"Brothers & Sisters" Episode 310 Recap: "Just a Sliver"

Nora comes in and they rush to act normal, which, let’s face it, is a stretch for them even on a good day. She’s lugging all these groceries in and plops down this enormous frozen turkey. Okay, there’s no way Nora would buy a frozen turkey; she’d go to the turkey farm and hand-pick her turkey the way you would lobster. So I figure she knows full well they’re all abandoning her and has bought all this food for the express purpose of making them feel like ungrateful little sh*ts. Which is why she’s playing the, “Oh I can barely carry all this delicious and expensive food I’ve purchased for my wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with my beloved family” routine for all its worth.

She senses something’s wrong, and they force Kitty to tell her about them all abandoning her except for Sarah. As I know from personal experience, the good child always bears the bulk of the criticism, so Nora of course lashes out primarily at Sarah, making a snarky comment about how she must have lost a bet. Sarah takes a little too long to assure her mother that she’s actually looking forward to some ladies night action, and Nora tells her not to patronize her. Then she walks out, muttering that she’s going to dump all the useless food.

Kevin tries to calm Sarah down by saying Nora’s criticism was “aimed” at them too. And Sarah responds that what’s actually aimed at them are the yam-like items she proceeds to hurl.

They run away, but she’s got a strong arm and manages to clock Kitty in the back with some sort of gourd. Between all the high-fiving and the throwing going on, I’m starting to realize what an athletic family they are. They should totally have a touch-football game Eight Is Enough-style. Only I’d update it by making it straights against gays. And shirts against skins. [Editor’s note: As long as they bring back Jason Lewis and Eric Winter! And they’re skins!]

Overall, this whole sequence is one of the funniest, best written, best acted bits we’ve ever seen on this show. I know this is sacrilege for me to say, but recapping really can’t do it justice, because what really makes it are all the hilarious reaction shots to what’s going on. It’s really an example of outstanding ensemble acting. Bravo all around.

Cut to Tommy’s House. Julia calls Tommy in because Elizabeth’s got blood in her vomit. You know, like in that old TV commercial that goes, “Hey, you got your blood in my vomit … Well you got vomit in my blood … Say! They taste great together!”

The point is she’s really sick. And you didn’t really think I was going to keep making jokes at some sick baby’s expense, did you? What kind of monster do you think I am?

Anyway, Tommy announces that they have to “take her to the E.R.” Yes! Finally, an E.R.-crossover episode! I hope the doctor is John Stamos.