Burning Question (mini edition): "What Happened to My TiVo?!"

Anyone else reading the comments generated by last Sunday's episode?  It's like the blog version of "Crossfire!"  But rather than weigh in and push my own Mexorean agenda, I'll just say this: I'm honored to work for a show that evokes an emotional response in its audience... that promotes intelligent debate... that actually has the guts to say something... and that makes people care to the point that they've come here to say something back.  Isn't that what good television is supposed to do?  Whether you love or hate the show, at least you're here with an opinion, good or bad... but boy do we love the good ones.

Gladys and I are trying our best to write up an edition of Burning Questions for tomorrow, but in the meantime let’s address the #1 question on everyone's mind...

What happened to my Tivo?  Why didn't it tape last week's episode?!?

The short answer is that, up until Sunday, Tivo mistakenly classified "Mistakes Were Made, Pt. 2" as a repeat.  Unless you had the option to record repeats selected under your Brothers & Sisters season pass, Tivo didn't record it.

The long answer as to why this happened...  well, it starts about three weeks ago.  When the two-part "Mistakes Were Made" was first written, it actually existed as two separate scripts, the first entitled "Glass Jumps" and the second "Mistakes Were Made."  Upon entering the revision process, however, we realized that the two episodes were very much part of the same whole and decided to reflect that in the title.  Since "Mistakes Were Made" was the most thematically appropriate name, we went with it.

Creatively, it was a great idea.  Practically, a little less so.  Since the original titles had been in circulation for about three weeks by this time, changing them caused a bit of confusion.  Media publications thought we were scrapping "Glass Jumps," bumping up the original "Mistakes Were Made" to take its place, and then running a repeat of "Mistakes Were Made" the following Sunday.  By the time we realized the error, it left very little time to make the necessary changes, thus resulting in the "Great Brothers & Sisters Tivo Snafu of 2006." (That's one of the oddities of TV – for as fast as the industry operates on a day-to-day basis, certain other processes can take *forever.*)

Sorry to everyone who missed the episode.  We're doing our best to find out additional viewing options (re-air date, website upload, etc).  The second we find out anything we'll be sure to let you know.  We'll also try our best to, you know, not change any more titles in the future.

See you tomorrow,
Oscar

The Section Formerly Known As Tidbits
Dave the PA is famous! A quote from his blog (in case you missed it, here) appeared on page 9 in the latest issue of TV Guide (with McSteamy and Addison on the cover). He was the talk of the office... and then he had to buy groceries... 

Sparky is still a bit sore from her ice-induced slip'n'slide in the kitchen...  Cliff and I bet on the USC/Cal game, which he lost, resulting in him being unable to smoke for twenty-four horrifically irritable hours...  Since he's been on set, everyone thinks Peter looks like a director... And we're all really looking forward to the Thanksgiving Holiday. We need the break.   Episode Update:  112 shooting, 113 prepping, 114 writing.

Comments

[You Silly Guy]

The only problem is people are saying they will NO LONGER watch your show... which loses a lot of its lead-in share. And this is because you betrayed them, and their beliefs. You lost them as viewers and their faith in your integrity.

Discourse is good, yes. Unfortunately, the show was unwilling to have discourse. It now has frustrated EX-VIEWERS.

[Takes One to Know One]

I don't know what kind of television you're watching, "You Silly Guy," but mine doesn't typically talk back to me, or engage me in much discourse. Also, I feel betrayed by a government that manipulated my vulnerability after 9/11 to gain my support, offered me falsified documentation to solidify said support, and then calls me unpatriotic if I question any of it... but do I move from this country? No. Do I become an ex-American? No. You talk of integrity? Tell me where I find it in this country before you start casting stones at ficitional works.

[Take Two (You Silly Guy)]

Are you Alex Baldwin? Offered him a ticket out.

I am not going to resort to name calling. You have the lock on that!

I told a lot of people about this wonderful show called Brothers & Sisters, telling them that it actually has intelligent discourse about the two ideologies... and neither one is evil (which I have been called when the person calling Republicans evil didn't realize I was one). I felt good that conservatives wouldn't be portrayed using the one-dimensional money-grubbing/hateful/frigid angles so commonly used by creatives.

However, last night the show took one of those ideologies and twisted it... it was very hurtful.

I have had to defend a war that is called "wrong." Well, isn't all war wrong? People die. What kind of a terrible person would want a war? But war was needed to oust Hitler, for one. People who back the war, don't want it.

Why is it that Kitty couldn't be human or kind unless she spoke out against the rationale for the war... not whether we have fought it right, but its essence. Again, because she couldn't be compassionate and FOR the war.

Unfortunately, you are so full of yourself that you don't have compassion for someone who also hates war but feels that we had no choice.

You have benefited from living in the U.S. without planes going into building since 9/11. No malls being blown up. Attacks on U.S. properties overseas have decreased.

Is this just because... because terrorists decided to take a break? Or maybe, just maybe, fighting for an undemocratic Iraq has kept us safe.

BTW, Clinton said in 1990 that Saddam had WMDs. Was he lieing to you and manipulating you as well... or was he tricking Bush into a war that he couldn't defend? Maybe it is all Clinton's fault. Come on... let's just figure out how to get along.

Maybe a game of ring-around-the-rosies.

[will]

Here's what I detect: Iraq War has been going south - to say the least - for some time now, every week bringing new and fresh indications this quagmire is UNSOLVABLE. Conservatives here have much investment in WINNING an unwinnable war. Anxieties are high, and run higher as violence in middle east spikes even bloodier than last week (most of the bloodshed is Sunni police we are training vs. Shiite civilians who have a different political agenda and vice versa). Iraqis have no real interest nor commitment to democracy which is frustrating because that's why we're (in theory now) there. As stated, conservative bloggers are more frustated than liberal ones because it is taking them longer to figure out the obvious: no military solution exists. Frustrated blogger, in turn, takes it out on ABC show "Brothers and Sisters" because, finally!, they had (thought they had) a spokeswoman in Kitty Walker, conservative talk show host, to help spread a philosophy that all is not lost in Iraq.. But Kitty Walker is turning out to be a republican in the Arlen Specter mold, or Calif. gover-nator Arnold S., both fine republicans, but not THEIR kind of republican. Nobody is doing any thinking outside the box, only mouthing platitudes about freedom and honor, and conservative bloggers feel uneasy but (ultimately) complacent to STAY THE COURSE, allowing more American soldiers to die while we take a "wait and see" approach. We broke it, and now, sorry Mr. Colin Powell, we are unable to fix it, but cannot own it. Please stop blaming Kitty for frustrations with the war. It is misplaced. Honoring the troops and honoring the dead can best be achieved by cutting our losses and coming home, letting not ONE MORE unnecessary American death occur in vain. Staying the course now, knowing it is unwinnable, is inhumane and un-Christlike.

[maxine]

You Silly Guy, you sound as though you're still breast feeding. Do you think a few repeated bloggers regurgitating the same displeasure over and over will result in loss of viewership. The same was said when Kevin and Scotty locked lips, but instead the reverse happened with the rise in viewership. So don't hold your breath. Remember, it's a fictional show, granted a great one dealing with real subject matter, but still it's characters are pure FICTION.

Trust me, viewership will continiue to rise with this show. Brothers And Sisters is one of the finest shows to come along in years. Millions each week are watching and will continue to watch with or without you.

[Enough Already]

What I don't get is that people on this blog feel they need to agree with every line and premise of the show to watch it.

I watch the Sopranos, but don't condone racketeering or murder.

I watch Desperate Houswives, but don't agree with infidelity.

I watch a lot of shows because they are entertaining, because they are different from my life. The themes and viewpoints and lives depicted in the shows aren't completely my own.

And isn't that what TV (and entertainment) is about? A departure from your own life? I wouldn't watch a show about my life or people just like me. I live that life; I watch TV to see how other people live.

I understand that people may not like the liberal slant or the gay themes in this show, but you can't accuse the writers of being biased. This is fiction. It is fake. They are characters.

If you watch it with that in mind, you will agree that Brothers & Sisters is a great show.

[Part 2: Takes One to Know One]

Silly Guy's quote:
"Unfortunately, you are so full of yourself that you don't have compassion for someone who also hates war but feels that we had no choice.

You have benefited from living in the U.S. without planes going into building since 9/11. No malls being blown up. Attacks on U.S. properties overseas have decreased."

You just illustrated a fundamental difference between us. You believed Bush and Co. when they said 9/11 and Iraq were connected, and you continue to believe that they are despite all evidence to the contrary. You also believe that our action in Iraq has somehow prevented more planes being flown into buildings, or other terrorist attacks from being committed on our soil. You believe that we had no choice.

I believe that we did have a choice. I believe that we had an entire nation -- an entire world -- supporting us. And I believe Bush and Co. abused that trust to push their own agenda, masked behind falsified facts and an ever-changing objective. We were there to defend our country against a nation with WMD's. Then we were there to liberate an oppressed people. Now we're there to calm a terrorist friendly region. And the entire time, we've been drilled with the idea that any voice of dissent is merely allowing the terrorists to win.

Sorry if I'm actually questioning my government... sorry if I'm not towing the line... sorry if I'd actually like to test this thing call democracy. If that makes me Alec Baldwin, then so be it.

[Jim]

I don't think any republican character on B&S has been portrayed as one-dimensional money-grubbing, hateful, or frigid. Not all Republicans support continued presence in Iraq for a multitude of reasons, and some have reevaluated their earlier opinions in light of the current situation. I just think to claim that the show has villified Republicans is not at all accurate. Kitty hasn't stopped being a Republican, and I don't think the show was claiming that she needs to be against the war to be compassionate. Kitty has been a likable, intelligent, and compassionate character throughout, and I imagine is likely to continue to be.

[Take Two]

Study Vietnam... I have read that the North was about to fold until they realized that the U.S. was getting weak. They began to fight harder knowing it was a matter of time. Iraq? Another Vietnam? Maybe... but only because we are getting weak-kneed once again instead of recognizing what we must do.

[Adrianna]

The liberals keep on spinning

Lets talk when Hollywood actually mokes a liberal in a unflatering light. Have the gay guy get AIDS. I'm sure that would drive the liberals on this board nuts and rightfully so.

No ones mind is going to be changed by this episode but if a show is going to publicize that a "Conservative" is a host then let her be that. Don't use her as a warp way to get a liberals zinger in; by saying its a "Conservative" doing it.

Have the liberal come out supporting the war now then.

The show was supposed to be equal on the political front and no one is denying its a liberal bias.

All the liberals complaining of us Conservaties posting are now trying to deny speech? When a show has a liberal slant it busts big time. Look at Studio 60 and those elitish snobs who are tanking in the ratings.

[Harriet]

After I posted my explanation of the TiVo fiasco yesterday, I realized one other thing - even if I had my settings to record repeats, it would not have recorded Sunday's episode since that episode title had been recorded within the last 28 days.

Can't wait to see the missed episode.

[brian]

Enough Already i totally agree with you i don't get why people get fed up with a fictionnal show and i think B&S offers more than political view anyway

[will]

The Neilsen ratings are in, and here is how the ABC line-up fared this week: Dancing w/ the Stars was (of course) #1. But that show is now over for the season. Here's the rest: Desperate Housewives, followed by Grey's, Extreme Makeover and Brothers and Sisters. In other words, B&S is the #1 new show on ABC schedule. After these are Ugly Betty, a Barbara Walters special, The Bachelor, Show Me the Money, America's Funniest HVs, Day Break, 20/20, and What About Brian (this show is seriously tanking). Can some right-leaning people stop forecasting doom-and-gloom for the show please? It is ABC's #1 first-season show. All those others, Day Break & What About Brian, etc. have been promoted to death, too. This is good news and something to be thankful for this holiday season.

[ilovemylife]

Re: Freedom to Conform

This show’s generating some BROTHERS AND SISTERS Blog Family drama. I feel like we have our own little show, right here. And we are the writers and the characters. As much as I always have the strong urge to “run screaming as if I were on fire” from any anger or dissension, here I am. What’s gotten on my mind that drove me back?

Well, I don’t know...but has it occurred to anyone else that we live in this great big country – the suppose-ed “land of the FREEeeee” and YET, wait...we ask INDIVIDUALS to CONFOORRM to our idea of what is every military person’s behavior, a republican, a democrat, one who served-once-for-my-country-and-once-was-enough-for-my-sensibilities (PTSD), a loving mother who is her own person, a family, a family of individuals who were allowed to grow up and be themselves?? How about a little levity, here. More than once a day, I laugh at myself. Aw heck - I crack myself up.

Personalities lie in the words that we put out in the universe. (Do I sound sufficiently categorical, yet?) I consider myself a good human being. One who is passionate about my beliefs, but more, just passionate about my passions.) Okay, I have red hair and I’m a fire sign - does that make me firey? (well,…..yeah, but…) Seriously now, couldn’t we have a little humor?

I’ve decided to love you all, even the ones I don’t like. Okay, okay…just laugh a little laugh.

You know you can’t live without this show. Come on, now.

Change of subject. I tried this before and it didn’t work out for me, so as a great believer in persistence and determination, I’m going to try it again. In the blog before this, MISTAKES Were Made, (yeah, and we won’t let THEM go) I gave a message to munungo, Nov 20, 9:54 p.m. but I’M THE ONE WHO made a mistake and omitted that My Blog - ilovemylife’s blog - is at tvguide.com. My blog is dedicated to well... BROTHERS AND SISTERS and how I relate to it. All any of us can do is - try.

Thank you, Jon Robin Baitz and all at BROTHERS AND SISTERS, for charging us up and lighting our fire!

[JackW]

"The liberals keep on spinning"--Adrianna

Then Liberals and Republicans must have more in common than you ever imagined. :)

"Lets talk when Hollywood actually mokes a liberal in a unflatering light. Have the gay guy get AIDS. I'm sure that would drive the liberals on this board nuts and rightfully so."--Adrianna

Actually, Hollywood has often taken such a route, and made their gay characters confront AIDS. Nobody in the audience went nuts; they understood that they were watching fictitious characters leading dramatized lives. They either watched the program, or used their freedom of choice to turn the channel.

"No ones mind is going to be changed by this episode but if a show is going to publicize that a 'Conservative' is a host then let her be that."--Adrianna

Kitty IS a conservative. She just happens to have a mind of her own, as people are wont to do. Therefore, she may occasionally disagree with the party line. Remember, no one should fall into the trap of believing that if someone does not agree with THEIR personal, subjective opinions, that said person is not a "real" conservative (or a "real" liberal, or what have you). People can, and do, differ from each other. That is supposed to be what makes us interesting.

"Don't use her as a warp way to get a liberals zinger in; by saying its a 'Conservative' doing it."--Adrianna

They don't. Kitty's saying that she now has questions about a war which she originally supported is not an "attack" or a "zinger" against Republicans, except to those desperate to find something, anything to be insulted about. Kitty's speech merely reflected what many Americans, yes, even conservative ones, are currently feeling.

"Have the liberal come out supporting the war now then."--Adrianna

They did; in the flashback scenes, the majority of the family, including Justin, Kitty, and Tommy, expressed their belief that the country had to fight back after being attacked on 9/11.

"The show was supposed to be equal on the political front"--Adrianna

According to whom? I have not seen this documented anywhere.

"All the liberals complaining of us Conservaties posting are now trying to deny speech?"--Adrianna

Again, according to whom? For a supposedly biased, liberal outfit, the B&S team is allowing everyone to post on their message board, whether the opinions being expressed are for or against the war. No one is even suggesting that the pro-war advocates be silenced; on the contrary, it's the self-proclaimed dictators of Republican values who are complaining about Kitty's giving a speech that THEY disapprove of.

"When a show has a liberal slant it busts big time."--Adrianna

The facts don't bear this out, I'm afraid. Some of the most successful and longest-running series in television history have had what could be termed a "liberal" point of view, and they did just fine. B&S will too. It's best not to get too vexed over what program does or does not match one's subjective political/moral belief system 100%, because TV characters, like real-life people, are never going to acquiesce to the viewers' will. That's just the way it is.

If it's not acceptable, there's the remote control and a plethora of other channels and series to choose from.

[Carrie]

I just wanted to say I loved Cliff's commentary on the Alias season 5 DVD.

[Karrie]

Thank goodness for (almost) renaming the Tidbits! Because that name sucked like a sucky thing, and as the funniest and most random thing on your blog, that really was a shame.

As for the kerfuffle regarding 9/11, the Iraq war, Kevin's one-night-stand and whatever else has some people's fuffle in a ker, but the truth of the matter is you can't please everybody.

I, however, think you're doing a fabulous job, so keep doing just that and being true to yourselves.

[Alexandra]

Sincerely, I don't believe people those who say they are no longer watching the show after the epi of last sunday. When Kevin and Scotty first kissed there was all this (stupid) fuss as well, now it's turn for last sunday's epi, people will always complain, but have you noticed that they take the time to come to this blog and write a million times? these people sometimes even write with different names, trying to make us believe they are a majority.
I believe they are going to continue watchign the show, if only for curiosity, at least.

[Loving B&S]

Just wanted to say Kudos to 'Enough Already'. You don't have to agree with every single point on the show. So as his name says, enough already! Just let yourself be entertained, and continue to love this amazing, groundbreaking show!!

[Quangtran]

I really hope people aren't watching this show simply as a way of having their political beliefs validated. Specking as a non-American who’s under no obligation to choose a side, I watch this show for its more universal themes about family rather than the politics. Example, I really didn't like the Kitty plot in this weeks episode, and enjoyed the sibling interaction on the road trip much more.

[Tara]

I just wanted to say how much I love the show and that I hope to see it continue on the air. I am not a political person, I'm pretty down the middle, so I am not upset about any of that. I just love the show for what it is a great drama with a few laughs here and there. (by the way I also love Studio 60 Adrianna!!)

[Curt Collins]

This is my favorite blog, but come on the gay guy doesn't need to get aids that would be lame-

Kevin is great but needs to get back with Scotty-because they are so cute together!

[Robert]

A website known as AfterElton really loves the show and does recaps every week. So if you want to know about the episode you missed go chek it out there at www.afterelton.com. My stupid DVR records every show I watch even when it is a repeat. Drives me nuts!

[Brothers & Sisters is a Great Show--Please don't cancel it!!!]

Brothers and Sisters is a great show with incredibly talented and gifted writers & actors... IT also isn't afraid to tackle real issues of our day. Thanks for Showing a Positive Gay man who is successful and isn't stereotypically chasing every sex & drugs in bars... but is truly looking for a meaningful relationship but makes mistakes like many of us do...especially in dating where very few of us gays had any guidance or role models... at least Kevin has a loving family who supports him and encourages him in his dating life! That is so often missing for many of us growing up and living gay. Also thanks for tackling the issues of WAR and Justin’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and His drug habit as his means of coping with the PTSD... WAR is never good... It is a shame that our world has not evolved to the place of realizing we can settle things without violence... but sometimes War is a necessary evil--this one has gone on way too long--but the real issue that the show is addressing which I think is GREAT is not the so much the politics of the war (although that was addressed initially) it is the dynamics of what happens to our men & women when they come back from war--and how it changes their lives forever... It is clear how even the "Republican Conservative" Kitty doesn't support the war--more so because of how a previous war experience, Afghanistan devastated her brother Justin and their family... PLEASE don't shy away from continuing to tackle these real life issues in a serious, yet entertaining way... the acting is superb as well as the writing which blends, drama, comedy and tragedy to deliver a very believable and thought provoking show... Unfortunately another similar show--The Book of Daniel appearing on NBC, did not survive because it addressed real life issues in such a brilliant way... I watched the few episodes that aired and then bought the DVD and everyone I have watched it with loves the show and wants more... I guess we will have to LOVE Brothers and Sisters for now... AS we do... But hope that the critics and sponsors will not cancel it (like The Book of Daniel) simply because it is controversial... Everything in life is controversial... and it is about time WE returned to Real Television that helps us explore these issues with professional writers & actors not pseudo-"REALITY Show" which is usually nothing more than dramatic trash... that just entertains by numbing our brains.

Thanks again to the entire CAST, CREW, and Production Team of Brothers & Sisters.
Blessings of love, joy, peace & health,
Jerry
Irvine, CA

[ShowFan]

Why no episode tonight?