Backstage Shake-Up at "Brothers & Sisters"

This stuff happens all the time and it's really important that we don't all jump the gun and assume that Baitz' sexual orientation somehow sealed his fate. The creators of several shows, have been eased out for a plethora of reasons, but since we dont't to follow shows like NCIS, we might incorrectly assume that B&S is the exception and not one of many that take place almost every season. Some are easier to get a grasp on if it's a "star" versus "creator" turfwar, which does not appear to be the case based on what I read here.

Writing for television is a hard thing, esp. for a show like B&S, which requires so much more than say a procedural or a traditional comedy. Looking back at the relative recent history of television, you'll likely find that the writer-driven adult family drama does not pop up with frequency. I can only think of Family, thirtisomething, Once and Again, and My So-Called Life, and would have a hard time naming others that fit the bill. These shows tend to have an audience that adores them and asks much of them. I know I do. 

I don't know much about the show except that it improved a great deal as the first season progressed and I've liked what I've seen this season. The political component of it still serves as the only hurdle that I still see but think that it's a great show that I don't miss. There are almost no other shows that I can say that about. My thinking is that it's just like any other job involving so many people. Different stakeholders hold different cards at different times and for better or worse, the engine kept moving without someone who may have played a key role in bringing it to life. Sometimes it is best to find the best role for a professional and have that person stick to it. Maybe being a showrunner or EP is not good for the creator as it would appear to be the case here. 

Thanks again for bringing attention to this story as I had no idea that there was all their turmoil behind the scenes. Someone call Betty Buckley for an exclusive.... But in all seriousness look at the recent challenges experienced by Marc Cherry (who seems to have found a working formula) or  Shonda Rimes, who I hope will thrive. There have been less hands in those kitchens and look at the chaos. Maybe we should be more surprised that the show is doing as well as its doing creatively and in the ratings.

As is the case with these things, this time next year Baitz will have written his next play, enjoying more success than ever or may even be back on TV....... Let's just keep supporting different visions as I ca't bear to have another adult family show die and have CSI: Los Angeles or Law and Order: Laguna Beach.......

JRB is an idealist...All of his postings about the writers' strike or life in LA, or even about his show, demonstrate his desire to work and live in a world that just doesn't exist--certainly not in Hollywood. He is not cut out for the rigors, the politics, the dynamics that are network television.

The original pilot for B&S was completely scrapped, so was the third episode. Berlanti saved the show. It's why Berlanti has 2 more shows on the network.Now I very much appreciate the amount of time and interest B&S has given to not just gay characters, but older characters, working mothers, etc...people we all know and relate to. But yes, it's as much the vision of Berlanti as it is Baitz.

JRB's departure was pure and simple about TV politics, about continuing to grow a show that still has a shot to get a broader audience. His development deal is still intact according to his own post, so there's no worry about that. This happens in TV all the time. Sometimes the person who creates the thing isn't the best guy to actually run the thing.

Putting aside whether there is anti-gay bias I'm sorry to read JRB won't have much participation with Brothers and Sisters. Even if the show had been revamped there are still touches I can see of his vision. Most of all I was looking forward to Saul's storyline.

I have a friend who's 54 and just came out to his parents over this past holidays. Although he'd been living as openly for 27 years he's never told most of his family members and he's rather circumspect in his profession. People don't understand how this could be because my friend is liberal and into such causes but it's means something different for someone of his generation and background (Chicago Irish Catholic)to say out loud he's gay as opposed to someone in his/ her twenties. Saul was dealing with similar issues and wanted to see this played out.

As much as I like Ugly Betty and other shows that feature gay characters (Grey's Anatomy) the emphasis is on the commonality with straights and any delving into real social differences seem impolite. Brothers and Sisters does demonstrate in an unpendantic way gays do face unique challenges from societal homophobia and therefore can't be just like everybody else. That's JRB's strong point and I hope that perspective can be perserved.