This Sunday: Episode 310-- "Just a Sliver"

Written by David Marshall Grant & Molly Newman
Directed by Michael Schultz

The Walker children plan to go their separate ways on Thanksgiving, much to Nora's chagrin. But when Tommy's daughter needs a transplant from a biological parent, the family pulls together—and the brothers are forced to face the truth of baby Elizabeth's paternity.

"Just a Sliver" is our last episode of 2008, but here's what you can look forward to in January... the synopses are forthcoming, so instead we Googled each episode title and used the first listing that popped up as a Walker family gift idea.

311-- "A Father Dreams"
Written by Jennifer Levin & Michael Foley
Directed by Tom Amandes
Google Result-- The Amazon website for "Dreams From My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance" by Barack Obama. We'll be sure to buy a copy for resident politicos Kevin, Kitty and Robert-- although we're guessing Nora is the family Obama-holic.

312-- "Sibling Rivalry"
Written by Josh Reims & Liz Tigelaar
Directed by Jeff Melman
Google Result-- The website for "Sibling Rivalry Restaurant--Boston Fine Dining." Maybe we should send the Walker brothers a gift certificate--they could talk over their issues while eating "a dueling menu" created by the head chefs (who are brothers--hence the restaurant's name).

313-- "It's Not Easy Being Green"
Written by Sherri Cooper-Landsman & Peter Calloway
Directed by Laura Innes
Google Result-- Of course, a YouTube link to a Kermit the Frog clip! Perfect to share with Cooper and Paige.

314-- "Owning It"
Written by David Marshall Grant & Clifford Olin
Directed by Bethany Rooney
Google Result-- An Amazon link to "Owning it: Stories about Teens with Disabilities" by Donald R. Gallo. I'd gift this to Nora-- she can put it in the library at the Center.

"But wait," you might say, "Stop these Google games! I want to know what you're working on, RIGHT NOW!!!"

"Okay, okay," we say, "Calm down, breathe into this paper bag, and we'll tell you..."

Breaking: 319
Writing: 318
Shooting: 317
Posting: 3-Everything-That's-Coming-Up

Okay, that's all from us. Lunch is calling...

XOXO,
Cole & Elysse

Comments

[will]

A Note from the Peanut Gallery

When I saw that David and Molly wrote this episode AND that Michael Schultz directed, I knew this would be a top-notch offering.

Directors on network TV, for some reason, with any sense of personal directorial flair and style (PANACHE!) tend to be few and far between (why is this? Is a personal directorial "stamp", an individual distinctive style, BAD for a series? Everything works on tv to flatten out and nullify distinctivity in its directors). I DISTINCTLY remember googling Michael Schultz after watching "Everything Must Go" because there was a Robert-Kevin-Kitty scene in Robert's office (where he offers Kevin a job) that actually had rhythm and brio! (verve, flourish, elan!); it was almost jarring... you could sense the temperament of an individual director-artist working underneath the images (Michael goes back to the late '60's and early '70's directing "To Be Young, Gifted and Black", "Cooley High" and "Car Wash"... I don't know this dude's story but there certainly weren't a lot of African-Americans directing in movies or tv at this time; just that Melvin Van Peebles guy that I've read about - "Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song"; Michael has to be something of a trailblazer).

And David and Molly are one of "Brothers and Sisters"' best writing teams.

By the way, David, just in case you happen to read this: you do quirky loopy, oddball bits of humor BETTER THAN ANYONE on this show. For your next script, please, don't make the dialogue PLOT-driven if you can help it. F--k the plot! "Plot" has to be one of the least appealling things about B&S (the Ryan debacle, Holly's shenanegans, anything with Justin & Rebecca getting intimate...it's rather embarrassing). The plots are mostly rehashed, warmed-over, garden-variety stuff from ANY storyline. YOU stand out, David, because YOU HAVE INDIVIDUAL PANACHE also in your writing. It's in the goofball bits of left-field & unexpected humor you throw at us (I'm thinking about Kevin and Kitty talking to that Rush Limbaugh-like conservative radio host in "An American Family"). Please keep working from THAT freestyle side of your brain, David. It's the kind of fluky, sparkling dialogue that makes Christopher Durang or Terrence McNally shine. That's where the artist in you lives. That's what makes you necessary & unique.

[Sylviane]

Just saw some of the sneak-peeks and it looks so promising. I know I might regret this, but I am looking forward to this one.

[lala]

Is anyone else having trouble watching show online at abc.com?

[Alani Kuye]

While I like the basic plot of this show, I'd suffice to say it was good when it first started.
However, this has got to be one of the most whinny, annoying shows / families ever seen on television. Every episode ALWAYS have the same plot. One family that's always whinning or complaining about something. If it isn't the mousy looking Senators wife, it's the gay "about me me me" one, or the ever immature baby brother, or the always intrusive mom. Quite frankly it's one of those shows that I can afford to change the channel at any moment and won't feel compelled to come back to it.
The only person who seems to have anything going on is Tommy with real responsibilities and dealing with his not - so likable wife.
I think this shows days are numbered as the audience hasn't grown...if anything it's declining. They better come up with a much more seriously engaging yet light plot to sustain interest in the show.

[Ohio Boy]

Hey I was wondering if anyone knew the song from when Scotty and Kevin were laying in the hospital bed together in tonight's episode (310)

[Trinity Yanson]

great episode. it was funny and sad but all family-which is what the Walkers are all about. as usual,loved kevin and scotty. thanks writers,for making me happy.more power to you all and merry Christmas and a happy new year...

[annie]

i watched just a sliver ton9te and there was a beautiful song in the back ground, "Hold on" and i would love to find it, Did anyone else hear it or know where i can find it or who wrote it. it would be much appreciated

[Beka]

I love this show and I think it's great. It shows what a family is very close to real life. The connections and reality of situations are very close to home and I think that the writers do an excellent job. To Alani Kuye who said it's all the same, it isn't. You have to understand a real family dynamic to write a show like this and it's clear that the writers do. If you don't like it, don't watch it!!

[Lee]

"Just a Sliver" is a triumph! It was season one kind of good.

Kudos to David and Molly. This was a real home run. I could only make a couple of suggestions that would have made it better, and that says a lot.

Do it again, and again!

[just hawaii]

Is Matthew Rhys gay for real?

[wonder woman]

what an amzing episode...
loved it. cant wait for january 4th
merry christmas to the cast and crew and keep up the great work with the show

[Michelle]

Love, love, love the show, so glad it's on the air and represents family values. So few shows represent family and I hope this one lasts a very long time.

[Robby]

On the home page for brothers and sisters there is a listing of songs used for each episode (music guide) go there - all three songs used last night are listed and they are available on i-tunes by typing the title of the artist in - that was the easiest way for me to find it. All three songs were there as of 3PM today! Great episode on MANY levels!

[Robby]

Songs can be found on the home page for Brothers and Sisters under music guide. Once you have artist and song go to i-tunes store and I found it to search first by artist. All three songs are there and the Melissa Ethridge song is part of her holiday CD - there are a few other great songs on theat collections Enjoy!

[gingee17]

This episode was so touching. I cried when Tommy finally broke down. And i laughed when they were all gathered in the kitchen. After each show that i watch i always walk away wishing i had brothers and sisters.

[Scott]

Beautiful episode, David & Molly. Touching, truthful, and a great blend of humor and pathos.

The opening act -- with the Kevin/Kitty rapport, the phone tree, "You're all dead to me" and the vegetable pelting -- was pure brilliance. One of the best sequences of this series yet.

I especially enjoyed the Kevin/Scotty tenderness; Kitty and Tommy's pep talk; and Kevin and Tommy finally taking big steps toward reconciliation. (I'm hoping it stays that way, despite some growing pains that might occur in the next episode re: the paternity reveal.)

And through it all, Sally as Nora remains the grounded "heart" of the show. Love her to pieces.

This episode's greatness also reminded me why the whole Ryan storyline is so absurdly extraneous and will suck up valuable time. There is NO NEED for his presence. What possibly could come from his storyline that isn't trite, redundant or downright dull after we've already been through a similar story via Rebecca?

Even putting aside the storyline complaints, I can't understand how the writers would think it advantageous to introduce yet *another* main character in a show that already has an unbelievably large cast and where there is already difficulty balancing the screentime as it is.

Ryan's arc should be done after the 4 episodes. The storyline has been pretty much universally panned by the critics (and is does not popular among the fanbase, either). Please just cut your losses and maintain the focus on the Walkers we already love and care about.

Thank you.

[lori]

anyone else having a problem with the full episodes online HELP!!!!!!!!

[kated]

Great episode. I can't pick a favorite part. I loved the humor and the "almost" reality of it all. Loved the scenes where all of them were in it - kitchen telling Nora about the non-Thanksgiving day. I enjoyed Justin's characterization on this episode. He really felt like the youngest in the brood (Is something wrong with me? Big person's table. Lime jello explanation) Yet he also seemed to be growing (potato chips incident). Loved Sarah ordering Chinese (Shrimp, shrimp and more shrimp!). I liked the family dynamics, it sometimes looks so similar to some of our family gatherings, that it makes me smile. I realy applaud the writers and director and cast for making this a memorable episode. Like what the others said, can't wait for next year's episodes. =)

[Sylviane]

I watched it and loved it.

It took me a few times watching this to really get a full picture though. Because, it was rushed and I hardly had time to let one ‘important moment’ sink in, before the next 'important moment' came.

It had the right amount of Robert, no mention of Ryan (why am I always SO grateful for that?) and little Holly, although Holly didn't really bother me. I just didn't need the scene, that's all.

The start was great from Kitty and Kevin finding out to Sarah's outburst to the "you're all dead to me" to the picking straws to the pelting food, but my favorite moment was all of them running back into the kitchen when they see Nora coming and realize they can't escape. The 'Oh oh' from Kitty as she nearly jumps back and the shushing going around while everybody sits down pretending there's nothing going on and the look on Sarah's face when she walks back in ... So brilliantly funny, I nearly fell of my chair laughing.

I just have to say that I thought Rebecca was annoying. Her reaction towards Justin outside the hospital was a bit much.

I understand that she grew up without a father, not knowing anything about William or David and in the delusional reality Holly created for herself and her daughter.

But to compare that to Elizabeth, who will have a mother AND a father, but who will also grow up with her biological father around her is comparing apples to pears. Yet, Rebecca almost DEMANDS from Justin to take sides. Not very fair.

It was good to see Justin was rather mature in his reactions, he doesn't want to do anything that would interfere with Tommy's role as a parent. And I really felt for him during his moments with Scotty (It is SO Justin to let his immediate concern be for Scotty and Kevin and not for himself.) and with Nora.

I loved the Kevin/Scotty moments. Again I am amazed by how well they can tell a story without a word. The shock on Kevin's face when he hears it's him and the way he seeks the equally shocked Scotty. The eye contact they keep making with each other. The confusion, the resigning to the situation (Kevin doesn't have much time or choice in this, poor guy) are all very well played out.

And thank you, for giving KEVIN the chance to be supportive of Scotty for a change. That scene next to/in the bed was excellent.

I am very sorry you didn't give Sarah Jane more scenes with the Walkers, I would have loved a Julia/Nora scene, or perhaps Julia/Scotty, just before the (excellent)Kitty/Tommy scene, but the work she could show were outstanding.

And I have to say I was very impressed with Balthazar Getty in this episode. Maybe it is my having been in Tommy's position of a scared parent sitting at a daughter’s hospital bed, but his reactions were logical to me. Even his outburst to Nora. Tommy's pain and anger felt very real to me. And I'm glad he and Kevin settled their old fued in time to create a new one, but hopefully that one will last only one episode.

Sorry to be so long.

[S.L.]

I enjoyed this episode as well, although I doubt it would ever have lived up to my expectations. Everyone's performances were amazing (especially Getty), and I simply loved the Kevin and Scotty scene. I also really enjoyed the moment between Justin and Scotty and hope to see them explore that potential friendship more. Julia yelling at the Walkers was brilliant.

However, I had some complaints as well. The early scene in the kitchen was initially amusing but eventually seemed overdone to me. The episode also would have been great without Rebecca (whose need to harp on the issue of paternity was insensitive and ridiculous) and without Holly and Robert (who were not essential to the plot). And the science nerd in me still can't get past the "one of the parents MUST have type O blood." Not to mention, I would have liked to see more of Julia, who is consistently great when they actually give her something to do. A scene between Julia and Nora would have been especially nice.

All in all, a great episode. Congrats to everyone involved.

[curious??]

Did I miss a storyline or episode? When did the brothers donate sperm?? Was that ever revealed before? Love the show hurry Jan.09

[Keith]

Matthew and Luke are great actors! Love their "I love and care" facial expressions. One can see they are in love!

[maria de albuquerque]

I really liked the episode. For the first time I enjoyed the Balthazar Getty acting, he was very good.
Loved Kevin and Scotty, as always...!
Congratulations.

[Kong Chang]

@Curious??

Back in episode 1.07 (production #109) (Season 1, Episode 07) "Northern Exposure". It was the final scene of Act 6.

KC
Maintainer of Luke Macfarlane Online

[MV Lady]

Great episode. Tommy (Getty) showed great acting. Love Kevin, Sarah and Nora. I suggest you ADD more episodes per seasons. Please do not integrate the repeats in between the new episodes. It is confusing. Let it wait til the end of the season.
There should have been a show tonite, 12/14 and not the long wait to 1/4/09.
Develop the story lines of Nora and Sarah and new boyfriends. Bring back the guy from Robert's Pres campaign who became Nora's closest friend.
Sarah needs a better job than what she's now doing. When will Justin start supporting himself?
You need to add some volatile spice at this point now.
It is a good family show but is starting to get bland.