‘Brothers & Sisters’: Back to balanced

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Hallelujah! Last night’s ‘Brothers & Sisters’ achieved a nice balance of comedy and drama, a feat that’s been long overdue this season.

The typical elements were there -- a dinner party bound to go awry, a depressed Kitty whom everyone was eager to fix, a few Walkers who overstep their boundaries -- but everything was thankfully tempered with comedic moments, most of which were spearheaded by guest star Dave Foley. He nailed the role of the ultimate awkward dinner party guest as a recovering addict and compulsive oversharer named Paul. It was not only funny to see a new and completely odd person at the Walker table but it was also laughable that Justin would want to set that person up with Saul. Looks like Saul won’t be needing the help -- he’ll get more screen time soon when he reveals his secret boyfriend.

I was also glad to see a scene featuring a signature Walker conference call. The past few episodes have put various members of the family at odds with each other, so it was refreshing to see them all come together to devise a plan to distract a guilt-ridden, depressive Kitty. Still bummed over botching the adoption, she’s now an insomniac who spends her nights donating to TV charity commercials. I’m all for seeing this vulnerable side of Kitty, but I hope that the fire that made her character so interesting returns soon, with child or not.

Kudos to the show for giving Scotty more screen time and a promotion. This puts him at a more equal footing with Kevin, who himself has had to take a pay cut at his new government job. Since Kevin is Kevin, the void had to be filled somehow, this time by impulsively buying a mansion without consulting his husband. Of all the relationships on the show, Scotty and Kevin’s is by far the most revealing and fulfilling. However, I found it interesting that the show acknowledged Obama’s election as president but didn’t address the passing of Prop. 8, the measure that could make Scotty and Kevin’s marriage moot.

When I asked, an ABC spokesperson responded that at this point, ‘the show won’t acknowledge the passing of Prop. 8.’ For a show that is so rooted in the present, I find it strange to overlook a huge social movement that has prompted rallies and protests throughout Los Angeles in the past few weeks.

What do you think? Should ‘Brothers & Sisters’ address the outcome of Prop. 8 or leave Kevin and Scotty in wedded bliss?

-- Enid Portuguez