"Brothers & Sisters" Episode 203 Recap: “History Repeating”

Things aren’t going well on the boys’ golf outing. Julia’s father is truly a windbag – taking countless passive-aggressive potshots at Tommy. (I wonder if he does recaps for a living?) Finally, Tommy’s had enough.

Tommy: When we get home I want you out of my house.
Father-in-law: Fine with me, but I’m taking Julia and the baby with me.

Cut to a rooftop bar in downtown LA. My guess? I think it’s probably the Standard Hotel. Rebecca is taking photos of Justin.

She tries to bring up the subject of Justin’s pain medication, but he’s just anxious to get the check. The waitress drops it on the floor, and Justin bends down to pick it up. The sound of a rubber band snapping is heard. Ouch. His knee has given out with a loud pop. He doubles over in pain.

Way to get out of paying the bill!

Cut to later at the Walker mansion. Rebecca and Nora get the whimpering Justin into bed. I think I liked him better when he was a junkie. All of this stoic bravery in the face of pain is wearing thin.

Rebecca and Nora head into the kitchen where Nora turns on Rebecca for taking Justin out without his wheelchair.

Rebecca: You know what, I was trying to help you. Maybe you should write me a script next time!

Nora calms down and asks Rebecca to forgive her. She’s not mad at Rebecca. She’s mad at the situation.

Nora: Even last year with William’s death – there was always this sense of reason to it. But not this. This time there’s only pain. That’s why I want him to take his medication. The only good that will come out of any of this is when it finally stops.

I find myself wishing that had happened last episode.

Cut to the kitchen of a fancy five-star French restaurant. Kevin enters to find Scotty standing by the prep line with glasses of white burgundy in hand and a perfect meal magically prepared. What, did he nuke some Stouffers frozen entrees? That pristine and immaculate kitchen sure doesn’t look like it’s been used recently.

Scotty puts a plate of food down in front of Kevin and describes the very elaborate dish (braised lamb, port reduction, etc.) It’s something Dale would’ve whipped up on Top Chef. He explains that he’s in cooking school now and is working as an intern at Chez Frou Frou. Hence, they have the run of the kitchen for a private meal.

I’m thinking whoever runs this restaurant is awfully lax when it comes to interns, and the friends they entertain there.

Justin and Kevin toast to changing their lives.

Cut to backstage before the Senator gives a campaign speech. McAllister tells Kitty the visit with his ex-wife Courtney was frosty and unproductive. Oh well, he tried.

Kitty’s not going to stand around and let Courtney ruin the Senator’s Presidential ambitions. The Kitty claws are out. She’s ready to slap down Courtney herself.

Kitty: But before I go see her, there’s just one thing I’ve got to ask. The nanny story. Is it ever going to blow up in our face?.
McAllister: I told you the first time it came up. No. Okay?

Cut to Tommy’s house. He’s finally home from playing golf with Saul and his father-in-law. He finds Julia alone and pensive in the nursery. He’s there to tell her what an ass her father is being.

Tommy: So get this, your father wants to take you and Elizabeth home. And not just for the weekend. Isn’t that a hoot?
Julia: (pauses for effect) I think it’s for the best.

Ooh, that’s gotta sting. Turns out all this time Julia has blamed Tommy for the death of Baby William. The girl is bonkers, Tommy. She can't deal with her own guilt for the joint decision not to go through with the organ transplant, so she's rewriting history by foisting it all off on you. Consider yourself lucky to be free of her.