus is the father of Dirty Dancing's Jennifer Grey.
I have to disagree with the Senator and Kitty pairing. I'm thinking whatever chemistry there is is thanks to Rob Lowe, not Calista. I personally don't see the chemistry.
I thought the relationship problems with Sarah and Joe was very realistic and very well done. I felt so badly for both of them. Joe in the therapist's office was a heartbreaking scene when he would turn to the therapist in anger at nothing being done to fix it, etc. I almost felt like I was peeking in on someone's private business. That was too real!
Enjoyed last night's episode except anything to do with Kevin is just infuriating. He's attracted to losers and he's not a very nice human being, IMO.
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Feb 19, 2007 12:29 PM
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First things first -- Rebecca's supposed to be 16, so Emily's age is good for a character like Rebecca.
Second, was Tommy absent the day history class talked about how Julius Caesar conquered Rome? Divide & conquer. That's what Holly is doing and I trust her as fas as I can throw her. Tommy's got the typical 'middle child' syndrome.
I like Kitty & the senator. Granted it's kinda unrealistic he's not in Washington at all but since I'm watching a TV show, I don't care.
Justin & Kitty were hysterical!! They are somewhat similar to my youngest sister & I (minus the drugs/dating a Senator part). LOL!
Kevin, Kevin, Kevin!!! He may be cute but he's going to break your heart!! Also, even if what Michelle is saying is true, I would be very weary (and freaked out) about a call like that in the middle of the night. Don't drink & dial Michelle -- it's creepy!!!
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Feb 19, 2007 12:32 PM
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I'm sad for Tommy. My impression of the flashbacks was that his dad did a number on his confidence. I'm surprised he wanted to name his son William. I don't understand how the vineyard validated his dad's esteem of him, especially since he doesn't trust the partnership with Holly completely.
But it was great seeing Emily's name in the credits. I thought she looked beautiful and just right to be Holly's daughter. Rebecca seemed pretty charming in those few minutes, and I hope I'll still enjoy her when the drama unfolds.
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Feb 19, 2007 12:40 PM
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We've got trouble brewing - Rebecca thinking Tommy was just sooo cute! The look on Holly's face was great. Thats what ya get when you keep such a secret!!!
Can't wait for the next episode in two weeks!!!
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Feb 19, 2007 1:39 PM
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