(S01E23) At the beginning of the episode, Justin says, "Life is what happens in between big sets." He is talking about surfing, and also the past year and everything that has happened. I'm still trying to figure out whether or not that is true, profound, or whether, as Justin said, it just sounded poetic in his head. And I think I'm going to have to go with poetic in Justin's head. Just like I think this episode was probably so much better in the writers' heads. I have to admit, I am a little disappointed. I am struggling with a huge bias here though: I HATE slapstick. Hate it. And so whenever this show employs it, I just kind of shut down and zone out. Last week was a brilliant, beautiful episode, and I wish they had just stopped with that. In fact, in my mind, last week's episode is just going to be the season finale, and we'll just pretend this one didn't happen, shall we?It was bad enough that the tent collapsed, but Robert McCallister's family was too much. It was such a caricature that there wasn't anything real or grounded about it to remain in the episode for during those scenes. And they were intermingling this with Justin sneaking off to war? It was just too much, too disparate. And perhaps it was leading up to the moment in which they all, in their fancy clothes, hurled themselves into the swimming pool, but what could have been an elegant release, a cleansing, a baptism, a washing away of the past year, past sins, the sorrows and anguish, just... wasn't. I can appreciate what they were going for, but it lacked a lot in translation and execution.
I always like Garry Marshall, but it was just too much, you know? The jokes about his name Major Weiner, which was pronounced alternatively Whiner and Weener (his name is Jack, Robert's is Bobby - what are these? The anti-Kennedys? And Jack and Bobby BOTH died, so look out, Brothers and Sisters writers. Are these the comparisons you are really establishing for us?), were bad enough. But then his lewdness, reaching into his pocket, grabbing Nora's "caboose," and the entire family? The entire Beverly Hillbillies clan? I just cannot believe that Robert and Jason (too close to Justin, I get the names confused) came from that family. Robert jokingly asks Kitty whether he is still electable after she meets his family (didn't she go to his hometown to find dirt about him? How did none of this ever surface? Unbelievable, and poorly anticipated), and she says, "Probably not," and I think it was supposed to be a joke, but let me tell you: It wasn't. With that family, he is completely unelectable.
They are the kind of people who vomit in public and pee in the pansies. You cannot take them anywhere. And who exactly were they trying to make fun of? Who are these people supposed to be? Jason tells Robert that they were raised Catholic (another Kennedy reference) but he became a Methodist minister. So, are we making fun of Catholics? California hicks? People who bring artichoke ambrosia to catered parties? I don't get the joke. Surely, at some point in his career (or say, his engagement to his first wife), Robert had to bring his family to public gatherings. He should either give them a list of rules or stop inviting them. He should know better. Nora tells him that you never have to apologize for family, but yes, Brothers and Sisters writers, yes you do.
We had some nice, quiet revelations: Holly and Sarah had a nice moment of making peace. Saul's friend admitting that he is gay, and the sudden aha! about Saul, and Saul's painful, silent, denial. Julia's depression is growing and Tommy's trying to hide it, not really facing it yet. Rebecca finally came clean about her torrid past (oh, and it is torrid, but I think her past actually makes her a more sympathetic character, just because she is damaged, and she was so young). Do you think she will come clean to Sarah? Kitty and Nora rushing to the airport - I have to admit, I had tears in my eyes when I started writing the review, just because of Justin leaving. I have three sons, who are very young, but that was still hard. But these moments didn't really add up to anything. And other moments were going for some kind of closure, poignancy, like Kitty and Nora squabbling about Kitty moving out, and they just ended up falling flat.
I know that I am being really harsh, and it's because I'm irritated. This show can be so damn good when it's really good, but uneven crap like this is going to have a negative effect on the show. Take a look at all of the episodes that have hit notes like this, look at the bylines of those writers, and get rid of them. Keep the good ones, and if you have to, hire some new ones. Talent abounds. It shouldn't be that hard.
I'm giving this episode a 3 out of 7, but I realize that I am probably biased about the slapstick and perhaps I am being overly prickly about it. I just can't give it a 4 though: that negates every other episode that really merits a 4. But oh, Lordy, I can't wait to see what you guys thought of it.















Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
5-21-2007 @ 2:07AM
JohnBon said...
I actually enjoyed this episode. It was lighter than most dramas' season finales, but the family has already had a rough year. How much more could we really believe happened in one year's time?
Again, Balthazar Getty was underused. Such a shame because he's a great actor. I hope his next year's story line is much deeper.
Gay kissing on TV? Not a fan. Maybe I'm in the minority, but that shouldn't be shown. I can just assume it happened if they reference "sucking face" anyway.
Yes, Robert's family is slapstick and the tent falling down was slapstick too, but if you overlook it, the characters acted well, the intensity of the actors' emotions was there, and each character's story arc moved forward somewhat (except Calista flockhart's -- she whines way too much!-- similiar to Meredith on Grey's Anatomy??? Anybody else agree on that?)
I would give it at least a 4, maybe a 5, but definitely not a 6.
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5-22-2007 @ 2:31AM
ninayes said...
Was that Nina Simone's version of Oooh Child in the final pool scene?
Robert McAllister is just like Marilyn Munster -- an unbelievably pretty person surounded by a ridiculously monstrous family.
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5-21-2007 @ 5:49AM
innamorata said...
I didn't like last week's episode (baby dies , big whoop, zzzzz) but this one had me laughing and crying which is just what I expect and demand from the show.
I have no issues whatsoever with any depiction of gay intimacy but the thickly "angsty" Brokeback Mountain bored the dead crap out of me, if that's Saul's storyline next season I am going to be so zzzzzzzzzz.
I guess I should be happy Milo didn't tell Saul "I wish I knew how to quit you".
Worst overated quote since "you had me at hello" and "you complete me" COMBINED. Urgh.
I didn't mind the crazy family. They're completely unbelievable, they make him unelectable and I don't mind at all. It sad your review is all about you hating them instead of delving on the characters you know and like (but I'm not judging, I digressed with my BM hate, heh).
Now is someone to explain to me the use of Tom? I just...never cared about him, his wife, his swimmers, his kids, he just plains bores me and now with the depressive wife? Hello fast forward button.
I liked several scenes in the finale but my favorite may be Nora/Kitty bitch fight aka "the passive aggressive Olympics".
As Rebecca said "that was amazing". Hee!!
Kevin pulling Kitty away after finding out McAllistair's brother was a minister was also hilarious.
I also liked Rebecca and Justin talk about "the" kiss. Finding out where she's coming from was interesting and I surely hope she tells Sarah the truth.
Sidenote, EVC has been a good addition to the cast.
Tears and lots of laughter, just what I wanted and needed, especially the latter as this TV season has been rather bad as a whole.
B&S ends its season on a high (and silly) note.
Bonus point for avoiding death in the finale like so many other shows.
Baby death in the previous episode does not count or matter.
7/10 for me no doubt whatsoever.
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5-21-2007 @ 8:33AM
Mike K. said...
I thought that the whole family in the pool in the final episode was a nice bookend to the father dying in the pool in the pilot.....
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5-21-2007 @ 10:16AM
Jimmy said...
First, what's wrong with depicting gay intimacy on television? Come on, it's the 21st century. Even if you don't like it doesn't need to be in the closet and if you've watched this show all season they have not exactly hidden Kevin's homosexuality.
Anyway, this was not a great episode and I have to say I really dislike the character of Justin simply because he has become so unbelievable. I know a lot of time can lapse in TV land, and at least 9 months had to lapse for the babies to be born this season, but Justin going from a PTSD drug addict who was questioning having enlisted to a sober, almost angelic person who becomes the voice of reason as he heads off to war just seems so unreal -- even for television. I just dislike the character now.
As for Saul, well, I don't know what to think about that. It just seems like the whole idea of him having had a gay relationship in the past came out of nowhere. And if he's gay why hasn't the family realized this? Granted, it's not unheard of for a person to keep sexual preference hidden for a long time from the family, but considering the closeness of Walker clan and the fact their's already a gay son makes it seem implausible.
Overall, this was a so-so episode. Once again, I'm getting tired of the contrived reasons for bringing the entire family together and for Holly always being around. I mean, come on she the mistress for God's sake! Of course, that doesn't mean I'm not looking forward to season 2!
On a final note, I have to give ABC props for being one of the most gay-friendly networks out there right now. Between this show and Ugly Betty, ABC has done more to present a positive image of homosexuality without having to make a slapstick comedy out of it than any network right now.
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5-21-2007 @ 10:52AM
Who? said...
The show is not being cancelled. I have friends in the industry who went to the upfronts and this is what I was emailed last week:
ABC will introduce eight new series this fall, and 12 overall for the 2007-08 season. In total, just 30 percent of ABC's fall line-up will be occupied with new or relocated programming, with changes impacting the Monday through Friday line-ups. There are four new fall dramas (Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, Women's Murder Club and Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice) and three new fall sitcoms (Cavemen, based on the Geico Insurance commercials, Carpoolers and Sam, I Am). College Football on Saturday and the Sunday rotation of America's Funniest Home Videos, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters will remain intact. Wednesday's line-up will be completely revamped with new dramas Pushing Daisies, Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money, while the returning Men in Trees will relocate to the Friday 8 p.m. anchor spot.
ABC has also announced an aggressive slate of new midseason entries including sitcom Miss/Guided; dramas Cashmere Mafia and Eli Stone; and the non-scripted Oprah's Big Give. Lost, Supernanny, Wife Swap, October Road and Notes From the Underbelly will also be back for new seasons. Not returning are sitcoms According to Jim, George Lopez, In Case of Emergency, The Knights of Prosperity; and dramas Day Break, The Nine, Six Degrees and What About Brian.
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5-21-2007 @ 11:46AM
Lisa said...
If it was cancelled, that would be really sad.....I have fallen completely in love with this show. Its great after the recently disappointing episodes of Grey's and the coming back from boring Desperate Housewives episodes of the week. I really don't mind the whole "gay" PDA. Gay people really don't bother me, if they want to get married or make out, they can. It is not effecting me so why bother to throw a fit about it? Plus, it's not the first time kevin has done that.
I think Robert is so so so sooooooo HOT!!!!!!! I think we all come from a little bit of craziness. I loved the characteristics of his family.
I love how strong Sarah is, I agree, Rebecca should tell her everything about the kiss.
I love Justin, he has a way of pleasing everyone, including everyone, he is just so not selfish. I cried when he left. I hope they don't have his character die in Iraq.
The whole baby thing was......idk. I don't want to sound careless but it didn't bother me. I'm not really a fan of Tommy, I don't really know why, it's not like I have something against him or anything I just noticed that when it comes to his character, I just don't care.
Overall, I loved the season finale, it was just enough, I mean, for me, saying goodbye to justin was drama enough for me. That family has been through enough anyway. I though the season ended pretty well.
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5-21-2007 @ 2:29PM
shish said...
The gay thing is too much. Too much in your face. He acts like a gay slut. Going from one lover to the other. The rest of the show is great. I wish they would tone down the kissing between men, though. It's getting rediculous. It's like they have to have at least one in every episode. This episode was excellent.
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6-16-2007 @ 11:24AM
Linda said...
I thought it was the worst episode. I agree with everything you said in your review. My husband and I just looked at each other and said, "we may have to stop watching this show." My husband does not want to see men making out. I do not want to see stupid writing. That family was ridiculous...so much more could have been done with that episode. I am very disappointed because I watch every week and I want this show to work.
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5-21-2007 @ 1:28PM
BC said...
One word: Garbage!
The storylines on this show are either so predictable or so unbelievable.
And seriously, what kind of cliffhanger ending was that? What makes me even care about watching the series return in the fall?
First off, what family in real life would associate with their dead fathers mistress and her daughter? Sure the mother is in business with them (by blackmailing them) but it would be a "business only" deal -- no way they invite her to every party. And yes a couple of kids might want to get to know their "sister" but I can't see everyone excepting her. And there is no way the mother excepts the other daughter regardless of how much she loved her dead husband, yet she lets her stay at her house sleeping in her bed and eating her food -- I call BS.
And if that were not enough, the new daughter / one of the daughters husbands somewhat mess around and everyone finds out, yet he is the outcast while she is still accepted? Come on, more BS.
Also, how many "gay" people does one show need? Okay he is gay, and we get it, but why cram the story line down our throat so to speak! Next season will it be revealed that Kitty had an "experimental" lesbian affair while in NY or will Justin be kicked out of the military after "messing" around in a bunker in Iraq? Does anyone want to actually watch Kevin make out each episode with a different partner, and now Sal has a gay past? And the Senator's brother is a gay minister? Come on ABC that is BS.
And the Senator. What state elected him? With a family like that I call BS again. Surely when Kitty went to his hometown she would have met his crazy family, yet last night she was shocked at them -- did the writers just forget that storyline? I can't believe he would ever be elected a Senator much less try to run for the Presidency. No way he would ever get nominated by his party, much less ever win. And where was the press or gossip sheet photographers? He would be followed around and hounded by the press if he were running for President, thus pictures of his crazy family doing this and that would be all over the tabloids. Horrible! Senator McAllistair was at least a believable character until last night.
And what about the supposed 'almost' affair Sarah had? Did that story line just get forgotten...
Does the military really want an ex-druggie who has been in a rehab? Isn't his job a medic where he has access to drugs?
Where do they get the writers of some of these shows nowadays....
The show had potential -- at least the first few shows! This is horrible writing with dumb storylines and I don't see it getting any better. Hopefully everyone will drown in the pool between now and September (or we will find out that sharks were in the pool and they were actually attempting to jump over them).
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5-21-2007 @ 1:41PM
HD said...
I, too, felt Robert's family was over the top--actually they were a lot like Jack Donaghey's family on '30 Rock'!! Where are Robert's parents? Has he talked about them being dead? And his kids should have been at the party. Even if they don't like Kitty--he is marrying her. You would think that, as close as Nora & Saul are, she would know he's gay...but, she'll probably admit she always knew when he does come out...with Summer Robert's dad from 'The OC'! And believe me, Julia's depression is very real & believable. Plus it will give the actress something interesting to play-finally. Also, what's with all the complaining about the gay kissing? Do we really have to remind you that the world is changing? Change the channel, because it's not going away.
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5-21-2007 @ 4:07PM
Jeff said...
Let's change some words around:
"Straight kissing on TV? Not a fan. Maybe I'm in the minority, but that shouldn't be shown. I can just assume it happened if they reference 'sucking face' anyway."
"My partner does not want to see straight people making out."
"Also, how many 'straight' people does one show need? Okay he is straight, and we get it, but why cram the story line down our throat so to speak! Next season will it be revealed that Kitty had an affair while in NY or will Justin be kicked out of the military after 'messing' around with a superior in Iraq? Does anyone want to actually watch someone make out each episode with a different partner, and now Rebecca has a past? And four of the five siblings are straight? Come on ABC that is BS."
"The straight thing is too much. Too much in your face. Rebecca acts like a straight slut. Going from one lover to the other. The rest of the show is great. I wish they would tone down the kissing between men and women, though. It's getting rediculous. It's like they have to have at least one in every episode."
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5-21-2007 @ 5:03PM
Jeremiah said...
It's the first time I have watched this show, but I really enjoyed this episode.
Sally Field and Calista are always amazing.
There did seem to be an unusual amount of gayness in the show LOL but as long as it includes Eric Winter I don't mind ;)
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5-21-2007 @ 7:48PM
kat said...
Thank you Jeff for pointing out how ridiculous those comments that people left are. Seriously people. It's 2007!
The gay characters or storylines aren't an issue for me and they shouldn't be. However it does add another dimension to the show which is great. And so what if they show men kissing? Seriously. So what? Get used to it!
I can understand the storyline behind how Justin is a druggie after being a war medic. If you watch Courage Under Fire, the character that Matt Damon plays is the same way. He plays a medic who was so devestated after serving in the first Gulf War, he becomes a heroin addict.
These are believable issues/storylines that happen to everyday people. People are gay. People deal with the effects of war. Seeing this on the just makes for a well rounded show versus a flat drama about a family and fluffy problems.
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5-22-2007 @ 10:43AM
Blaine said...
I thought this was a really good episode. This is one of my favorite shows and I'm excited for next season. I also don't understand the negative reaction against the gay scenes. There is not a gay kiss every episode and so what if there are some once in a while.
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5-22-2007 @ 12:10AM
D Colin said...
I liked the episode very much- I laughed, I cried that's what I want from my favorite tv show (somewhere this season it toped my list).
I think the funniest moment all season was Kevin's hand pulling Kitty to the next room after it Jason starts his reading. I had to pause my DVR to havee a happy moment.
now for all the negative gay sh-t said--- quite simply get over it. I'm a gay guy who has watched tv for years, with straight couples kissing,in bed - I deal. Just the simple fact that if this kiss bothered you did you see any other episodes this season. Kevin's had two boyfriends and they did more than kiss. It's part of the show,it's a part of life. There are gays in America, in the World even. I get people don't like us (the President, the Government, religious groups, etc...) but we are people too and I like to see people who I relate to on TV.
JonBon said "Gay kissing on TV? Not a fan. Maybe I'm in the minority, but that shouldn't be shown. I can just assume it happened if they reference "sucking face" anyway." but how are you with blacks and whites kissing, or on Grey's Christina and Burke. back in the day people of different races kissing could be killed or put in jail-- have you moved on from that. If they don't show it, if you don't see it how can it ever be shown that it is quite frankly a fact of life. We exist.
But I see this show for more than just their gay characters. My favorite Walker is Justin. And my god if the kill him off I think I'd cry so hard (even though they could get some good story from it) Nora and Kitty love them together, the way they fight. Kitty and Kevin are so funny. The way Sarah and Tommy relate to each other, I believe them. I find the fact that Nora has taken in Rebecca to be beautiful. She loved her husband- and this is a woman who is all about family so I believe it. And one of the things that made me love the character of Justin the most was that he didn't have those issues about her that the others did-- he just wanted to meet his sister, because that's who Rebecca is. The addition of Emily Van Camp was genius-
And I love that as a recovering addict that Justin is the voice of reason so often. Just cause you've fallen down doesn't mean you can't raise yourself back up.
So I really loved this episode and can't wait for the new season to begin. (to make a long story short)
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5-22-2007 @ 7:04AM
nate said...
"My husband does not want to see men making out."
Yea, all two seconds of it. Please cry more.
I loved this episode very much but it was a bit rushed. The way they set up plotlines for season 2 was not really done well.
I was kinda expecting some sort of cliffhanger, even a non dramatic one, maybe so we could look forward to season 2 premiere more. The ending was a nice though.
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5-22-2007 @ 10:30AM
Ryan said...
"My husband does not want to see men making out."
Well this show is for open-minded people. So yeah, later.
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5-22-2007 @ 3:05PM
shish said...
I think it comes down to what people are comfortable watching. Gay kissing is very new in mainstream television. The heterosexual baby boomers are not used to watching it. Heterosexuals are the majority and I think ABC should take that into consideration. A lot of people will stop watching because it's too graphic. There's a lot of things that go on in the world, doesn't mean they want to watch it. It's a shame because when the ratings drop because of this, a perfectly good show will be canceled. Then gays and heterosexuals will lose a good show, won't they?
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5-22-2007 @ 3:41PM
nate said...
Yes gay kissing is new to mainstream, but its hardly graphic. How is 2-3 seconds of it be offensive?
Compare that to the Robert shirtless in bed with Kitty scene. How long was that scene? And how many times does Robert+Kitty kiss in this one episode? Like at least 6? And you think we like watching Calista's weird lips?
Kevin might as well be killed off if he had to be portrayed as some non-sexual robot like in Will & Grace because all 8 seasons of it, there was 0 kiss, considering its centered around homosexuals. Every aspect of Kevin's life make him believable and relatable. And this is the one TV show that has a relatable and believable gay character.
Kissing is a norm, a way to show affection, not some lewd act. Its just your mindset. Stop being uncomfortable with it and learn to accept we're normal people too.
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