think you can spot which one of these is not like the others?
Three years ago a new “family drama” aired on ABC. Casted in the problem-ridden, baggage-toting Walker clan were mostly unknown actors and actresses sprinkled with some major names from expired television fame. Playing the neurotic over controlling mother, Nora Walker, was everyone’s favorite nun from the 60’s, Sally Field. Kitty Walker, public political figure and temporarily ostracized daughter was Calista Flockhart, otherwise remembered as the emotionally stunted lawyer Ally McBeal. Later in the show, Rob Lowe would be introduced as Kitty's love interest and future husband, Senator McCallister.
After only one year Brothers and Sisters had become known as the little show that could, tackling controversial topics like the War in Iraq, bisexuality, September 11th, interracial relationships, and homosexuality (just to name a few). Sally Field won best actress at the 2007 Golden Globes in her speech paying homage to the writers who created a real show for real people to relate to. Following suit with the controversy that surround the show. Field even got herself censored.
In watching one particular episode from the show’s third season, “Its Not Easy Being Green,” I noticed how original and innovative Brothers and Sisters truly is when dealing with a gay character.
The episode has multiple plot lines following its copious amount of characters, but the most noteworthy revolves around republican US Senator Robert McCallister (husband of Kitty Walker) and gay lawyer Kevin Walker (played by Matthew Rhys). Kevin who was recently hired by Robert to help run his campaign for governor of California, is preparing to go on a quail hunting trip with the Senator. Never one for the hunting trips his late father used to force him on, Kevin is less than pleased when he learns about this one. Although he has to play the part of an enthused hunter, though he is miserable. Before actually gearing up and heading out to shoot Kevin remains visibly sulky about this planned venture, saying he’s less the hunter and more the “gatherer” type.
After hearing endlessly offensive gay jokes from the Republican’s with money that both Robert and Kevin are trying to win over, Kevin channels his inner angst and shoots the first quail of the day. Surprisingly, Kevin ends up being the best shooter in the field, but when Robert's friends take their liberal insults a little too far when they call him a “creampuff of a son.” Needless to say, Kevin looses it.
“Ever since I got here, I’ve been coddled like some half-wit or straight-out insulted … I’m a crack shot, but clearly that’s not enough to impress you. It’s not enough that I wear button- downs … and eat red meat … and smoke the occasional cigar. You can’t see past your own bias to see I … Kicked … Your … Ass!”
At dinner, Robert basically orders Kevin to make amends with the potential funds for Robert’s campaign. After apologizing and using Robert's patience with him as a sign of his loyalty to those who support him, Kevin seems to flip the light switch and gains the support of those they were trying to impress all day long.
In other American television shows there have been gay and lesbian character in both daytime and primetime, however many of those characters either made guest appearances or were of minor importance. Often they received little storyline beyond coming out. However on Brothers and Sisters, Kevin Walker is the rare gay character who was already come out, not only to his family but also in the workplace. The stated goal of the show to treat Kevin as an equal to, no better or worse than, the straight characters which is something completely unique to this program.
After only one year Brothers and Sisters had become known as the little show that could, tackling controversial topics like the War in Iraq, bisexuality, September 11th, interracial relationships, and homosexuality (just to name a few). Sally Field won best actress at the 2007 Golden Globes in her speech paying homage to the writers who created a real show for real people to relate to. Following suit with the controversy that surround the show. Field even got herself censored.
In watching one particular episode from the show’s third season, “Its Not Easy Being Green,” I noticed how original and innovative Brothers and Sisters truly is when dealing with a gay character.
The episode has multiple plot lines following its copious amount of characters, but the most noteworthy revolves around republican US Senator Robert McCallister (husband of Kitty Walker) and gay lawyer Kevin Walker (played by Matthew Rhys). Kevin who was recently hired by Robert to help run his campaign for governor of California, is preparing to go on a quail hunting trip with the Senator. Never one for the hunting trips his late father used to force him on, Kevin is less than pleased when he learns about this one. Although he has to play the part of an enthused hunter, though he is miserable. Before actually gearing up and heading out to shoot Kevin remains visibly sulky about this planned venture, saying he’s less the hunter and more the “gatherer” type.
After hearing endlessly offensive gay jokes from the Republican’s with money that both Robert and Kevin are trying to win over, Kevin channels his inner angst and shoots the first quail of the day. Surprisingly, Kevin ends up being the best shooter in the field, but when Robert's friends take their liberal insults a little too far when they call him a “creampuff of a son.” Needless to say, Kevin looses it.
“Ever since I got here, I’ve been coddled like some half-wit or straight-out insulted … I’m a crack shot, but clearly that’s not enough to impress you. It’s not enough that I wear button- downs … and eat red meat … and smoke the occasional cigar. You can’t see past your own bias to see I … Kicked … Your … Ass!”
At dinner, Robert basically orders Kevin to make amends with the potential funds for Robert’s campaign. After apologizing and using Robert's patience with him as a sign of his loyalty to those who support him, Kevin seems to flip the light switch and gains the support of those they were trying to impress all day long.
In other American television shows there have been gay and lesbian character in both daytime and primetime, however many of those characters either made guest appearances or were of minor importance. Often they received little storyline beyond coming out. However on Brothers and Sisters, Kevin Walker is the rare gay character who was already come out, not only to his family but also in the workplace. The stated goal of the show to treat Kevin as an equal to, no better or worse than, the straight characters which is something completely unique to this program.
I never thought I could actually learn something from a TV show but this episode sets a good example for the public of how not to act. It seems that the media is taking it upon itself to expose heterosexual privilege and by doing so hopefully put an end to it.
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