"Brothers & Sisters" Episode 202 Recap: “An American Family”

Justin looks pretty banged up. Usually for hospital scenes they put a smudge on somebody’s cheek to indicate that they’ve had a life threatening injury, but the makeup artist on this show has done a pretty realistic job of making Justin look injured. Or maybe Dave Annable is just a consummate method actor and dragged his mug across five miles of bad road. Either way, the effect is pretty startling. He has an enormous, oozy red scab on his forehead and a bunch of other scabs and burns on his face and neck.

Something seems “off” with Justin, and it’s not just the burns and bruises. Before, Justin was always capable of that “hit by a two by four” expression – with his forehead all contorted in shocked surprise. But now he just looks really stoic. His face like a mask. Maybe his impassive visage indicates the war has changed him. Or maybe he just got some bad botox. Either way, something’s different.

Cut to the hospital waiting room. Nora is reading from that Hero’s Handbook thing again. The doctor walks up and tells them he’s signing Justin’s release papers. He can go home tomorrow. The doc warns them that Justin has refused painkillers. When the epidural they gave him wears off he’s going to be in a lot of pain.

Cut to the Walker mansion where Tommy has just built a wheelchair ramp for Justin.

Sarah: This is perfect! You’ve saved the day.

It would be perfect, only Tommy has built it in the front foyer facing the wrong way – so instead of being a wheelchair ramp, it’s more of a wheelchair barricade.

Still, Sarah fawns over his efforts. No doubt they can put the thing where it belongs later. Tommy kisses his big sis on the cheek.

Sarah: What was that for?
Tommy: It’s been awhile since anyone said anything that nice to me.

Paige and Cooper come racing in with “Welcome Home” posters for Justin. Sarah can’t get over how good the posters look. Surely the kids had help. My guess? Off camera, there’s an underpaid production assistant passed out from all the Sharpie fumes.

Househusband Joe walks in with a bunch of helium balloons. Tommy takes them off Joe’s hands and ushers the kids away to give their parents a chance to talk.

Tommy: Let’s set these up guys. Justin’s gonna love them.

Did Tommy and the kids go upstairs? I think they did. Oh, that’s right. Put the balloons, posters and gifty items on the second floor where Justin, in his wheelchair can most enjoy them.

Sarah (to Joe): Thank you for the posters and the balloons. That was sweet.
Joe: We’re still family.

Speaking of family, who should walk in just then but Rebecca. She’s nose to nose with Joe at the door. Oh awkward.

Cut to the driveway. The rented minivan pulls up and Nora tells Kitty to go inside and tell everyone to calm down

Nora: The last thing Justin needs right now is a lot of excitement.
Kevin: Mom, he’s hurt his leg. He doesn’t have the vapors.

Er, actually, he’s been eating beef jerky all the way from San Diego. Trust me, he has the vapors.

Kevin hops out and Nora and Justin are alone in the car. She asks if he’s all right.

He nods.

Sarah: Let’s just get you in there, okay?

Kevin has pulled the wheelchair out of the trunk, but Justin grabs his crutches. He wants to walk inside on his own. What an idiot. Take the free ride, Justin. It would be so different if you were contemplating being stuck in a wheelchair for the rest of your life, but seeing as how you’ll be up and around in two weeks, I say let someone push you around in a comfy chair for awhile.