'Brothers & Sisters': Tommy's not-so-triumphant return

Tommy Walker dropped by unexpectedly on last night's "Brothers & Sisters," and like the rest of the Walker family, I initially wasn't sure how to feel about his return. I had gotten so used to watching the cast minus Balthazar Getty that his presence required some adjustment.

As expected, there was awkwardness and trepidation -- why did Tommy come back and would he be the same person? Turns out he came home to see Kitty and had definitely experienced some changes. Thanks to months of manual labor and a vegan diet at the Mexican commune, Tommy appeared svelte and very mellow. His snappy comebacks and his hotheaded combativeness were seemingly gone, replaced with a mole-cooking pacifist. It looked as though he had changed for the better, but Zen Tommy didn't feel real. Even his scene with Kitty at the grocery store, which was an opportunity for them to talk one-on-one, didn't feel genuine or loving. His chemistry with each of his family members was just off.

Leave it to Nora to unearth Tommy's true nature. After a phone chat with Julia, she learned that Tommy and Julia were getting a divorce and that her son hadn't seen nor talked to his daughter in months. It was a secret that Tommy hadn't planned on sharing and one that Nora didn't plan on hiding, so it naturally unleashed some pent-up rage at the dinner table. His time in Mexico hadn't helped Tommy confront his issues; it had only provided an outlet to escape from them.

Nora's reaction to Tommy's outburst was revelatory. She was shocked at his angry words -- he basically blamed her unrealistically high expectations as a reason he never feels good enough -- but even more floored that she was unaware of her role in his dysfunction. Nora's question of "Why Tommy would do such a thing?" was answered, and her subsequent guilt-ridden breakdown to Kitty was gut-wrenching and sincere.

The argument can be made that Tommy is an adult and should stop blaming his mother for all his problems, but most people with difficult relationships with a parent can attest that those issues often run deep. I'm glad that the show didn't try to wrap up Tommy's and Nora's conflict with a big bow at the end of the hour. That type of resentment takes time to overcome and provides a valid reason for Tommy's absence. I was even happier that he decided to fight for his daughter with a resolve he undoubtedly inherited from his mother.

Meanwhile, Ryan Lafferty is still determined to take down the Walkers. He teamed up with William's archenemy, Dennis York, and has been sneaking him intel about Ojai's business dealings. Saul stupidly let Ryan loose after catching him snooping around in Holly's office, where he found evidence of her financial hardship. Dennis offered to alleviate Holly's troubles by buying her shares at Ojai, but she refused to sell. Holly's disagreements with Sarah and Saul can be exhausting, but I'd rather sit through their bickering than have that sneaky Dennis York part of the business. As for Ryan, he just needs to go away. He wore out his welcome many episodes ago.

Time for your thoughts, readers. Were you glad to see Tommy back on the show? Would you like to see more or less of Ryan Lafferty?

-- Enid Portuguez

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Photo: Balthazar Getty as Tommy Walker on "Brothers & Sisters." Credit: ABC

Comments

[Carla G.]

I loved this episode for one reason only: Tommy is back. And with him, the chemistry and realness that made the Walkers so riveting when the show started. I loved the Walkers-phoning-Walkers scene (I've missed those!). I was glad to see him and Kitty have a heart-to-heart about their kids and future. And Balthazar's scenes with Sally Field where just beautifully written and acted. I agree with you that these conflicts run deep and take time to heal. I miss Tommy already, but at least we're given some hope that he will try to fix his life and come back to the family.

Ryan is a bore. As are Holly and David. Why are these characters taking so much airtime that should be given to the Walker Family? The nepotism is staggering (now the Olin's daughter is also in the cast), and it's hurting the show. Holly's "story" was over in season 1; why is she still around?

I hope the new show-runner realizes the key to this show's success lies with the Walkers. ALL of them. Bring back Tommy for good and give him a chance to redeem himself. The family, and the show, are not the same without him.

[Diana]

Brothers and Sisters is a great show about family dynamics. Tommy's return, however, brought up a point that isn't very much talked about, Nora's parenting ability. For as much as she is the mother you love to hate, did she do a great job raising the Walker clan? Tommy doesn't seem to think so.

Parenting is tough and with a group like the Walkers, I imagine they were as rough and tough as 5 year olds as they are now, and could have used something like CMT's World's Strictest Parents' Online Parenting Survival Guide to help guide William and Nora to better parenting.

CMT's hit show World's Strictest Parents introduced an online Parenting Survival Guide that has interactive ways to learn how to communicate with your kids, get tips from one of the families on the show, The Boltons, and participate in a weekly poll to help determine your states strictness. Check it out at www.cmtworldsstrictestparents.com

[Michael Owens]

I agree about the Ryan character. I'm not sure what service he provides the series. Why the mystery in unveiling the Dennis York storyline. Let's cut to the chase.

If Nora were my mother, I'd have behaved exactly the same way. She professes concern for her children ad nauseum. Still, at every turn she undermines her relationship. I realize the dramatic umph would have disappeared from the episode, but it's interesting to consider the alternative ending had Nora honored Tommy's wishes to stay mum and mind her own business. Sure, maybe it wouldn't have ended tidily with Tommy hoofing it to Seattle. But, it would have demonstrated that Nora is an adult and respects her children's wishes and allows them to attempt to work things out on their own.

She's meddling and, as demonstrated at the dinner table, petulant when she doesn't get her own way or is knocked down a peg. Instead of pouting, she ought to have put on a game face and tried to help Tommy on the side.

[Paula]

First of all I'm really getting tired of Ryan. What the writers don't have anything better to write about but having someone stab the Walker clan in the back. there is tons to write about regarding regular family trials and tibulations that they don't need to add the Ryan storyline. As for Tommy, he seems to be a typically deadbeat dad. Blaming others for his shortcomings. When times get fought he runs. Both characters are old and completely unnecessary. I'm finding these two storylines boring. I DVR Brothers and Sisters and everytime Ryan comes on I fast forward the sences. If things don't wrap up soon with Ryan's storyline I'll move onto Cold Case instead.

[Judy Lopez]

I look forward to sunday nights. The show is so real and the characters. Yes, I'm glad to see Tommy back on the show now the family is complete. The show is all about hope even when things are tough. Wow, the talk that Kitty gave Tommy that today is today and maybe what if no tomorrow. Can't wait until next week...
Posted by Judy Lopez

[pilar Lau]

I was so thrilled to see Balthazar Getty back in my favorite series, but they need to bring him back for good. Even if you got rid of the other characters (wife & kid) can't the writers think of a smart way to bring him back? This is an ensemble cast and for me the show is not the same without him.
Thanks!

[Pilar Lau]

Get rid of Ryan and of course Tommy needs to come back! Even though all of the performances by the main actors in the show are really exceptional,Balthazar Getty's acting is always one of the best! I didn't even now about him before this show but I'm a fan now.
Pilly

[LynnD]

Ryan needs to go, his character is lack luster and he's more of an annoyance than a part of the clan. This is an excellent show and I look forward to it every week. I hope the Walker clan finds out about the scheme against them and comes out on top for a change. These people need a break. It's great to have all the drama, but at the same time it's good to see the good guys win once in awhile. Speaking of good guys...keep Luk on forever. He is great eye candy.

[Boysmom]

Do people really care about this drivel??

[Brikay]

I love that Tommy is back. I felt like the season was missing something without him being a part of it. I hate the Ryan story...ready for him to be gone.

[Brikay]

I love that Tommy is back! I felt that the season was missing something without him. I hate the Ryan story...can't wait for him to be gone.

[Mary Walsh]

I thought this was a very boring and depressing episode. I loved the week before, with its humor and freshness. Everything here I have seen before. Can we please have more levity? And more sexiness too? Please keep Gilles around and give him a bigger role. He is much needed to balance all the problems and repetitive tone of the show.

[Martha]

It doesn't appear that Tommy is back. He just came in for a show and is gone again. What is the story with that? He's not my favorite sibling, but his character is unique to the family dynamics. He needs to be back fulltime.

I do not like Ryan at all. He's a creepy guy and looks like he needs to be in the vampire movies. Maybe he should go to graduate school overseas!

The gay theme is a bit overdone at times, but all in all, it's a great show and cast. All families have their politics and this reminds us!