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In episode 2, Brothers & Sisters introduces a second gay character as a potential love interest for Kevin. Woo hoo! Scotty Wandell (played by actor Luke MacFarlane) is a witness in one of Kevin's legal cases. We first meet him when he shows up for a meeting at Kevin's law office to discuss his testimony. Scotty is almost the exact opposite of straight-acting Kevin. Flamboyant and fabulous, the boy looks like he just wandered off the set of Queer as Folk. At their first meeting, Kevin seems uncomfortable with Scotty and tries to be all button-down business. Scotty (who must be clairvoyant or something) reads Kevin almost immediately. “Oh, my God, you're gay!”

By Kevin's shocked expression, you'd think Scotty took a whiz on his desk blotter.

Scotty makes another appearance in episode 3, when he crashes the Walker family pool party. Not much happens between them at the party. No kissing, no hugging, no holding hands, etc. In fact, Kevin admits he doesn't really want Scotty there. Um, Kevin, in case you haven't noticed, not a whole lot going on in the romance department. Don't look a gay gift horse in the mouth. It's probably a good thing that Scotty brought along a peace offering -- homemade red velvet cupcakes. As dear Martha would say, "It's a good thing."

It's a small gesture, the gift of these baked goods, but of symbolic importance. You see, Kevin takes the treats home with him to enjoy in privacy, curls up on his couch with the full cupcake plate, and smiles wistfully, fondly, before biting into that first frosted morsel. You just know those cupcakes represent his growing affection for Scotty. Or his desire to rip off his clothes and take him the way Gale Harold would take Justin in QAF. Oh, wait--that's what I wanted those cupcakes to represent. Sigh. If only this were on cable.

But then the episode abruptly ends. You don't know what happens with Kevin and the cupcakes. Maybe he spits on them? Or maybe Kevin's delight in the cupcakes has nothing to do with Scotty. Maybe he's just bulimic—smiling because he gets to eat all the cupcakes and purge later..

Frankly, I was hoping to have the great cupcake debate resolved in Episode 4. Unfortunately, in this episode Kevin's personal life takes a back seat while he squires his mom around. And doesn't that make for some great gay viewing? Look, I'm gay so I just love Sally to pieces. Strong woman and all that. But this is the fourth episode and I want some same-sex macking! Some handholding? Something?

Instead, Kevin first accompanies Nora on a golf outing at the country club. Later, he cancels a tentative date with Scotty so he can take her to a movie. Imagine the embarrassment when he and his mom run into Scotty while standing in line at the theater. I know how humiliated I was when I got caught with my Mom at the Ice Capades. Scotty seems to be on a date with some other guy, and Kevin can't hide his disappointment. You can practically see him shoving those cupcakes down the garbage disposal.

By then end of the show, Kevin throws a hissy fit. Okay, it's more butch than that, but he does tell Sally he's tired of always being the dutiful son. He's done with being Mom's “plus one.” He wants to be free, up where they walk, up where they run, up where they stay all day in the sun, wanderin' free, wish I could be, part of that world!

Great--I just started singing lyrics from The Little Mermaid again, didn't I? So sorry. Won't happen again.

But you get my point. Fortunately, Kevin declares its time he focuses on his love life. And I actually have hope something will happen. And you know what? In Episode 5, it does!

Episode 5 Recap

The show starts with a late night phone call between Kitty (Calista Flockhart) and her boyfriend Jonathan. Kitty is in her pajamas at her Mom's house in Los Angeles, while Jonathan is supposedly in New York.

Jonathan: I wish you were here so you could jump into my bed. Hey, I've got an idea….

Eww. Jonathan is propositioning her for phone sex. I'm not sure I want to listen to these two undressing each other over the phone. Fortunately, Kitty is not that into it either. She oohs and ahs and pretends to undress herself, but all the while she's padding around the kitchen eating leftovers and looking bored.

Somehow, Jonathan knows she's just faking the phone sex stuff. He's eerily astute. But then we find out why. Jonathan is not in New York after all. He's on his cell phone and in the darkened kitchen with Kitty! It's sort of icky, him sneaking up on her unannounced like that. I'm reminded of When a Stranger Calls. “Kitty, the phone company has traced the booty call – it's coming from inside the house! I repeat, your creepy boyfriend is inside the house!”

Kitty: (after calming down) You are so lucky that I'm the only Republican that doesn't own a gun.

Oh Kitty, I wish I had a gun so I could pop him for you. That Jonathan has got to go. Suddenly Momma Nora (Sally Field) comes rushing into the kitchen. Apparently, the commotion woke her, and she's come to the rescue dressed only in a t-shirt and brandishing an umbrella. Who says it never rains in LA? I've got a sneaking suspicion this whole scene was cooked up so Sally Field could show off her pilates-toned thighs. She looks pretty damn good for a 60-year old woman, I'll give her that.

We cut to the next morning. Kitty and Nora, both dressed now, are in the kitchen. Stalker Jonathan is still lurking about. He mentions something about checking into his suite at the Ritz. Yay! But Nora, who doesn't even like Jonathan, invites him to stay on at the house. What is she trying to do, punish her daughter for something? I can't wrap my head around it.

Also in the kitchen is a new character: Nora's contractor, David, played by Treat Williams. I've always loved Treat – ever since he pranced around naked in Hair. But here he's wearing Dockers and a plaid shirt. Also, his hair is shellacked and a funny rust shade. Is it me or should he be on the cover of a “Just for Men” box?

I guess Nora's having some work done on the house, because David the contractor is showing her some cork floor tiles.

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