Don't Shoot the Messenger

Hey everybody. Just a few things to share on this lovely Thursday morning.

Unfortunately, it is not a new episode on Sunday night. This Sunday, April 22nd, will be our last repeat of the season.  Starting Sunday the 29th will be new episodes every week straight through to the end. I understand how frustrating it can be, what with the losing of momentum and all. Trust me, we feel the same way. We appreciate everyone's patience and tolerance. Just one more week!

When new episodes do start up, there are four more until the end of the season. For a tease of what's to come, here are the episode titles for the remaining shows -
Episode 122 - "Bad News" written by Monica Owusu-Breen & Alison Schapker
Episode 123 - "Grapes of Wrath" written by Sherri Cooper-Landsman & David Marshall Grant
Episode 124 - "Favorite Son" written by Benjamin Kruger & Daniel Silk
Episode 125 - "Matriarchy" written by Greg Berlanti & Jon Robin Baitz

We're very excited about delivering a killer ending to our first season. Without revealing the exciting things to come, I will say that the finale brings some peace to existing story lines, but also sets the stage for some big things in season 2.

Also, a side note about comments.  We appreciate and relish in hearing your thoughts and maintaining a dialog with our viewers. I do my best to publish all comments with a few exceptions. If the comment is obscene, overly hateful or nasty I will not publish it. I do not wish to edit people thoughts or feelings, but there is a level of appropriateness that needs to be respected. In addition, for sensible reasons, we ask that you not use the comments section to propose your own story lines or write fan fiction. We appreciate your desire to contribute to the creative content of the show, but for various reasons ask that you refrain in this regard.

Happy Thursday!

-art alamo

Comments

[Lee]

"So many real thoughts and ideas and what is wonderful is that the show and the GAY storyline (sorry tessa and Lee) have allowed the students to ask me questions - faculty members wondering if my life is anything like Kevin's."

Bobby - I am on your side.

Tessa, and anyone who is offended by Kevin's storyline, are all welcome to change the channel.

For those people, I would invite them to watch the first episode of "Queer as Folk", and still contend that ANY of Kevin's scenes in "Brothers & Sisters" is "intimate" or graphic.

[will]

I have to say, I love the passion that "playagirl" brought to her last comment ("Sorry doesn't cut it on the re-runs.... apologize all you want...tired of being disappointed...done with this show"). It had that slight tinge of becoming out of control, like Judy Garland with a few coctails in her.

I, too, feel this way sometimes, but can never give the show up....Matthew Rhys is too perfect a fit for Kevin. He is effortlessly gay & effortlessly human (& THAT is how we'll end up changing hearts & minds across the nation - gay & human). About the way "Brothers & Sisters" jiggled around it's remaining episodes: The next "sweeps" period is April 26 - May 23. There are four Sundays in this sweeps period & because of the jimmying & padding (strategically placed re-runs) of the B&S schedule the past few months, four episodes remain now for sweeps.

Bookends: The first aired B&S episode was entitled "Patriarchy". Art tells us the finale episode is entitled "Matriarchy" (As Borat would say, "Nice!") According to Art, Greg Berlanti & Robbie Baitz are authoring this finale. They are both fine writers when they focus & invest the time needed for (what I hope is) a smashing season conclusion.

[broncos]

I just have to say that I love this show! I have watched from the very first second. Sally - you rock! And I am so happy to see Rob Lowe in another great show now that West Wing is no longer an option. I have loved Patricia Wetting since thirtysomething. The entire cast, story, etc is outstanding. Keep up the awesome work and hope you guys are around for a long, long time. I love you Sally!

[Ramz]

This is my first comment here. I have been following B&S on Global in Toronto, and since this week's episode didn't air I got worried and started poking around on the web to see why. I couldn't find any explanation on the Global's site, but I'm hoping it will be back to normal with Global (as was mentioned here for abc) coming next week. It would be a shame to miss the few remaining episodes of this season. A word of reassurance would be good though if anyone knows something on this matter.

That aside, I also wanted to congratulate you on a great series. The storylines so far have been mostly compelling, the characters are believable, and the performances are superb.

I see from some of the materials on this blog that you are receiving credit for your efforts (well aside from cheering of your eager viewers :)), and I am sure there are a lot more to come. Thanks for the great show!

[Ramz]

Oh, I guess it didn't take long for my second comment :). I was prompted by reading some of others' postings including Tessa's.

Tessa, of course not watching anymore is always an option (which seems to be what you have chosen), and from your comment it might not be a bad idea, since you consider a few kisses as being "out of control"! But still I hope that you learn to regard gays with the same frame of mind as others, who should have the same rights and privileges, not as a minority to be segregated or "controlled". Watching this show might help you to take the first step, since Kevin's persona fits the bill perfectly so to speak, as he's a multi-dimensional character who happens to be gay, meaning while his sexual orientation is an important facet of his life, it does not define him.

Limiting the discussion to B&S, practically, what you are advocating is censorship of any degree of intimacy for this character. Frankly, if your definition of "certain freedoms" does not allow the same intimate scenes for Kevin as the rest of the characters, then it's in dire need of expansion.

For me, Kevin's characterization is one of the most attracting features of this show, both his relation with the rest of the family AND his social life, and I think eliminating the latter would render him dull and insipid.

[fifi]

Just wondering if you guys can do something about the lack of B&S promos being shown during the week.

Unfortunately, I missed this week's promo cause it was shown after a rerun and I sat down all night watching abc last night with the hope that I would be able to catch the promo and No Show! there wasnt any..please help!

[fifi]

Oh and how cute and sexy is Rob Lowe!!! Simply adorable!

[amanda]

i love this show...so so so so much..it is like when you watch a movie you almost don't want to end.. and they made a show like that...i love everything about this show except kevin's inept dating habits..lol!

[will]

amanda: Now don't you kinda mean you LOVE Kevin's ineptness on the dating circuit? I think his bumbling & fidgeting is downright charming. The day he starts getting smooth in the dating pool is the day I like him a whole lot less.

I've seen tons of promos for "Desperate Housewives" at any rate. ABC is plugging hard for sweeps. As long as B&S can hold onto a sizeable chunk of "Desperate's" audience all will be well (see, look at that. We're all couch-potato executives). It would be wise to promote Thursday nights & Sunday nights, respectively, as "blocks" of entertainment though.

Hey Mr. Art. I feel some heavy-duty "fan fiction" coming on! I have concocted some wild outrageous dating scenarios for Kevin. With a funky Pakistani who lives in a beachhouse in Venice. But I will refrain from regaling you with specific plot points.

I am only yanking your chain, Art. We all love you.

[emily]

I just want to say that me and my friends love this show!...we get together every sunday to watch and we spend all week gearing up for the next episode...I originally tuned in as a follower of greg berlanti because I was an everwood lover, and now I'm totally hooked...the writing and acting is superb and Brothers and Sisters is totally one of my favorite shows

[Y]

I was just talking about this show with a friend of mine who has one sibling. She said she saw it once but couldn't get into it. For me, I have three siblings, 2 step siblings, three sibs in-law, 3 step-in-law and a whole bunch of married ins.
I get what you're doing and love it. Keep it up. And here's to a short break . . . Bring on the new episodes!

[Debbie]

Hey,

Love the blog. I'm new to the B&S party and I'm so glad I came. My fav character is Kevin and his storyline and it's what pulled me in. The other aspect of the show that I so love are the way women are portrayed as people rather than sexual objects and the whole adolescent will they or won't they. I love the familial relationships which are so universal. Who can't relate to the tele-sib/telegraph gossiping and bickering. And Sally Fields as Nora is pitch perfect!!! Holly an her nemesis is awesome!! Kudos to you, the producers, actors, and ABC Disney for keeping it real, entertaining and fun.

[Sheryl]

I have a request. In the "Grapes of Wrath" episode--Kevin is telling everyone about Kitty's upcoming nuptials to the Senator and then says---"I don't know why I say these things--it's like I have Tourettes." Please--that is NOT funny ! Unless you have a child or loved one with Tourettes,you have NO idea how hurtful that comment was. I have an 11 year old son that is bullied every day --so don't ask me to lighten up. Educate yourself and have some respect,please.

[Johnathan]

Sheryl, the "Tourettes" comment is meant to be a joke.