Brothers & Sisters – Episode 5-11 Review

Reviews, Shows

 After a two-week-long hiatus, Brothers & Sisters returns with a break up for one relationship and quick progress for others. While I did miss Sarah, this episode was fairly decent compared to some of its recent predecessors.

In a surprising move, at least it was to me, Nora and Dr. Karl are the ones to call it off. To be honest, he was never the best catch to begin with, so she probably made the right decision there. However, I did expect the relationship to last longer since it had already been around for about half the season. Because of this, and the fact that they still work together, my instinct says we’ll see Dr. Karl again.

As for what happened between them, Dr. Karl has been reluctant about getting to know the Walker siblings (but then again, who can blame him). So when Nora pushes him into an unexpected family dinner, the poor guy just can’t handle it. Though, while I do sympathize, he doesn’t really make an effort either, giving one-word answers every time Nora asks him a question. Finally he ends up walking out when he admits he’s totally uncomfortable. He make a romantic move the next day by calling in on Nora’s show, but she tells him that she realized they’re too different, and that their relationship was not going to work. So even though I do think Nora should have let him go, I also feel she was a little quick to do so when he did apologize to her.

On the other hand, a relationship that I thought for sure was going to squished this episode ended up pulling through. After a whirlwind of bad press, and some attempted manipulation from his mother, Kitty and Seth manage to stick together. This seemed odd to me, as surely they’re not going to end up married, and this would’ve been a perfect opportunity for them to break up. But I guess Seth is destined to stay around a little longer. To be honest, I like the guy. He’s cute, he’s a writer, and he does care about Kitty. It does sort of bother me when she wonders if he’s good enough for her. Why does that matter? Like I said, she’s obviously not going to marry the guy, and she’s having fun. Don’t think about it too much, Kitty.

Paramedic Justin and nurse Annie strengthen their bond as well. Justin’s a little worried that a relationship will distract him from his career, and tries to avoid her. But she’s very persistent. I kind of winced a little every time she suggested another date when he clearly brushed her off – she really does seem desperate. Hopefully she just noticed that he was awkward around her and wanted to get past that, and she’s not usually clingy. However, it all works out when they bond over treating a near-death patient. Even though she was a little annoying in this episode, she could be good for Justin, so I really hope these two work out.

Meanwhile, Kevin and Scotty are moving through the adoption process, and are told to go to an adoption fair. Kevin’s nervous about picking the right child again, but their choice is made when adorable, outgoing preteen Olivia runs up to them and introduces herself. Even though both are unsure at the end of the fair, Olivia seals the deal when she says good-bye. While the guys probably just thought she was sweet, I have some respect for her as well – clearly she wanted Kevin and Scotty to adopt her, and made it happen. Hopefully we’ll be seeing much more of her this season.

Brothers & Sisters starts the new year off with a strong episode and some interesting twists. “Thanks for the Memories” (according to the promo, Holly possibly moving in to Nora’s house?!) airs January 9th.