BROTHERS & SISTERS’s Overhyped Death

Last night’s episode of BROTHERS & SISTERS was an amazing display of acting talent.  Everyone brought their A game, especially Rob Lowe, Calista Flockhart and the always spot on Sally Field.  It was a stellar episode.  But was it worthy of the hype surrounding the “2-hour movie event”?  I’m not sure.

Let’s get the obvious out of the way.  An equal “Bravo” and “Shame on You” to the ABC promo department.  On one hand they did their job extremely well.  Many TV fans were a buzz wondering just who was going to die on this week’s episode. Every promo led with the promise of death.  I thought perhaps Kitty & Robert’s birth mother wouldn’t make it, or someone somewhat innocuous like Saul’s new boyfriend or maybe even Rebecca’s father David.  But this is where the “Shame on You” comes into play.  No one died.  Well not really.  Robert, who suffered a heart attack did flat line.  The characters made sure to let us know over and over again that he flatlined.  So yes, technically, maybe he did die.  But come on.  I hope it was worth it ABC promo people, because you pretty much blew your load with that promo  Way back in first grade I read the tale of the Little Boy Who Cried Wolf.  It’s going to be a long time before I fall for your false hype again.

As for the latest Walker drama – Trish went into labor early and things progressed quickly.  Robert prioritized his Gubernatorial announcement ahead of being at the hospital in time to see his baby being born.  On his way to the hospital, Robert suffered a massive heart attack which led to him having open heart surgery.  In the good news pile, Evan Walker McCallister was welcomed into the world by his new, crazy, borderline alcoholic family.

Sarah’s suspicions about Tommy’s business dealings were warranted. Left alone in Tommy’s house to watch Elizabeth, Holly discovered the incriminating evidence she needed to have Tommy arrested for embezzlement and fraud.  A panicked Tommy tried to tell Holly he was never going to go through with it, but it was too late.  When we last saw Tommy he was sitting, head in hands, at his dining room table as the police confiscated his paperwork.  Uh oh Tommy. That’s what you get for cheating on your wife with Sienna Miller trying to take on Holly.

Rebecca returned from L.A. with David.  Seems like David and Holly might take another pass at being together.  Here’s to hoping he sticks around this time.  I know that they are married in real life, but Ken Olin and Patrica Wettig have amazing on-screen chemistry.  I don’t hate Holly.  I think she’s gotten a raw deal for years now and I’d like to see her have a shot at real happiness. I’m not counting on it though.

Despite being originally down on the idea of Ryan Lafferty, I’m now officially excited to see his integration into the Walker Family.  I was actually giddy during the scene where he met Justin and Rebecca.  I’ve got some inside scoop on what’s in store of Ryan and the Walker’s and let’s just say that things aren’t going to go 100% smoothly with baby brother.

I’m a little angry with the BROTHERS & SISTERS writing team though. Robert McCallister was one of my favorite characters.  I liked how he saw through he craziness of the Walkers and was able to speak his mind.  But last night’s episode pretty much ruined Robert for me.  I could almost, almost, forgive him for trying to get his speech over and done with before the leak was exploited by the press.  But I think he could have taken other steps to handle the story.  Perhaps a press release and then an announcement from the hospital?  It certainly would have flair.  But I can get over that.  The real problem I had was that Robert was solely focused on the election when he should have been thinking about his family. Talking about a lack of priorities.  When the Doctor informed Robert he had to have open heart surgery, Robert at first refused citing (a) the PR implications of such a health issue and (b) the impact on the race if he were in rehab for a few months.  It didn’t seem to matter to him at all that without the surgery he could die.  Maybe if he were hesitant to enter the rehab program because he felt he needed to be home helping Kitty with Evan.  But no.  He was selfish.  He never wanted this baby.  His career is always going to come first.  And those holding out hope for Kitty & Robert finding the right path…I wouldn’t hold your breath.  Look for Evan to be stuck in a tug of war between the Senator and his wife.

BROTHERS & SISTERS is not the same show it was the first season.  It’s an enjoyable acting piece for Sunday night television but it’s lost the specialness it once had.  I think all these characters could do for a little alone time.  Give the family drama a rest and find your own life.  Although I suppose the show would be called “Brother & the Sisters We Never Really See”.  I never said all my ideas were good.

Thoughts on last night’s show?  Did you feel duped by the lack of a sustaining death?  What’s your take on Tommy, Robert, Kitty, Ryan and the rest of the crazy crew?  Sharing is caring!