Brothers & Sisters Episode 4.21 Where There's Smoke...

Wine of the Week: 2007 Casa Barranca 'Arts and Crafts Red' (80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese) - On the nose this blend has a profusion of violets and cassis with hints of cedar and leather... Complex notes like this will pair nicely with the tension this week between Scotty and Kevin, and Luc and Sarah. The 'smoky' notes in this episode will also pair nicely because the number one rule in pairing is to match flavors and weight, and this heavy, rich, and smoky wine will do very well. Cheers!

Nora and Saul meet at the hospital where their mom, Ida (guest star Marion Ross), is recovering from an ankle accident. Ida's been disoriented lately. The doctor says that she must be kept under 24-hour care. Nora asks her mom to come live with her, but Ida says she'd rather live in a nursing home. Nora says, "Well, yes, I'm sorry that you feel that way. But you're coming home with me." This should be interesting.

Scotty and Kevin go to see a psychic named Miss Nadine. It's an exercise to keep their minds occupied as they wait to see if Michelle is pregnant with their baby. Miss Nadine says that a big, dark cloud is coming. It's going to bring turmoil and maybe even smoke. She also says she's sensing a new life. Hmmm.

Nora plans a family dinner to get everyone used to the fact that Ida will be around for awhile. Uneasy about leaving her alone, Nora asks her mom to accompany her to the market. But Ida assures her daughter that she'll be fine. Unfortunately, Nora returns from the store to hear the smoke alarm buzzing and small fire ablaze on the stove. Ida left the burner on. No one was hurt. But there was smoke, just like Miss Nadine predicted.

There's a chance that Sarah may be pregnant. The timing couldn't be worse, as Luc is headed back to France in one day. Kitty encourages Sarah to tell her soon-to-be long distance lover that the stork may be headed their way. No need. Luc walks in on their "maybe baby" conversation. Kevin and Scotty also hear the news and realize the "new life" Miss Nadine mentioned may not be theirs.

All this baby talk has all possible parents on edge. Sarah, Luc, Kevin and Scotty all skip out during Nora's dinner bash. After they are gone, an agitated Ida tells Nora that she truly does not want to live with her for the next ten years of her life. Ida knows she's deteriorating mentally. She wants Nora to allow her the dignity of making her own choices before it's too late.

Nora is sad that her relationship with her mom has always been contentious. But after a heart-to-heart with Saul, she realizes that it's best to honor her mother's wishes. When Ida mistakes Nora for an old friend, she speaks of Nora's kids. Ida says, "They're wonderful. How could they not be with a mother like that?" It's something Ida would never have said to Nora's face, but it's the best thing her daughter could ever hear.

Kitty discovers that Robert may not have been passed over for that hush-hush government job because of his heart issues. A man by the name of Joe Rawling had him blackballed so that he could help him do something for his country. Kitty wants answers, but Robert continues to be cryptic. The one thing he can tell his wife is that he told the powerful people who are trying to recruit him to find someone else.

The typically optimistic Luc finally admits to Sarah that it will be hard being so far away from each other. But a baby will force them to stay together. We kind of know what he was trying to say, but it didn't come across well, especially after Sarah takes a pregnancy test that comes up negative. DING DONG! Someone's at the door. A letter has arrived for Luc. He was part of a lottery for green card applicants. Luc's bags may be packed, but he's not going anywhere. Luc won the green card lottery! Woo hoo!

Remember how Miss Nadine said someone will be having a baby? Now that Sarah's out of contention, Kevin and Scotty still have a shot. The phone rings and Michelle gives them the good news that she's pregnant! Woo hoo, again! Time to pick out some baby names!

One of Justin's buddies from his unit in Iraq was killed in action. After the funeral, Justin has a reflective chat with Robert at the cemetery. He says, "Sometimes I feel this call to serve...something bigger than my little corner of the world." Robert understands how he's feeling. That's probably why he meets with that Rawling fellow again. Robert says he's changed his mind. He's in. For what, you ask? We have no idea.