"Brothers & Sisters" may have ended its second season on Sunday night but it left viewers with enough cliffhangers to mull over all summer long. One of the most intriguing involves the potential romance of Justin (Dave Annable) and Rebecca (Emily VanCamp), who he thought was his half-sister.

I gotta wonder if the writers of the show decided to make Rebecca not blood-related to the Walker clan after noticing the obvious on-screen chemistry between the two enormously attractive co-stars. They met in the middle of the show's first season when Rebecca was revealed to be the love child of the late family partriarch.

"We were both certainly aware that there was (chemistry)," Emily told me recently. "Because we were two people who had just met as well, just like these characters. It's not far-fetched that this might happen."

The two temporary siblngs had bonded from the start and you have to wonder if the writers changed the direction of Rebecca's storyline to allow for a romance.

"It's not incestious, we do find out she wasn't a Walker," Dave said, a bit defensively. "But just because she's not doesn't mean they're going to be romantically involved. Our show revolves around the family dealing with these bigger issues and obviously this is a big issue. Whichever way it goes, I think it's gonna be a lot of drama to be had."

I suggest to Emily that one way for Rebecca to become a Walker again is to marry Justin. She's already thought of that: "I know, I hope so! I want to be a Walker again so they better marry us, I'm telling you."

Dave's character could use a happy ending. He has been through drug problems, being seruously wounded in the Iraq War then getting hooked on prescription drugs while recovering from his leg injury. But in the season's later episodes, Justin is surfing again and showing far more flashes of his trademark humor.

"I was given some well-written stuff and I did the best I could and I hope that in the future there's more good stuff," Dave said. "But yeah, it's sort of nice to (have Justin) having some fun and hanging out and get a crush on your half sister."

The actor's character still lives at home with his mom, Nora (Sally Field): "Eventually I'd like Justin to get a job and move out of Nora's house but you know what, I get to work with Sally Field more so you can't really complain about that. It kinda of rocks, I gotta be honest. It's kind of amazing as an actor to look across at Sally every day. I wouldn't change anything, it's fantastic."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The images of Kevin and Scotty on "Brothers & Sisters" exchanging vows on "Brothers & Sisters" Sunday were powerful ones. Two young men, in love, being united on prime time television and becoming a family. I loved it.

But there was so much more that went on that had me feeling all kinds of emotions.

In the first alone scene between Scotty (Luke Macfarlane) and Kevin's mom Nora (Sally Field), he thanks her for helping with the ceremony and she said: "I should be thanking you for making Kevin so happy - and, I get another son."

Contrasting Nora are Scotty's parents who decline to attend. He tells Kevin (Matthew Rhys): "I'm tired of banging my head against that particular wall - there's nothing I can do about it." Kevin and his brothers road trip it to Arizona in a last ditch effort to get the parents to reconsider. The mom says she loves Scotty but "don't expect us to sit there and rub our noses in this present wedding."

Scotty's dad won't dare go against his wife but as Kevin leaves, he does something that showed exactly where his heart is: he handed Kevin a box with a pair of cuff links inside. He wore them when he got married and promised Scotty he could wear them on his wedding day. It's a beautiful moment when Kevin hands Scotty the box which we learn he had made for his dad in 7th grade shop class.

Kevin had wanted a no-frills ceremony but Nora went ahead and gussied things up anyway and there were flowers EVERYWHERE. When Kevin protests, his mother tells him: "You and Scotty deserve this night to be as romantic and memorable as anyone else's." Kevin softens and hugs his mom.

Here are some scenes from the show. The ceremony is in the second clip...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Talk about uncomfortable interviews. My "chat" with Ron Rifkin at the GLAAD Awards last month was a prickly affair for some reason. I could not engage the man who plays uncle Saul on "Brothers & Sisters" during our brief chat but will share with you what was said. I wouldn't bother with it at all but the character came out to the entire Walker clan last night after Scotty and Kevin's wedding leading Justin (Dave Annable) to say: "This is the gayest week of my life!"

Here is our very strange chat:

Q.Good to see you, I;'ve seen you a few times now.
A. Yes.
Q. I've seen some photos of the commitment ceremony between Scotty and Kevin. People are really touched that that's gonna happen. Since we're at the GLAAD Awards here, what are your thoughts about it?
A. Well, yes. How can we not be moved by it? It's time.
Q. And what about your character...
A. What about my character?
Q. What's happening with him?
A. Well, I think he comes out.
Q. Is he gonna come out?
A. Yes, I think he does.
Q. This is a man of a different generation. How do you feel it's been portrayed?
A. "I think it's wonderful that on network television, we have a man of a certain age who's conflicted about his sexuality, who comes from a generation that hid things like that. And we're able to watch television at 10 o'clock on Sunday night in our houses and see this guy struggle with this and hopefully come out on the right end."
Q. How is it for you as an actor? Are you enjoying it creatively?
A. I'm thrilled to be here.
Q. And how about being at the GLAAD Awards?
A. How great is that? Yeah, we're thrilled to be here.

Gee, coulda fooled me.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight's the night! ABC, 10 p.m., Kevin and Scotty commit to each other before their families (except Scotty's parents) and friends. To get you up to speed on this great TV romance, here are some of my favorite scenes between two of my favorite TV characters - ever:

The early days (Scotty was far more flamboyant then, and just as cute!)

Making up and making out in the kitchen...

Post lobster dinner kiss...

Making up...and making out in the car...

and finally...the proposal...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Can you stand the wait? I can't! Kevin and Scotty are getting hitched on Sunday night's episode of "Brothers & Sisters." I'm got my box of tissue ready and am gonna throw rice at the TV or something silly like that.

Here is a video of some moments from their romance leading up to the big day...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 3:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The last 20 minutes of "Brothers & Sisters" were the gayest yet for this wonderful series. Uncle Saul (Ron Rifkin), after this agonizingly slow coming out this season, finally told all to his nephew, Kevin (Matthew Rhys), who bails him out of jail after he hit a tree while driving drunk. The things Saul said to Kevin were so heartbreaking, how he doesn't know how to be gay at his age (the character is 60 or so) and mourns the lost years he spent not being true to himself. The scene was very well done and moving...

...but it was just a warm up for a really beautiful scene where Kevin Walker, at last, has just the right words for the love of his life, Scotty. He comes home after one of the most trying days ever for his family (family business about to be bankrupt, brother in love with who he thinks is his half-sister, uncle hits tree) and there is Scotty (Luke MacFarlane), a man who he feels comfortable enough to be himself with, who feels like family. He tells Scotty that he is very much in love with him (at this point I'm wiping away a tear), gets down on one knee and asks Scotty to marry him. Scotty does not hesitate: the answer is a heart-felt "Yes!" and they give each other a passionate kiss that woulda freaked out every sponsor on the air 10-15 years ago.
Here is a clip of a scene we will long remember:

The previews for next week's episode (the season finale) show the commitment ceremony between the two men. It should be a keeper.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

The season finale of "Brothers & Sisters" features an emotional commitment ceremony between Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) and Scotty (Luke MacFarlane). I asked some of the actors who play Kevin's siblings on the show what they think of this rare television event:

Balthazar Getty (Tommy) : "We think it;s great. I wish it was a wedding, I wish it were allowed everywhere. We think it's great to have an opportunity to show that, to show mainstream America what's going on out there. It's telling great stories. It's not a show for gay people or straight people, it;s just a story for people, a story for families. Some people happen to be gay, some people happen to have addictions, some people happen to be straight. It's not some marginalized thing when our gay brother gets to get married, or have a ceremony. He's our brother and he's in love and he's having a ceremony and we love and we support him."
Rachel Griffiths (Sarah): "I'm very, very proud to be on a network show where very un-controversially where two people who happen to be the same gender are ready to declare their love, I think it's fanastic. Ten years ago it would have been unimaginable that it would happen without us having eggs thrown at us. It's wonderful. I wish it was recognized on a legal level in a jurisdictions all over the world. ...
What I love about our show is when we deal with politics, we do it through the personal, we don't kind of deal with the political then leave you to make the personal connection. We make you, hopefully, have great actors and great characters that you fall in love with and then through them we expose people through political ideas. You realize you can't reject that person you've grown so fond of. The combination of (Kevin and Scotty) and uncle Saul (Ron Rifkin) coming out I just think is a very real reflection of people's lives out there and hopefully will encourage some people to re-consider fixed ideas that are not really based on anything."

Dave Annable (Justin) "I can't wait for it. I, as a viewer, love the Kevin and Scotty storyline. Every time they're there on screen I love it. They have great chemistry and Luke MacFarlane who plays Scotty is outstanding and he's such a welcome addition to us. We're lucky to have him."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

He had them at mango salsa.

When Luke MacFarlane's endearing character of Scotty sat down to dinner for the first time with the Walker clan on "Brothers & Sisters," it was a big outdoor party scene where Sally Field's Nora had just humiliated her late husband's mistress Holly (Patricia Wettig). The tension was incredibly high until Scotty piped up and asked, "Is this salsa mango?"

Scotty Wandell and Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys) had instant chemistry from the minute the financially struggling waiter-turned-chef walked into his law office on a legal matter. He cut through Kevin's veneer with quirky humor and charm and you knew he had Kevin's heart when he bit into a red velvet cupcake and smiled at the end of one of their early episodes..

"My whole experience on the show started off as just a few episodes and it's just become more and more and more and I'm so grateful for that," Luke told me Monday night when we chatted before the start of the "A Conversation With Brothers & Sisters" event at the Television Academy in North Hollywood.

Luke, 28, was among the 12 cast members who participated as he was recently promoted from recurring character to full-fledged series regular: "They are making a regular for season three. It's very, very nice. We all know in television it's hard to get a gig that lasts for a long time so when the agent calls up and says, 'You're guaranteed these number of episodes you feel very, very lucky."

Luke, who studied drama at Julliard, was previously best-known for his role as Pvt. Frank "Dim" Dumphy in the series "Over There." The Canadian actor had never given any interviews about his personal life until discussing his sexuality for the first time in an interview with the Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail a few weeks ago 2008. He decided to share that not only is he playing a gay man on TV, but he is a gay man in life.

""It's been relatively simple for me," he said of the increased spotlight. "I'll say that I decided to do that interview, I decided to answer those questions in an effort to make my life simpler and that's going to contunue to be my motto. So, I'll have to say, it hasn't been that hot a light on me at all."

Even though through much of show's first season the writers had Kevin struggling with commitment issues and go on to have relationships with a closeted soap actor (Jason Lewis) and a minister (Eric Winter), Scotty had been a fan favorite from his first scene and audiences wanted to see he and Kevin together.

Said Luke: "Well, I do know that the fans had a lot to do with Scotty staying around as long as he has so I'm grateful for them."

I mention to him that now that Scotty is getting more airtime, the fans now want to get to know Luke himself a little better. He laughed a bit nervously and said, "In time."

We look forward to it.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Don't you just love all the drama of that "exclusive" headline? Well, I guess I'm feeling a little over-the-top after chatting-up both Kevin AND Scotty within moments of each other at a Television Academy event in North Hollywood last night. Oh wait! Kevin and Scotty are just TV characters - gay TV characters - played by actors Matthew Rhys and Luke MacFarlane.

I wanted to get their thoughts on this wonderful plot development that has Scotty and Kevin - an on-and-off-again couple since the beginning of the show - tying the knot in a commitment ceremony in the second season finale in a few weeks.

On the commitment ceremony:
Matthew: "It was great, perfectly put together. We didn't get there easily, there's no wasn't an easy road there up to the last few second, just like the turbulent path that we've had. There's a lot of drama before getting there but then you know, it's all resolved. And about time I think."
Luke: "It means that the audience is ready because, you know, in television we make sure people are ready before we foist anything upon them by sort of testing it and stuff. It means that the world is ready and it also means that the characters in their lives are ready too. It's a beautiful thing that's happening but also a very appropriate thing."

On working together:
Luke: Matthew's a wonderful actor, he just oozes charm. From day one it's always been super simple with him.

Matthew: "We do have (chemistry). It's a real joy to work with him, a pleasure. As much as (Kevin and Scotty's) drama came from their turbulence and the conflict in their relationship, being now in this (committed) relationship opens up a world of drama for them to play out. So, it's all exciting times.
"What's great is they really have picked two very diverse characters, the two of us compliment us very well as characters. Kevin can be a little bit uptight at times whereas Scotty, is a little bit too much of a free-spirit. So when the two meet, it makes for humorous times.

On Kevin's growth as a character:
Matthew: "It's been great to over two seasons have this arc, this sort of turbulent arc, and somewhere that he's reached which is what you want. You don't want to be ping-ponging back between old stories. So I'm glad the character's evolving."

On a lighter note, one of the pre-strike episodes had Kevin and Sarah (Rachel Griffiths) joining Scotty and his friends at a karaoke bar. Kevin, tired of being known as uptight, gets real drunk and begins singing to Scotty from the stage. Did Matthew have fun filming such a silly scene?

"It was fun. For me, as a Welshman, to desecrate a Tom Jones song like that, it was I found painful. And then to do the same to a Willie Nelson song, it was painful to be that bad! It came very naturally, of course. What I did was pretty unforgiveable."

Tomorrow: The Walker siblings talk about Kevin and Scotty. I get reaction from Rachel Griffiths, Calista Flockhart, Dave Annable and Balthazar Getty.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Ran into Eric Winter last night at a Television Academy event in North Hollywood which he accompanied his beautiful girlfriend, Roselyn Sanchez of "Without a Trace" to. Eric could not have been nicer but he is sad about the quick cancellation of his CBS series "Viva Laughlin" after just two episodes but will be returning to "Brothers & Sisters" as the brother of Rob Lowe's character and the boyfriend of Kevin Walker (Matthew Rhys).
"I'm gonna go back for a little while," Eric says. "I don't know what's going on storyline-wise. I'm sure they have something fun cooked up. But I will be bringing my face back there, yeah."
I wondered if Eric was aware of how many "Brothers & Sisters" fans want him back on the show - so much so that more than a few were rooting for the demise of "Viva Laughlin."
"I know. [Laughs]. 'Brothers & Sisters' is a class act of a show. Those creators are phenomenal and I loved going to work with those people every day. And the actors, you can't say more about the talent. It's amazing. So, I get it completely why the support is there. I loved "Viva Laughlin." I loved my experience with CBS and my cast on "Viva" so I was very heartbroken. We put a lot of effort into singing and the acting on the show so it was hard. But you know, all you can do is move on and be thankful that there's other opportunities."
Fortunately for Eric, the storyline on "Brothers & Sisters" has his preacher character gone overseas to do missionary work with Kevin remaining committed to the relationship - for now. It makes his return not only easy, but potentially quite dramatic since Kevin is getting closer to his ex-boyfriend Scotty (Luke MacFarlane) in Jason's absence.
"They have been so great to me over there," he says. "Coming off of "Viva" has been rough in the beginning and now I'm coming into my own with other stuff."
In all, seven episodes of "Viva" had been completed but only two aired before CBS yanked the series off the air because of low ratings. He hopes the remaining shows somehow see the light of day.
"I don't know what's going to happen with them, Maybe something will be put together. I'd love to see some of the stuff that we shot. The great thing, and the sad thing, is that the episodes were getting better and better, storylines getting so much more interesting. The songs were so great. I have a really cool scene in episode six where I'm singing "I Need You Tonight" from INXS and I was so much looking forward to seeing the sequence put together...You know what's gonna happen, they're gonna put these on YouTube and we're gonna develop this huge fan base and they're gonna want us back! (laughs)."
Back to "Brothers & Sisters." So, what's it like to play Rob Lowe's younger brother?
"You can't go wrong there. When I first read, they said, 'You're gonna play Rob Lowe's younger brother 'and I thought, 'Who doesn't want to be Rob Lowe's younger brother?' That guy's an icon with the things he's done in his career. Nicest guy on the planet too so I've had so much fun working with him."
And finally, what about Matthew Rhys as a boyfriend?
"Such a cool guy. Talented. Immediately, because a lot of my stuff was with him, immediately made me feel welcome on set. That's quite an intimidating cast because everyone's so major and you walk into that. But everyone there was so welcoming and he was a big part of that, making me feel at home."
And what about that kiss at the end of last season in the pantry when they practically knock each other over?
"It was my first time because it was my first time playing a gay role. They make you feel right at home like they would any other acting piece. As actors, you welcome anything you're gonna do no matter what and you just enjoy doing it in the sense of putting on a good performance with whatever character you're playing. You want people to support it and be all about it. And so far, the fans have been very supportive of our characters."
With Kevin's boyfriend back, what's gionna happen with Scotty who is also popular with audiences?
"People are talking about that, what's gonna happen. Is there gonna be a break-up? an arguement? Am I gonna walk in on sometning? I don't know. It's gonna be really interesting."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I didn't write my thoughts about Sunday's episode of "Brothers & Sisters" yet so want to do that now. The focus was split between Kitty's pregancy and Sarah's custody battle with a little adulterous Tommy and pill-popping Justin peppered in.
But what I kept noticing, and feeling, was the strength Sally Field as Nora brought to the episode. I'm one of six children. There are five Walker children. Moms of broods that big just have a certain way about them and this is why Sally, as Nora, reminds me of my mom.
When Sarah's estranged husband, creepy Joe, comes to pick up the kids after Sarah loses primary custody, Nora shows up - unannounced - for the transfer of the kids. She was just there and didn't have to say much - her face said it all. And when Kitty was getting morning sickness, Nora just knew she was pregnant and even before it was confirmed, had her nose deep in a book of baby names.
Sally's performance is pitch-perfect. It's the best work of her career. It's no wonder she won the Emmy and that Rachel Griffith was nominated. These two women are the cream of the crop in what is an excellent ensemble.
AfterElton.com is doing some terrific recaps of each episode. It's a must-read for any fan.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Matthew Rhys (Kevin on "Brothers & Sisters" not only turns in a realistic and appealing performance on the shoiw each week, but he's a straight actor who doesn't have any kind of issues with kissing other men - on-screen.
That doesn't mean it doesn't take some getting used to.
"I remember the first time I kissed a guy onstage in rehearsals for a play, feeling like near-electric shock. I was like, What's that?It was because he had a beard. Also, when you kiss a girl, you slightly take control, you know-you assert a role," he says in an interview with The Advocate.
Rhys says with men, he finds himself sort of jockeying for control.
"Some people say kissing's more intimate than sex, and I sort of agree. It's like the ultimate intimate thing."

Tomorrow: Sally Field on Rhys and his on-screen siblings.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 2:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I think Kevin and Scotty are one of television's great couples. The chemistry between the actors (Matthew Rhys and Luke MacFarlane) who play these characters on "Brothers & Sisters" is certainly equal to that of Calista Flockhart and Rob Lowe if not better.

So last we saw Scotty, he had slept with Kevin on Valentine's Day when Kevin was trying to make Chad (Jason Lewis) jealous. I wondered how Scotty would re-enter Kevin's life in a believable way. The writers had him come to Kevin for legal assistance (pro bono) after he got a DUI from a homophobic officer and wants to fight it.
Before I go on, I must remark: Luke MacFarlane is absolutely beautiful and radiate such a sweetness as this character. I am so glad to see him back on this show. The fact that this character has struck such a chord with the fans is all credit to the actor, I think.

So Kevin gets Scotty off the hook and he is paid back by Scotty cooking dinner for him at the fancy dinner he interns at as part of chef's school which he now attends. After, when Scotty moves in to kiss Kevin, he is stopped when Kevin explains: "I'm in a relationship."
Kev suggests this insread: "We were never friends...maybe we can try that."
Meanwhile, Sally Field spent the entire episode playing the concerned mother as Justin fights severe pain and resists taking meds because of his addict past. Dave Annable and Field are so good in these scenes - sp believable and real. I believe Field as Nora every moment she is on screen and think she may need room on the shelf for yet another Emmy.

But my favorite line of the episode was uttered by Saul and, while golfing with Tommy and his insufferable father-in-law, finds the experience so revolting he says, "I'd rather spend an entire dinner party sitting next to Britney Spears."
Ouch!!

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"Brothers & Sisters" has its second-season premiere this Sunday night and I can tell you that Saul, played by Ron Rifkin, gets a visit from Milo Peterman (Michael Nouri), a man from his past who - I'm just guessing here - was once his lover. I say let them make out already! But seriously, this is a storyline that is probably going to take some time since Saul does not seem even remotely as accepting of his own sexuality as his gay nephew, Kevin (Matthew Rhys), is.
AfterElton.com has posted what seems to be to be the most extensive interview with Rifkin yet on the direction of his character. I'll give you a few nibbles then you can go feast on the whole thing by clicking HERE.

On Saul being revealed to be gay at the end of last season: "I was very excited about the possibility of playing an older guy whose life had been a certain way and had lived in a certain time, and even though his family was obviously very close, and very intense, and very passionate, and loved and supported each other, he just had a secret."

On what happened between he and Milo in te past: "There's a scene in the third or fourth episode where we meet again and we do have some communication with each other, but I think it's a struggle for Saul. He's a very loving guy. All he has is his family. He loves those kids. I think he's confronting issues that have plagued him and, hopefully, he'll handle it with grace. And hopefully the world around him, that is to say his family, will embrace him for it."

Will Saul will turn to Kevin for advice?: "Oh, I think there will be something between them. I think if I were a young man having come out to my family then find out I have an uncle who might be gay, I'd have issues with that. I'd either be excited about the possibility, if I were Kevin, or angry that he hadn't [come out]. As far as Saul is concerned, it feels like it might be problematic because he kept it a secret for so long."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I've already seen the season premiere of "Brothers & Sisters" and it has Kevin (Matthew Rhys) in domestic bliss with the senator's brother who he was seen kissing in the pantry in the season finale. I don't want to give it all away but I think it's safe to say that things change for the couple at some point. Perhaps this is where the adorable Scotty (Luke MacFarlane) comes in. We love Scotty! And he is back on the show starting with the Sunday, Oct. episode. I don't have any specifics but here are some photos from the episode that I snagged from AfterElton.com which I do hope will continue with its delicious weekly recaps when the season debuts.
Here are more pics of Kevin, Scotty, Kevin and Scotty etc.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's the thing about being a print/online reporter at a red carpet event. You are usually placed near the end of the press line and don't get the stars until they have been thoroughly worn out by a slew of questions from the likes of "Entertainment Tonight," "Access Hollywood" etc.
I tell you this because at the DVD party for "Brothers & Sisters," I was dead last on the red carpet. It didn't really matter for the most part because the cast members I interviewed were all gracious with their time and answered every question as if I was their first interview.
Ron Rifkin, on the other hand, seemed spent. So I got just a little from him which was a disappointment because his character of Uncle Saul appears to be a closeted gay man who had previously been involved with a character portrayed in the season finale by Michael Nouri.
Rifkin is quite happy to see his character take a dramatic turn and have this mysterious past. But it's not clear how or if Saul will come out of the closet: "So far we don't know. Saul is being very elusive about it. He's very private. But Milo (Michael Nouri) has been on the show so I suspect this will role out over the year."
We did have a good laugh when I asked him if he gets recognized a lot for the episode of "Sex and the City" that he did where he is an editor at Vogue who mentors Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) then pulls his pants down to show her his underwear.
Says Rifkin: "It's so crazy. I'll be on the siubway in New York and I'll get: 'I saw your underpants!' It's embarrassing."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Here's the thing about being a print/online reporter at a red carpet event. You are usually placed near the end of the press line and don't get the stars until they have been thoroughly worn out by a slew of questions from the likes of "Entertainment Tonight," "Access Hollywood" etc.
I tell you this because at the DVD party for "Brothers & Sisters," I was dead last on the red carpet. It didn't really matter for the most part because the cast members I interviewed were all gracious with their time and answered every question as if I was their first interview.
Ron Rifkin, on the other hand, seemed spent. So I got just a little from him which was a disappointment because his character of Uncle Saul appears to be a closeted gay man who had previously been involved with a character portrayed in the season finale by Michael Nouri.
Rifkin is quite happy to see his character take a dramatic turn and have this mysterious past. But it's not clear how or if Saul will come out of the closet: "So far we don't know. Saul is being very elusive about it. He's very private. But Milo (Michael Nouri) has been on the show so I suspect this will role out over the year."
We did have a good laugh when I asked him if he gets recognized a lot for the episode of "Sex and the City" that he did where he is an editor at Vogue who mentors Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) then pulls his pants down to show her his underwear.
Says Rifkin: "It's so crazy. I'll be on the siubway in New York and I'll get: 'I saw your underpants!' It's embarrassing."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 9:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

When I saw Jon Robin Baitz at the ABC party last night, he gave me a warm greeting. Then I laid into him a bit: "Why did I have to read somewhere else that Scotty was gonna be back for seven episodes?" I had seen the "Brothers & Sisters" creator over the weekend at the Outfest event and asked him for some plot developments. He gave me some crumbs then I read on AfterElton.com a few days later about Scotty's return.
Baitz seemed moritfied and was apologetic: "I would have tol,d you that!" He told me the cast is shooting the first episode and that things are going "fantastic" and it was clear that viewers wanted Scotty (Luke MacFarlane) back on the show: "People really responded to his sweetness and his integrity, his intelligence and his comedy and his relationship with Kevin."
At this point, Kevin himself (Matthew Rhys) joins us. To see him three times in a week is quite a treat! We have a quick word:
Greg: I didn't know about Scotty coming back until I read it elsewhere. How do you feel about Scotty coming back?
Matthew: I'm very happy for many. many different reasons. Luke MacFarlane as an actor is fantastic and we got on well. The two characters, because of their differences, there was a lot of chemistry between them and sort of that enjoyable conflict that came from two sort of different people meeting."
Greg: Is this going to lead to Kevin going to places that are exciting for you as an actor?
Matthew: I hope so. Scotty always pushed boundaries a little bit and I think for Kevin that's a good thing.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Jon Robin Baitz was not very forthcoming on Saturday when I tried to get some info about next season's plotlines in regards to Kevin his potential love interests. But Michael Jensen of AfterElton.com succeeded in getting a lot of scoop during a visit to the set on Monday and shares it on his blog:
Luke MacFarlane, who played Kevin's love interest, Scotty, in the first season will return for SEVEN episodes! Hooray!!
"I think having him back is such a delight," Baitz said. Where we find him when we come back is a man trying to pull his life together and I take really special care with those characters -- Kevin and Scotty."
Baitz further blabbed abvout Scotty's character to Michael so read all about it on AfterElton.com because you certainly have not read it here! And Michael promises more on Friday so I'll relay that too...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 5:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last saw Jon Robin Baitz in April at the GLAAD Awards and it was nice to corner him once again at Outfest to try and get some "Brothers & Sisters" information outa him about the gay characters of Kevin [Matthew Rgys] and Uncle Saul [Ron Rifkin]. He was pretty cagey but I did my best.
Greg: I asked Matthew the other day about his character's love life next season and he said something like, 'I only know when they tell me.' Since you already know, what can you tell us? Will Kevin continue to evolve?
Baitz: Yes. He's trying to find a way to be more patient with romance.
Greg: And he starts up with the senator's brother again?
Baitz: [long pause] Maybe.

Greg: OK, what about uncle Saul? Anything you can tell us about your approach to his character this coming season?
Baitz: "Confusion, agony, angst, recognition, torture, fear, love, strength. Those are his operative words.
Greg: Sounds like he's going to go through quite a process.
Baitz: Exactly.

Sorry folks, that's all I got outa him...

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Who better to invite to the "Brothers & Sisters" panel at Outfest over the weekend than my pal Trevor Daley. We love this show and he was one of the only people I could talk to after each episode as if we were talking about people we know. "Well, I just don't think Kevin is really into him" or "Can you believe Nora got STONED?" So it was such a blast on Saturday for us to chat with both Nora (sally Field) and Kevin "Matthew Rhys" at the post-panel reception at the DGA Theatre. Trevor and Matthew look so cute together (below).

Trevor tried to hog all of Matthew's attention but I made him share...


Trevor to Sally: "Really Miss Field, I'm not a stalker. I've just loved you ever since I first saw you in 'Gidget.' Can you please call off the restraining order?" Just a joke. Miss Field was charmed by the charming Trevor, calling him "adorable."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It was a fun and relaxed group from "Brothers & Sisters" that took the stage Saturday afternoon at the Directors Guild of America Theatre for a panel discussion moderated by the show's executive producer Ken Olin - a powerhouse behind-the-scenes in network television but forever Michael on "thirtysomething" for so many of us. He peppered cast members Sally Field, Matthew Rhys, Patricia Wettig (Olin's real-life wife) and Ron Rifkin with questions along with the show's creator-writer Robin Baitz, show-runner Marc Perry and writer David Marshall Grant.
Here are some things we learned: Danny Glover will join the cast next season giving it some much-needed racial diversity. He will have something to do with the political world of Rob Lowe's Sen. MacAllister character...Matthew Rhys has played gay character in SEVEN different projects, including the 2007 Outfest selection "Love and Other Disasters." ...Field didn't know her "Flying Nun" co-star Alejandro Rey was gay: ("Carlos was GAY?")... Wettig, married to Olin 25 years, said over the years she has had an equal number of men and women say to her: "On 'thirtysomething, [Ken Olin] was MY guy."...Rikfin's Uncle Saul character will deal with being gay (or bisexual): "He clearly has a secret life and how does the family feel about it?" Rifkin said.
Olin kicked things off by asking each panelist which member of the same sex they would like to sleep with! This wasn't gonna be your ordinary event!
For the record: the out Baitz: Robert Downey Jr. while the out Perry and Grant chose their real-life partners. Field chose Wettig and Wettig chose Field while the straight Rhys, who plays gay Kevin on the show said: "I had to sleep with most of the panel to get the part!" Then he added: "I don't think it's me but Rob Lowe and I are getting along quite well." Rhys also chose David Beckham while Rifkin chose Olin.
OK, on to more meaty matters. In discussing the character of Kevin, Baitz said: "It never occured to me that Kevin would be exclused from the family in any way or fight for his place at the table." He said he has had "zero" interference from ABC in regards to Kevin who has quite a busy lovelife and has had what seems like a dozen on-screen same-sex kisses - including one with Jason Lewis atop Muholland Drive which was shown to the audience.

"Many, many memories from Muholland," Rhys joked. "Dear Jason Lewis. It was his first male kiss and just before...I said to him: "I'm going to tell you what you had for lunch.' THAT relaxed him."
Olin joked of Rhys' gay kissing scenes: "It just gives me such great joy to see Matthew who has to kiss a straight actor for the first time. He's like a black widow spider."
The afternoon ended on a quite touching note when Olin (pictured, right), director of the wonderful "Doing Time on Maple Drive," told the audience why he was eager to participate in Outfest this year: "One of my best friends growing up took his own life at 17, he was the first person I got high with. I think he took his life out of shame. I know he did. We live in a really scary time but we've come so far. There are a lot of people who are really scared - they want to push those people who are different either back scross the border or back in the closet."
COMING TOMORROW: Pictures from the post-panel party, an interview with Baitz and reliving the same-sex kiss on "thirtysomething."

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

If you found it shocking that Uncle Saul is gay on "Brothers & Sisters," you're not the only one. The actor who plays him, Ron Rifkin, had no idea until the show was well into its first season! There's a good reason why Rifkin and others were caught off guard: the sexuality of the character was decided because show creator Jon Robin Baitz and the writers couldn't figure out what to do with the character, Baitz says in the new TV Guide:
“The story lines for Saul [Ron Rifkin] were just starting to run on fumes, and we kept looking for more areas to explore with him — the business and stuff — but none of it seemed as juicy as this," Baitz says. "Next season, Saul’s going to struggle to come to terms with himself and confront his shame — ‘I’m a nice Jewish boy. I can’t be gay.’ But it took me a month to ask Ron. It wasn’t what he had signed on for and I thought, ‘Is this really what he wants to be doing?’ I hadn’t even finished the sentence and he was like, ‘That’s great — why would that be a problem?’ He’s thrilled.”
So are we!

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 3:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Sorry for the delay in getting the "Brothers & Sisters" recap posted and thanks to all of you who emailed me asking "WHERE IS IT?" I zonked out last night as the credits rolled so am now finally getting to writing about the completely satisying season finale that wrapped up some questions (Why Rebecca is a Lolita), gave us new storylines to look forward to (Uncle Sal is gay!!!), gave Sally Field some M'Linn moments as Justin left for Iraq, and...best of all...gave Kevin another cute guy to make out with!
If there are people/critics who don't like this show, I say don't friggen watch it...and don't complain about it. Because for fans like me, it has been an absolute gift and I am grateful to the creators, writers, producers, actors and to the network for giving us this sensational drama with people we care about. A show with gay storylines that are matter-of-fact, big stars (Field, Rob Lowe, Calista Flockhart, Rachel Griffiths, and Patricia Wettig) who allow each other and other cast members to shine in television's best ensemble. Between this and "Ugly Betty," ABC can proudly be called the best gay network these days even if Andrew van de Kamp was shamefully put on the back-burner this season on "Desperate Housewives."
So let's talk about Kevin (Matthew Rhys) because I love talking about Kevin. With Nora deciding to throw Kitty an engagement party, Kevin pitches in because as he tells his mother: "You're bogged down in a quagmire of Nora over-commitment" and he ends up being teamed with the senator's gay brother for pre-party prep. They last saw each other during a disastrous set-up. "Looks like both sides sent the gay scouts," Kevin says to Jason as they meet at the party venue that Kevin says looks "like the first 15 minutes of 'Extreme Makeover' before they teare the house down."
I love when Kevin is such a bitch!
Kevin is so rude to the people at the party venue that they cancel the contract and the party has to be held at the Walker house. The sneator's family shows up and they are beyond rambunctious: they are obnoxious. They are drunks, have no social skills, and worst of all, their uncle (Maj. Weiner) is a perv who keeps trying to hit on poor Nora. And worst yet, Weiner is played very loudly and broadly by Garry Marshall who I am already annoyed with for the disaster that is "Georgia Rule."
Other stuff happens: Sarah and Polly have a truce, Kitty and Nora have a blow-up over Kitty moving in with the senator, but the best subplot (almost) is Sal and some handsome older dude named Milo. When Nora mentions that Milo is one the guest list, Saul snaps about "that bitch wife Elaine." At the party, Milo tellls Saul "I'm not pretending anymore. I'm gay. I've always been a late bloomer." Then we see their hands touch and we know they have history...gay history.
"We're too old for excuses," he says to Saul. "Call me."
Speaking of gay: Kevin and Jason spar back and forth and it all comes to a head.
Kevin: "I'm tired of hating you and you hating me."
Jason: "You think we're so beneath us don't you?"
Kevin: ":I think you're all insane...and drunk!"
Jason: "Why are you such an unpleasant person?"
Kevin: "You didn't come in here looking for a band-aid did you? You came in here looking for me."
Jason: "Maybe."
Then total make-out scene! Not a soft, subtle kiss...the kind where one person slams the other against the wall. So romantic...
Then Kevin finds out that Jason is a Methodist minister! (Kevin lies: "Jumping your bones was extremely atypical for me!")
Here's to more atypical behavior from Kevin and the rest of the Walker clan next season!

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 2:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Not much deliciously witty dialogue on "Brothers & Sisters" last night with such weighty matters as the lives of Tommy and Julia's twins hanging in the balance, Sara and Joe breaking up, Justin visiting wounded soldiers at a veterans hospital as a way to gear up for Iraq, and Sen. MacAllister being blackmailed.
First Tommy (Balthazar Getty) and Julia (Sarah Jane Morris). I had labled them the boring characters and believe I may have suggested they be written off at some point so my Kevin (Matthew Rhys) could have more scenes. Well, I take it all back.
As a new mother whose child is dying, Morris was a revelation and showed us all what a terrific actress she is when given the material. The raw emotion she displayed was far better than anything Calista Flockhart (Kitty) could ever manage and far more real. Getty was also very, very good. Even though one baby dies, the other lives and the episode ended on an optimistic note - it ended with hope for the future. The surviving girl is named Elizabeth and Tommy says to his mother (Sally Field): "She's so strong. She reminds me of you."
Joe finally moved out and he and Sarah told the klds. It was sad. Boo hoo. Kevin was relegated to a subplot over the senator (Rob Lowe) being blackmailed over the truth behnd his "heroism" during Desert Storm. Kitty turns to Kevin for help. The liberal Democrat Kevin cannot bring himself to help a Republican who voted to block gay marriage even if he is his sister's fiancee.
Later, Justin is telling Kevin that MacAllister is a good guy who helped open his eyes by taking him to the Veteran's hospital leading to Kevin admitting: "I might hate his politics but he is a man with perfect skin."
Kevin comes through in te end, blackmailing the blackmailer and was kinda smug about it all. Does Kevin ever lose a big case?
The chemistry between Flockhart and Lowe remains first rate. Just the following deadpan exchange inside the senator's office was pretty funny:
Senator: "Why doesn't the staff say hi to me?"
Kitty: "Because they don't like you."
And they just keep on walking. In the end, MacAllister proposes to Kitty and she says yes around 5-6 times.
Who could blame her? The man really does have perfect skin!

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Has Kevin Walker switched teams? Noooooooooooooo!
OK, I'll collect myself. The ACTOR, Matthew Rhys, who plays Kevin on ABC's "Brothers & Sisters" is filming the movie "Best Times of Our Lives" with Keira Knightley. They are wearing 1940s outfits as they walk hand-in-hand along New Quay beach in North Wales, UK.
According to JustJared.com, Keira, Matthew, and co-star Sienna Miller will reportedly participate in steamy threesome love scene in the film.
OK, I'm there.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 4:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With much of the episode taking place on Tommy and Holly's new vinyard, Walker Landing, I almost expected Angela Channing from "Falcon Crest" to show up and start calling people into her study.
By the way, I apologize for teasing in an earlier post that Kevin and the senator's bro were gonna meet up again - THAT is in a future episode. The senator (Rob Lowe) was barely in this episode after a cute scene with Kitty in the beginning where she is hemming and hawing after proposing to him last week. Is this woman nuts? He's a senator! He's got big bucks! And he looks just like Rob Lowe! Snag him before he realizes what a mess you are.
But hey! I was right about the catfight between Nora (Sally Feild) and Holly (Patricia Wettig). It was a showdown of epic proportions that culminated in a massive food fight. Nora starts it by smashing an entire cake all over Holly's dress. Holly screams: "This dress is couture!" To which Nora replies: "I'm sure it's been STAINED before!" Then it was peas flying and you name it before the women start laughing then Holly starts crying.
So what led to foo flying everywhere?
Holly kissed Nora's date for the weekend, the smarmy professor played by Peter Coyote. "You seem to be obsessed with the men in my life," Nora snarls to Holly, pre-cake smashing.
Holly counters with: "Your family is INSANE!"
Nora then says 'Even your own DAUGHTER would rather sleep at my house....I'd sooner call social services before I'd send her home to you...You are a car wreck!"
It was great stuff and what made it even greater was the skill with which the scene was played by Field and Wettig. When they were saying those and other lines, you really felt like they were the culmination of months and months of resentment (In Holly's case, years of resentment) and that made it all the more satisfying.
The whole Joe kissed Rebecca thing is already boring to me but it served as the catalyst for much of the drama on last night's show which was fun because the entire Walker family was together for a weekend and you had all kinds of those fights with witty dialogue.
Kitty (Calista Flockhart) ends up being AWOL for a big chunk of it because she takes three of Kevn's prescription painkillers mistaking them for asprin as she's drinking some wine. Kevin finds her and can't believe she has gotten herself so drunk so quickly.
Kitty: "I've had sips! Sips! Why do I always have to screw things up, Ken?"
She's calling Kevin, Ken, you know she's screwed up!
In her stupor, she blurts out to Kevin that she's sorta engaged to the senator but makes him promise not to tell anyone. We already know Kevin is a bigger gossip than Hedda Hopper and Loella Parsons combined! Oh, that's dated. OK, make that Liz Smith and Marilyn Beck combined! If that's too dated for ya the just eat your milk and cookies and go to bed!
After a tipsy Kevin but adorable blurts out the news, he tries to change the subject quickly: "Can we have some more pinot?" Then we wonders to himself: "I don't know why I say these things. I think I have Tourette's [syndrome]."
Anyway, in the end, Julia goes into labor - early - and the preview tease that next week is "a very special episode of 'Brothers & Sisters." We can already see that the lives of the twins are hanging in the balance so all the silliness of the vinyard episode will be quickly forgotten.

Posted by Greg Hernandez at 12:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I love watching TV on Sunday nights! The combination of "Brothers & Sisters" and "Desperate Housewives" just can't be beat. I'll leave "The Sopranos" to other people, thankyouverymuch.
As far as tonight's "Brothers & Sisters,"I know I should be most excited about another appearance by Kevin's future love interest, Jason MacAllister (Eric Winter). While I look forward to seeing the relationship unfold, I REALLY want to see the big brawl between Nora (Sally Field) and Holly (Patricia Wetting). These actresses