Brothers & Sisters Episode 4.03 Almost Normal

Wine of the Week: 2007 Departure Wine Company Syrah, Tierra Alta Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley. Syrah is a grape varietal that comes in so many different styles that you never know what to expect until you taste what's in the bottle. This example, from a group of three passionate winemakers, boasts Blackberry, Cherry, Mocha, and Tobacco notes. While delving deeper into Lymphoma, baby talk, backstabbing races for governor, and excess grapes enjoy a glass of Syrah with the Walkers while this episode's elements harmonize with the wine in an 'almost normal' way!

Kitty's cancer has spread. There are two treatment options. One involves a six-month clinical trial in Boston. The other would allow her to be treated at home. There are pluses and minuses to both treatments, but Kitty must make a decision fast. Too bad she's more interested in helping Rebecca find the perfect wedding dress.

At a wine auction, Saul and Holly come across the businessman who was secretly given confidential Ojai documents by Ryan. His name is Dennis York. Saul describes him as a business acquaintance. Based on the tension-filled small talk, we're guessing their business together wasn't always amicable.

Our suspicions seem to be confirmed when the mysterious Mr. York sabotages Holly's bid for the 10,000 gallons of wine they wanted for their new label. Saul later tells Holly that York was indicted on price-fixing charges at a food company that once employed William. As it turns out, William testified against York in the case. Now York is back and looking for some compensation for those five years he spent in prison.

Kevin finds out about Kitty's illness in the most awkward way when Robert's opponent's office says they'll promise not to exploit the issue. The look on Kevin's face when Kitty confirms what he heard is heartbreaking. Now that her little brother knows, Kitty realizes she has to tell everyone in the family. As she tries to figure out how to do just that, Kevin embraces her. Amazingly, Kitty seems to be the one comforting him.

Kitty announces her illness to the rest of the family during a turkey meatloaf dinner at Nora's place. Everyone looks like they've been hit by a bus. Kitty tries to wants to continue to have a normal family dinner, but Kevin doesn't want to play that game.

Nora and Robert spar about which treatment to take. Robert opts for Boston while Kitty wants her to stay close to the support system of her family. Soon everyone else jumps into the debate. Well, everyone except Kitty. She realizes that it was unrealistic to think that everyone could just act normal after hearing the news. But she doesn't want to listen to any more arguments. She just wants to go home.

Justin's latest med school class sounds gross but that's just because he's taking Gross Anatomy. He's paired with a 16-year-old genius lab partner. Justin is initially intimidated by this 21st century Doogie Howser, but when it comes time to cut a cadaver, the kid bolts. Justin manages to talk him back from the edge. He wants them both to succeed because someday some boy genius like him may find a cure for his sister's illness.

Robert shows up at Nora's late at night. He wants to talk. Not argue. Talk. Even though they differ about the things they want, they can both agree as to the reason they want them. They both love Kitty and are willing to do whatever it takes to get her well. They both agree that the first step is to stop fighting because as Nora says, "I think we're gonna need each other."

Kitty decides to take the treatment that keeps her close to home. Actually, close to Nora's home. Actually, "in" Nora's home. Surprisingly, Robert agrees without hesitation. He says, "I just want to make sure that we're still working on our marriage whether you're sick or not."

Due to Kitty's illness, Kevin and Scotty agree to wait a few months before continuing their talks about having a baby. Rebecca and Justin also consider postponing their wedding. But Kitty nixes that idea because she doesn't want to think life is going to stop now that she's sick. Rebecca agrees to go forward under one condition: Kitty has to be her matron of honor. Looks like we're going have a wedding after all!

Ding dong! The doorbell rings and Nora steps in with all that turkey meatloaf they didn't eat the night before. Then Scotty and Kevin stop by with a four-course meal and Saul is close behind with a case of wine. Soon the entire family is at the table enjoying a meal. Well, not the "entire" family. Ding dong! The doorbell rings again. When Kitty opens it, she's overwhelmed. Sarah stands on the other side waiting to embrace her sister. Anyone else got a lump in their throat right about now?