From the Writers of Last Night's Episode

Today we have a double-post, courtesy of the writers of "Something Ida This Way Comes" -- Sherri Cooper and David Marshall Grant. From now on, we're going to try and have the writers weigh in on their episodes Monday morning.
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"Tales from the Blogger Virgin"
by Sherri Cooper

OK, so we writers have just been informed that we must now Blog about our episodes from here on out,  (is that even a verb and is it supposed to be capitalized?)  and of course, timing being what it is, DMG and I are up first, but because I’m the newbie here on staff, because alphabetically, it’s me before him, and mostly because David seems to have taken on Ida as his new alter ego and quickly ushered me off to take the initial stab, here I am.

Mulling over potential blog fodder (can I use it as an adjective?), struggling to figure out what exactly a blog entails (I know it’s a noun), and trying not to be paralyzed by mounting performance anxiety, but the truth is, I’ve never actually blogged before.   Yes, I am a Blogger Virgin.

I’m not completely out of the cultural loop, it’s just that I went off and procreated.  And then I was busy, doing the whole mommy thing from home, until just this past November, when Greg and Robbie dragged me in from the neighborhood sandbox.

I’m still dumping sand out of my shoes as I sit here mulling over other people’s blogs and “Something Ida This Way Comes.”  Which, incidentally, was a bottle episode.  Which, come to think of it, seems apropos, given that I spent much of the last two years dealing with bottles.  Baby bottles that is.  Granted, TV Bottles are something completely different, but I did warn you I’m new at this, right?   

Anyhow, a Bottle Show is an episode where we use only our own sets, and a very limited guest cast in order to save production money.  And so the challenge with a bottle episode is to not only come up with a story you can tell using only the show’s basic elements, but also one that won’t feel… well, bottle-y.  Generally, it’s best to do a big event in a bottle show, an event where you can hang all your stories in and around the same sets, and where it makes sense for all your characters to converge.   Enter Nora’s birthday. 

The truth is, the more we talked about it, the more it felt right that the Walker kids would do something special for Nora on this landmark birthday, her first birthday without William.  Their first birthday without their dad.  And wouldn’t it be fun to finally meet Nora’s mother?  And so we had the seeds of the episode.

Conveniently, I had just thrown my own mother’s 60 surprise party this past summer, and so I had all sorts of fodder to pull from – yes, the surprise got botched, and hours before my mom arrived, I discovered our colorful palette suddenly made the dinner table look like a scene from King Arthur’s court...  And so we had a fun “runner”.

As for Kitty and McAllister… We knew that Kitty would invite the Senator to Nora’s party because, well, he is saving the day with his chef.  But after all the family chaos, the drama with Kevin, the sex tape, and then Sarah walking in confused, she wants to escape, and bringing him into her closet for a drink seemed like the natural thing to do.   And as we thought about this scene, we realized Kitty’s closet would be filled with clothing from her past life in New York--there’d be winter sweaters, and winter clothing, and of course, fabulous shoes.  Because, let’s face it, she was living in New York.  And she’d have the footwear to go with that.  And as we talked about it, we realized her shoes could tell stories about her past.  I know mine can.  My pre-baby shoes reveal a time of dancing on tables between a tortured playwright and a club promoter, a Halloween party, an ex-boyfriend...  And so Kitty shares bits of her past and there’s a connection between her and McAllister.

As for Ida… Well, I’m gonna pass the baton to David on this one.   
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"Picking Up Where She Left Off"
by David Marshall Grant

Let me start by saying, isn’t it annoying when people claim to be ill prepared for a task, or rusty, or lacking any of the requisite experience and then turn out to be incredibly good at it? Like that kid in high school who said he didn’t have time to study and then got an A on the final.

Or the friend who says she hasn’t played tennis in years and then beats you in straight sets. All I’m trying to say is Coop has nothing to worry about.  Aside from being a natural blogger (see above) she’s a great writer (see “Something Ida This Way Comes.”)  We really had a blast with this episode. It broke (that’s TV for figuring out the story. Berlanti says it’s funny when I use TV lingo.  I only do it because this is my first time (Oh, my God, am I pulling a Cooper?) writing for TV and I just can’t get enough of the vernacular. Like “bottle episode.” Coop covered that, but isn’t that cool. “Bottle episode.” Who knew? Or “act out.” That’s, pretty obviously I guess, the last line before the end of an act. I could go on, but you get the picture.) Anyway, I was trying to say the story broke easily and it was clearly going to be a little wackier than usual. So we just let our hair down and tried to have as much fun as possible.

Of course in TV anything is possible and once we were done with the blue pages (more lingo: the second published draft of the script is in blue. The next draft is pink… And then get this, golden rods. I don’t know why I love that one the best, but I do), we were told that Calista was really sick and had to be taken out of two scenes. So Coop and I figured out how to give two whole scenes to Kevin that were originally hers. Can you guess which ones? And after that was all figured out we went on vacation so it was nearly three weeks before we were back shooting. The whole thing became a little disjointed in our minds, so it was such a pleasure to watch the final cut and see what a good job Michael Lange did directing and, of course, what the actors did acting. A word about our actors… I don’t think it’s possible for a show to have a better group of them. We really have the most insanely talented, funny, deep, sexy, charismatic group of performers one could ever wish for. Every week they make the scripts better than they were on the page, which is what you dream an actor will do. And being an erstwhile one myself, I can tell you it’s often the other way around.

As for Ida, all mothers are a little like her, aren’t they? Or maybe not. But what I thought was most interesting about bringing Nora’s mom one was she was also Saul’s mom. We are reminded that there are another set of brothers and sisters in this show and it’s them. And watching them do their scenes was like such a window into their childhoods. Suddenly you could see Nora and Saul as kids fighting on some other set on some other show so many years ago.

The only other thing I’d thought I’d tell you is that I have come off the famous fast (four days) only to go to the gym to do wind sprints (I know – what was I thinking?) and my back has gone out… way out. I am a pathetic sight as I hobble down the hallway. Bye from Burbank.

Comments

[mark]

My favorite blog to date!

THREE QUESTIONS
1. Why was the decision made to have Kitty switch jobs?
2. What happens if Rob Lowe doesn't return next year?
3. And why wasn't Warren ever properly written out of the show? He was a pretty big part of it. I guess he could come back at some point..

Funniest episode of the season; just a whole lot of fun. The cast deserved a SAG ensemble nomination.

[Hope]

I LOVE LOVE your show...even my husband likes it and he doesn't like to watch much TV. The chemistry between all the main characters are GREAT. Rob Lowe is YUMMY. Keep up the good writing and the awesome casting.

[BroSisFan]

I just have to say that I could not agree with you more about the cast of Brother & Sisters. I look forward each week to the latest episode and tune in to see what drama will unfold. I love the way the actors play off one another and I have to admit adding Rob Lowe was brilliant. Thanks for wonderful writing. Looking forward to next week!

Wonderful, HILARIOUS episode! Keep up the great work.

[will]

Last night's FEEL...the episode had a real relaxed ebb & flow - this conversation merging into that one, some of the humorous, sarcastic dialogue between the sibs overlapping.
Calista & Rob Lowe may have shared a quiet scene in the closet, but last night was the episode where they came out of the closet, so to speak, in terms of inter-personal chemistry. I am digging Calista now. The shoe scene was nice: felt personal, human, with things left unsaid. I am really grooving on Rob Lowe. When he delivered deli soup near the end, & the silly conversation with Sally at the door.... Underplayed, soft sense of humor, fair, decent guy. He comes through. Can't help but like the guy. By the way, the tics & mannerisms Calista has as an actress (fluttering hands, slightly stuttering, ditsy speech patterns) match up PERFECTLY with Sally. Like mother, like daughter; inspired casting. Put Calista with the wrong actor (whoever played Jonathan) and it's a downer. The show comes to a halt. But she comes alive with Sally & Rob - and especially Kevin! Calista gets bratty & caustic, a whole range of fleeting emotions with Kevin. They play off each other fabulously. That slippery, elusive thing "chemistry"! You folks have it good with these pairings. Scenes "click".
About Matthew & Jason Lewis: It's great to see them in bed together. Great seeing Matthew's hairy chest next to Jason. The IMAGE is there. Two quick kisses, like bookends (One at the beginning of the show, one at the end). But for a relationship based almost entirely on sex (at least from character Chad's POV), you'd think there'd be some sexual chemistry & a sexual transformation & we'd see DEEPER into Chad's character than we do. Sex is their primary means of communication (thus far) - it's how they CONNECT - it's not like they're talking over the meaning of life or have common interests. So we NEED sexual compatibility & interplay to make it believable.
Lots of little stuff really worked for me: Norah's drinking the mini-sized bottle of booze! Sally was so hilarious quickly chugging it! The last scene was truly sweet: Kitty, Kev & Tommy all sick & still wisecracking & bickering. And my favorite exchange of the night:
(Kevin feeling ill, gets out of bed, about to vomit)
Chad: Bro, are you OK?
Kevin: Ummm, first thing...(he takes a sip of water)...let's leave "bro" from the bedroom....
Matthew Ryhs fits into character Kevin hand-in-glove. He startles me sometimes, he's so good. This is potentially the most believable gay character (channeled through Matthew) that TV has ever had. Casting Matthew as Kevin Walker was "good chemistry".

[stevenscollege]

For those who dont know,David Marshall Grant was the original "Joe Pitt" in "Angels in America" on broadway and was in the famous "30-something" scene in `89 which showed two men in bed (just chatting mind you). So there you go, people involved in this show have been pushing the "gay agenda" for almost 20 years, well done I say and what did the haters do back in `89 with no `net to bitch on?

[Kong Chang]

Thank you writers for coming on board! I love reading writer's thoughts of their shows being taped and eventually aired. It's great to hear their own opinions of what they write and what eventually ends up and interpreted by the actors.

Coop, you did a great job capturing the essence of the family ordeal.

David, you are a god of words for all things Kevin. :)

[Carrie]

You guys wrote a fantastic episode last night. Funniest of the season. And I love whoever is responsible for putting Rob Lowe back on my screen every week.

[R Clement]

Been a big fan from the beginning, however, I'm really losing interest w/the show because of the homosexual content. You're really loading it up with the stuff, too. Yes, I disagree with that life style but I don't judge those that do it! I just don't want that much exposure to their life style. I have no interest in experiencing homosexual affection. Certainly because I don't agree with the lifestyle I prefer not to have the visual aid. But, hey, I got the relationship just fine without all the bedroom scenes and the kissing. You bring too much distraction and separation of life style when you get that graphic. Really disappointed! I looked forward to the show every week. I'll miss it!

[Fan]

I loved the show until you started having the men kiss and then being in bed together. I can handle talking about being gay, but I cannot handle the scenes of the gay scripts. Take these out and I will be a fan again.

[will]

I am not trying to ridicule anyone here. Just go with me. A coupla viewer comments from last night's show:

"Watching 2 men 'get it on' was just too much....you will doom this program to an early grave if you continue along these lines"......JOY
"Explicit....over the top....if ABC plans to continue with the gay love scenes we will not be viewers for long"......PAT
"If the gay part was left off, you could have all types of people as your audience"......JANICE

Were you & I watching the SAME episode? Explicit? Over the top?? I had this subversive feeling that I watched the actual episode & you 3 above watched triple X gay porn. If you watched gay porn, you're absolutely right, it should NOT be broadcast via network TV into your living room! All of us CONNECT at some point in our lives through sex. Sex is NATURAL, makes us human. Hetero sex, homo sex, are both as NATURAL to the human (and animal) species as hunger & thirst. These are primary urges that go deeper than you homophobes seem to acknowledge. This "taboo" you have toward homo-sex is all IN YOUR MIND. It's man-made. Take a deep breath now. Get some rational thinking going.

[Jim]

Super fun blog entry. I enjoyed the behind the scenes info:)

[Carol]

I love and respect Sally Fields and her character Nora Walker. But seeing previews of next weeks (1/28) show..did I see her smoking a joint? Please stop already. That's terrible! Plz pull it off. Approval on something illegal??

[Carol]

What happened to Treat Williams? It would've been great to have him join Nora for her 60th party. Please bring him back on the show.

[Marc]

David,

You have been an excellent addition to this writing staff and last night's episode was fantastic. I have been at family functions that were rough been and my sister and I would scrounge for alcohol. Dead on. David, I have been a fan since you played Russell on my beloved "Thirtysomething". I know you still act as well as being a playwright, having seen you in "Prada", although you are much too young to play Anne Hathaway's dad. Sherri Cooper, you've written some excellent episodes of "Everwood". You are a wonderful addition as well. This show is pure pleasure. Kudos to all the wonderful actors as well as Jon Robin Baitz, Ken Olin, Greg Berlanti and everyone else behind the camera.

[will]

Stevenscollege: Thanks for the "Angels in America" info. I own the DVD & I love Patrick Wilson in the Joe Pitt role (& Mary Louise-Parker, she's such a beautiful mess! Popping pills & flirting with madness. I eat that stuff up.). You probably think we're insanely behind the times here with the homophobes. Is it very different in Britain? Seems like you all are more respectful of diversity over there. (BTW, saw the british "Queer as Folk" on DVD recently & liked it MUCH better than the Showtime series here. And you guys broadcast yours on network TV, right?)

[Marion]

(To Carol regarding Nora smoking a joint)

Are you serious!? ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have to say, the comments on this blog are ALMOST funnier than the show. Not quite, but almost!:)

[brenda]

Love love love these people - warts and all - Ida could so be my mother (and me?) As someone almost 60 whose three children remind me of Justin, Tommy and Sarah I say thank you - for showing a real family - only prob with the b'day show is that Holly couldn't be part of it - I can't wait for the next show - and please, keep the Senator!

[Candi]

Last night's episode, was so great...funny, touching, smart, and so perfectly acted by the best cast, on television. My husband, who could care less about most shows on television, and usually who watches tv out of the corner or is eye, while doing something else...loves B&S, almost as much as i do, and i'm slightly obsessed. We both love Kevin, we think he's one the most likable, smart and funny characters on television, and we appreciate that he's treated with so much love, dignity and respect, not just some throw away gay character that's thrown in because it's the happening thing these days. Gay people are part of families, who love them unconditionally and include them in every aspect of family life, not just some dirty little secret...hid away in the closet.

If two men kissing, so briefly that if you blink you'll miss it, is so upsetting to you, and your response is to want the creators and writers of B&S, to make you feel more comfortable....maybe you should make the personal choice, not to watch because as long as it's on, i'm making the personal choice to continue to watch....two men kissing, and all.

p.s. I love David Marshall Grant!!

[ShaunaLynne77]

Well, up here in Canada it gets pretty cold in winter. But the heat on B&S has been warming me up week after week. In every character storyline...Joe/Tommy and their wives...Kevin and the classy gay storyline (you will all eventually win the skeptics over, in the meantime, don't take any of it out) and of course Kitty and the senator. Please keep Rob Lowe in the show. They are fabulous together. I do agree with the previous post to bring back Treat Williams soon...

Fantastic Show. Fantastic Writing. This is no second place to Grey's. The writing is dead on par with that much-publicized show (also a huge fan but the writing is equally fantastic to me). There is no better feeling than protecting an episode on my PVR just to return to it again mid-week. Good luck to everyone and this better make a second and third season because it's fantastic.

[sarah]

Anyone know the name of the song that played on last nights episode when Nora and her mother were in the bedroom toward the end?

[Sue]

I won't be watching the show if there is more men-on-men loving. I think there is too much hetero sex going on as well. I know sex sells but it is an easy way to fill the 40 minutes of show time. Write a better plot with interesting dialog.

[will]

I don't know if this is germain to the conversation, but everyone please remember that in other times & other cultures (Greece 1200BC to the fall of Alexander & after / & Rome till around 3rd century AD) for almost a full millenium & a half (that I know of) homosexual relations were, in fact, "normal" (among the men at least). Alexander the Great (who died in his early '30's, just shy of Kevin's age)) was what we'd now call "bi-sexual". It is so clear to me that if we could all peer into a telescope & see the world 100 years from now, we'd see a world where gay sex is again normal (no quotes). It's coming down the pike. And the world won't collapse or burst into hell-fire either. Trust me, life will go on. All of us will be dead by then, & maybe they can take a look at this blog & get confused by all the haters & bigoted posting & the fuss.

[Jim]

Will, I laughed until I cried reading your various "takes" in the other thread, the compilations of all the ridiculous, homophobic comments. Thanks for your sense of humor. The comments alone would make me sad, but you putting them all together in a kind of top ten list was a hilarious view of backwards thinking in America! Thanks

[Maxine]

First, let me just say I thought this was the finest episode so far. An absolute classic. I laughted so hard last night with all that snappy, fast and furious dialogue. Share brilliance.

I LOVED the whole closet scene at the end with brothers Kevin, Justin, Tommy and sister Sarah. I LOVED all the scenes between Nora and her mother. And I LOVED the brilliant scene with the grandmother and the rest of the family. Plus, the ending with Kitty, Kevin and Tommy all sick with mom acting...well motherly. Just wonderfully written and acted. This whole episode was great!!

Now, I have to address Matthew Rhys as Kevin...What a fantastic job My Rhys is doing as Kevin. He embodies his character 100%+. The life in which he pumps into his role is share brilliance. Unfortunately, Mr Jason Lewis just isn't up to par. He lacks any kind of chemistry with Matthew Rhys, unlike the amazing chemistry which Matthew Rhys had with Luke MacFarlane as Scotty. And the kisses between Rhys and Lewis only work because Matthew Rhys make's it work. Mr Rhys get"s it!! He's suppose to be in awe of this closeted Soap Star, so he put's in every effort to make the audience believe this, but Jason Lewis next to Mr Rhys just lacks credibility.

And now i'm going to be totally shallow...Thanks for not only the lip lock between Rhys and Lewis, but also the gorgeous chestplate of his on display in that bedroom scene. He's just so beautiful.

Oh, and congratulations on keeping the rating going strong in light of the juggernaut which is the NFL playoffs. Considering the game ran way past 10:00pm, it's quite something for Brothers And Sisters to maintain it's audience. I'm sure once the football is over Brothers And Sisters ratings will grow even more.

And if at all possible, try not to pay too much attention to the disgraceful and homophobic remarks coming from some of thesse bloggers. These are the some people who promised to not watch when Kevin and Scotty locked lips at the begining of the season, then promised to not watch last week when Kevin and Chad locked lips, and now they promise to not watch again this week after Kevin and Chad locked lips, not once but twice while in bed. And the moaning shall continue. It's now becoming comedic having to read their infantile feedback.

This show is doing something that no other network tv station has done before...present to the audience a beautiufully realized and unapologetic gay male character who stands toe to toe with all the other main characters on the show. Thank you so much for this. And it's about damn time!!