There might be a couple of empty chairs at the Walker family reunion next year...
EW's Michael Ausiello has reported that after the announcement of Rob Lowe's departure from ABC's Brothers and Sisters in May, expect for his on screen wife Calista Flockhart to have her role scaled back in the show's following fifth season. But it's not Rob Lowe's 'fault' that Calista Flockhart will be in less episodes next year. It's the other way around...
According to Ausiello's report, Flockhart's role of Kitty Walker McCallister was going to be reduced next year anyway, which would mean less screen time for Lowe's character, Robert McCallister, who Lowe felt wasn't getting enough screen time already and that his role had "become diminished." If Kitty wasn't there then it makes since that he wouldn't be there either... unless he slept with another Walker family member, which wouldn't be too kosher for the clan.
Ausiello also predicts that Flockhart would be in about 13 of the show's usual 22-24 episode order, which I can't but help to wonder if the rest of the cast can up hold that glaring void in characters. ABC declined to comment, but did make it known that Flockhart would remain a series regular. So the question remains of what's the reason behind less Kitty screen time next year? Maybe the lymphoma cancer returns? Who knows...
UPDATE: Kristin de Santos of E!'s Watch With Kristen reports that Calista Flockhart's role won't be dramatically scaled back, but that her character will be on the back burner since the cancer storyline is over. What is more interesting is that the producers have been pinching their spending budget and are trying to come up with ways to take some financial shortcuts. Kristin's sources have said that the trifecta of Flockhart,Rachel Griffiths, and Sally Field are "unexpendable."
So the plot thickens...
Your thoughts?
Brothers and Sisters airs on ABC on Sunday Nights @ 10pm/9c.
Source: Michael Ausiello
