New Episode Sunday -- "Moral Hazard"

Where will "Moral Hazard" take these guys?

Greetings lovers (and ex-lovers) of our show.

Sunday night brings the promise of another new episode -- #215, "Moral Hazard" -- written by Sherri Cooper-Landsman and Jason Wilborn. This marks the first time Sherri and Jason have been teamed up, and Jason's second B&S writing credit over all.  (He last worked with David-Marshall Grant on #210 -- "The Feast Of The Epiphany.")

"Moral Hazard" is all about ramifications.  What the Golden Plum debacle will do to Ojai Foods; what Rebecca's jarring discovery that she is not a Walker will do to her and her mother; what news of a "fertile window" for conception will do to a couple trying desperately to conceive.  Drama is aplenty amid these ramifications, and you won't want to miss it. 

On a more personal note, many of you have commented quite negatively about the Rebecca storyline.

We all recognize that you have invested your time and emotions in our show, that we have a responsibility to you, and that you are entitled to your own opinions about our work.  More than that, we appreciate that you care enough about the Walkers to have strong ones.

Just know that we are as dedicated as ever to telling these stories in a way that balances comedy and drama, and that is grounded in emotional truth.  We believe we succeed at this more often than not, and we are proud of the end of the season.  Just watch and see.

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In other news --
Leonard Koplitsky -- the blogging videographer of "McCallister & Me" -- has returned to our site.  While basically no one, save for his family and friends, has shown any interest in Leonard thus far, I continue to hope he'll find his way into your hearts.

Though his days of spying on Senator McCallister may have ended with the Republican primary, Leonard has become quite attached to the Walker family.  The adventures he gets caught up in hovering in their midst will offer rabid fans an exciting glimpse into the coming week's episode.   

This week, Leonard goes to the movies with Justin and Rebecca in advance of "Moral Hazard"...

until next week
Your pal
Dan

Comments

[maria de albuquerque]

Congrats for Kevin/Scotty and Kevin/Saul scenes. Just great!!! Matthew Rhys is so amazing. Whoever did cast this wonderful actor was really intelligent!!!

[Scott]

In case my previous comments were overshadowed by what I had to say about the Justin/Rebecca storyline...

I just want to reiterate how beautiful and emotionally satisfying the Kevin/Saul and Kevin/Scotty proposal scenes were.

The former hit just the right note between regret and despair, as Saul finally bared his soul to his gay nephew. Ron Rifkin was marvelous. "How can I be a gay man at this age?" was so poignantly delivered. I really hope Saul can find happiness next season. He still has time left to live his life to the fullest.

And the proposal...well, it's difficult to describe in words how elated and thrilled I was after the scene ended. Jason and Sherri -- thank you for writing such an honest, heartfelt and real "proposal." And to Matthew and Luke -- you guys nailed it. How wonderful that Kevin was finally able to find the inner strength to get to this place and commit to Scotty for the long haul.

Those two scenes are easily two of the finest the show has produced yet. Crossing my fingers the finale follows suit.

[will]

Dan,

You know. it'd be really nice if you dropped us a silly note more than once a fortnight. We kind of miss you. The season is veering to a close....

I'm going to have to compose a Mass for the Dead for this place.

[will]

TWO MOMENTS

When Justin confesses his attraction of Rebecca to Kevin, there IS a bit of great physical comedy going on. They're both amped up with exaggerated body movements & vocal patterns & Matthew even gets a couple full body shots (for some damned reason Matthew can remind me of Cary Grant with that guy's great physicality in movies like "Bringing Up Baby" & "His Girl Friday").

Justin: God, Kevin, how are you not getting this? Look, I know you're gay, but you have EYES. She's not - like - unattractive, you know?

Kevin: (Spooked, rising) You're ATTRACTED to our sister?

Justin: Because I thought she WASN'T, that's what I'm saying...

Kevin: (paranoid, someone might hear, sweepingly closes office doors) God you are SICK. Have you two - ?

Justin: (blurring words together) NO! No, of course not! Look I swear! I only thought of this when the whole paternity thing came up. And it was, like, just a MOMENT. And now I'm freaked out because what if it happens again?

These two joust, and they both have funky vocal mannerisms going & superb comic timing (it's like a vaudevillian soft shoe). I'd like to reiterate my point that the writers could do well to invent more scenes between these two & KEEP THE CAMERA BACK! Let them move in full frame. Encourage it. Matthew is a very full-bodied expressive actor, he does multitudes of schtick exceedingly well. Think in terms of creating moderately over-the-top scenes & getting out of his way!

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Picking Saul up from the drunk tank, they have a genuine conversation in Kevin's car.

Kevin: Whatever you did to Ojai, it's no excuse to drive your car into a tree.

Saul: I didn't risk Ojai Foods to make money, Kevin. I did it to try and save my life. I want out. I want to be free.

The depth of emotion that Ron achieves when he wearily says, "I want out. I want to be free" is like nothing I've ever quite seen or heard on television before. It's odd music. In fact this whole plotline has suddenly become the freshest, most human storyline thus far in the series, because it is a situation network television never (or rarely) deals with, so a viewer has nothing exactly to compare it to.

Kevin: (an unspoken moment)....just say it....I love you, it's ok.

For Matthew, too, this is remarkably translucent, empathetic moment. It seems for a second they almost transcend the realm of acting, they're both so completely THERE, in the present.

Saul: I'm a gay man, Kevin. Tell me how I can be a gay man at my age?

Kevin: I don't know how to be a gay man at my age.

This is a bravura scene. Ron & Matthew hit notes that have simply never been heard before on american TV. When I learned about the idea of a senior man "coming out" (near this time last year) I mocked the story. It was a howler. We dished gay Uncle Saul jokes. But, somehow, Ron has managed to turn it into the most honest (and beautiful) thing around.

[gertidrew]

Please dont be discouraged on the negative reactions on J/R storyline. I am pretty sure you know what you're doing and this SL is great! I hope you guys are molding J/R for a long term relationship coz this has so much potential. Their situation is quite unique and the actors are absolutely amazing. Congratulations and I will continue to be your avid viewer for B&S.

[Tina]

Like the fact that sneaky Holly is back!

[kate]

I think this is just fantastic tv. I laughed and laughed at Dave Annable's "Justin" trying to sit with his feelings in Moral Hazard. Hilarious. I think it sucks that Emily isn't a Walker, but its fresh material. I would like to see Emily have a gallery opening and a blossoming photography career--to give her more roots than just the Walkers at this point. Could offer some fun party/drinking scenes and off-beat blips of hilarity amidst the drama. It might inspire Justin out of the house, too. You never know!

[kate]

I think this is just fantastic tv. I laughed and laughed at Dave Annable's "Justin" trying to sit with his feelings in Moral Hazard. Hilarious. I think it sucks that Emily isn't a Walker, but its fresh material. I would like to see Emily have a gallery opening and a blossoming photography career--to give her more roots than just the Walkers at this point. Could offer some fun party/drinking scenes and off-beat blips of hilarity amidst the drama. It might inspire Justin out of the house, too. You never know!

[Julien]

The de-Walkering of Rebecca is the lamest plot point ever. And will it be worth it in the long run? I don't think so! Frankly, Justin has more chemistry with Kevin than he does with Rebecca. I'm sorry but I can't buy that two people who thought they were siblings for a whole year would suddenly start dating. Not to mention that the writers have ignored that everyone commented on Rebecca's resemblance to William.

[Ryan]

The Kevin and Scotty proposal scene has had 70,000 hits on youtube in 2 days. That's insane. It was pretty cute ;) Now if you break them up I will hunt down all of you...

Just kidding.

Sort of.

[hs]

I like the Rebecca and Justin story line... the only thing that drove me crazy in the first place was that she lied. I know it is drama so it kind of has to be that way. But I like that she told him the truth this last episode. Interested to see where it's headed.

[CeCe]

Add me to the list of folks who cried during Kevin's proposal. I know, none of you are surprised. Heh.

It was truly beautiful and heartfelt and Matthew and Luke were perfect and amazing. I love how Scotty listened so intently to Kevin - with his hand on the side of his face. And when he said "Oh, my god! Is he ok?" about Saul and his coming out, I almost died from the beauty. It was gorgeous. I also loved how Luke's head turned juuuuust a fraction (almost imperceptible) when Kevin said "marry me", just before he whispered "whaaat?" I think I rewatched the scene several *cough*twenty*cough* times. The whole scene felt real and organic and ...well ... REAL. I can't think of a better word! These two felt like my true friends and I was cheering and crying and so freakin' happy for them both!!! Amazing. I could quote Kevin's whole speech, so I won't. Suffice it to say the scene was just the best. Perfect. Beautiful. Touching. Gorgeous.

And OMG, I am SO happy to see that you liked it, will!!!!! YAY! I freaking ADORE a happy will!!!

But I want to step back to the Kevin/Saul scene. My god. My heart was breaking the whole time, and I was so aching for Saul, and so proud of Kevin. When he said "Just say it. I LOVE YOU...it's ok." GAH. Saul really has missed his whole life. How do you move on from that? He looked so small and broken when Kevin reached over to help him buckle in. {{{Saul}}}

I'm bringing this quote from Scott (above) because it bears repeating:
"Matthew Rhys was last night's MVP. He was absolutely wonderful throughout. A great episode for Kevin, as he dealt with his family's various issues and finally took a big step forward in his relationship with Scotty. Bravo, writers, for that."

DITTO!

I won't speak about the Rebecca crap, because...blech. But Kevin/Saul? Kevin/Scotty? Kevin throughout? Best. episode. ever. for him.

THANK YOU!!

[will]

One thing that disappoints me: You seemed to have de-Walkered Rebecca to give her a "legitimate" romance with Justin, yet you also flirt with an incestuous theme, knowing that it is toothless, and trying to benefit from the best of both worlds.

I say they should have remained siblings, and you could have legitimately explored the unexpected feelings that arise from a true brother/half-sister attraction, as set up. This doesn't mean they have to act on it or go all the way (you can go as far as your personal discretions allow), but THAT is a far more interesting & provocative storyline.

Like Uncle Saul's story, it would be something extremely RARE on network TV, and handled like an artist, it could potentially be compulsively watchable.

Rebecca, de-Walkered, will no longer remain quite as watchable. Now, it's just another romance.

[Lee]

Thank you so much for the beautifully written proposal scene with Kevin & Scotty. "Because I changed the lighbulbs?" is an instant classic response. Luke and Matthew nailed that scene, as always.

I would have loved more screentime to show the relationship development of this couple. I think we missed a little TOO much while other stories received too much time. But I understand about the strike and compressing.

I am putting my faith in you that the wedding/vows/reception will be a beautiful and heartfelt event.

[Lee]

P.S. Please make me cry again during the ceremony this week? It takes some doing, but you got my tears last week during the Kevin/Saul scene and the proposal.

[Bern]

I am so hooked on this show and am so sad the season finale is this Sunday. I don't know how I will be able to wait until next season!! I love the direction that the Rebecca and Justin storyline is going; they have great chemistry together. This proves to be a hot storyline. I would love to see Kitty get pregnant(I am an infertility nurse).I love all the characters and I am a loyal fan. You are all very talented writers. I can't wait to see what is in store next season; keep up the great work!!

[Ally]

Matthew Rhys was awesome in all his scenes! The proposal at the end was so sweet. The actors nailed the scene!

For Rebecca, I don't care so much that she's not a walker anymore because I trust you to make amazing scenes with this!
but I don't see her with Justin. the things seemed rushed to me and I just can't see them together! I just have to wait and see what happens next !

[abdus salam]

it was uplifting/refreshing and inspiring to see an american show showing gay marriage proposal on prime time. it was some thing. Hope to see more!
dynamics of a gay relationship just like any one in a straight or gay relationship after commitment hopefully with positivity.

[lisa]

great epi

rachel griffiths is outstanding...

(annable and mac farlane are not good actors for me) but the rest of cast is pretty

so...

rebecca justin story is just boring,boring

[mark]

Will you ever give Calista Flockhart a storyline that is worthy of her talent?

[will]

If Rebecca loses her Walker status, her story can still provide a pleasant diverting romance I suppose , but it loses the heightened viewer frisson as were Justin to fall in love with his half sister.

Tennessee Williams would have instructed you writers (and showrunners) to keep Rebecca a Walker, and to keep the interplay between them, by turns, light and taboo, quiet, fueled by dark desires.

What's best about this scenario (besides it being infinitely more honest than de-Walkering her specifically to play romance with Justin), is the after-effects, the messy feelings that linger once the story in resolved.

"Brothers and Sisters" has a tendency to want resolved, tidy, wrapped up storylines. True artists, by nature, are comfortable with mess, indecision and states of unresolve (Plato, Shakespeare, Milton's "Paradise Lost", Henry James, Tennessee Williams, Joan Didion's essays). This creates history for us, the audience, and history for the characters. Synthetic resolves don't create much of anything. Like Isaac, Lena, and Graham's departure, and that "Ojai is ok!" cliche, we viewers acknowledge the story is "over", take away nothing and move on to the next.

Keep the mess and desires lingering. Not just at the "end", but throughout the stories, too. It's a philosophy more compatible with good drama and actual life.

[Kelsey Lynn]

omg! I knew justin and rebecca were gonna get together from the beginning of the season!I could just feel that she wasn't their sister! I absolutly love this show and the Justin/Rebecca chemistry is soooo realistic. WOW!

p.s. Justin is soooooo HOTTTTTTTTTT!

[Scott]

I was going to post that I believe the Justin/Rebecca plot appeals disproportionately to the youth demographics...

But I think they've done my work for me.

I sincerely hope the show will retain enough of the mature, stophisticated subplots that accounted for why many of us fell in love with the show in the first place. One can only hope that Justbecca (even the "shipper" abbreviation sounds juvenile) won't take over the show.

There are a lot of fans who value a show like B&S precisely because of its intelligent storytelling and credible character development. Please don't lose sight of your audience.

[Joan]

I loved the show, and what I loved most of all was that the show didn't focus on Kitty and Rob. Finally, some more interesting story lines among the other characters.

Justin's rebuke of Rebecca as a liar was harsh and just too obvious. Of course, we all know she's playing out her family script just like her mother, didn't need to see this played out so blatantly. I hope there's room for redemption here, can we change the family script through her relationship with Justin? I knew from Rebecca's comment in a previous episode, something about not wanting to lose the Walker family that, yep, she wouldn't be related and would end up with Justin as a member of the family anyway.

Okay, the question for me is what Greek incestuous, treacherous, murderous, Oedipal play is this based on? The plot lines are just too twisted, as all good Greek plays are.

Great stuff, just wish I didn't have to wait so long for each episode.

[will]

Episode title: "Life is a Cabaret" (Pt. 1 of 7)

The first shot we see is of young Paige singing with and moving in sync to Liza Minelli in a DVD Uncle Kevin has given to her:

What good is sitting alone in your room?
Come hear the music play.
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Come to the cabaret.

Obviously Paige has been closely studying this piece of digital video for days and is enjoying the decadent pleasures it provides. We see Cooper outside on the front sidewalk killing bugs & ants with a hammer, as little kids are want to do. Sarah has driven off to the convenience market for Tylenol.

Suddenly, an armed gunman is seen exiting the neighbor's house with a bound and gagged Zachary, the clean-cut 17-year-old marijuana dealing Mormon boy who lives next door. A frightened Cooper instinctively hides behind a tree. The gunman pushes Zach into the backseat of a Jaguar, all in broad daylight, and speeds away.

Paige is still perfectly mimicking Liza as Sally Bowles and having an exuberant time:

I used to have a girlfriend known as Elsie
With whom I shared four sordid rooms in Chelsea
She wasn't what you'd call a blushing flower...
As a matter of fact she rented by the hour.

END SCENE 1