Relax “Brothers & Sisters”’ fans: Kevin and Scotty are in good hands

Returning to the subject of what else might change for primetime television’s most popular gay couple (not that there is that much competition, alas) I’m told that Kevin and Scotty can expect to see ups and downs in the trajectories of their careers. In the season premiere, Kevin is in for some rude shocks at work that will reverberate throughout the season. Meanwhile Scotty, who frequently floundered during the first two seasons (living in one’s car isn’t exactly a sign of a stable work situation) suddenly finds his career taking off – and that is something that will have consequences for both men.

“Scotty will become very successful as a chef,” explains Schapker. “For the first time, he’ll have the wherewithal to contribute to the family finances and have a say in the direction of those family finances in a new way because Kevin was always the person with the checkbook, and how does that make Kevin feel? And how much of Kevin was attached to that role without even realizing it?”

Breen adds, “When that shifts, suddenly everyone’s expectations of what their relationship is – because you have these patterns that feel comfortable and familiar and what does that mean when the check you bring home is different?”

The change in their financial equation will force Kevin to examine who he is as a person, especially in relation to his deceased father. According to Schapker, “Kevin has to ask himself, how much is he William Walker’s son in terms of being the provider or the breadwinner, how much without even realizing it was he attached to that role and how then does he work it out with Scotty?”

Given how temperamental Kevin can be, it's easy to see plenty of dramatic possibilities there.

Of course, Kevin and Scotty aren’t the only gay characters on Brothers & Sisters, yet another reason the show is so extraordinary for gay viewers. There is also the matter of Uncle Saul (Ron Rifkin) one of the very few gay men over the age of sixty to ever appear on network television.

Saul Holden (Ron Rifkin)

Saul had a difficult time on many fronts last year including dealing with his long-repressed sexual orientation and what it means to come to terms with it at such a late stage in life. Might this season be kinder to him? According to Schapker, events surrounding the Walker family business will prompt Saul to examine whether he wants to retire or not. “And then what would he do? And what does it mean and how would he begin to start a relationship or have a relationship? And there’s a great episode where Justin is going to set Saul up with someone. Which is really – “

Just then Breen jumps in to say “It may be one of the funnier episodes we’ve ever done. It’s so great.”

The writers then spill the beans about exactly what happens, but only after extracting multiple promises that I won’t tell. All I’m allowed to say is that Saul will find someone this year.

Given that this interview is being conducted for a website, the conversation naturally turns toward the internet. When Brothers & Sisters first debuted in 2006, it was plagued by rumors of onset strife (several of the original castmembers were recast), lackluster ratings, and speculation it would be canceled after only a few episodes.

But the show quickly developed a passionate following, especially among gay fans who took note of the show’s matter-of-fact treatment of its gay characters which allowed them to – gasp – actually show affection and kiss.

Given that the show was created by out writer Jon Robin Baitz, such treatment wasn’t entirely unexpected and ABC has been especially supportive of gay characters in recent years. Nonetheless, blog posts about Kevin and Scotty quickly popped online as did recaps, fansites and more. However, as any writer knows, that can be a double-edged sword with praise turning to criticism in a heartbeat. What do Breen and Schapker think of the influence of the web on their jobs?

Breen admits she follows what is said on different websites. “I read them. I read them a lot. And then I get sad or upset or I want to respond. I actually force myself not to get in conversations because it feels slightly intrusive.”

Schapker says she too follows what is said by fans on the internet, but that it is important not get too involved lest she is unable to do her job. Nonetheless, she finds it “a great feedback loop” to let them see how the show is playing to those not involved in making it. Both also view the internet as an extension of the “watercooler” culture where fans gather to discuss their favorite show and that is something to which they can both relate.