“Brothers & Sisters” Episode 121 Recap: "Grapes of Wrath"

Cut to Kevin’s law office. Kitty has brought Sarah’s strawberry shortcake with her to hand off to him. Geez, that thing is making more rounds than a holiday tin of fruitcake and I'm getting suspicious. There is an old rule in writing that you don't show a gun in the first act unless it's going to get used in the last act. They're showing that cake so much I'm starting to suspect it's this episode's "gun" and it's going to go off in the third act.

Kitty: I need you to take the cake.

Kevin asks her why she’s not going to Tommy’s wine-tasting. She lies and says she’s boycotting the event out of respect for Sarah’s feelings. That gets Kevin to wondering if he should go.

Next thing you know, we cut to the Walker Mansion where Kevin is now trying to foist off Sarah’s cake to Justin. Justin is incredulous. This is Tommy’s big night. He says Nora will never stand for it.

Kevin: What’s Mom going to do? Call a family meeting and force us all to go?

Yep! We cut to the Walker Mansion kitchen where Nora has called the inevitable family meeting. She is trying to guilt trip everyone into attending the wine-tasting. Including Sarah – who by all rights should get a pass.

Kitty finally admits she has her own reasons for not wanting to attend the wine-tasting.

Kitty: I have to go to DC with the Senator. It’s a national security thing and I’m sorry, that’s all I can say about it.
Sarah: That’s why McAllister gave you a bag of lingerie to take with you? Oh yeah, I can see the fate of the free world hangs in the balance.
Justin: Apparently that’s not the only thing that’s hangin’

This is supposed to be funny, but I’m not sure exactly how to parse the joke. Does it mean the Senator is going commando? Or does it mean the Victoria’s Secret bag contained crotchless panties?

Sarah begins talking about what a nightmare the wine tasting is going to be-- what with Holly, “the wicked witch of the west” holding court. Just then, Rebecca walks in to make herself lunch and overhears. Ooh, uncomfortable. Nora promises her she’ll make her a sandwich in just a minute, and Rebecca beats a hasty retreat. What, she’s got Nora cooking for her now? The girl is shameless.

Sarah starts pulling on her coat.

Nora: Sarah, where are you going?
Sarah: Home, Momma. I can’t sit around and watch you run a bed and breakfast with the girl that ruined my marriage. Would you mind giving Tommy my cake and tell him that I love him?

Sarah heads out, but she gets intercepted in the foyer by Rebecca who wants to apologize for what happened with Joe.

Sarah looks green around the gills. It doesn’t look like she’s ready to make nice with Rebecca.