“Brothers & Sisters” Episode 123 Recap: "Matriarchy"

Cut to the dining room where Michael Nouri (of Flashdance fame) arrives as “Milo Peterman.” He tracks down Saul.

Milo: I’m sorry that we lost touch. I think about our trip to the Keys all the time. You know, the one where we stayed at that clothing optional B&B?

Okay, I embellished a bit, but it’s clear that these two messed around sometime long ago.

Saul asks after Milo’s wife, Elaine, which is a nice touch considering he already knows through Nora that Milo and Elaine are divorced. Milo tells him he’s single now.

Milo: Don’t you wanna know why I left Elaine?

I’m imagining “Elaine” is Jennifer Beals from Flashdance. I guess Milo couldn’t put up with the welding by day and the exotic dancing by night. But I digress.

Milo: I’m not pretending any more. I’m gay. It’s a little late to be coming out of the closet—pointless some would say, but I’ve always been a late bloomer.

Saul seems distinctly uncomfortable with this conversation.

Saul: That’s wonderful. Very brave what you did. Good for you. Anyway, I’m going to the kitchen to get those mushroom appetizers. I’ll catch up with you later.

Wow. Other than the spoilers I read online, there has been virtually no build up to this revelation that Saul might swing both ways. But it seems entirely believable to me that Saul would have a gay past. Doesn’t look like he wants a gay future, however. He’s insane, because Michael Nouri, even in his sixties, is still pretty hot.

Cut to the study where Holly is playing hide and seek with little Cooper. Hey Holly, he’s way too young for you.

Enter Sarah. I’m expecting sparks to fly between Holly and Sarah but instead they’re quite polite to one another. Sarah confesses she’s nervous about making a speech and Holly gives her some words of wisdom on how simultaneously hopeful and terrifying weddings can be. It’s all so civilized. I sorta wish they’d get into a food fight or something.

Sarah: So why are you being so nice?
Holly: I’m tired of hating you and of you hating me.

That, and she probably doesn’t want to give anyone an excuse to throw another cake at her.