Save Dave II

Dave the PA stayed late to work on cover letters, in case "that bully from Broadway fires me over this stupid PCA crap."

8:43pm

10:53pm

1:11am

SAVE DAVE!!! Vote for Brothers & Sisters for Best New Drama Series at the People's Choice Awards!

Comments

[Kong Chang]

LoL. Poor Dave. We will save you!

Btw, love the quote on the coffee mug.

[Trevor]

Sorry I can't vote for a show that actively seeks straight actors to play gay roles. I'm not one of those gay viewers that can easily be enticed to watch a show because two straight men make-out. That doesn't thrill me or earn my respect. I doubt that you actively seek gay actors to play straight characters.

[will]

Dear Mr. Blog Put Together-er: These "Save Dave" campaigns are getting a little grating. They are insanely cute, and bring out the worst in fellow bloggers (me included). Please remember we loyal fans are not a gaggle of giggly 14-year-old middle- schoolers who need to be prodded to vote for a People's Choice Award with zany graphics. That demographic is on the "One Tree Hill" website....or Clay Aiken's....ok, I'm still voting though.

[Stevenscollege]

Where are all these gay actors? If I was making ANY T.V show I would want the best people irrespective of private behaviour. I think a major prime time TV series giving us these very positive characters in Kevin and Scotty is more important than any other consideration, I mean I would rather the characters were portrayed by any one rather than not at all.

[will]

To Stevenscollege guy: You're right with your comments that Scotty could do better. I LOVE Kev too, but I remember the episode where Scotty told him, (with such humility) "I feel like I'm out of my league with you." And as their relationship progressed, Scotty showed character & a genuineness & just a plain decency. I started off in the first 4 or so episodes thinking Kevin could do WAY better than this Scotty dude...who seemed lightweight & flaky....and too "gay".... But something started coming over me. I thought Kevin needed someone who made 80 or 90 grand a year at least, as if money would make them "equals". Kitty told Kev he treated Scotty like "the help". Wow, this is too funny how we can talk about these guys like they're real people. But actor Luke gave Scotty a soft groundedness, wit - and a great smile. And Kev & him were JUST getting to a point where they might make... some kind of....commitment...? Oh well. Too bad too. That was just the type of gay relationship that could've made a difference on TV & in life. If the producers end up casting a straight actor opposite Matthew R....Just remember you have a very saavy fanbase here who can tell the difference between fake chemistry & real chemistry...& we all have decent BS detectors. You blew it writing Scotty out of the script in the sense that you already had a good thing going. Now we're going to have to wade through boyfriends & one-night-stands....hoping for some true chemistry. OK< I sound grim. I'll have faith. Please - writers, producers - DO THE RIGHT THING by us. Whatever that is. We'll trust.

[irony]

"Sorry, I can't vote for a show that actively seeks straight actors for gay roles?" Agreed -- that's why it's a good thing Dave Annable really has a drug problem, otherwise the show would be pissing off the drug-using population... and also good that Baltazar Ghetty shoots blanks, because it'd be unfair to all the sterile actors out there, too.

[will]

irony: (I promise I'll shut up for awhile after this) Hiring an actor who "likes" dogs is not really necessary to play a dog-lover. Hiring an actor to play an Afghanistan druggie vet....we'll, it's not necessary the actor be a druggie or a vet. However, straight actors playing gay characters...this can be dicey. Or gay actors playing straight. Chemistry & believabilty are everything. TR Knight on "Grey's Anatomy" is fine - I believe him as George, he puts heart & soul into that role. This is the objection I hear: some straight actors take on a "gay role" but cannot commit 100% to it. NO KISSING ON THE MOUTH!! NO EXCESSIVE TOUCHING!! Demands are suddenly put in place. Or when they do touch & kiss, it doesn't feel natural. They are "playing gay". I feel both Jake G. & Heath L. made a total commitment to "Brokeback Mountain" & their characters & I have no problem with this, nor I think does anbody else. If we get a new love interest for Kevin - oh, Leonardo DiCaprio, say (I can dream, right?) - and Leonardo chickens out at the last minute and can't go through with the kiss - it has to be shot from the back of his head, so we don't actually see any lips touching! - THIS is what people are concerned about. I have seen MANY MANY TV shows & independent films where this kind of "compromise" is made. And it STICKS OUT in 2006! If an actor is not willing to kiss Kitty...do we "compromise" & shoot from the back of the head? NO! FIRE HIM!! Case closed. So that's the beef. Authenticity all the way around.

[Scott]

Trevor,

Unlike you, I don't categorically reject any gay romance on television simply because the actors are heterosexual in real life.

What does earn my respect - and what I do look for - is emotional honesty in both the writing and the acting. What matters is a sincere commitment to the role(s) and a determination by all involved to capture an authentic relationship between two characters. So far, B&S has done a superb job in casting actors who have met these expectations, and I have faith the casting will continue to bring these qualities to the show.

If that makes me "easily enticed", then so be it.

[Scott]

Just to add to will's eloquent post...

I defnitely agree that there is a tendency by some straight actors to take on "gay" roles but not commit 100%. And that is very problematic for the reasons will noted.

My policy, however, is to refrain from prejudging the commitment of the actors nor the authenticity of the relationship as conveyed onscreen. For instance, the gay couple on Six Feet Under were played by two heterosexual actors, but due to the commitment of the actors, they created (what many perceived to be) a very believable gay couple.

In other words, it can be done -- as long as the motivation and integrity are present.

[ilovemylife]

I appreciate reading the thoughts here. I am captivated and in-a-way enchanted by: Matthew Rhys’ quality of acting, his role as Kevin, the lawyer, son, brother, uncle and the by-the-way “I’m gay” presentation in the writing. And just as much “captivated and in-a-way enchanted” by the actor Luke MacFarlane and his manifestation of the written character of Scott Wandell.

I feel it an open door to see into a world that I had no window into. While watching these two talented actors show me Kevin and Scotty share who they are and who they have the possibility of becoming through their unfolding and revealing experiences with one another – I felt graced with not only watching a REALLY good show, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, but I learned things about myself. A self who is straight, female and unknowledgeable of what it’s like to live gay in a straight-oriented daily world. I have become thoughtful and gained some sensitivity to this real-life situation for many wonderful human beings who are gay. I have learned that I root for a fulfilling love life for these two, Kevin and Scotty, and that it doesn’t bother or matter to me that they aren’t like me – straight. But they are like me because they yearn to be loved in a healthy, mature, intimate relationship that is a safe place to be themselves. And with room-to-be-their-BEST-selves inside this special relationship.

My second favorite scene so far is from”Mistakes Were Made, Part 1”, aka as “Glass Jumps” when Kevin is speaking honestly and vulnerably to his love, Scotty, leaving his heart on Scotty’s answer machine: “…anyway, I – I just wanted you to know I, I think . . . you’re amazing, and funny . . . and . . cute . . as hell. “nd, I just hope that someday, may..bee, I don’t know . . three Martian years from now – ‘cause our years are longer that yours – maybe . . I could be worthy . . . of your human . . love . . and respect … . . . whether we’re together or not . . . that’s all.” I just fell in love with Kevin, here. And see such great potential for these two men. Together. But of course I want each man to have their destiny and the love that will bless their lives on this planet.

And I DON’T believe that their coming back together and finding their happiness and destiny as a love-couple, would have to be played out as boring. No relationship, with two great individuals that have potential and sparks with that third entity, the relationship, could ever lack drama and excitement.

So. When a fictional show can open up my real-show-of-a-life, I am grateful. And humbled.

[Trevor]

Irony, very funny. I agree with you that an actor doesn't need to be a drug addict to play a drug addict. Or be sterile to play a character that is sterile. And IDEALLY I would say the same thing with gay, straight, bisexual, asexual and transsexual characters. Unfortunately, that's not what happens. Instead there is stunt casting where straight actors play gay characters solely on the basis of gaining recognition, critical acclaim and creating buzz. There is no looking for the best actor irregardless of sexuality. It’s a hunt to see which straight actor will take a turn playing gay. And you can bet your life that it’s not the other way around.

"...characters in Kevin and Scotty is more important than any other consideration, I mean I would rather the characters were portrayed by any one rather than not at all."

Would you say that for a black character? What about a jewish or asian character?

[will]

ilovemylife: You seem TOO GOOD to be true. Always love reading your thoughts. I want to start my life over again, and I want you to be my mother. (Maybe I would grow up less neurotic & more at ease in the world). Yeah! The reason so many of us are concerned with the "gay issue" is that we've been burned by TV portrayals in the past. Growing up in the '70's & '80's, the best I could hope for in TV with a gay character were those "special" episodes of a show like "thitysometyhing" or "Roseanne" where you'd get a gay character for ONE show. I can't tell you how many times I saw that "one episode" sh*t. I knew I was gay when I was NINE, and I remember (at nine) seeing Steven Carrington on "Dynasty" come out. I remember Blake, his father, KILLING Steven's boyfriend after catching them embrasing. And if I remember correctly, Steven never had a boyfriend again (6 or 7 seasons & no boyfriend!). This kind of thing is par for the course. Other chances we might get to see a gay character were the TV movie-of-the-weeks, like "An Early Frost", gay characters usually died or were allowed to be "gay", but not actually have a sex life. ("Will and Grace"?) So, even in positive portrayals, most television gays could not be fully human, because audiences & sponsors got REALLY nervous if they touched or showed affection for one another (I remember Tom Hanks' lack of being able to show true affection for Antonio Banderas in "Philadelphia" - they were allowed to dance together, once, and that's it - it was, for me, jarring). Times have not changed so much. No matter what generation of growing up gay you are, we've been burned & disappointed time & again by a lack of recurring, fairly happy gay characters where we could tune in weekly and get what everybody else gets. We ALL need role models, especially gay kids who need to discover it's OK. Period. That happiness and acceptance are all the art of the possible. So....that's why the fuss over Kevin.

[Jen]

The coffee cup is hilarious. I can't watch tonight's show because of a horrible week ahead but it'll be the first thing I pop in the vcr Friday night.

It's kinda sad that I think its cool that I use the same pens as Dave but I do--this is approaching the level of my obsession for Grey's

[Adrianna]

Anti-Military, Anti-Religion, and the only political views expressed in the episode expressed by Ms. ACLU.

Can we have some balance on this show Please!

[Chelsea McQ]

Wow, I'm sad there's so much bad energy in this blog's comments.

On a good note, I loved tonight's episode. Sally nailed her scenes, as usual. I love that Matthew always had this veiled fear throughout the episode. And, I have to say it over and over again - Rachel G is awesome!!!!

[Gavin]

I cannot tell you how much I've missed this show in its absence. Also, fantastic food for thought on this thread. I'm of the school of thought that as long as the characters and relationships of Kevin, Scotty and whomever comes next are handled with sensibility and intregty then I'm going to be fine with it. I think the tremendously talented cast and crew with B&S has done so thus far, and I'm confident they'll continue to do so. The stories are more important than the private lives of people they cast to portray them in my opinion.

[jennifer]

Okay, sorry for the unrelated question, but it would be awesome if you all could list somewhere what songs are used for the soundtracks in the episodes. For instance, the last song from tonight's episode was great and I'd love to download it...just a suggestion!

[Question regarding song]

in tonight's episode... want to find out the name of the song that Ron Rifkin's character sang during the Hannukkah ceremony. It's a song my grandfather used to sing to me, and I haven't heard it in decades. It really caught me by surprise, and brought back many memories.
Thanks
RA in NY

[Donita B]

I love the show, I think it is understanding because it shows that families has familiy members who are struggling and are successful and there for each other not mater of the circumstances. I like the choise of music behind. I love each of the actors and I get psst when it doesn t show. Belive me when the DVD's come out, i be the first ones to buy it.
it dosent matter to me if they use gay or straight guys- it is the point of the story. Listen to the point of the story. You guys are great story writers and you better win, all of the actors are great and I am pleased of choice of actors and well put together family.

You all crack me up, arguing over a "gay" on the show. I know alot of gay, and they dont display it either, infact we were shock to know a couple of them were gay, look at the ex governor of NJ. would you had known it, no. Leave the gay matter alone. Each character is special and it takes a good actor to be willing to play that role-Maybe they tried to find some one to play as Kevin, and they just didnt pass the test. This show has a perfect cast-I hope we dont lose anyone- like we have had (died) they couldnt give us at least 3 shows with him. at least 3. did i miss the first 3? He played great with Sally field on Steel Magnolia, could you not alittle bit of him in certain family member memories? show ideas. Is he one of the directors or what?

[Sue]

I like the co-host on the show with Kitty and wanted him to be her love interest. I think bringing Rob Lowe in as a love interest is a very poor choice.

[Jim]

Cliff and Pete-congratulations on the airing of your first episode. It was excellent. You should be proud of yourselves.

[will]

First time in ALL episodes I've truly liked Holly. Holly's A-OK in my book! She's been shrouded in "mystery woman", "other woman" so long, it's good to see her step into the light and come into her own. In fact, it made me re-think the first 15 minutes: That damn Tommy, Saul & Sarah tried to SWINDLE her! Damn rats! Ice the cake however you want, they tried to pull a fast one and get her to cash in at sub-par prices, all with smiles. ... It got me thinking uneasily about that trios CHARACTER. Justin continues to amaze. His acting confidence now, & at the beginning of the season...wow! Someone to watch. He portrays this STRUGGLE within himself, the fears & yearnings & demons, very well. The script needed more zing...or BITE - ... something. When Sarah's daughter asked, "Mom, why did I get diabetes? Was I...bad?", I groaned. Lines like this shouldn't find their way into B&S scripts. It's a bum line. But luckily, for thudders like that, we also get the polished, sharp banter we love, as when Norah tells the child, "We're secular humanists, honey. We believe in the ACLU." That's Norah's Christmas cheer! Dave (Justin) is giving this show so much of it's heart. REAL heart, not the false kind you whip up with the diabetes line. (yes I feel sorry for kids with diabetes, but there are more graceful ways than shamelessly tugging at heartstrings.) This cast is incredible. No faults there. I don't want to make premature award predictions, because that's what Larry King & Rex Reed do, but it's time the writers step up to the plate (there may've been virgin screenwriters here - but you have Pulitzer nominees & seasoned scribes on the staff)...& equal the grace of the actors.

[Michelle]

Loved "Light the Lights"--way to go Cliff and Pete!!! Your episode did rock. The tension b/t Sarah and Holly--out of the ballpark--both are such exceptional actresses. Was teary at the end for Justin. Keep up the good work!

[kathy]

I wish that you had a writer that lived through the secret, double life of a husband. It is the loss of family, dreams, betrayal,love, and it is not ok. Yeah for Sarah that stands up for what she truly feels. I hope that they all deal with the reality and not build an illusion. That would give children that have truly lived through the tragedy of secrets and lies.