This Sunday- Episode 405 "Last Tango in Pasadena"

Written by Molly Newman & Jason Wilborn

DIrected by Bethany Rooney

Time to put on your dancing shoes.  This week, Luc (Gilles Marini) meets the the Walker clan and gives Justin and Rebecca dance lessons in preparation for their wedding.  Kitty is feeling better, and Robert surprises her with a night out. Scotty tries to convince Kevin that his friend Michelle would be the perfect surrogate.  Holly receives devastating news regarding her finances.

Here's what's next on the slate:

Episode 406- "Zen and the Art of Mole Making" Written by Brian Studler & Geoffrey Nauffts, The family has a special visitor.  One hint, he's visiting from Mexico...

Episode 407- "The Wig Party" Written by Marjorie David & David Marshall Grant, Not to be confused with the Whig Party.  No, Robert does not switch political parties...

Episode 408- "The Wine Festival" Written by Sherri Cooper-Landsman & Michael Foley, Walkers plus wine... what could be better?

Comments

[will]

Suggestion time.

One of the main, overarching defects of "Brothers and Sisters" is in the plotting department. The set-ups tend to be broad and unconvincing. Corporate takeovers of Ojai, a presidential campaign, long-lost siblings, any machinations from Holly.

"Brothers and Sisters" only redeems itself in the particular. In the detailed, idiosyncratic, personal, intimate, peculiar chemistries that this one actor has with that actor.

Matthew with Rachel.

Sally with Dave.

Saul and Sally.

Balty (when he was around) with Kevin and Dave.

At best, there are personal, idiosyncratic acting styles and offbeat flukes of personality that spark and flare up within the contexts of a scene. I saw "Adam's Rib" the other weekend on TCM, and Hepburn and Tracy had great rapport. That's what we end up remembering when the day is done. That's the "takeaway". They had a dozen plots together in those movies, but we remember the rapport.

This is why I have such problems with Emily and Dave. Separately, they may be wonderful. I LIKE Emily. But pair her up with Dave or Patricia and the soufflé falls.

This show should move from strength to strength. But, as we all are too aware, we move frequently from great chemistry with delightful writing... to Dave and Emily rolling on the bed... and filler with Holly talking sharply into her phone and pounding the desk.

This is not how I wish to remember this show at the end of the day.

Please play your strengths. Eliminate the expendable and the mediocre.

[AtelierGal]

Assuming that Tommy is coming back (for that episode anyway), what about Julia & Elizabeth?

[Sylviane]

Yeah! Kevin/Scotty! And the return of Michelle! I liked her in season 1, which was of course a different series than this season, so I could end up disliking her, but I'm cautiously optimistic.

And we have Robert/Kitty together which hopefully means that you won't bore us with more Robert/Kevin-scenes. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. I like Kevin/Scotty and Robert/Kitty.

I look forward to Justin/Luc. I don't know who I pity more :D

And Holly in financial problems? Yeah right! Like you guys will do something that will negatively impact the precious Harpers.

Holly can't loose! Holly is business-wizzard who has two wiz-kids (with NO business-experience!) in the shape of Rebecca and Ryan working for her.

Rebecca's silly idea of selling cheap wine that NO ONE in the wine-business would EVER be able to connect to Ojai (because the Harpers are SO much smarter than all those others in the wine-business) will no doubt be a HUGE success by the end of the episode and see: problem solved.

[Jennifer]

Will, I think you have a point, and I will add that there are scenes like in the clip for this upcoming episode that plays to the strengths of the cast of siblings, all on the lawn chairs behaving like imbeciles.

The difficulty is in balancing this show with enough plot to provide fodder for the great interactions between characters.

You can't have a fabulous multiple person phone call every week, even though those are some of my favorite scenes. Nor can you have them fighting all of the time because that gets old fast.

The balance is in providing the proper amount of drama/soap to allow for these great character moments to live and breath.

Unfortunately, because the plots are oftentimes used as a set up for the character moment, they leave a bit to be desired.

What we need are plots that we can all invest in, which is why I think the Kitty cancer story arc was a perfect choice.

The point is NOT that Kitty has cancer, in the same way the point is NOT that Robert is running for governor or that Ojai has another business rival...the POINT is how all of these brothers and sisters deal with the situation and with each other.

We need reasons for them to fight and make up. The problem with a show like this is that the fighting and making up is the A story and the plot or reason for said fight is really the B/C story.

This can make the plot stories frustrating because they're really fluff for "Kitty/Robert have problems in their marriage" OR "Tommy is dealing poorly with the death of his child..."

[Charlie]

Keep up the great work writers. You're doing great!

[maria]

I think the writers are doing a great job in showing Roberts love for Kitty over his ambition. I love Kitty/Robert moments... I do think Kevin can have a more challenging role as a lawyer and communications director. Can you please show more of the kids, in every family kids play an important role, for some reason we always see the parents of the kids but no kids, example how are Roberts kids reacting to Kitty's cancer? Can they perhaps show affection by sending her cards or visiting? What about Elizabeth and Julia? e-mail or facebook perhaps... but overall I love B&S and look forward every Sunday. And of course Nora, mother who always tries to be there for her family.... Thanks

[S.L.]

Not as awful as I was dreading. Positive first: a focus on the family. The end in particular was very heartwarming. I loved the scene of Nora with Paige and Cooper. I also enjoyed the Kevin and Scotty plot for the most part (more on that later).

I still don’t see the massive appeal with Luc, but at least he has a real personality now. Unfortunately, it’s still an unbelievably flawless personality. One request – if you’re going to INSIST on keeping him around, please bring him “down to earth." Right now, Luc’s not a real person; he is a classic Mary Sue (Gary Stu) fantasy. Are the writers churning out TV screenplays or bad fanfiction?

The only complaint I'm really going to focus on this time around: as soon as I got past the nepotism, I was really looking forward to Michelle’s appearance. I liked her character, and considering her history on the show, there could have been some really interesting stuff. [Although I don’t know why I thought you would deal with that, since the Jason Lewis episode ignored it too. And yet, all the details of Kitty and Robert’s first time were mentioned even though it was from the VERY SAME EPISODE.] I’ll accept the actress turned designer thing. HOWEVER: despite the fact that she hasn’t been seen or mentioned once since she was last on, she’s just THERE showing off her designs and asking for major cash as if she and Scotty are best friends who hang out every week – odd since Kevin didn’t remember her name – which in itself is even odder considering he was sleeping with her boyfriend behind her back. And yet Kevin’s only concern was that she’s ‘flaky’? Why bother bringing in the same person (beyond the obvious reason) if you’re not going to actually use any of the character’s backstory? Fail, writers. Epic fail.

I know there were no Kevin and Robert scenes (yay!) but just for consistency's sake: FREE KEVIN!

[AtelierGal]

You guys have redeemed yourselves after last week's whatisthatallabout episode *claps*

Luke managed to win over the Walkers with such ease.

Kevin's line about the handbags was brilliant!

Many fans dislike Ryan, but what happened to him? Suddenly he appeared in 1 scene and that's it? If I don't know the storyline of the show, I would think he's a receptionist. Please wrap up his story and go~~

I love the breakfast at the end, that's what I love about B&S.

[will]

I'm been kind of half watching this epsiode because the Angels lost against the Yankees tonight and now the season's over for them. So my mind is part elsewhere.

Kerris, who plays Paige, seems to be going through an odd phase. The haircut is wrong for the face. And I don't believe she's a passable child actress any longer. I'm sure she's a perfectly sweet kid, but she throws me out of the scene. -- For some reason I kept thinking she reminded me of that little girl Rhoda in "The Bad Seed".

Luke (MacFarlane) had a nice, not too forced, moment with Matthew over who was going to lead ("be the girl") in dancing. The presentation of the "gay issues" tonight was transcended and reached a nice, easygoing rhythm. For a few moments I stopped thinking Kevin and Scotty were gay. They just became two people. It felt integrated. It was the laissez-faire reaction of the french guy who brought more of a european attitude towards same-sex couples.

Not being an "issue" feels really nice by the way.

The feel-good ending with all the giggling and tickling and laughing was too much. Less is more. We part the episode on a marred, saccharin note.

[Sylviane]

Plus: No Kevin/Robert! Yeah! Can't be said enough. Not seeing them together at the office is a blessing.

Plus: Ryan shows up shortly, but not irritatingly so. And he looks good. And normal.

Plus: Turns out I still like Michelle.

In general:

Scotty FINALLY gives Kevin a piece of his mind, in front of the others and draws the line... (GOOD!!! Very Good! Keep that up, Scotty!....) However, pick your fights more carefully.

Kevin was right. Michelle IS flaky and I do wonder if it's wise to choose her.

Michelle may be this GREAT friend Scotty never ever mentionned again, but with the history of Kevin and Chad cheating on her, (which was completely glanced over so far), I would seriously think twice.

And oh, look! They had another hug... On the bed.

Wanna bet that had it been McKitty, Justecca or Sarah/Luc, they would have been all over each other? But not so with Kevin/Scotty... The restraint those boys have.... ;)

BUT, in all honesty, their conversation could just as easily have taken place in the living-room, (just like their talk in the last episode). So I'm still glad it happened in the bedroom.

The moments between Robert/Kitty were beautifully shot and nicely worded and that's about it. Robert was great with Kitty these last two-three episodes, but he lost me again.

I wish I could really care about Robert's grand gesture of romance, but I don't. I think that I would have preferred the "staying home and watching Evan sleep" much better, because it's something I can relate to more than having dinner on the roof of a tall building.

I'm glad that Kitty was not as starry-eyed as in season 1 and far more realistic. I hope that Kitty can remain so 'real'.

Plus: Calista looked absolutely stunning and I usually don't look at the WOMEN in this show. :D

Luc is way too perfect and I do hope that you will give Mr Marini something more interesting to work with in the coming episodes. His supposed good-looks (sorry, he's not my type) are not enough to keep my interest going, if he has nothing MORE to offer than that.

And again, Holly has nothing to worry about. She has Rebecca and Ryan and between those two and their complete lack in experience at anything whatsoever, I'm sure there will be a BRILLIANT idea popping up soon enough.

I did like Holly/David however. It was nice to see Holly act just as unreasonable as her daughter when things don't go her way.

It was also nice that Holly apologized to David once she cooled down, a gift that unfortenately neither David nor Holly passed on to Rebecca.

Justin was absolutely hilarious in his scenes with Luc. Dave Annable is good at comedy. And in all, I think he did a good job here.

I loved seeing Sarah with her kids again. I missed them and I've missed seeing her as a mother.

[Denise]

Where can I buy the sweater that Holly was wearing when she was talking about losing all her money. I love that sweater!!

[will]

I just wanted to add a quick thought. Although I only half-watched last night's episode, it was still pretty obvious that Gilles Marini brings a different (a more open, generous) comic vibe to the show.

Calista has a sort of tic-y, neurotic, very american sense of humor. But that neurotic - snarky, slightly bitchy - humor is also Matthew's (or at least what he brings to Kevin). Rachel has her share of this type of snarky "insider" (almost gay campy) bitchy humor -- and it feels right between them as they ARE a family and were presumably similarly brought up.

But this french guy brought a completely different vibe to the show. His sense of humor is not perfectly meshed with theirs. He doesn't appear in any way "american-neurotic" (there is no gay-oppressed, jew-oppressed culture humor overtones) which Calista does so well and which Matthew and Rachel, who aren't, strictly speaking, american, can also provide.

I LIKE this open, natural, french sensibility. I see it among italians too. It's immediately recognizable and a beautiful fodder, an antidote, counteracting the Walker family sensiblity.

Woody Allen had his american-neurotic types - Rebecca Hall and Scarlett Johansson in Barcelona - in the film "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" which he contrasted to great effect with the cultural attitudes and mannerisms of Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz. I hope you guys can figure out how to use this character "Luc" in a way that is something more than an uninspired american screenwriter's conception of frenchness.

[Jennifer]

Great episode -- Keep up the family interactions! (These are what make the show -- not them separated into 'couples')

[shari]

This was the best episode yet this season. I laughed out loud and of course cried - every episode. It's my Sunday night fix for sure. It just reminds us all that all you need is support - family! Now I cry every week because I am super close to my sister too and just think how I would feel in their positions and how our life would change like theirs - Live in the moment and just love people every day. Best show! It keeps it real - OK we don't all have families like theirs but can find some similarities none the less. Just love it.

[Belle]

Can any one please tell me the name of the song Rebecca and Luc danced to during the tango scene? Your help is appreciated!

[Scott]

Beautiful episode last night. The focus was kept on the Walkers -- where it should be -- and you continued to delicately depict the toll Kitty's cancer is taking on the family while still allowing for plenty of humor and light-heartedness. Kevin dropping the flowers, the pool ogling, and the dancing in the living room were all fantastic.

The final scene was absolute perfection. Left me with a ridiculous smile on my face.

I just hope that Michelle's decision to be the surrogate is given more depth in the next episode. This is a HUGE decision, and I really want Kevin/Scotty to find someone who is mature enough to take on this role in a responsible manner.

[Cameo Gonzalez]

I've posted before and I must let you in on a catchphrase that you need. My sister has cancer and I've always thought of my family as the "Mexi Ghetto" or low budget version of the Walkers. Anyway, the scene of Robert and Kitty on the rooftop talking about cancer and how they don't WANT to talk about cancer made me think of what we call it, a "cancercation" = cancer vacation.

No matter what negative things others have to say about the show or the plotline, I can say that living this storyline, it is very real and I can tell that someone on your writing team has had to deal with this bullshit disease. Keep up the good work!

http://thefamilytiesthatbind.blogspot.com

[Petite]

I'm glad to see Gilles on TV. I wish we knew more about his character other than just his good looks. The pool side scene was very comedic and enjoyable in more ways than thought possible. I really enjoy the show and hope the writers don't loose focus on some many characters which is often difficult with large cast ansembles.

[MJ (Madrid, Spain)]

I liked this episode, I was afraid it was as awful as the 4x04 but I liked it and the final scene was perfect! Congratulations for that!

I loved Scotty in this episode. Keep that way!

Plus: No Kevin/Robert! Yesss! FREE KEVIN!!

[S.L.]

Sylviane wrote: "And oh, look! They had another hug... On the bed."

Control yourselves, boys! In all seriousness, I did like the hug, and I did like the fact that the conversation took place in the bedroom. But how come it's fine to show OVERT sexuality from Kevin and Scotty ONLY in cliches and/or arguably offensive "jokes" - ogling unattainable straight guys, kinky offers of threesomes, frustrating (and missed!) "appointment sex"? I would much rather see that desire directed towards each other, as an authentic and meaningful (and yes, occasionally warmly funny) part of their relationship. You can find stereotypically sex-crazy gay guys anywhere on TV. B&S used to be unique in showing real affection, love and passion. What happened?

I also agree that Michelle is a bad choice for surrogate. Even beyond her history with them and Chad (yes, I STILL am upset that was completely ignored), her enthusiastic offer was brash at best. While Scotty was right to stand up for himself in terms of making decisions, I wish his need to process before rushing into anything (do you even REMEMBER what you wrote 4 episodes ago?) was present here too. Scotty's come a long way from season 1. However, there has to be a way to give him back some of his edge without taking away his growth at the same time.

Oh, by the way, if the viewers were supposed to swoon over that shamelessly gratuitous shot of Luc climbing out of the pool, you failed with at least one household. Over here, nobody could take their eyes off Scotty. I'm not sure any of the writers have ever actually heard of the idea "less is more," but sometimes it really IS. In this case "less" refers to revealed skin and crotch close-ups. Don't get me wrong - the scene was amusing, in that obvious kind of way, but only because the acting ability of the Walker clan saved it, IMO.

[Rachelle Farberman]

Last night's show is probably my favorite. I laughed out loud at Kevin's dropping the flowers and Justin's "objectifying" line. Having watched Giles on "Dancing" and in "Sex in the City" I can't see enough of him and am thrilled you guys were smart enough to write him in. He takes us out of the normal Walker angst and gives us a chance to get the characters out of their boxes for at least a moment. Perhaps he's the catalyst they all need to move forward a step or two out of their ruts. Sarah certainly needs to something to open her life to feeling again. Thanks for this direction. Love it.

[Gail Brown]

Everyone is just fantastic -- the show keeps me interested -- and it's a wonderful escape. I love all the plots and subplots -- afterall, this is not reality television. My only suggestion would be for Nora to lighten up a bit --when she does, she's fantastic! Ditto for Kitty. Kevin and Scotty are great -- I love Justin, he is the best!

[gingee17]

I have cried every single episode and after every single episode i claim "it" to be the best! I just cant wait for sunday nights to come! keep up the good work!

[Michelle M.]

Glad to see a post finally bring up Nora! The Walker rock. But I don't agree that she needs to lighten up. No, she needs to breakdown and rebuild. Her husband's affair would have had a deeper psychological toll than shown so far. 20 years is a long time to be lied to. Her marriage was the foundation her family was built on. She would have needed therapy. She would have serious trust issues and her self-confidence would have imploded. Sally Field is a very gifted actress- give her more.

[Lee]

"Can any one please tell me the name of the song Rebecca and Luc danced to during the tango scene? Your help is appreciated!"

Belle - the song is "Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)" by the Gotan Project. It's on the "Shall We Dance" soundtrack.