(Incidentally, Angela looks as if she’s impressed by Peter. Heidi looks like she wonders when they’ll grow up.)

Aww, I thought Heidi looked amused. I think she likes seeing someone take on Nathan and win, especially his baby brother.

And I've got to say that my absolute favorite line in the whole brunch-manipulation scene is when Peter says, "That's Nathan. Even in the middle of an election year, he still takes time out to help his messed up little brother." It's a dig at Nathan to get him to do what Peter wants, but it's still absolutely honest. Peter believes every word he's saying and knows how to use them against others at the same time, because he knows how they'll react. That's what makes him a scary, scary manipulator.

PETER: You're not gonna know until you try.

Indeed. *gets misty-eyed at the thought of finale again*

I know! And it's not just the words, or the finale connection for me. It's Peter's steeling-himself-against-disappointment-again, strong!puppy expression. If their father was Nathan's hero, Nathan is Peter's, and that's always getting stomped on for him.