‘Brothers & Sisters’: The book of truths

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In last night’s episode, Kitty writes a book. Naturally, it’s about her family ... sort of.

After an agent compiles a collection of musings written by Kitty during Robert’s presidential campaign, she ‘accidentally’ ends up with a book. Its intentions were to provide her insight into voting blocs, using members of her family as examples, but as you can imagine, her descriptions did not go over well with the rest of the Walkers. Why not? Because they’re truths, just not the ones you’d like to be highlighted in the pages of a book.

I, for one, thought the descriptions -- Kevin as the obsessive cynic, Justin as the impulsive and irresponsible child, Nora as a living contradiction of values and personal politics, to name a few -- were spot on and funny (my fave was the one of Tommy as the ‘retro white guy’). As each Walker discovered and read the passages written about him or her, it prompted me to think about my own opinions of them.

Kevin: I know it’s only the second episode of the season, but Kevin is becoming increasingly irritable and irritating. No more whining! I love that he’s with Scotty, but I’d like to see more of the vulnerable, conflicted Kevin that appeared when he was trying to win Scotty back. Perhaps he’ll show that openness when trying to win his career back.

Tommy: Get this guy out of Snoozeville! I understand he’s supposed to be the straight-and-narrow man’s man, which he proves when he urges Justin to just ‘get it on’ with Rebecca, and he’s already had his share of drama (the extramarital affair, having to choose which twin to save). I want to see his relationship with Julia further explored -- they got through the hump of infidelity but that surely can’t be forgiven and forgotten so easily, right?

Sarah: She needs a man. Not because she’s doing a lousy job as a single mother and working woman, but because her character, like Kevin, needs to stop the constant complaining and experience some joy and love. With a failed marriage under her belt, Sarah’s chock-full of issues, and what better way for her to work through them than in a challenging relationship (Steven Weber’s appearance last season was close, but not good enough)?

Justin: It’s nice to see him evolve from troublesome addict to a thoughtful sweetheart. His relationship with Rebecca is inherently interesting, but his anxiety to seal the deal with her made him more endearing. I did, however, gag a little when they both agreed that sex wasn’t going to be the priority in their relationship. He’s going to get shipped off to war again -- there’s not much time to get it on, folks!

Nora: Despite her yappy tirades and perpetual foot-in-mouth moments, Nora always redeems herself with a heartfelt, tearful speech. Granted, she’s the head of the family and it’s her duty to spearhead those scenes. But really, I think it’s mostly due to the fact that Sally Field is a superb crier. As long as Nora can balance the irrational outbursts, which are also one of Field’s strengths, with the heart-tugging scenes, she’ll continue to remain the show’s most pleasantly complex character.

Kitty: I’m really looking forward to seeing her as a mother. The first two seasons have shown her as headstrong and in control, so it will be interesting to see her attempt at maintaining that persona with a crying baby in her arms. I expect an even more neurotic Kitty, who reached a high last night with her bumbling performance with the social worker and her baby-proofing obsession.

Robert: As one of the few non-Walkers on the show, Robert can view them from the outside looking in. He does not share the same level of obligation to them as they have to each other, but he still participates in family matters, especially when it means ripping the Walkers a new one at the dinner scene. He said exactly what I wanted someone to say after their embarrassing behavior. For the sanity of the viewers ready to tear their hair out during the show’s signature fight scenes, let’s hope that wasn’t the last of such moments.

--Enid Portuguez