This Sunday: Episodes 316 & 317 -- "Troubled Waters"

316 Written by Monica Owusu-Breen & Sherri Cooper-Landsman
317 Written by Molly Newman & David Marshall Grant
Directed by Ken Olin

*This episode will air at 9pm PST & EST/8pm Central (wouldn't want you to miss the first half).

We are totally excited that the two-hour special finally airs this week! We're not going to put the usual synopsis because hopefully you saw one of the big ads that ran this week (there was even one during the Oscars-- nice!). Suffice it to say, this episode is going to be tasty. There's even a Facebook event for it-- join us! Also, keep an eye out for one of our writers' assistants, Marc Halsey, in a cameo as "Intern Marc," Senator McCallister's very own waterboy.

The writers' floor is abuzz with activity because we are currently in the process of writing our season finale. Sleepless nights, all for you. Very shortly our writers (and the cast and crew) will be going on a much-deserved hiatus, but we will try to keep the blog running as new episodes continue to air.

We were so engrossed in office doings that we forgot to tell you about Rob Lowe's appearance on Jimmy Kimmel last night. Hopefully you'll be able to find it somewhere on these great interwebs of ours. Rob was also scheduled to be on Good Morning America at 8:30am this morning... so if you live in Hawaii, you can still catch it. But if you missed both of those-- he will be on The View tomorrow morning (10am PST on ABC, check your local listings). And Calista Flockhart will be on Jimmy Kimmel tonight (12:05am PST, ABC). Check those interviews out... they will also be showing clips from this Sunday's special.

Surely there will be many comments after this episode airs. We are rather laissez-faire about what goes on in the comments, but please people-- take a few deep breaths before posting comments that blast your fellow fans, mmkay? Over here, we like to save our drama for the screen. Make love not war, and all that good stuff. (And, as a reminder, we have a policy of  not publishing comments that map out huge storyline ideas for the show. It's a legal thing-- we're not lawyers so we can't really elaborate, but it has something to do with something.)

xoxo
Elysse & Cole

Comments

[Scott]

I'm really hoping the 2-hour episode brings back the heart of this show and *focuses* on the sibling dynamics. Not a passing reference or obligatory scene, but a true focus.

I've been disheartened recently by the increased focus on tertiary, non-Walker characters like Robert, Holly and Rebecca. And now with David back in the picture, an extraneous character if there ever was one, I'm starting to dread what the future may hold.

Please keep in mind that the vast majority of fans tuned into the show, and fell in love with it, because of the Walker relationships. Naturally storylines should grow and evolve, but the core premise of a show should remain. Recently, the emphasis has been glaringly misguided.

I watch the show for when it lives up to its title: Brothers & Sisters. That has been the show's strength from the start.

With all due respect, the Olins & Rob Lowe is not a show I care to watch.

[will]

Elysse and Cole:

What "legal things" are involved in a fan "mapping out" a storyline?

I need to see this "legality" in order to find the loopholes, the ways we can circumvent the licitness of these rules!

This site has got to be something more than 15-year-old girls screaming "Scotty is SO adorable!" -- or "Rebecca is COOL!"

Ugh. Just ugh.

Blargh.

You writers seem to be doing everything you can to keep comments at a superficial, banal level.

Just like Rebecca & Holly's dialogue.

[Rachel]

Thanks for a great work, and that you find the time to write in such a busy time :)
I can't wait for this event, and I'm sure it will be just amazing!

[Vin]

I hope the picture that accompanied this post is not a reflection of what the 2-hour show will be mainly about.

As much as there are many fans out there who adore Rob Lowe, there are just as many (if not more) who adore the actual Walker characters and their dynamics with *each other*.

I can only implore you to check out the various discussion forums in the realm of cyberspace and take into serious consideration what your most loyal fans are saying about the show and the direction in which it is heading.

Here are just a few:
- consistent characterisation (mainly, Kevin Walker who seems glaringly out-of-character these days)
- realistic and quality storylines, driven by the characters and not the other way round (only Robert seems to be getting this. What about the Walkers?)
- a refocus on sibling dynamics (you've done well with Nora & Saul, it shouldn't be too difficult to do something similar between the Walker siblings)
- LESS focus on issues/ambitions revolving around Robert McCallister, because right now it seems like the other core characters are being used as mere props to his storyline.
- Kevin Walker needs to quit working for Robert ASAP. Most of us don't like what this particular storyline is doing to his character. Let him shine with his own well-thought out SLs. He deserves it. Even die-hard Robert fans are scratching their heads in befuddlement.
- LESS or more preferably NO focus on the Harper characters interacting between themselves. Most of us tune in to watch the Walkers and not the Harpers.

I fully realise you can't please everyone but maybe it's time to take stock and truly consider what the MAJORITY of viewers are opining.

Please.

I'm looking forward to Sunday's special ep. I did catch Rob Lowe on Kimmel and GMA. He was great of course but didn't give anything away.

So much for the request to play nice.
Just know that there are a lot of us who like the non-Walkers too. I just tire of the endless - but seemingly the same posters/comments - going on and on about not enough of certain characters.
And it's not even that it's okay to like these non-Walkers. We must all agree and must convince the writers or something.

There is a choice. Don't watch. Nobody is forcing anyone to watch.
If all these people don't like the show as it is then numbers go down and off goes the show. I'm no tv expert but that's how I think it works.
(And it works with websites as well I would think. Advise to self quit reading and participating I guess.)

I watch for Rob Lowe. If he was to leave I would too. The Walkers by themselves would not keep me tuning in. At times they are fun together but also need outside lives with spouses, children, friends, bosses, and co-workers. Real lives.

[Trinity Yanson]

i agree with vin and scott. more walker storylines and less robert,holly, and rebecca-these 3 seems to get too much attention that does not really interest me as fan of B&S. and please enough of robert's politics storyline-it's getting old,election's over-let's move on... more scotty though-and give kevin his lawyer job back-he's so much adorable before.

[Rachel]

Vin i disagree. This is a drama at its best. In every episode the Walkers connect. Me and a lot of fans do care about Robert, do care about the Harper's storyline and I'm getting sick of this thing you think you can decide for everyone else. Brothers and Sisters has some great storylines, it can have all of them in order to keep on rolling, otherwise there would be a dull plot. It cant always be about the Walkers. And Robert is part of Kitty now. The Harpers are a part of Justin now, and beside - their storyline was unfinished in the last season so they had to give us answers about David. Those scenes were amazing in the last episode.
So please stop speaking in the name of "most of the fans" because not all the fans sit in front of the computer and write their thoughts.

[S.L.]

One thing I'd like to add is that I think it's very interesting to compare the recent discussion to older blog posts where people have complained about those "disgusting" gays completely taking over and ruining the show. There's usually protests from several of the regular posters, but in general, they get overlooked. In comparison, when people complain about too much focus on Rebecca and Robert, we get 80+ comments and a request from the bloggers themselves to calm down and not blast fellow fans. I just find that REALLY interesting.

But! Moving on. I actually am looking forward to this episode, even if it does appear to be heavy on the Robert and Kitty. Big crisis moments are usually handled really well and have lots of great acting, and I hope this episode keeps up with that tradition.

[Donna]

Reffering Trinity Yanson :

Why it is not o.k to give storylines to non-walkers, such as Robert, Holly and Rebbeca but its o.k to bring more Scotty????

Just say you only want storylines reffering to Kevin and Scotty... we know what's behind all of that...and I'm sick of this. Go to the facebook group "addicted to B&S" and see for yourself that most of the fans like this show as it is.. with all it has to offer. Including all of the charecters.

[Vin]

Hey Rachel, I'm sorry to hear that you're getting sick. You misunderstand me if you believe that I think I can decide for everyone else. I don't. I am just expressing my opinions just like you are free to express yours. We don't have to agree with one another. As with all opinions, they are completely subjective and each person has the capacity and freedom to have their own POV about the show.

For the record, all I requested was for the powers that be to do their own research and assess for themselves re what the fans are saying. I think that I have every right to call it the way I see it just as you have that same right.

Please go right ahead and express yourself. And I do hope you feel better soon. Toodles.

[S.L.]

Continuing on from my earlier comment, I do think it's "funny" that criticism of certain characters or storylines gets a laissez-faire, everyone's opinion is equally valid attitude, while criticism of other characters is being disrespectful to our fellow fans. Will someone please let me know which people and parts of the show I'm supposed to like?

The thing is, I DO think everyone has a right to their opinions, but it also becomes a very easy excuse for making and then disclaiming offensive statements, regardless of which "side" you're on.

There are any number of sites or forums that you can go to that will show any number of opinions on various aspects of the show. This is the only one I know of that is definitely connected to people who work on the show. Feedback is important for every creative endeavor, so I'm going to keep complaining about things I don't like and praising things I do.

And I can't believe they're working on the season finale already. Seems too soon...

[will]

I want to see Kevin casually hook up with some random, anonymous trucker! Yes, that's right!, a rough looking jeans & cowboy hat Texas-looking trucker! A spur-of-the-moment one-night-stand!

This is perfectly in character, by the way, with season one Kevin!

Scotty nagging & spouting homilies and making chicken cordon bleu in an apron in the kitchenette is not my idea of a good time! I don't want to view the equivalent of "comfort food"! I don't always need to be "reassured"!! There has got to be a way to bring some EDGY & strikingly cerebral dramatic discord into their happy little arrangement!

What happened to the edgy, busybody, multi-faceted sarcastic Season one Kevin? The Kevin that seemed "too big" for his personality? Like he was on the verge of busting out - that snarky uncontainable humor - and always all over the place?

Sunday nights have become ho-hum again.

[Scott]

To Anonymous:

Saying we're not "forced" to watch is an attempt to discredit our criticisms. You are entitled to express your opinions on the show; I would ask you grant me the same respect.

What posters like myself, Vin and S.L. are articulating is how the show we fell in love with -- which was focused primarily on the Walkers, as the core premise of the show -- has been heading in a different and far less satisfying direction.

Saying that we want it to be "all Walkers, all the time" is a straw man's argument. No one is advocating for that.

What we are advocating for is a recalibration of the show because currently, as it stands, non-Walker characters are driving the storylines as opposed to the Walkers. That ain't the way it used to be, nor IMHO is it the way it *should* be.

Quick checklist:

David is brought into the picture to give Holly and Rebecca an excuse for more screentime, even though it feels entirely tangential. Check.

Rebecca is given far more screentime than Justin, who has beeen reduced to a pathetic, clingy boyfriend with no story of his own. Check.

Kevin exists right now to provide a pretext for Robert's continuing political platform. ("See? There's a Walker in sight. It's all good.") No matter that Kevin likewise has no story of his own, and that it violates his character for him to work for a Republican senator when he hasn't been able to make an ounce of "difference" in that role. Unless, of course, you count pandering to right-wing bigots. (See Episode 13.)

And last but not least, I can already spot the signs of OjaiGate as becoming a primary vehicle for Holly and her endless sense of victimhood. Tommy will most likely get a quick send-off, while the Walkers will once again have to suck up to Holly for forgiveness. Maybe I'm being presumptuous, but this is the show's m.o. when it comes to Holly.

In short, Robert, Rebecca, and Holly are driving the storylines. Sarah, Kevin and Justin -- all titular siblings -- are getting scraps.

Something is very wrong here. And I really hope the writers take a step back and reassess why many long-time fans are disappointed and disenchanted. We WANT it to get better, but I don't think it will if TPTB don't at at least consider our grievances.

I understand this is their show and they have the power to shape it as they see fit, but this is also a medium where fans and the creators interact. When we have valid criticisms, I think they should be listened to and considered.

Scott

[Laura Manias]

I can't find the facebook event - does it still exist? what's it actually called?
Thanks
Laura

[will]

A quick note on Nielsen Ratings for "Brothers and Sisters"

I am not dealing in 18-49 demographics here, but just in overall ratings.

Googling "Brothers and Sisters wikipedia" informs me that --

1) Season one of B&S averaged 12.2 million viewers per week (and the show ranked #37 of all primetime network shows)

2) Season two averaged 11.5 million viewers (finishing 38th place)

Out of the 15 aired episodes for season three, I have found Nielsen ratings for only 8 of them, with a weekly average of 9.9 million viewers tuned in.

I think it's fairly safe and non-judgemental to state that viewership is trending in the wrong direction here. Something should be done to ameliorate this downward spiral.

Maybe B&S should take all the current deadweight in the series (Rebecca, Holly, Ojai Foods internal battles, long-lost William Walker children and newly-discovered mistresses, prolonged Kitty-Robert scenes) -- and just dump them into a spin-off.

All the deadweight (that B&S is reluctant or unwilling to amputate from the body of the show) and all of Ken Olin's future nepotism can be deposited into a new spin-off (perhaps called "Holly!"?)

Joking aside, the current trend of the Nielsen numbers has got to be reversed.

[cecilia]

looking forward to the two hour show.i think the writers are doing a good job no matter what people say we all have our favourite characters on the show mines is kitty robert cant get enough.love kevin but dont like to see the gay side of him but i wont stop watching because of that cause that is part of life nowadays.so keep up the good work and here is one dedicated fan who will be sticking around

[Sylviane]

To "anonymous", I'm sorry that you don't find the The Walkers by themselves a reason to stay tuned in, if Rob Lowe would leave. But, in all honesty, I don't know if I would bother to stay if Matthew Rhys would leave either. If he would leave that would end the Scotty-story-line too and, frankly, that is slowly becoming the only thing worth watching. Kevin at least still acts like Kevin when he is around Scotty. (disclaimer: this is MY personal opinion, I do not pretend to speak for ANYONE else.)

Thank you for the update, Elysse & Cole.

I'm sorry, I guess that sometimes posters (yes, I'm looking at myself too) forget the writers of this series are dedicated to this show.

However, putting all negativity behind me, I will dig up my binoculars and go look for those 'rainbows' that Will mocked me with.

Happy fluffy opinions with feathers and bows from now on. That is so much better and less offensive.

[Alice]

Writers keep up the good work. I find myself enjoying all three seasons, laughing, crying and I can't wait for each new episode.
I hope you know that we live this show as it is, I trust you to keep bringing us a good drama, like you do every week.

Thanks again

[Robin]

STop the bickering, please. This is THE BEST SHOW ON TV. We NEED supporting characters such as Holly and Rebecca and all the illigitimate Walkers, which keep us on the edge. If the show were only about the siblings, odds are it would get boring quick because there would be too little conflict, same old arguments, same shows and scenes over and over again. There was a Lucie Arnaz show in the 1980s called Sisters and Brothers and another show called SIBS that did exactly that--and they were BORING.

[Dogears]

We in Canada got the two hour special a day early and no one died.

[Shirlene]

Writers keep up the great work and storylines...enjoy all the episodes, and it doesn't matter who is in it. I will keep watching. Great show!!

[Denise]

Enough with Holly....get rid of her. Give the business back to the Walkers.

[Sam]

Hello to thw writers & the whole crew of B & s, I can't tell you that how this Tv show has changed my life. I came out from the closet, Because the character of Norah Kevin & scotty gave me the strength to reach out to my mom and say it all to her. She has accepted me whole heatedly.I really want this article to be read by "SALLY Field", Mathew Rhys" & Luke McFarlane. Please its a request from the bottom of my heart.All three of you have played the respective character so magnificently so that it never felt like a fake stuff.Pardon me, But really God is watching you ,hope this Tv show n its crew faces all the good that is in the world. I mean, I am 19 years old now and the country where I belong; there still People think of homosexuality as TabooIt is illegal and one can also go to jail for like ten years. I asked my mother to watch this serial with me in a hope that someday she'll get what its like. I must admit here that "this is the only TV show which portraits the actual American Family values". I can't express my joy, all I can wish is a Great future for you without any stumbling block and off course for the entire Brothers & Sisters crew. God will bless them for their work. May all your wishes come true in life.
Good bye
SAM , 19 yrs

I am hoping that as David comes back, the story might go in a direction where it leads holly to get a break from the family buisness or something like that. I am really hoping that She won't snatch all the family buisness affairs from the walker's. Whatever it will be like , one thing is for sure that as what we were talkin about it on facebook that two hour series will attrack a lot of ratings though giving viewers a whole pack of entertainment.

[Canuck]

I saw this episode last night on Canadian network Global...talk about epic! This is easily the most complex, multi-faceted drama on TV. I'm constantly in awe at what I see next. Everyone at the show, keep up the AMAZING work!