"Brothers & Sisters" Recap Episode 214:"Double Negative"

Greetings gentle recap readers! This week’s episode of Brothers & Sisters was titled “Double Negative,” but for the most part I have only positive things to say about it. In fact, it may just have been my favorite episode of the season. Nice to see the show getting back on track after a bit of a fallow period.

The episode opens on Robert and Kitty in bed. They are looking at some photos sent over by their embryologist which show a number of fertilized eggs for the couple to choose from. They look just like Quaker Oats rice cakes to me – so maybe they should just do what I do and go with the sour cream and onion flavored.

Kitty wonders aloud if they’ll end up with triplets. I think maybe McAllister’s already ended up with triplets. (Anybody remember that Rob Lowe sex tape from back in the eighties?”)

Anyhoo, Robert groans and tells her to pretend that a multiple birth is not an option, but Kitty continues her musings: “I wonder if the White House has ever had triplets?”

Well, technically yes. Little known fact – the Bush twins were actually a triple birth. Fraternal siblings Jenna & Barbara actually had a triplet sister, Peggy, but Dubya had to sacrifice first born Peggy to the devil in order to bring about the hellish miracle of his eight years as President. But I digress.

Robert tells Kitty to can it – they are not having triplets and he is not going to be Vice President.

Kitty tells him to get real.

Kitty: Why do you suppose the Republican nominee is coming over to our house this afternoon? We know what he wants. He wants you to be the VP.

That, or he’s on the hunt for some rice cakes.

Cut to morning at the Walker mansion. Nora enters her kitchen to find all of her kids (and Rebecca) assembled and making her a fancy breakfast. They want to pamper her since last week she declined Mumbles’ offer to move to Washington, DC and now she’s all alone.

Kevin: It’s hard dealing with a break up. Especially one at your age.

All Nora really needs is a Boniva break, and she’ll bounce right back. Nora reminds them her life is quite full these days. In fact, she’s got the “Pasadena Children’s Hospital Fundraiser” to go to that evening. You might remember that event from last season. Last year’s fundraiser had a Broadway musical theme, and the Walkers all sat at the “Wicked” table. This year the charity event doesn’t seem to have a unifying theme, but Nora reminds them it’s a black tie affair, and they all have to attend. Even Rebecca.

Then Nora mentions that she’s thinking of redecorating. “Jamie,” her interior designer is coming over that afternoon.

All the kids groan. Turns out every time there’s upheaval in Nora’s life she wants to redecorate the house. They should count their blessings – at least she’s staying put. Whenever I’m faced with upheaval, I usually just want to move.

The kids all recount times in their lives when Nora has redecorated. The capper is Kevin:

Kevin: How about when I came out? Most parents just cry, but Mom ripped out the entire back yard.
Sarah: Nothing but dirt, dumpsters and porta pottys for like two years.

And all those hot construction workers. Don’t forget them.

Nora: Well I thought Kevin would have a lot more pool parties! I was trying to be supportive.

Throughout this discussion Rebecca looks pensive. Clearly, something is troubling her. Either the possibility that she’s not actually a Walker is weighing on her mind, or she has an aversion to gay pool parties.