“Brothers & Sisters” Episode 122 Recap: "Favorite Son"

Cut to a limo in downtown LA McAllister is taking Justin somewhere for the afternoon, but he hasn’t said where yet. Justin is a little worried the Senator is going to whack him. And not in a fun way. In a Sopranos way.

McAllister asks Justin when he is being shipped back to Iraq. Justin tells him in two weeks, and he’s afraid to even think about it. McAllister says he needs to think about it. Prepare. That’s what this afternoon excursion is about.

How the hell is McAllister planning on preparing Justin? Are they on their way to paintball or something?

Nope. Instead, the Senator’s limo pulls into a veteran’s hospital. Maybe to “prepare” him the Senator plans on treating Justin to an afternoon of wading through red tape to get heartless and substandard medical care.

Cut to inside the veteran’s hospital where McAllister and Justin are touring the halls like it's some sort of petting zoo and the Senator has a pocket full of corn feed.

McAllister is treated like a returning benefactor. Everybody sees to know him and are eager chat him up. McAllister is saying things like:”Did you get those magazines my staff sent over?" or "Hey Chuck, how’s that leg treating you?” It’s such a cornpone photo op that surely there must be some cameras around. Or am I just a cynic?

Cut to the Walker mansion. Kevin is in the kitchen making a sandwich when Justin comes in. Justin flops down, clearly spent from his volunteer day dressing war wounds down at the VA hospital. Kevin admits he’s had a rough day too.

Kevin: It’s actually a Kitty thing, but I can’t tell you.
Justin: I don’t care.
Kevin: It’s attorney-client privilege
Justin: I just said I don’t care. I got a call from Senator McAllister out of the blue. He picks me up in a totally sweet limo.
Kevin: What I wouldn’t give for a date like that.

Justin raises his eyebrow.

Kevin: What? Okay, so I hate his politics, but I mean the guy has like perfect skin. Okay. Go on.

Justin tells him about his day at the Veteran’s hospital.

Justin: Frankly, it scared the hell out of me.
Kevin: So that’s why he took you there?
Justin: No, he took me there to show me that I have a responsibility. That I’m needed. You know, he’s a better guy than you think, Kevin.

Cut to the Santa Barbara hospital waiting room. Nora is there with Tommy.

Nora asks if he’s seen the twins yet. He admits that he hasn’t. He’s been thinking about the choice he and Julia have to make. Do they risk their daughter’s life to possibly save their son? Tommy breaks down.

Tommy: They could both die.
Nora: Tommy, I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help. Just know that I understand, whatever you decide. Whatever you choose.
Tommy: What if I can’t choose?