Kevin and Scotty romance treated as no big deal by ABC

I'm glad that Out in Hollywood isn't the only site that understands the significance of the gay storyline playing out on Sunday night's ABC drama "Brothers & Sisters" between Kevin (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty (Luke MacFarland). AfterElton.com does a terrific examination of network television's evolution by recalling back in In 1991, when ABC's "thirtysomething" showed two gay male characters in bed together which resulted in a sponsor boycott, costing the network an estimated $1 million in lost ad revenue and more than 400 written complaints from outraged viewers. ABC pulled the show from repeats and the gay characters were quickly written off the show.

Scotty and Kevin have kissed in two different episodes as their romance continues to unfold and no advertisers threatened to pull out and no conservative groups have launched a letter-writing campaign. I think it was wise of the show's producers to not use the kiss to create some buzz for the shows prior to their airings. By treating the kiss as no big deal in both the "Date Night" and "For the Children" episodes, the reaction has been no big deal. That is refreshing and so is the show's willingness to incorporate these appealing gay characters who seem like real people. Much credit also goes to the two actors who have chemistry and play their scenes like they mean it.