‘Brothers and Sisters’: The issues at hand

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One thing that I love about ‘Brothers and Sisters’ is how rooted it is in the present day. Whether the show touches on issues such as gay marriage, the war in Iraq or national politics, you always feel the Walkers exist in the same world, and for Angelenos, in the same city.

Last night’s episode revisited some of those key issues as well as briefly acknowledged our country’s current economic troubles. It’s certainly not the escapism most people would prefer to indulge in during these tough times, but I think there’s some comfort in seeing how a family, albeit a fictional one, copes in today’s landscape.

The first issue touched on last night was ...

... gay marriage. Kevin is invited to a business dinner with a potential client, whom if he lands, can pretty much guarantee him partnership at his law firm. The catch, however, is that his boss doesn’t think it would be a good idea to bring Scotty, even though spouses are invited. Kevin agrees but can’t help but feel as though he’s been shoved ‘back in the closet.’ How much of himself will he have to compromise to get ahead in his career?

I applaud ‘Brothers and Sisters’ for being one of the few network shows to introduce gay characters that move beyond the stereotypes and explore gay relationships in a real way. Scotty is one of my faves: his confidence in himself and in his relationship keeps an otherwise uptight, neurotic Kevin grounded. He presents Kevin with choices and provides the cute and funny support anyone, gay or straight, would want. I’m also interested in watching Saul, who quit Ojai Foods after 40 years, finally come out and live life for himself. It’s important to acknowledge that coming out isn’t just a process exclusive to young people: many go through it well into adulthood.

Another issue that has been integral to the show since the beginning is the war. In the first season, we witnessed how 9/11 motivated Justin to enlist in the Army and the havoc that it wreaked throughout the family. In the second season, we saw him shipped back to the Middle East and subsequently injured in an attack. This season, Justin must come to terms with his experiences in light of his sobriety and his new relationship with Rebecca. While volunteering at a local Army recruitment center, he’s reunited with a soldier he saved during an attack that killed his best friend. Justin was visibly uncomfortable at being praised a hero, and I assumed it would be all a lie. Later we learn his uneasiness was due to the guilt he felt for wishing his best friend’s life had been saved instead of that soldier’s. I’m glad we were spared the dramatic plot twist: addressing guilt and grief are definitely more real.

Also real is today’s struggling economy and the tumult at Ojai Foods reflects some of that. With the company heavily in debt from bad business deals, Tommy and Holly spearhead some bold, risky changes that strongly conflict with Sarah’s and Saul’s objectives. Saul quits and Sarah follows but not before supporting Tommy’s proposal at the board meeting. Ojai’s troubles weren’t a direct result of the nation’s economic downturn, but Sarah’s fears of unemployment during a shaky job market were valid and definitely relatable.

What do you think? How do you feel about shows that acknowledge today’s current events and issues?

— Enid Portuguez