First impressions: “Something New”
Is there such a thing as a male chastity belt? Because if there is, put that at the top of the Walker boys’ Christmas lists, because they just do not seem to know when to keep their pants zipped anymore.
Tommy’s feeling the pain now from his lack of good judgment with Lena, what with Julia and Lizzie back home and Julia all, “Let’s go back to exactly the way it was before I accused you of killing our baby, fled from our house, and didn’t talk to you for months.” You know, I’m not sure you can really get do-overs on leaving your husband like that. Julia’s responsible for putting a pretty big rip in their marriage. But I have a feeling she’s not going to see it that way when the secret about Lena inevitably comes out.
And now Lena has moved on to another brother who should know better. Justin is well aware that he shouldn’t be getting involved with someone while he’s in recovery — all the more, someone who merrily popped his stolen pain pills. Now, Emily Rose is cute enough; I think she’s a little flat as an actress, but she gets the job done. Yet so irresistible that two guys who have every reason to walk away just go ahead and fall for her? I don’t see it. Maybe that flashing “Plot Device” sign is hypnotizing them somehow.
Then Kevin and Scotty. Sigh. You know, it’s not that I dislike Scotty. He, for one, certainly seems to have grown up (although he should know that you don’t give a Walker alcohol unless you’re looking for trouble). If Kevin and Scotty are meant to be together and the Jason thing was just a speed bump, then fine, wonderful, be happy. But the thing is, you don’t start a healthy relationship by having ex sex, dumping your boyfriend, and deciding that complicated is more special than simple. That’s the way you start the kind of screwed up relationship that Kevin has had over and over here. I thought we were on the verge of watching a healthy Kevin relationship for a while, especially with Eric Winter coming back from Viva Laughlin. And now, we have at least one more messed up one to go. Does this seem just completely unnecessary to anybody else? I mean, when I was yelling “Noooooooo!” at the screen, I thought I heard some of you yelling too, but it might just have been an echo.
Meanwhile, the one Walker who should have been getting laid was being all demur and businesslike. I’m pretty sure Sarah’s going to get some … personal consulting from Steven Weber’s character eventually, and I’m kind of amused by the fact that he has Joe hair — I mean, sure, it looks well-groomed enough now, with the expensive suits, but a couple of days past barber time and a missed shampoo or two, and those locks are going to be positively Whedon-esque. That’s got to make him Sarah’s type, right? If any couple had to throw caution to the wind and impulsively hook up, I’d have preferred these two.
Certainly them more than Nora and Stan, oh man! Chevy Chase was indeed less excruciating than feared, and I guess his blah-ness is supposed to be a part of the character, the reason why he could never be right for a hothead like Nora. I thought that was a really interesting observation about Nora’s character — that she thrives on debate and will always need someone to fight with — and makes a nice set-up for the fact that she will undoubtedly dump Stan for Danny Glover’s Republican operative. Some good fights ahead there! I also loved the fact that Saul immediately jumped to the conclusion that Nora’s call about her old flame was a nudge for him to call his. It seemed so very much like a conversation any two Walker siblings could have had. And Saul says he’s not one of the family!
And since being a Walker also means being free with your opinions, it’s a relief that somebody finally told Rebecca to stop being so darn nice. Thanks, Holly! Now would you tell her to grow out those little-girl bangs, too? We’re going to need that wild woman back to give her “friend” Lena the appropriate smackdown.
Share your thoughts about the episode here (and those previews! Is Kevin getting arrested?), and come back tomorrow for a full recap.
Brothers and Sisters, ABC, Something New, commentary
November 26th, 2007 at 9:42 am
Loved Rachel and Steven Webber. They were scorching together already.
Nora and Stan were sweet, but I can’t wait till Isaac re-enters her orbit.
I felt for Kevin after Jason neglected their relationship for so long (not even a 30-second phonecall? really?) so I understood why he ended it. I don’t know how this will play out, but I also don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion that Kevin and Scotty won’t work out this time around. I have seen enough growth in the characters to give me hope that they can sustain a mature relationship.
November 27th, 2007 at 12:15 am
I too am glad Rebecca came into her own finally. Kitty and Sarah are tougher than the rest of the family. She needs to stick up for herself.
While I have no idea what the writers were thinking by not having Jason call Kevin at all, I think Kevin made a huge mistake breaking up with him and going to Scotty. When Jason finally called, Kevin told him he missed him so much! How do you break up with someone who you miss so much?
November 27th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I was going to be sorely, sorely disappointed if people weren’t raving about this episode because I seriously did believe it was the best this season. I do understand some of your concerns, but here’s to some positivity:
- I was thrilled to see Julia back.
- The Justin-Lena-Tommy triangle is hilarious to me. I honestly hope they do something good with the big reveal.
- For the loud “NOOOO!” that you emitted, I had a very ecstatic “YESSSSS” when Kevin broke up with Jason. But I know I’m in the minority there (though I’m glad Scott’s on my side!).
- Not so hot on Steven Weber (Sarah could do so much better) but I was glad for some company talk - Ojai Foods has sure been out of the picture this season.
- During the Holly/Rebecca scene, I thought those writers must have been reading this blog! And I also loved Holly’s little snipe to Lena about her working wear. And it was definitely good to see Rebecca back in action.
- I loved the sweet moments - Kitty asking Rebecca to be her bridesmaid (”Should we hug or something?”) and the final dance between Kitty and Robert.
I need someone to rave about this episode with, gah!
November 27th, 2007 at 3:08 pm
I thought it was one of the season’s best episodes, too, Ian. Even though a lot of ground was covered, it didn’t feel crowded like some previous episodes. It was quality stuff.
November 27th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
Hooray! A kindred soul.
I’m just going to weigh in again on the whole Jason-Kevin thing because… well, because I want to. Yes, Jason seems like the nice sort, looks good in a towel, and might even bake tastier muffins than Scotty, but the fact is a) long-distance relationships, no matter how much you miss a person, are really difficult to maintain. And then you throw in the whole lack of contact thing, and the indefinite (as far as Kevin knows) separation, and really, you can’t begrudge Kevin for breaking it off. And b) the point that they brought up about Jason’s first love being God is pretty valid - committed ministers might well put God in first place and it’s not something that can be so easily accepted by someone who doesn’t share the same values.
Anyway, I know I’m rambling on ridiculously about a fictional couple… but I just would do a Rebecca and say what’s on my mind. I’m done now. *cough*