‘Brothers & Sisters’: Tensions are brewing
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After giving us a heart attack, a new baby, another half-sibling and a fugitive on the lam, it was time for ‘Brothers & Sisters’ to offer a transitional episode that didn’t pound us with drama or plot twists. Certain foundations were laid, however, for what’s sure to be an eventful season’s end.
With Tommy on the lam, Sarah regained control as president of Ojai Foods and persuaded the board to drop the charges against her brother. It’s not exactly the most realistic outcome considering the current, real-world embezzlement cases, but I’ll take it if it means future Sarah-Holly sparring. Holly may have agreed calmly to drop the charges and support Sarah’s leadership, but we all know that means bupkis. Her eyes said it all: Rage and revenge are brewing. Tommy’s legal situation is wrapped up for the moment, but what about the money he stole? Will we get more closure when he returns in the season finale?
Meanwhile, tension is also building in the McAllister household as Robert and Kitty grow further and further apart. She’s settling into motherhood and domesticity while he’s determined to continue his gubernatorial campaign despite his fragile health. Things didn’t look good when Robert was more concerned about how Tommy’s disappearance would hurt his PR than how it affected Kitty. It didn’t get any better when he used Nora’s cancer-center opening to gain publicity. His actions justified Kitty’s burgeoning relationship with Alec all the more. Alec is a widower with a young son whom she met at the park. I doubt Kitty will cheat on Robert, but as she spends more time with someone whose priorities are in line with hers, she’ll realize that her marriage may not withstand the new path her life has taken.
Another plot we have to look forward to is the mystery involving Ryan’s mom and William Walker. Ryan is convinced his mother’s car accident was a suicide and that William had a lot to do with it. Enlisting Rebecca’s help, he finds expense reports that indicate William may have been with his mother in Reno the day before she died. Juicy. Tom Skerritt will be back for an appearance this season so expect a flashback with (hopefully) some answers as to what transpired that day. I really can’t see anything sinister coming out of this story, but I also can’t help but view Ryan as a potential snake. He’s not out to bond with his new half-siblings and has ‘accidentally’ spilled a few pertinent secrets. It’s becoming increasingly hard to trust him, which may either work for or against the character should he stay longer. If Ryan’s going to remain a vital yet complicated part of the Walker family, he’s going to have to show more redeeming qualities. Otherwise he’s an expendable bad guy who can go away at the end of the story arc.
What are your thoughts on Ryan’s true purpose? Do you think William Walker had something to do with his mom’s death? Was this enough to hold you over until new episodes continue on April 19?
— Enid Portuguez