This Sunday- Episode 322 "Julia"

Written by Molly Newman & Michael Foley
Directed by Michael Morris

With Tommy still out of the picture, Julia must decide the next step for her and Elizabeth.  Meanwhile, the family struggles with the fact that Julia and Elizabeth might move away. With Holly’s encouragement, Ryan becomes interested in working for Ojai Foods.  Kitty continues flirting with Alec, the father at the park, and finds herself seriously questioning her feelings towards Robert.

In other news, Brothers & Sisters won the GLAAD Award for Drama Series for a third year in a row.  The GLAAD Awards honor honest, positive portrayals of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.  Other shows recognized this year include Desperate Housewives, The L Word, Unidentified Funk, and The New Adventures of Old Christine.

Brothers & Sisters is also the only scripted show receiving Television Academy Honors, which recognizes television with a conscience.  We are receiving the Honors for last season’s finale “Prior Commitments,” which featured two families’ reactions to a same-sex marriage.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think Kevin and Scotty’s wedding was network TV’s first same-sex marriage between two series regulars.  All of the writers and producers are thrilled to be receiving this kind of recognition from the Television Academy.  Now if we can just get the show an Emmy nomination!

Until next week,
Cole

Comments

[mm]

what is Ryan Lafferty planning to do at Ojai. i missed episode 322

[Sylviane]

YES!!!! Finally!!! An episode to rave about again!

The whole Nora/Julia/Kevin trying to keep Julia, it was really touching. I'm glad that Julia will tell Elizabeth the truth about Kevin. Kevin deserves that.

I had tears in my eyes when Kevin talked about how disappointed he was in Tommy and, thank you, for bringing up that awful document that Kevin had to sign and for making Kevin admit that he thought it was stupid too. Matthew Rhys was great in this scene. (but then, he always is.)

And I loved that Scotty listened to him and just gave him that little kiss. Really, they were such a good couple again. See, I don't necessarily NEED to see them making out (as lovely/hot as that is and I'd LOVE to watch that), but I want to see them as a couple and that is what they ARE in this episode.

I can see Scotty's issue where the money is concerned. I would not like my husband to simply make such a decision either. It IS a lot of money.

I am however glad he eventually went along with Kevin, this was in the end NOT about Tommy's irresponsibility, but about helping Julia/Elizabeth.

And I was in tears over that last moment with Saul/Nora. They didn't need a word. Saul was just THERE for his sister, whether he agrees with her or not. So powerful.

And I have to say I am impressed with the McKitty story. I don't LIKE where it is going, but, wow!, I'm impressed.

I never liked Robert much, but I felt SO sorry for him at the park. Again, just the images were so powerfull. The way Alec plays with this son, the cut on his wrist, the way you see Robert make the connection, ....

I could have hit Kitty over the head for her stupidity, but at the same time I can SO understand her desire to find someone with who she connects.

On the other hand cheating is NOT a way to get a better connection to Robert [i]or to Alec[/i]. Kitty has pattern of "switching off" when it gets tough. It's a most interesting process to watch.

Sarah/Holly trying to find some working-balance was interesting to watch as well. I love how Sarah is confident again, I hope it stays that way.

I am glad that Rebecca got equal shares as Ryan. She deserves it more than Ryan, I feel. It was good that she's went to Justin to talk to him about Ryan. She's finally catching on that Ryan is a bit "off".

It's official: I'm done with the whole Ryan-topic and will just fast-forward through scenes with him.

He went from a picture in an attic to a share holder based on ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AT ALL. This is so contrived, that I'm done giving the guy a chance.

I don't care about Ryan, I'm not interested in his mother or how he feels about William, I'm not bothered by his infatuation with Rebecca, mainly because Rebecca has not shown an ounce of a romantic interest in him. He is basically useless to me. Just a filler-topic that already takes up too much space.

He is NOT a Walker, he NEVER will be. And even if now they will finally give me a positive DNA-test, that will not change anything in my mind.

The time that I wanted to give this show to come up with a way to cover-up the holes in this story is up, you've lost my interest where Ryan is concerned.

However, that said, I think that Luke Grimes is doing a good job, trying to make the best of this.

And .... it was refreshing to see a Walker-dinner come to conclusion without people walking out, fighting, secrets being flung onto the table. Just a wonderful nice dinner.

And Julia deserved that. I am sad to see SJM go, we've seen too little of her. I was hoping on more Julia/Kevin/(Scotty/Nora)now that Tommy is gone, but unfortunately, it is not going to happen.

[S.L.]

A few agreements with Sylviane:

I would like to see Kevin at least consult Scotty before he makes the next HUGE decision in his life (quitting a job, taking a ridiculous new one, buying a house, putting 16K+ down on a different house, etc.) I can see why Scotty was upset. But I'm also really glad that you had them TALK it out, with Kevin explaining why he did it and Scotty understanding why he needed to. Wow, a couple who actually talks out their issues. How refreshing.

I'm also really glad that you once again showed that the family was capable of (eventually) coming together in support of one of their own, capable of having at least one dinner where they can put aside their own lives for one second and support someone else. For all the times you ignored Julia, you gave her a really nice send-off. Thank you for that.

Just FYI? You don't have to give a nice send-off to Ryan. Just get rid of him as fast and painless as you can. That would be much appreciated.

[Carmen]

I loved last night's show. It was touching when Julia and the little girl left Nora's house. I am so disappointed that Kitty kissed the guy from the park. I know Robert has been under the weather with a heart attack and all but come on they just adopted a little boy. Kitty is so righteous how can she cheat on Robert that way, it makes a good story line but their breakup would be catastrophic for the show. Please reunite them so that we can faith in the union of marriage.

[danielle]

i didn't see the show. i recored it though. i will watch it later

[Scott]

Very good episode last night...aside from the Ryan nonsense. (But I'll get to that later.)

The Kitty/Robert marriage disintegration continues to be compelling. Both are complicit, and both need to own up to their responsibility in causing this rift. Very well acted.

I've felt badly that Sarah Jane was a victim of Getty's exit, but I at least credit you with giving her a proper send-off (and she nailed her final scenes). That scene on the staircase between Kevin, Nora and Julia brought me to tears. And what a beautiful ending to have Julia let Kevin know she would eventually tell Elizabeth the truth.

I understand SL's objections, but I didn't need a real build-up for the Kevin/Elizabeth bonding. Last we saw him he was a resigned uncle, true...but that was before Tommy abandoned her. He's been gone for weeks. Naturally in his absence Kevin would feel a greater need to be a father figure to the little girl. He was so unbelievably sweet with her that I can only hope Kevin and Scotty become parents by the end of this series (with their own child, of course).

Some realistic, understated scenes between Kitty/Sarah and Kevin/Scotty. Keep it up.

Glad to see Saul, but so sorry to see he's been reduced to Nora's sounding board. It's pretty clear someone up high had objections to the Elderly Queers storyline. Henry showed up for about 40 seconds and that's it. A big disappointment.

And then...there's Ryan. Sigh. This storyline is dumb. Just plain dumb. It's a crudely manufactured way to create "drama." Not only does Ryan blame William for his mother's death (even if he did break her heart, she clearly had some mental health issues to take her life over it)...but now he wants to seek revenge on the Walkers?

The hell? What has Sarah ever done to him? And why the hell would he feel such malice toward the family when they too were betrayed and devastated by William's deceptions?

Please end this now. The storyline is an embarrassment. It's almost as if were two different shows last night. The good (Kitty/Robert, the Julia send-off) and the ridiculously cheesy (Ryan).

[Missy]

Missed seeing the show last night...I hope there will be a rerun because from what I am reading on the blog, it was a great episode.. and my favorites Uncle Saul and Nora have a deep scene together..keep up the great writing! thanxs.

[Tori]

Good episode tonight. loved all the Walker-stuff. Not really happy with kitty but Flockhart sells it.

Kevin was brilliant throughout it and his caring side came out wonderfully.
What a great satisfaction his blow-up about Tommy was!!! At last!

Also liked that Scotty was the one being unfair. That was a nice change. A nice break from St. Scott.

Again, Kevin was at his best and who's not around? Robert. Coincidence???? I don't think so.

Luke M. looks so much better clean-shaved.

[S.L.]

Before I forget (again) - how great was it to see Kevin be all fun and sexy lawyer again, fighting the foreclosure?! See - he can make a difference in people's lives doing something he loved and worked hard for! (Because he sure isn't making the world better by following Robert around, mindlessly agreeing and/or apologizing like a kicked puppy all the time.)

Wow, I can't believe how much I missed Lawyer Kevin.

[Mitchell]

Last nights episode was actually quite good and focused. Kevin and Nora crying at the end when Julia left was really powerful. To be honest I didn't hate the Kitty/Robert storyline either, finally things got heated after the car crash scene--I liked it, and Sarah telling her to "stay away from the damn park."Another suprise last night was the Oaj Ryan ordeal (he gets shares and a vote on the board), this introduced a great new dynamic for the Holly/Ryan/Sarah/Rebecca business which can be quite dull mainly because most people dislike Ryan and Holly so much.Finally, it was nice to see that the writers gave Scotty some lines last night, him getting pissed that Kevin was giving Julia $16,400 would have been my reaction too and was believable. Also, it was nice to see that Julia and Scotty actually had a bond (even though not really explored) as people that married into the Walker family (Scotty:I can't believe your leaving me with these crazy Walkers." Julia:"we still have Facebook." great little moment). Hope the last episodes this season are the best, and hope that new and intriguing storylines are in store for next season.

[Sylviane]

I agree, Tori, S.L., I MISS lawyer-Kevin, so much more fun to watch than doormat-Kevin.

I seriously don't GET why Kevin doesn't use his knowledge of the law to do something good for others...

[John]

This show has so many twists and turns, it always keeps my wife and i updated. I am waiting to see what happens to Kitty in the next episode after she kissed Alec. I cant believe the season will be over soon.

[Anita]

I am not happy with the Kitty and Robert storyline. It may cause me to leave the show, even though I have been watching since show one. For all of the healthy marriages out there in families, will there ever be any portrayed on the show? All marriages have trouble, but so far Nora/William, Tommy/Julia, Sarah/Joe and now Kitty/Robert. Although I come from a big family and enjoy relating to many situations, I find it very difficult to relate to these continued infidelities. Get creative and find some excitement that involve healthy, happy marriages.

[Sarah]

Song at the end...Priscilla Ahn - Dream

Loved it. Good show last night finally...

[Willow]

Loved last night's episode! As much as i loved seeing Robert and Kitty together, I now take sick pleasure in watching them crumble. Really though Alec really brings a new energy to the show, its very fresh. In my opinion, Kitty is in a new place in her life, and she sees the world differently now that she's a mother... the writers have made it quite obvious is this marriage doesn't end in ruins they're going to need some serious couples therapy. Moving on though, i have to agree, Ryan can leave, i really feel very disconnected from his character that i don't even care. The story line surrounding him is becoming annoying. I mean, it was a nice little twist Sara/Holly hiring him, but, i just don't see how thats going to help the story line. i was so excited to meet Ryan but now i wish he was still a mystery. Finally I can't agree more, kevin as always brilliant, please give saul a story line, and i never noticed how much I like Julia till she left, oh and so glad she's going to tell Elizabeth the truth her parentage. And didn't Rodger come back last episode? Or did i miss something? Where was he? Can't wait till next week, lets hope there's a good follow up to some new beginings, i really want to see the show navigate back to its roots a little more.

[teri p]

I continue to be smitten with the Walkers, and I await every Monday when I watch on-line!!
OoooKKaaay, am I the only person on the planet that did not know that Tommy (sorry don't know his real name) got the boot from the show??? Um, this surprised me, and frankly was a big disappointment--I say dump that vampire kid and give his salary to Tommy!! Oh yeah, his name is Ryan. I think whoever plays him is kinda creepy, (I don't mean to be mean). But the Tommy storyline (the prodigal son) could carry us all the way through season four, and straight to the Emmy (the crowd goes wild!!)!!
Loved the interchange between Kitty and Sarah, the older and wiser sister; loved the interchange between Scotty & Kevin, still find them to be a very believable couple (and I don't need any big sex scenes; I get that they are gay).
Miss uncle Saul, want him and Tommy back at Ojai to fight with Holly. With Sarah too.
Send Justin to Med school, let him and Rebecca re-unite. Make it really mushy and tearful!!!
Cannot wait for next um, Monday!!!

[Calady]

Yes, it was a good show with the drama, moments of sincerity, etc.
A little badness always creates imagination and interest on the part of the viewer.
All last night were excellent.
I could see Kitty with Alec as he is plain and simple like her; Robert is dashing and too ambitious. Now she sees him for what he is and not a family man as Alec.
I enjoyed the stories and I wish you had more episodes in a season to run. Kevin is great when he's on his own. Let him start his own legal business and Robert could hire back Kitty again as that worked between them.
Leave the character Ryan out of the show. It does nothing at all and now he'll be used by Holly on the board voting at Ojai.

[kim]

What's up with the Kitty & Robert's marrage? I don't like the way they are going with their story line. Kitty cheating....?!?Now she is just a bad as her father? I am done watching this season.

[Vin]

This episode was surprisingly good, save for the Ryan contrivance.

Glad to see the Kitty/Robert marital strife finally come to a head when Robert finds out about Alec. Fantastic, understated acting by all players concerned, particularly Calista. I loved the Sarah/Kitty scenes - I always feel the sisterly connection between them. Rachel plays an awesome big sister even though she is actually younger than Calista!

The farewell moment between Kevin, Nora, Julia & Lizzie was truly an emotional scene, as was the dinner toast. The emotions felt real (and it probably was!). Julia's acknowledgement of Kevin's help in creating and saving Lizzie, and her decision to tell Lizzie the truth about her paternity, brought satisfying closure to this storyline. Such a touching moment between the two of them. I also loved that you allowed Kevin to reveal his resentment and
anger towards Tommy.

Matthew Rhys cries so convincingly. The man is such a talent.

Kevin perfectly epitomised Kevin in this episode. I feel like I have to thank you for that because there have been times this season where I have not recognised Kevin. Yes, it was the times when he was interacting with Robert mostly. So it was a true pleasure to see his generosity, selflessness, and caring nature come through again but not at the expense of his trademark
assertiveness and sarcastic flair. This is the Kevin I know and love. Not the bizarro Kevin we see when he's working for Robert.

The only aspect that marred an otherwise great episode for me was Ryan. His misplaced anger on the rest of the Walkers (for the so-called damage William inflicted on his mentally unstable mother) is completely unbelievable and contrived. I have to agree that this preposterous storyline serves to only cheapen this show. I cannot emphasise enough what a huge mistake it was to create his character but since you have, best exercise some damage control and get rid of him ASAP. It's not the evilness that makes me dislike him. I'm all for having an antagonist that serves a necessary purpose. Instead, you have Ryan whose MO is laughable and serves no purpose other than to make him ridiculously creepy and dumb.

Speaking of purpose, 'twas good to see Saul again. As nice as it is, give him something else to do besides dispensing words of wisdom and support to his sister. How about bringing Henry back?

[Yrsa]

Very good episode!! I knew you had it in you...and I actually claped my hands at the end! good job folks!

[VEml]

I hope julia is leaving I am so sick of her she needs a job and talk about not standing by your man. She doesn't deserve tommy I would love to see him come home with a new woman. Maybe a black woman. Please let something bad happen to Holly I mean my God enough is enough and having to deal with her sl*t daughter too.enough is enough.

[S.L.]

VEml - I gotta disagree about Julia, and not just because I've always liked her character. There's only so much a sane person should be expected or willing to suffer for any marriage. Tommy threw away her future and their child's future by committing a felony (which involved putting his job, his freedom and their house at risk), running away from the law and then refusing to come back even after he was able to. He clearly doesn't care about her at all, and it's time for her to cut her losses and focus on what's important - her and Lizzy's best interests. As for not having a job, it was established in the pilot that she was a teacher. She's hardly the first woman to take time off from her career because she has a young child. And I'm sure that Tommy, William Walker's son, strongly encouraged her to remain a stay-at-home wife and mom and not worry her "pretty little head" about the finances. She was put into a horrible situation by her husband, who then abandoned her. She doesn't deserve Tommy? Please. Tommy doesn't deserve her.

[kelley]

I really hope you guys plan to bring Sarah Jane Morris back at some point in the future and not have her storyline settled offscreen. She was so amazing in this last episode and I hope to see Julia again soon.

[Lee]

This episode approached the greatness that the show had in season one! Congratulations! Were it not for the nonsensical Ryan storyline, the episode would have been near perfect.

More like this one, please...but put some meat into Kevin & Scotty's story next time - and please, don't bring Ryan back next season.

[Lyn]

I will be the third to say that I really enjoyed the last song played on this episode. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE either post the title and artist here or update the music recap on the website.

Thanks

Lyn