IMHO: "Brothers & Sisters" (3.24): "Mexico"
You have to hand it to this week’s Brothers & Sisters — not only did they manage to give us the worst season finale I can remember, it may actually have been the worst episode ever as well. I still can’t believe they wasted an entire episode with virtually every cast member languishing in fake Mexico trying to convince a character nobody ever liked who we’d all written off weeks ago that he should come back. I suppose I could have been okay with the “Bring Back Tommy” plotline if it had served as a focal point for other dramatic developments among his siblings. Instead, we tread over ground that was worn tediously thin weeks ago, although this time with a few Mexican extras thrown in the background. Kitty and Robert battled over the next step in their disintegrating marriage … again. Justin proposed to Rebecca … again. Holly and Sarah butted heads over who really runs Ojai … again. And Scotty had a single scene where he acted inhumanly saintly in his support of Kevin … @#$&ing again! This part galled me even more than usual given that, as Kevin himself reminded all of us, it was their one-year wedding anniversary, yet Saint Scotty fully supported Kevin spending it in Mexico searching for Tommy, because it’s more important to mend something that’s broken than celebrate something that’s mended, or something. Whatever. I guess at this point it should be expected that any and all Walker family drama supersedes anything and everything in Scotty and Kevin’s marriage. What really pisses me off this week, though, is that while Scotty is stuck home and therefore again basically invisible, Rebecca — Tommy’s sworn enemy, who isn’t a Walker even by marriage yet — gets to tag along for the ride, just so she can hog even more screen time. Even the one revelation that promised to be somewhat intriguing — something involving Ryan and Saul that had been fiendishly teased by ABC promos all week — proved to be a bust. Like many people posting here, I assumed we’d learn that Saul was actually Ryan’s father. Granted, this would have been ludicrous, but at least it would have been ludicrously interesting and finally given Ron Rifkin something to do besides ask, “What are you going to do now, Nora?” Instead, all we found out was that Saul did William’s dirty work in trying to pay off Ryan’s mother and so he feels responsible for her death ... responsible enough that now he wants to keep an eye on Ryan at Ojai. YAAAAWWWWN. There was one mildly interesting scene perhaps worth mentioning, when the Walkers confronted Tommy at the hippie-commune he’s been mooching off of and were forced to sit through an all-silent dinner communicating solely through gestures. At one point, Nora tries to get on Tommy’s good side by pointing at the food and enthusiastically giving it two thumbs up. Kevin points at the muck on his plate and makes this perfect expression of disbelief and disgust — perfect because it so ideally mirrors my own expression through this entire disappointment of an episode. It all led up to a final scene of the Walkers boarding a bus, and I thought we were finally going to get a finale-worthy cliffhanger that would make it all worth having endured to this point ... like the bus being hijacked by Mexican rebels, Moldavian Massacre-style. Or at least a severe case of collective swine flu. All we got, though, was a kumbaya chorus as the bus happily road off into the Mexican sunset. Leaving behind not a single compelling reason to come back and watch this show next season. And that’s all folks. For old time’s sake, what say we all open a bottle of Walker Landing Red, dig out the mango salsa, and start a collective bitchfest via phone tree? Or, barring that, feel free to post your comments on Season Three and the Finale below. I also want to thank you all for reading my mad recap ramblings, and for posting such insightful, entertaining responses — definitely the best part of having followed this show all season long. Submitted by on Tue, 2009-05-12 07:55. |
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Saul
12 year olds...
That would be who are writing for this show now. I have never seen so many plot contrivences before in my life! Its almost as if they're trying to get rid of their viewers slowly but surely. And I wouldn't go so far as to say Kitty's marriage is disintegrating since she goes running after him at the end... At this point the show has lost all its charm and I probably won't be watching next season unless they dump the current writers and get something better going!
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Chuckles!
Okay, normally I'm in the
Okay, normally I'm in the minority with B&S and actually ENJOY the episodes...
but this was a HORRIBLE episode and an even WORSE season finale!
Seriously, WTF was that?
The thing that made me the angriest was that there was absolutely NO REASON for Scotty to reference that it was their anniversary. Just because this is the season finale doesn't mean it had to fall on their anniversary. Making that reference just made Scotty look like an unbelievable saint and Kevin an unbelievable douche.
I kept waiting for a decent cliffhanger. Is Holly going to reveal that Rebecca's actually batshit crazy? No, she just acted impulsive... at 16! GO FIGURE! Is Saul going to reveal that he's actually Ryan's father? Nope, he just feels guilty for being William's kneecapper. Zzzzz. Is Robert's helicopter going to crash? Nope.
It was one predictable conclusion after another. Senator Douchebag finally, after weeks of near misses, manages to guilt his dutiful wife into changing her mind, in spite of the OVERWHELMING correctness of her position. Saw that coming. Tommy stays in Mexico. Saw that coming.
The only plus is that the little time away was good for Balthazar Getty. He looked HAWT.
This episode
felt like it should have been in the middle of the season (where we could go, "Meh, it'll be better next week"), not at the end.
And I agree, why couldn't Scotty have gone with Kevin? The ending at least could have juxtaposed the only decent relationships with all of the others that are either just starting or in various stages of disintegration. And we could have had a nice "Happy Anniversary, thanks for putting up with my family" scene. It didn't need to be a big scene, a small one would have been poignant and sweet. AUGHH!! (as Charlie Brown would say)
If there was anything that I remotely liked in this episode, it was the scene between Uncle Saul and Ryan. There was nice chemistry from one outsider-family-member to another. The disappointment that Ryan felt from being so harshly rejected felt very real.
Actually, I also did like the "silent" meal-time scene, even though the outcome was pretty obvious.
But, these two scenes were unable to erase the stupid quasi-saloon opening and the soul-sickening magic water fountain at the end. UGH!! (not that I have any strong feelings about the show, mind you)
Exactly.
Robert/Kitty
So, I was reading the recap on EW just now and was BLOWN AWAY by how many people think KITTY is the one treating ROBERT like dirt.
Seriously? I guess that explains why they keep putting these two nincompoops back together again.
It makes me wonder... is there a female segment of this audience that actually thinks Robert's cold passive-aggressive condescension of Kitty is actually (ugh) romantic? That's pretty sad.
Thank you!
Well, I can't speak for all women, but...
A good heart attack
Yup. Pretty bad
Worst Season Finale
Last season we ended Brothers & Sisters with Scotty and Kevin getting married. This season we said goodbye to one cast member and it all rang hollow and landed with a thud. This was the worst performance by Sally Field all season. Nora is a strong woman who is not prone to silly romps through the Mexican countryside. She charges in and takes no prisoners. Scotty got his one scene and was left behind as Rebecca tags along so they can have the Justin/Rebecca romance continue. I guess we can at least say that Scotty is the most responsible of this cast with showing up for work. And after much bluster, Kevin caves like Scotty and forgives his brother Tommy. WTF?!
The only cast member worth anything this week was Sarah. Rachel Griffiths once again proves why she is the most likey Walker you want to hang out with and drink. Why can't we reboot the series by killing off Kitty, Robert, Justin, Rebecca, Ryan, Saul, and Kevin and have Nora, Sarah, and Scotty pick up the pieces? Nora can still be the mothering mom, Sarah can run Ojai with the deliciously evil Holly, and Scotty can raise Kitty/Robert's child Evan as well as starting a line of Ojai frozen dinners? Ok, we can keep Kevin but he has to be nicer... we need a brother after all for the title.
Next season though has to end the Kitty/Robert pain like a band aid, have more Kevin/Scotty, and Sarah stumbles upon a romance that highlights her screwball comedy talents. How about Josh Stamberg, who had an almost fling with her at that wedding last season? You know the one, he played Sarge in Six Feet Under... which Rachel Griffiths was also in?! ;-)
Although I confess to
Although I confess to enjoying the relationship between Justin and Rebecca, in which I seem to be in the minority, I like your reboot idea!!
Agreed, that Rachel Griffiths wa the highlight of this episode, as she is in most of them. She's definitely a scene stealer!
Little bubble burst
not caring anymore....
I haven't watched B/S for a while now....when i do watch it, i only watch clips from youtube.
this show isn't about the walkers anymore....it's mainly kitty/robert, rebecca and her family (which now includes justin) and ryan (well, hopefully ryan is gone for good)
everyone else is used to prop them. I don't care about this show anymore. i'm not sure who said it, but i remember someone mentioned the walker siblings can have a life away from each other and that's all fine and dandy....but let's see those lives.
holly is not needed. get rid of her, focus and build more on rebecca and justin's "relationship" - - focus more on sarah and her relationships...her family....I use to watch GH constantly back in the day and as annoying as soaps can be, i will give them credit for something....they will split time on certain storylines and characters...maybe they'll do a whole week of person X's story...and then next week will be person Z...
instead, robert/kitty/rebecca/ryan are given most of the screentime every sunday it aired. why? wish someone could answer that.
p.s. kevin leaving scotty (even with his permission) was not surprising one bit. was anyone really surprised? come on now...
I wasn't surprised at all
I wasn't surprised at all by Kevin leaving Scotty to go, that's typical Kevin behavior.
I'm pretty much with you on everything you said, except for Holly not being needed. A story like this needs a good antagonist, someone for the family to fight with that's not related by blood, and Holly is great in that role. IMHO.
Exactly. I love Patricia
A big cup of "Who gives a Sh!t??"
I yawned through this entire episode. The family is so unrealistic at this point I can't care. Tom's whole storyline was one of the most boring things I've seen on TV in recent years. Nora brought the entire family down there thinking he was in a cult? Then she waits till their all there to correct her mistake? What? Their phones stopped working?
How is this family able to put their lives on hold so often and for such extended periods of time?
The show should be embarrased for itself:
And as the family drives away, leaving Tommy to sort out his life, the fountain starts to flow again.... *barf*
Saul's revelation was annoying. It made his character seem stupid...fine, you messed up by being your brother's bitch-boy...but there are other ways to help Ryan without owing Holly anything AND keeping a apeshit crazy piece like Ryan around the business.
I mean really...
And the silent meal bit? Oh, those Walkers...I can't imagine how this gonna play out *rolls eyes*. Lets put Lucy and Ethel in a room with a big button that says "Don't Push This" and see what kind of hilarity ensues. Lame. "Hey, we've been down here for several hours...we have to be quiet for 30 minutes...but I really really have to tell you right now that Justin made it into Medical school. It just can't wait....
Finale
Yup it was a downer alright. They should rename the show and call it THE WHINERS. That's all everyone did in this show. If this had been the first episode I'd of watched I certainly would not be watching anymore.
As to why Scotty didn't go with Kevin, it would have made no sense to go. He's the only one on the show who actually seems to work for a living. We know he's the breadwinner for them now. His character (Scotty's) is about the only realistic one I've seen on the show in recent episodes.
Thank God they already renewed it.
that was harsh
But I can't blame you. A lot of it was just so... lame.
What I *did* like about it was the Holly/Sara power jostling. I really enjoy the political scheming at Ojai. I think it's one of the things that brings interest to the show. I also like how they had Tommy take responsibility for his actions, so he's partially redeemed, even if he's not returning to the show. He doesn't exit on a whiny note.
As for things I didn't like, Scotty's absence is a starting point. Now that Julia left, barely there spouses should not be commonplace. Scotty should have been there, if not to bring drama of his own, to support Kevin through his sibling drama. Secondly, I didn't like the one note nature of Tommy's interaction with all his female family members. They were all just coddling him and wanting him back. I'm sure their feelings would actually be more complex than that. As much as they love and miss him, don't they feel betrayed in some part? Don't they realize that it would be unwise for him to attempt to return to Ojai after he stole from it? I understand loving your brother/son and wanting him home. I just think that there could have been more depth to their feelings.
And I am getting ridiculously sick of the Kitty/Robert storyline. He was always a selfish character from the beginning, even when he was courting Kitty. Kitty becomes less and less likeable the more she loves him.
Probably One Percent of One Percent.
Okay ~ I am going to get bashed, I just know it. I liked this episode. There were some problems of course, but it was better then 75% of the other crap on television.
I loved the silent dinner. I thought that was classic.
And I understand that Scotty cannot go everywhere (doesn't he run a restaurant or something?) but I was a little dissapointed with him not being there.
As for Kitty... yes she has reason to be a little upset but she knew what kind of a man he was when she met (and married him)..and she was the one who almost cheated while he tried to work on his marriage.
I hope they do not psycho out Rebecca. (but a 20k watch?)
Other then that, I like the show and it makes me happy.
I don't think you will be
I don't think you will be bashed. Usually I'm the cheerleader for the show, but nobody bashes me for my opinions, even if they disagree.
I will agree that even a bad B&S episode is better than most shows. I guess I just have high standards for this show and wanted more from it.
I have to disagree with you re: Kitty, though. She didn't just willy nilly run out on Robert, her flirtation with Alec was the result of months of being frozen out, ignored, condescended to and otherwise belittled by her egomaniac husband. Who can fault her for seeking out a little kindness and companionship?
But yes, you are right, she DID know what kind of man Robert was from the beginning. The character of Kitty is changing, gradually. I think she'd HAVE to in order for the audience to continue to support her. She's now realizing what she's gotten herself into. The question is, do the writers? Based on the way she went chasing after him, I'd say probably not.
B&S finale
I used to be indifferent to characters like Robert and Holly, now, I'm completely done with them. I hate Robert for ruining Kevin's character as much as he ruined Kitty's.
So after all these episodes, the whole Robert/Kitty thing was pointless? Robert STILL doesn't GET it (Sorry, but after last weeks episodes where he tells Alec that Kitty's affair with Alec is irrelevant, I'm done with Robert). But I'm sick and tired of Kitty's going back and forth as well. Either divorce him or not. It's been dragging for far too long.
I am also very disappointed with the whole Saul thing. Honestly? After all the years that Saul kept William's affair a secret so Holly could go on earning her money by laying on her back, SAUL owes Holly ?!?!?! Sick joke!
And he wants to look after Ryan? Saul, just keep the coffin locked and keep him out of the sun, shouldn't be THAT difficult that you have to go back working for Ojai. I could STRANGLE him for wanting to "look after" Ryan. Ryan should have taken the money and then the bus back to Bakersfield to never, ever come back. End of a desasterous story-line.
I miss Kevin/Scotty with every passing episode. They are the only ones that still make some sense, as long as Kevin is not near Robert. I don't understand WHY the family insisted on his coming to Mexico, if all he is told to do is shut up. He was the only one to tell Tommy the truth and I'm tired of him being told to shut up, like they did when he didn't want to be a sperm donor or when he wanted proof of Rebecca's paternity.
Next time that Scotty wants to talk him into doing something for his family, when Kevin isn't sure he should, Kevin should simply shut Scotty up with a kiss and drag him to the bedroom. Would be far more entertaining to imagine (because we would not get to SEE it) than more of these St Scotty actions.
I think, I'm glad there's a few months hiatus. I'm seriously beginning to dislike this show.
Finale
Let me preface this by saying: this was the worst season ever. Idiotic, contrived "plots" and cardboard characterization all around. I went into the episode with the lowest of low expectations, and they almost failed to meet even those. I am absolutely appalled by what they have done to their characters as well as the talented actors, particularly Scotty/Luke and Saul/Ron. Not to mention, the Kevin working for Robert SL is the dumbest idea they have ever had.
That said, I still have no problem with Scotty encouraging Kevin to go. I saw a man who knew his husband needed to confront his brother, despite his protests to the contrary, and was mature enough to postpone their celebration accordingly. I ask this somewhat facetiously and entirely rhetorically, but if Scotty had demanded he stay and/or Kevin refused to go and celebrated their anniversary instead, how many people would be complaining about the depiction of the gay characters as selfish, petty, unforgiving, and family-hating? It would have been even more out of character for Kevin to stay home, and as much as I would have liked for Scotty-the-character to go along (not to mention Luke-the-actor all sweaty in "Mexico"), hell, he probably needed a break from the Walker drama. I know I would have.
But I do hope the producers et al. take into account the sheer number of criticisms this season has received and really revamp next season. Particularly in regards to their "well-rounded, realistic gay characters" they're so happy to accept praise and awards for.
This makes me glad
This makes me glad I stopped watching the show a year ago.
I stopped watching it when they de-Walkered Rebecca, it pretty much started to go down hill from there. First the whole Rebecca thing, then Ryan came along (awful twist) and now they make the characters so out of character it's insane..
I feel bad for Luke Macfarlane, I wanted him to be a regular on the show, but that was BEFORE all this crap happened. The show is so medicore it's insane, it's just a primetime soap now. While it had substance before, it's a sad attempt of something good now, cause it's not good, not good at all.
I'm sad to see a show that had so much potential go to waste like this. They could have done so much, they could have explored Rebecca's dark past, that would have been something different, and something exciting to watch. Instead they went the easier route and de-Walkered Rebecca and made her hook up with her brother (which still creeps me out). It's undermining of Emily Van Camp's acting abillities, cause she is a good actress and she deserves something more, but then again, so do the other actors on the show. I feel sorry for them, cause they have to be a part of a show that is so painful to watch. At least they get some money out of it.
Harvey Milk: You gotta give 'em hope.
Gilles Marini just scored a
Gilles Marini just scored a gig on Brothers & Sisters. I hope he gets to be the one to break up Kevin and Scotty.
http://www.hollyscoop.com/tv/gilles-marini/gilles-marini-to-join-brothers--sisters_1702.aspx
Anyway, this whole Finale Fiasco just affirms why I gave up on this show in the first place. Bring back Robbie Baitz, he couldn't fuck up this show any more than the current ones have been doing. And while they're at it, bring back Eric Winter too.
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