This Sunday- Episode 323 "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off"

Written by Peter Calloway & Dan Silk
Directed by Laura Innes

Holly and Sarah host a party at Ojai to showcase that they are now a team. Robert returns to the office for the first time since his heart attack. Kitty's marital situation brings back memories of William (Tom Skerritt), which sheds light on more than just her past. Justin and Ryan both look to Rebecca for support, which leads to some shocking conclusions. Nora finally takes the search for Tommy to the next level.

Hello guys (and dolls)! This is the penultimate episode of the season! Next Sunday is the finale! In a little over one week you will finally know all of the secrets that we have been carrying around for months. What a weight off our shoulders. Whew. Seriously. From our perch outside of the executive producers' offices, Cole and I have already overheard some amazing ideas for Season Four... it's like sitting in kitchen and waiting for something that smells delicious to come out of the oven.

In a way, making television is a lot like cooking... or I guess like running a restaurant (paging inner Scotty). Some people decide what to cook and draw up a recipe, some people have to find the ingredients, some know just how to mix everything together, and some will cut everything up and arrange it on the plate, some people set the tables and choose the perfect music. And eventually we'll serve it to you! (I love metaphors.)

In less than one month, the writers will be back. We're already so excited about the future of the show, and hopefully you are too. We can't wait to introduce you to the new season, and to the new faces on our floor.

xoxo,
Elysse

Comments

[Free Kevin]

Even after now 23 episodes it never ceases to amaze me how you've reduced a confident, competent lawyer to a secretary - and make him love it!!!! Amazing stuff.
Then again, you've managed to promote an actress to the head of an influential firm. And her marriage-wrecker of a daughter is suddenly business!Barbie and sitting in her own office and mumbling about being "the next generation of Ojai".

It's painful to see how Kevin is reduced to being Robert's shadow. And even when he is allowed to give his input, Robert only hears him out when he agrees with him. Otherwise, he's sent to make ... phone calls. You know, the phone calls only he as an established lawyer can make. You've successfully reduced him to Robert's lapdog, constantly pining for his approval. And even when he says that he is on Kitty's side, he's never tired of declaring his love to him. Poor doggy.
This season, Kevin's shown for Robert at least as much affection as for Scotty, that guy who is his husband. Except for the kissing part, but we all know two guys kissing is icky and you can only show that so many times in one season. So, that leaves no space for Kevin/Robert (Scotty?) or That Older Guy/That Other Older Guy.

And Ryan... considering this is one of the two SLs you seem to have planned out for the season this is a painfully flawed one. I'm not sure if you realize how it makes William look or how it reduces Justin to a constantly love-sick puppy pining for Rebecca. Or how it pushes the entire Walker-family into the background and makes them look like a bunch of incompetent, neurotic idiots.

The other SL you've been consistent with is the slow and painful break-up of Kitty and Robert. I never much cared for them but even by me, the ridiculousness does not go unnoticed. They - especially Kitty - went from wanting to have a Baby !asap! to breaking up. Because as soon as Kitty had that baby she got smitten with random park guy. For Robert/Kitty fans this season must be an equal painful one as it is for me who enjoys Kevin and Kevin/Scotty.

Let's call the whole thing off... yeah.

Free Kevin. Make him a lawyer again. Get him away from Robert.

[Scott]

Like S.L., I realized I may have come across as unduly negative in my first post.

I will gladly admit there were some scenes I enjoyed, namely Kevin/Kitty and Sarah/Scotty's heart-to-hearts. It shows there is good writing when you simply allow the characters to interact organically. The emotional truths in those scenes were so much more interesting than the contrived Robert/Kevin or Ryan drama that permeated the rest of the episode.

But I am troubled by the overall plotting for this show, which is very problematic and unstructured IMO.

And most of all, it pains me to see my favorite character (Kevin) continually manipulated for plot's sake and altered into someone unrecognizable whenever he's in Robert's orbit.

It's frustrating, because after the maudlin "I can't bear to lose him!" reaction of the 2-parter, I thought you guys might realize you went too far and scale back a bit.

But, alas, you seem intent to go full speed ahead with this unbelievable, insipid storyline. And for the life of me, I can't understand why.

There is a lot I can overlook (the less said about the Ryan debacle, the better). But messing with Kevin in fundamental ways, especially in regards to his relationship with Kitty, is something I cannot stomach.

What can I say? I feel protective of the character. And when something feels very "off," Kevin fans can detect it.

[iluvroblowe]

I watched S1,S2 and all of S3 aired episodes in one weekend and I am now so hooked on the show but my main gripe is that there is not one successful relationship in the show except that of Kevin/Scotty. While having all relationships in the show work is unrealistic, so is it unrealistic that everyone else's relationships are so screwed up!! I had such high hopes for Kitty/Robert but now am so disgusted with this story line,especially the degradation of Kitty's character into a whiny, self absorbed,selfish one who can hug Robert in one minute (and then practically admit she loved Park guy, for goodness sakes, because Park Guy has no job and does nothing but bring his kid to the park), and in the next, kiss ParkGuy. Am so disappointed in her character. Please bring the ole Kitty back, and show that marriages, after a bit of some work at compromise and reconciliation, can survive beyond just a few months!! There is divorce and separation all around us and we want to see more relationships work in B&S!!

[iluvroblowe]

This comment is probably not appropriate here, but i dont know where else to post it. I am an avid fan of both Grey's and B&S and cannot help but compare their respective writers' blogs and podcasts (or lack thereof). It would be a lot more interesting if your writer's blogs would talk a little more about each episode, the background to the story, background to the writer etc. That is what makes Grey's writer blogs so interesting. So with the podcasts.

[Ana]

SAVE KEVIN
Please, please, please free Kevin from Robert. I'm a fan from the first episode and it's so much pain for me to see Kevin reduced to being Robert's doormat. Please make him a lawyer again.

[Dee]

Next season needs to be really good or I'm history. I'm sick of the whiny off/on again of all the characters. Kitty is crazy! Talk about fickle. Robert has been clear from day one; she knew this. Her needs, wants, all about me keep changing; get a life and keep your hunk of a husband (even if he is a politician - normally yuck!).

[trinity yanson]

yeah,i support the "free kevin from robert campaign". i didn't like the scenes between them at all. kevin had more scenes with robert than with scotty combined this season. what the heck!

[Rachel]

Maybe I was a little harsh on you SL. It's true, you are allowed to express your true opinion.
It's just that I'm used to reading all the comments here, and it just seemed like nothing is good enough for you.
After watching this episode I felt so good, not just because of Jusbecca's comeback, but also because of Sarah and Kitty and Nora - this episode was very touching. Of course ypu can feel differently, but for me this was a supurb episode. Thats way seeing again that you thought it was worse dissapointed me... it's like - what can you ask more?? I know you love Scotty and Kevin and maybe you're dissapointed they didn't have a mutual scene this ep. but why not to try and accept other storylines as well?
All I can say is that if you really love this show (and I believe you wouldn't have written about it consistency if you didn't) than try to see and enjoy the good things and less to find its faults. If you try to look at this as an enjoyable hour of good acting, touching storylines and a mix of drama and humor at the same time - maybe you will enjoy it more.

[litzy]

Soy fan de la serie y espero con ansias la cuarta temporada con nuevos personajes y que el personaje de ryan no encaja bien dentro de la familia walker y por lo tanto en la proxima temporada deberia morir o simplemente irse y quisisera dar una sugerencia ya que en un capitulo estuvo christian de la fuente creo que deberia poner a otro latino dentro de la trama y que le pueda hacer la lucha a justin por rebecca y mi favorito seria alfonso herrera.
espero que la trama de la cuarta temporada sea interesante,con toques de humory drama como en la primera temporada.

[Dana]

WOW, WOW and again WOW!! What an episode!!!!
A masterpiece!!
Thanks for bringing us our beloved couple - Justin and Rebecca!
Such a romantic proposal!!!

And BTW the last song is "Happiness" by The Fray.

[Emily]

Lets call the whole thing ON!!!
I don't want this amazing season to end!!!!
Great episode guys!!
GOOD WORK!

[litzy]

I'm a fan of the series and look forward to the fourth season with new characters and the character of Ryan does not fit well within the Walker family and therefore in the next season should die or just go and give a suggestion quisisera as in chapter was a christian I believe that the source should be put to another plot within the Latino and you can do to fight for justin rebecca and my favorite would be the young actor alfonso herrera.

[litzy]

I'm a fan of the series and look forward to the fourth season with new characters and the character of Ryan does not fit well within the Walker family and therefore in the next season should die or just go and give a suggestion quisisera as in chapter was a christian I believe that the source should be put to another plot within the Latino and you can do to fight for justin rebecca and my favorite would be the young actor alfonso herrera.

[berninbelair]

I thought last nights episode was much better than the last few weeks. I would love to see Kitty and Kevin get back into their previous strong character roles. It seems like the writers have changed them for the worse. I like Justin and Rebecca together. I would love to see Nora reinstated into her role of strong matriarch of this family. I would be thrilled to see Alec and Ryan gone for good. I think Sarah was fantastic and would love to see more of Saul instead of small little instances. Scotty was wonderful in showing his simple genuineness. I sure hope Season 4 is much better than this season was!

[Amy]

I love B&S. I can't wait until the next show each week and can't wait until season 4. The show is so real the way they have problems, fight and then support each other. I have really enjoyed Sarah the last few weeks and would like to see Kitty happy in a substantial relationship. Robert is too self centered. I truly dislike the Ryan character and wish he would leave the show. He is adding nothing. I like Rebecca and Justin and hope they find happiness together despite their families. Looking forward to next week.

[L.G.S.]

I have always loved the characters and the relationship of Robert and Kitty. After this week's episode I am scared to see where the writers are going to take this one. I would love to see a Kitty and Robert reconciliation. Especially after watching so many failed relationships on this show: Julia and Tommy's marriage, Sarah and Joe, Justin and Rebecca, Nora and Ian. It would be nice if the Walker family experienced one successful relationship. The show can still be successful with one less tragedy.

[S.L.]

Rachel - No worries. Believe me, I know how I'm coming off. I'm getting annoyed by my complaints, probably more than the rest of you. I just get defensive when I'm singled out as one of a few "negative" people when it's clear a lot of posters have problems with at least some aspects of the show. I mean, there are even professional/paid critics who have recently wrote reviews where they wash their hands of some stories, if not the whole show.

Trust me, I love the show. I put hours into different message boards. I've bought the DVDs and rewatched them a dozen or more times. I even read and write fanfiction... However, this is the only board that I KNOW is read by at least one person connected to the show, so I tend to focus on the stuff I'd like to see changed. Personally, I doubt they care what my favorite scenes or lines were as long as I continue to help provide revenue and ratings. Maybe that's cynical, but there it is.

But I think (or I hope, at least) that if enough people speak up about stuff they don't feel is working, the writers MIGHT take note. Because right now, they're losing me - as well as several people I know in real life who have already stopped watching. All I can see are my favorite characters - Kevin & Scotty, yes, but also Sarah, Saul, Nora, Justin, even Tommy, etc. - either being turned into caricatures of their former selves, ignored completely or warped beyond recognition just to serve confusing or even ridiculously contrived plots. At one time, I truly believed this show could present some real social and political commentary in between the drama and humor and fantastic acting. Now all I see is a soap opera. It's depressing to me. I think the writers have lost sight of some of the things they do best, and so I want to give suggestions to how I think the show can get back to that level of quality. Am I right? Maybe not. But I'm not ready to give up completely on the show.

I promise to try to include one positive thing in my comments from now on! Although I can pretty much guarantee it won't be about Justin/Rebecca getting engaged** or Kevin + Robert = BFF! Hope that's OK! :)

**It's not even them getting back together. Despite whether I think they're a good couple or not, it's pretty clear that the writers want to put them together. I just don't see how going from broken up over serious conflicts to engaged overnight is a good step for their relationship. If you really want them to live happily ever after, let them actually repair their relationship! Jumping straight into an engagement/marriage without dealing with any issues, expectations, goals, etc. is not a good recipe for a long and happy life together. Do we really need to see another Walker divorce? Let's let them mature a little as individuals before taking any major steps as a couple.

[Vin]

Kevin/Kitty, Sarah/Scotty, and the initial Justin/Sarah dialogue - the only 3 scenes from this episode that were enjoyable for me.

I've given up on beseeching you about other contrivances. Just please stop making Kevin speak and act uncharacteristically when he's around Robert.

It is neither convincing nor credible to hear intelligent, spirited, highly principled Kevin claim to love a job that merely portrays him as a personal assistant and sudden confidante to his senator brother-in-law.

You are doing a huge disservice to one of your most popular characters on this show. Please stop violating Kevin's character just to prop Robert's up.

[Claire]

What an episode! One of the best this season. And the final scene - sooo romantic!! I love how Justin and rebecca made their comeback. It was worth all the suffer I'v been through in the last episodes ever since they broke up. And looks like there gonna be another wedding in this season final.
The first season ended in Kitty&Robert's engagement.
The second- in Kevin&Scotty's wedding
and this one - with Justin&Rebbeca's.
Such a great thing to finish with an amazing season.

All of the actors are doing a great job. And if Ryan came just to proove Justin and Rebecca's strong connection, than I'm glad he came eventually.

[Amanda]

I support the “Free Kevin from Robert” campaign.

Who are you trying to convince with this unbelievable storyline? Kevin is only being used and it makes no sense. Their suddenly loving relationship is terrible and has never been credibly developed. And why Kevin loves his job? What difference has he made? Why Kevin loves Robert so much? It makes me sick. I don’t know how much more of this I can take.

[cecila]

love the show keep up the good work looking forward to season 4 i pray that kitty robert get back together i love these two they are meant to be with one and other

[Lee in Chicago]

I wish I could compliment the writers/producers on 323. But I can't, so I will try not to be entirely negative.

Ryan - this character has never worked and still does not work. Please lose him as you create next season. Very few will notice or care.

Rebecca - what happened to the girl with the dark past that we never got to know? She would have been an interesting character. It seems like all Rebecca and Justin did this season was argue and have make up sex repeatedly only to break up anyway. Having them get engaged after the season they had is ridiculous.

Kevin - He's fine when he's not around Robert. That pairing has never worked either. Kevin is a brilliant lawyer who is accomplishing nothing working for Robert. Seperate them and return the Kevin we know and love - please!

Justin - his character works with Robert's. They have a common bond and it makes sense. Let Justin go to school near Robert & Kitty.

A lot of my friends have stopped watching this show. The common reason is: the (not so great) plots are driving the characters. When the show is really working, the characters drive the plots. Please let that happen as a rule, rather than the exception (which has been the case for far too long).

I even like Holly when the plot is driven by her character.

A return to basics is definitely in order for season four.

[Sara]

What does Alec do for a living? Maybe I missed it, but I don't understand how he spends all his days at the park being a single Dad. Maybe he works from home?

[Rachel]

SL - as for Justin and Rebecca, I think the idea of an engagemnt make sense SPECIALLY at this point. The last few episode prooved that. They had many fight - true, but the last crised was the strongest, and still - it was preety obviouse that they still need each other. They stayed close even when they were apart. Thats why it make sense that they relized that no matter what happend - they belong togather and see their future togather.
The way that proposal was made shows that. That scene was the best scene they had togather, for my opinion. Such a great work by Dave and Emily.
Because of that I believe that their marridge has a strong basis and a good potential to work. They know each other so good and they have been throgh so much. Let's let them mature togather, this would be wonderful to watch.

[yoli]

There has been alot of good episodes. This one I saw last week and the one coming up not a good comb.
First Robert says he will do everything in his power to save his marriage. Next he telling Kitty if she wants a separation he'll give her one. What a way to fight.
It's like he pushes her away then he wants to fight for her. At times Kitty looks so weak like she will have a nervous break down. Why bring a baby into a marriage then tear it up.
I remember when the show started showing. Me and my kids never missed an episode we make sure to be home to watch. And if anybody came over they got into it. Thats how good it used to be. Its ok now but not as good as the beginning.
Anyway just wanted to put in my 2 cents worth.