Desperate Housewives Season 8

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2010's, Brenda Strong, Charles Mesure, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 8, Doug Savant, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, Jonathan Cake, Kyle MacLachlan, Marcia Cross, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Teri Hatcher, Vanessa Williams

And we finally arrive at the final season of Desperate Housewives. After years of murders, cat fights, strange occurrences, disasters, heartache and a whole lot of drama, it all comes down to Season eight. And what a fantastic season it as we take one final stroll down Wisteria Lane and bid farewell to the wonderful ladies who have populated it. I’m bittersweet at finishing this show as I’ve enjoyed it so much. Be warned, major spoilers will be following here.

We open exactly where Season 7 left off, with Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira) having accidentally killed Gabrielle’s abusive stepfather Alejandro who came back to torment her again. Gabrielle(Eva Longoria), Bree(Marcia Cross), Lynette(Felicity Huffman) and Susan(Teri Hatcher) then take part in the cover up of the crime and the four of them bury the body in the woods, promising to keep it secret with a pact. Yet as they attempt to regain their lives again after this act and we fast forward a month, each struggles with keeping a lid on their involvement. The deceased Mary Alice(Brenda Strong) narrates again the dilemmas and situations that the ladies go through as they try to keep everything under control while surrounded by their own tests of friendships and troubled lives. Susan, who is usually the most honest and clumsy one, feels a whole lot of guilt for her part in it and looks like the closest one to cracking because she can’t tell anyone what she’s done, although she slips and tells her suspicious husband Mike(James Denton). Bree regains her sense of control as the one who spearheads the cover up, though her relationship with Detective Chuck(Jonathan Cake) withers and he begins to harass her about her knowledge of the crime out of bitterness. Just as he thinks he’s busted them with his vindictive games and questioning, he is run over and killed, but the investigation into Alejandro’s disappearance continues. As tempers become frayed, the girls cease talking to each other as their part in the crime gets to them, most of all Bree who turns to drink and men to ease the pain and even considers taking her own life. Orson(Kyle MacLachlan) returns, but has a darker purpose as he knows exactly what Bree has done and won’t let go of what they once had. Lynette tries to stifle her guilt while going through a separation with Tom(Doug Savant). It’s obvious that the two of them want their marriage to last, but there is a whole load of issues in the way that need rectifying, as Lynette finally acknowledges her sometimes controlling and judgmental attitude. Gabrielle, who the tragedy is most linked to carries on like nothing has happened but can’t escape the ghosts of the past. Neither can Carlos who is ravaged by guilt and soon descends into excessive drinking. Thankfully Carlos faces his problems and while doing this has an epiphany about doing something he can be proud of in his life that doesn’t involve taking off others. This leads to Gabrielle becoming the breadwinner by putting her skills to work at a job. Meanwhile, a new neighbour Ben(Charles Mesure) moves in and catches the eye of sassy Renee(Vanessa Williams). Ben, although ruthless when he needs to be, has some money problems and though Mike tries to help he is drawn into deadly danger because of a loan shark. Renee eventually falls for Ben, even despite her cynical attitude towards men and it looks like nuptials are on the cards as she sees he is a decent man who has had to suffer to get were he is today. As the friendships between the ladies are tested for the last time, will the ladies be able to cover up what they’ve done in this thrilling last season?

Two words spring to mind when describing the final season Desperate Housewives: eventful and exquisite. You could be worried that with all the drama and stories going on that this season would end up being confusing, but in classic fashion, it manages to juggle the balls without letting them slip. And the way the dramas play out and their resolutions is very neatly done, tying the ribbon on an impressive closing season. The mystery at play is all the more intriguing because it involves the four main women of the show and it focuses on their actions stemming from it. The writers did a sterling job at injecting drama into this dark mystery by focusing on the straining of friendship but in the end showing how despite all their differences, the ladies need one another. That’s what has made the show so watchable over the seasons, the friendship and evolving relationships of the women. We have come to sympathize with them, laugh with them and cry with them. And there are welcome dashes of humour peppered in there, but this final season succeeds due to the drama and underlying mystery that binds them all. Sure there may be the odd sub par episode, but overall it’s a handsome collection of stories woven together to give the series a thrilling send off.

Season 8 is probably one of the most dramatic in the history of the show and it leads to some truly emotional and memorable moments. The main one has to be the shock death of Mike, by the loan shark he encountered. The construction of the scene is just so sad as Mike discusses the good times with Susan and then is shot by the passing loan shark on his front porch. As he dies, his life flashes before his eyes and we get all the beautiful moments he has shared with the love of his life. Then as Susan cradles her dead husband and lets out a painful cry as the love of her life slips away, you can’t help but cry. The following episode pays tribute to him as the ladies think about him, the impact he had and how his life has taught them all important lessons. It truly is a heartbreaking send off to a protective and strong character as Renee sings with sadness ‘Amazing Grace’ as his body is laid to rest. And then of course there is the last episode ever of this show, which wraps everything up including the outcome of the crime cover up. We have old characters returning with ultimatums, death, marriage, birth and reunion all coming together stunningly for the last time. This finale is an excellent love letter to the series that stresses how the women have remained so close and how Wisteria Lane is still a part of them, even after they all move away from it. That last poker game the ladies share is beautifully done and just makes you miss the stunning characters even more. And those final scenes of the ghosts of Wisteria Lane appearing as Susan departs was an excellent and poignant addition to the show, along with the sneaky hint that the Lane will still be a hot bed for scandal long after the curtain comes down. Specifically it’s wonderful to see the ghost of Mary Alice who has taken us on this journey with her keen observations, wit and intelligence.

The acting shown in this final season is of an exquisite standard, particularly the leading ladies. Teri Hatcher plays Susan beautifully, capturing that ebullient spirit, the devastating sadness when Mike is killed and the way she picks her life back up with the support of her friends. Hatcher just embodies her so naturally that it is hard not to be moved by her. Marcia Cross is on stellar form, conveying the layers to Bree from the controlling leader to messed-up confusion and back around again. Cross really owns the part and it’s hard to picture anyone else portraying Bree as well as her. The ever-dependable Felicity Huffman essays the role of Lynette with dignity, wry humour and loyalty as she reconnects with Tom and evaluates her attitude towards him. Huffman is a consummate professional and shades Lynette with an authentic touch. Lovely Eva Longoria exudes that familiar blend of self-assurance, diva behaviour and quiet emotional core that has made Gabrielle such a wonderful character to watch as the show has gone on. Vanessa Williams manages to bring warmth to the usually spiky Renee, whose facade of cattiness masks her insecurities. I liked how her relationship with Ben brought out these qualities to her and was happy when they married.

Charles Mesure brings just the right amount of rugged charm to self-made man Ben, who unexpectedly sweeps Renee off her feet. Ricardo Antonio Chavira once again impressed me as Carlos, who undergoes a change of personality after hitting a dark patch and emerges as a new man. Doug Savant is affable as ever as Tom and it’s wonderful when him and Lynette reunite as they are truly meant for one another. As the tragic Mike, James Denton is very moving and silently strong, which is why his fate is all the more shocking within the spectrum of things. Kyle MacLachlan and Jonathan Cake, although only appearing briefly, give some darkness and menace to this last season during the mystery investigation. And for the final time, the mellifluous and knowing voice of Brenda Strong guides us right up to the end of the tales as Mary Alice.

1. Secrets That I Never Want to Know – A+
2. Making the Connections – A
3. Watch While I Revise the World – B
4. School of Hard Knocks – C+
5. The Art of Making Art – B+
6. Witch’s Lament – A
7. Always in Control – A
8. Suspicion Song – C
9. Putting It Together – B+
10. What’s to Discuss, Old Friend – B+
11. Who Can Say What’s True? – C-
12. What’s the Good of Being Good – B
13. Is This What You Call Love? – C+
14. Get Out of My Life – B+
15. She Needs Me – B+
16. You Take for Granted – A
17. Women and Death – A+
18. Any Moment – B+
19. With So Little to Be Sure Of – B
20. Lost My Power – B+
21. The People Will Hear – B+
22. Give Me the Blame – A+
23. Finishing the Hat – A+

So what more can I say? This final season of Desperate Housewives is finely crafted television that is hard to forget as because of the characters, writing and the excellent story lines that have graced the television.I for one am going to miss the wonderful ladies of the show and the dramas of their lives. Thanks to everyone who has read these reviews, I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I’ve enjoyed watching this show. All I can say is that I am happy I watched Desperate Housewives and loved it from beginning to end.

Desperate Housewives Season 7

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2010's, Brenda Strong, Brian Austin Green, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 7, Doug Savant, Emily Bergl, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, Jonathan Cake, Marcia Cross, Mark Moses, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Teri Hatcher, Vanessa Williams

It may show a few signs of being a bit tired(I mean a show that has been running seven years can’t always be of the highest standard), but Season 7 of Desperate Housewives still delivers that winning mix of comedy, drama and unusual mystery to keep you entertained. While not as riveting as Season 6, Season 7 is entertaining nonetheless due to the fabulous cast and killer writing. Spoilers will be following.

As observed from her resting place, Mary Alice(Brenda Strong) continues to chart the dramas and secrets in the daily lives of the women who populate Wisteria Lane. It is a time of change for all of the ladies this time. Susan(Teri Hatcher), along with Mike(James Denton) and her son have temporarily moved out of the Lane while they contend with mounting financial woes. Susan finds from her landlady an unusual way to make ends meets, by becoming a sexy web cam star. She feels guilty about lying to Mike, but she has to make money as she does want to move back to Wisteria Lane. Yet just as she’s getting back on her feet, she is seriously injured in a protest against a plan of a returning resident. Susan them must go through the agonizing wait for a new kidney that will save her life. Lynette(Felicity Huffman) now has a fifth child and the pressure of it is becoming a little too much. Add to that the fact that Tom(Doug Savant) is diagnosed with postpartum depression and it’s an intense and difficult situation for her marriage as it reaches something of a crossroads with Tom’s career taking off and Lynette no longer being the boss. Lynette’s friend from college, the sassy, rich diva Renee Perry(Vanessa Williams) moves into the neighbourhood and ruffles feathers with her flashy and narcissistic attitude. Eventually, the other ladies warm to her. Gabrielle(Eva Longoria) and Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira) must deal with the news that Juanita is not their biological daughter as the children were switched at birth and the inevitable fall out that accompanies this bombshell. While they track down the couple who have been raising their biological daughter, it leaves them with a difficult decision to make after it is revealed that the family are illegal immigrants and must flee the country. Perfect homemaker Bree(Marcia Cross) also confides in Gabrielle about the fact that years ago Andrew was the one driving the car that killed her mother-in-law. To save their friendship they stay quiet, until Carlos finds out and their friendship becomes fractured. Adding to Gabrielle’s troubles is the presence of a sinister stranger from her past that shakes her to the core. Also with Bree, with Orson divorcing her, she finds thrills in the arms of a hunky and much younger decorator named Keith(Brian Austin Green), before finding more romance with suave detective Chuck Vance(Jonathan Cake) later in the season. And the menacing return of Paul Young(Mark Moses), freshly released from prison with an unusually fragile and strange wife Beth(Emily Bergl), who also has her own agenda for being there. It is Paul who is the subject of mystery this year and his overly polite gestures to those around mask a deeper and darker purpose as revenge is dished out insidiously by him. Prepare for another venture down the uneasy and secretive Lane, that may have some hiccups but is still complete with comedy, pathos and mystery a plenty.

As I mentioned earlier, some of the formula of the show is wearing a bit thin now. There are times when the quality goes from very good to sometimes poor, but regardless of this it’s still great viewing. I just have the feeling that some of the story lines feel a but repetitive, mainly Bree’s one of having a younger man in her life that seems very similar to Gabrielle’s dalliance with the gardener in Season 1. Though it must be said, the scenes between Bree and Keith are steamy and sexy to watch as the virile young lover invigorates Bree, and then she has more romance to follow. This sort of hiccup may be a bit distracting, but Season 7 is by no means bad television. In fact it’s far from it with the blend of wit and suspense, there is just something missing from it. I have to praise the emotional parts of this season which are handled amazingly and have some real depth to them. At least, despite the sometimes up and down quality, it is redeemed by a great and very tense finale in which a monster from Gabrielle’s past returns and it ends with a death.

Onto the more positive side, and the mystery and drama are still some of the best in terms of writing and execution. The drama is best shown in the episode when Paul puts his plan to turn his neighbours against one another into motion. Buying his old house, he makes it a place for ex-cons to live, which causes the neighbourhood to panic. And what starts as a protest soon leads to a terrifying riot, which is rife with tension and shock. And all the while Paul stands back and watches the chaos unfold much to his wolfish delight. The way that the civility of the Lane is destroyed by this is both devastating and emotional, exemplifying the show’s excellence when it comes to drama. Gabrielle’s emotional story line of her daughter being switched at birth and how she deals with it is movingly portrayed, as she must deal with letting her daughter go, but still having Juanita, the girl she raised as her own to contend with after the young girl finds out about what happened. In fact there is more drama than usual this season with Gabrielle and Susan standing out, but at least there is some of the carry comedy to fall back on. Most of it is provided by the new arrival of Renee. She is given so many juicy and bitchy lines that she breathes life into and owns it. When the season lags, you can rely on Renee for comic lines and dive behaviour to keep you entertained.

Despite some of the hiccups within the season, the lovely cast contribute some stunning work once more, especially when it comes to the drama. Eva Longoria really impressed me this season as she made us see Gabrielle at her most vulnerable. Behind that veneer of glamour and bravado, there is a wounded and very frightened girl there and Longoria plays it beautifully with her emotional resonance and strength. This is the main season in which we see the reasons why Gabrielle behaves how she does, with references to her past and the way she has to say goodbye to her biological daughter just as she is becoming closer to her. Teri Hatcher contributes touches of humour to the usually jovial Susan, who now must contend with waiting for a kidney and money troubles. And while she still has some really funny lines, I liked how Hatcher fleshed out Susan’s fears and sadness at the state of affairs that has come her way almost all at once. Felicity Huffman’s blend of sharp humour and pathos is perfect for her role as Lynette, whose mounting problems seem to increase daily and difficult decision have to be made. Huffman’s knack for supplying her character with a deep core and a sense of blinded judgement is on full effortless display here as Lynette comes to see that her need to be in charge is shoving Tom away and that their relationship is clearly on the rocks. Marcia Cross injects more warmth into Bree this season and it is nice to see her not be as icy and proper as she has been in the past. There is still that controlling streak, but Cross makes Bree a lot more loving and sensitive this time.

Joining the cast is the lovely and very gorgeous Vanessa Williams as the outrageous and supremely glamorous Renee. A comedic highlight of this season, she portrays this fabulous woman of finery with barbed one liners and scandalous behaviour that is really fun to view and often lulls some of the imperfections during this season. Returning once more, Mark Moses provides the menace as Paul Young, who wants to take his revenge out on those around him. As creepy as he is though, we see flickers of regret and the need for redemption that help to make him not so much evil but hurt and taking his rage out through nefarious ways. Emily Bergl makes her mark as the strange and used Beth, whose marriage to Paul hides the fact that she’s a pawn for something bigger and darker. With a quiet voice, a fawning expression and sense of sadness because she is so manipulated, Bergl makes sure Beth is a character who we remember. James Denton, Doug Savant and Ricardo Antonio Chavira bring their experience as the husbands of the wives, and all are very effective in the roles they have fully grown into over the years. Brian Austin Green provides almost constantly shirtless eye candy as the decorator Keith who romances Bree, and then we have Jonathan Cake as the detective Chuck who warms to Bree as the season draws to a close. And the ever-reliable voice of Brenda Strong continues to be a delight, detailing the many incidents that occur on the street as the deceased Mary Alice.

1. Remember Paul? – A
2. You Must Meet My Wife – A
3. Truly Content – C
4. The Thing That Counts Is What’s Inside – B-
5. Let Me Entertain You – B+
6. Excited and Scared – C
7. A Humiliating Business – B
8. Sorry Grateful – C+
9. Pleasant Little Kingdom – B
10. Down the Block There’s a Riot – A+
11. Assassins – C+
12. Where Do I Belong – B
13. I’m Still Here – D
14. Flashback – C-
15. Farewell Letter – B+
16. Searching – B+
17. Everything’s Different, Nothing’s Changed – C
18. Moments in the Woods – B+
19. The Lies Ill-Conceived – C+
20. I’ll Swallow Poison on Sunday – B
21. Then I Really Got Scared – A
22. And Lots of Security – A
23. Come on Over for Dinner – A+

So while there are signs of quality slipping, Season 7 happens to emerge as a dramatic season with a killer ending that really has me excited for the last season.

Desperate Housewives Season 6

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2000's, 2010's, Andrea Bowen, Beau Mirchoff, Brenda Strong, Dana Delany, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 6, Doug Savant, Drea de Matteo, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, Jeffrey Nordling, Kyle MacLachlan, Maiara Walsh, Marcia Cross, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Richard Burgi, Teri Hatcher

After the successful five-year jump in Season 5, Desperate Housewives Season 6 carries on the great momentum with great dialogue, comedy, drama and mystery. Warning, there will be spoilers following in this review.

Susan(Teri Hatcher) and Mike(James Denton) have been drawn back together after their lives were threatened in the Season 5 finale. As this season opens and the deceased Mary Alice(Brenda Strong) continues to watch the comings and goings on the street she once lived from her resting place, Mike and Susan are married again, and everyone is happy for them. Everyone except Katherine(Dana Delany), who feels jilted by Mike and can’t let go of the romantic time they had. As time goes on Katherine starts to crumble emotionally at the loss of Mike which leads to her experiencing a full on breakdown. Katherine is then sectioned and after much therapy, emerges again now over her personal demons, but also finds herself falling for someone unexpected. In Susan’s life, Julie(Andrea Bowen) has returned for a while but this take a terrifying turn when she is strangled by an unseen stranger. The blame points towards the new neighbours the Bolen’s; tough-talking Angie(Drea de Matteo), her suspicious husband Nick(Jeffrey Nordling) and their sullen teenage son Danny(Beau Mirchoff), who took an interest in Julie just before her attack. The Bolen’s are hiding a dark enough secret anyway which arouses suspicions on Wisteria Lane as the family tries to keep it under wraps. Yet Danny is cleared of the attack on Julie, which only sets everyone’s nerves on edge even more as the attacker is still out there. It is also revealed that Julie was having an affair with a married man, much to the shock of Susan who always saw her as responsible and sensible. In other stories we have Lynette(Felicity Huffman) contending with pregnancy and panicking that she won’t be able to take care of twins, when she already has four children to look after anyway. This doubt creeps into her work as she is offered a higher wage by Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira), and she is left in a spin over what to do as she shields her pregnancy from everyone and Tom(Doug Savant) tries to help her make a decision. Ultimately, the secret pills out and causes problems for the friendship between Lynette and Gabrielle(Eva Longoria). Bree(Marcia Cross), whose marriage to Orson(Kyle MacLachlan) is on shaky ground, has begun an affair with her divorce lawyer and Susan’s ex Karl(Richard Burgi) and become a little more wild that her usually prim self. Orson is trying to win Bree back, but so far all his attempts including blackmail, have failed. Yet a tragic incident ends the affair with Karl’s death and Bree contemplating what to do with a paralyzed Orson. Gabrielle and Carlos have taken in Ana(Maiara Walsh), Carlos’s niece who stirs up trouble with her outrageous ways and snotty attitude. This leads to Gabrielle and her coming head on with each other and Ana attempting to worm her way out of trouble by putting on an innocent act. And with the mysterious Bolen’s providing mystery and the aforementioned devastating event that shakes people’s lives(and of which I will talk about in greater detail later in the review), it’s once more an exceptional season of scandal, mystery and enduring entertainment.

Season 6 provides a compelling double mystery that is kept together and made very suspenseful. The main mystery is the Bolen family and their past, as we observe that their on the run from something and have changed names numerous times. The mystery of them is very gripping and keeps you guessing as little by little, parts of their past threaten to expose them. The other mystery, which is equally as good, is of The Fairview Strangler. The reign of terror he brings is very creepy as observed with his attack on Julie and then murder of a waitress. There is something very sad when we view the back story of the attacker that gives a melancholy slant on the reasons for the crimes, but also makes it very uneasy. It all gets very dark and this is what I’ve always loved about Desperate Housewives; the fact that it isn’t afraid to be both light and amusing, while on the other hand having creepy darkness underneath it all.

The drama is of the highest order once more, with an especially moving two episodes that examine the fallout of tragedy. The incident is when a plane crashes onto the street after spinning out of control during the Christmas festivities and devastates those in the way. Karl dies from injuries sustained which makes Bree ask about her choices as Orson is paralyzed from it as well. The following episode is one of the strongest dramatically as the ladies dream about what directions their lives may have taken if they’d made different decisions or what fate is dealing them. Lynette’s arc is the strongest as she goes in for surgery after sustaining injuries rescuing Gabrielle’s daughter that may have hurt one of her unborn children. In her dream, she sees what may have happened if her child was born disabled and it is honestly such a moving part of the story as she teaches him what he can achieve despite his disability. The episode is given a further emotional depth when Lynette wakes up and discovers that one of her twins has died, but one is still alive. If you don’t cry observing her reaction to the news, you don’t have a heart. Credit throughout the seasons must also go to the writers for pushing the fracturing and healing relationships between the women that provide the show with pathos. They may all have conflict with one another, but thankfully their friendships provide beacons of support that can’t be erased. And let us not forget the wit that pervades the show which is as razor-sharp and hysterical as ever. I think it’s safe to say that Season 6 is a definite highlight in the show’s run so far.

The wonderful cast is once again on the ball with some spot on performances. Marcia Cross delivers another fantastic performance as Bree, who has to grapple with an affair, loss and rekindling her love with Orson. Cross is on great form again, shading Bree with a quiet uncertainty belied by her organised exterior. It’s also good to see Bree let her hair down a bit, especially in her affair as she throws caution to the wind and doesn’t think of the fallout. Teri Hatcher shows her great flair for comedy and drama portraying Susan, who gets some really great lines this season and she delivers them with aplomb. Felicity Huffman excels this season bringing Lynette emotional resonance, underlying sadness and sarcastic humour. I got to say that Huffman is so reliable at bringing Lynette to life with her talent that it is very authentic to watch her. Eva Longoria is suitably sassy and catty as the fabulous Gabrielle, who underneath has a vulnerability and goodness that is glimpsed by her friends. I liked how this season looks at her as a mother and how she wants her children to have everything she didn’t growing up. Sure Gabrielle has been self-centered in the past and sometimes veers into this again, but she has now become a loving mother and all-round nicer woman. Dana Delany is sensational as Katherine. From her breakdown and recovery, to her discovery that she may be attracted to a woman, Delany owns every moment Katherine is on the screen. For a character that is usually a little buttoned up, it was great to see glimmers of sporadic difference as Katherine examines her sexuality and her feelings.

As the main source of mystery, Drea de Matteo is excellent as the feisty and earthy Angie. Cloaked in a tough, brassy demeanor that seems out-of-place in such a suburban place, de Matteo provides us with glimpses into her fear that her past will come back to haunt her if she isn’t careful. Jeffrey Nordling has that ability to inject a slight sense of distrust into characters and it is well shown here as Angie’s husband Nick. Beau Mirchoff may be underused as their son Danny, but he makes the most of what he’s got. Returning for a short but memorable stint as the randy Karl, Richard Burgi is hilarious in his macho way when he begins the affair with Bree. His death in the show is a great send off to a very amusing character, who I wish stuck around a lot longer. Maiara Walsh shines as the bratty, superficial Ana, who can get anything with a bat of her eyelashes. Her scenes with Eva Longoria are comedic highlights as they clash constantly. As the desperate Orson who not only wants to save his marriage but attempt to adjust to life in a wheelchair, Kyle MacLachlan exudes a sense of pathos and pity. Series regulars Doug Savant and Ricardo Antonio Chavira provide much comic relief throughout the show as Tom and Carlos. James Denton is on hand to provide some quiet drama as Mike, who is now married to Susan but hiding some of his money woes. Andrea Bowen appears once again as Julie for a small time, and provides us with fear as she is nearly killed by the strangler but luckily survives the ordeal. Brenda Strong lends her vocal talents to Mary Alice, with her eye for detail and sense of perception adding to the drama and mystery of the season.

 

1. Nice Is Different Than Good – A
2. Being Alive – A
3. Never Judge a Lady by Her Lover – B+
4. The God-Why-Don’t-You-Love-Me Blues – B
5. Everybody Ought to Have a Maid – C
6. Don’t Walk on the Grass – C+
7. Careful the Things You Say – B
8. The Coffee Cup – B+
9. Would I Think of Suicide? – A
10. Boom Crunch – A+
11. If – A+
12. You Gotta Get a Gimmick – B-
13. How About a Friendly Shrink? – B
14. The Glamorous Life – B+
15. Lovely – A
16. The Chase – D+
17. Chromolume No. 7 – C-
18. My Two Young Men – B+
19. We All Deserve to Die – B+
20. Epiphany – A
21. A Little Night Music – B
22. The Ballad of Booth – B
23. I Guess This Is Goodbye – A

I’m happy to report that Desperate Housewives Season 6 is another triumph of mystery, dark humour and enviable drama.

Desperate Housewives Season 5

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2000's, Beau Bridges, Brenda Strong, Dana Delany, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 5, Doug Savant, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Gale Harold, James Denton, Kyle MacLachlan, Marcia Cross, Neal McDonough, Nicollette Sheridan, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Teri Hatcher

With the ending of Season 4 leaping five years into the future for the ladies, I was so intrigued of what would be found in Season 5 of Desperate Housewives. And it turned out amazingly with the jump giving the show a sense of rejuvenation and added dimension to once again make it addictive viewing, coupled with intriguing flashbacks and dark mystery. Warning, spoilers will be following.

With the five-year jump, a lot of things have changed for the ladies but there’s still drama in spades as observed by the deceased Mary Alice(Brenda Strong). Susan(Teri Hatcher) is now divorced from Mike(James Denton), though their young son M.J keeps them in constant contact with one another. We learn that they separated after a fatal car crash that killed a young mother and her child and the emotional fall out was too much to handle for both. Susan is struggling to adjust to life as a single mother and divorcee(while still obviously carrying feelings for Mike), and finds some excitement in the arms of hunky painter Jackson(Gale Harold). Meanwhile, Mike unexpectedly finds romance with Katherine(Dana Delany), much to people’s shock. Gabrielle(Eva Longoria), who was once the most stunning of the group is now very dowdy and tired as a mother of two troublesome children. While also contending with Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira) being blind, she feels that her status as a party goer is waning and that her days of being pretty are behind her. Yet when it is revealed that Carlos may get his sight back, she worries that with her current appearance Carlos won’t love her. Thankfully, once Carlos regains his vision, he doesn’t care how Gabrielle looks and loves her more than ever.  Bree(Marcia Cross) is now a career woman and chef, whose great fortune drives a wedge between her and her friends, as well as Orson(Kyle MacLachlan) who feels emasculated at not being the breadwinner. And while Orson feels pushed out after just getting back with Bree following his time in prison, it takes her a while to notice how her career has taken over her life and made her selfish and inconsiderate. But trouble awaits as Orson has developed a stealing habit to give him a sense of control. Lynette(Felicity Huffman) is having to deal with her husband Tom’s(Doug Savant) midlife crisis, the twins as troublesome rebellious teenagers and her work at the pizza place slowly beginning to go under. And trashy Edie(Nicollette Sheridan)  moves back to Wisteria Lane with a new husband Dave Williams(Neal McDonough), who provides us with this season’s dark mystery. A charming and smooth guy, he slowly arouses suspicions with his underhand acts and manipulation as he is revealed to be deeply unstable and out for revenge on someone living on Wisteria Lane. As drama escalates and dark deeds are committed, five years in the future is just as intriguing and mysterious for all of the characters in this fabulous fifth season.

As I previously mentioned, the five-year jump adds that something extra to this season as it opens up many avenues. The most intriguing is the structure of many episodes, that tease us with the outcome of something and then slowly show us what lead to it.  Having the jump could have been risky for Desperate Housewives, but it pays off with greatness and makes the show just as entertaining and riveting as before with great development of characters and story lines. Once again, the mystery angle is very strong this season with the unstable Dave taking everyone in with his charm but secretly plotting revenge and violence. It is very creepy to watch him destroy the lives of those around him, whether it be by manipulating the neighbours or committing arson and putting the blame on Lynette’s son Porter. His increasingly psychopathic ways lead to one of the most memorable moments of the show, the death of Edie. To say it is a shock when Edie dies would be a major understatement, but she is given a memorable send off. In the scene, Edie has uncovered Dave’s sinister intentions and is nearly strangled by him. She escapes and jumps in her car, but her journey is short-lived as she swerves to avoid a thieving Orson and hits an electric pole. When she attempts to move, she receives an electric shock which ultimately kills her. As the neighbours come out to see the commotion, we get Edie narrating her last moments. And how can we disagree with her assessment that she lived as she died, at the centre of attention. Edie will be missed in Desperate Housewives but she will still be remembered for a long time. As tribute to her, the next episode features Edie on narration duties and her friends remembering the times when she was there for them, despite their difficulties.

The comedy and drama of Desperate Housewives are on point once more, with both acting in cohesion with the other. The main drama is that of Lynette protecting her son from possibly going to jail or ending up dead because of his affair with a married woman. In this, we see Lynette as a powerful maternal force willing to do anything to protect her family. The season also has its heartwarming moments, most notably when the local handyman Eli Scruggs(played perfectly by Beau Bridges) dies and the women think back on how he touched all of them with his kindness and support over the years. That episode is one of the standout ones from this very well done season that is filled with excellent episodes of humour, drama and pathos. On the comedy front, Gabrielle is the clear winner with some hysterical lines and situations that she is put in. Watching her as she sacrifices things to help Carlos(such as selling some prized possessions and then having to get them back) and having to deal with petulant children in her own outrageous ways is both funny and at times quite moving. Gabrielle is always the most flamboyant character and every time you see her she is a marvel, though she is more down to earth nowadays. We also have the humour of M.J, Susan and Mike’s son, playing tricks on Katherine, when he sees that his father is dating her and then coming around to like Katherine, much to the chagrin of Susan. There is something quite endearing about it as you can see that he just wants his parents back together again and views Katherine as something stopping that and then the turn around of liking Katherine which infuriates his mother. And with these two stories, there is an overriding theme of motherhood throughout this season that is well acted and written.

The fantastic cast once more adds their talents and abilities to the characters with style, specifically the central ladies. The wonderful Felicity Huffman brings her A game to Lynette once more, showing her as a fierce form of maternal power and decision. Huffman’s ever-reliable ability to bring depth and stunning conviction to the character is fully on display as she tries to protect her family, no matter what the cost is. Similarly, Teri Hatcher provides Susan with both dramatic and comedic chops as she attempts to give her young son everything he deserves, while having to navigate her way through her complex love life. Susan just wants to be a good mother but at times feels like she pales in comparison with others, and Hatcher sells this excellently, particularly when Katherine comes on the scene and M.J takes a liking to her. Speaking of Katherine, it’s nice to see a bit more warmth to her character this season, embodied greatly by the sterling work of Dana Delany. Yes Katherine can still be catty and you would like to keep her at arm’s length, but there’s another softer side to her that is revealed too. Her scenes with Susan are great as they clash over Mike and M.J, for a while friendships are set aside and the claws come out in hilarious fashion. Eva Longoria is spot on with her comedic timing and ability to show there is humility to Gabrielle, and that love is the most important thing for her even though money is another. Now that Gabrielle has a family, she is more mellow and nicer, but you still wouldn’t cross her because of her fiery temper. It may take her a while to regain her old looks, but at the end of the day it becomes unimportant to her because of her family holds more value than glamour. Marcia Cross cleverly reveals the frustration and obliviousness to Bree, now that she has become so famous and renowned. Bree is always someone who wants to be in control and Marcia Cross shows this excellently as well as the fact that Bree soon realises that her fame has come at some very high prices. And with Nicollette Sheridan leaving the show, she takes a bow in style exhibiting the bitchy persona of Edie and unmasking the kindness and fear that no one else glimpses. Farewell Edie Britt, as Susan says “She was one of a kind”.

The other members of the cast fare equally as well as the main leads. As the centre of Season 5’s mystery, Neal McDonough is fantastic. Skillfully presenting the outward niceness of Dave and then little by little through various tics, revealing the damaged mind that lurks within and is planning revenge, McDonough makes this season very tense. Kyle MacLachlan gets us to feel sympathy for Orson as he leaves like nobody because of his wife’s success. He also manages to be very sneaky and manipulative, especially when Orson begins to steal as a coping mechanism and as something he can control and not Bree as a way to punish her. Ricardo Antonio Chavira gets some really moving moments as Carlos, who professes that he loves Gabrielle no matter what and is thankful that he now has his sight back again. Doug Savant portrays Tom as slowly slipping as pressure gets to much and he has to dust himself down and sell the business. James Denton makes another impression as Mike, who is attempting to move on with his life after Susan but finding it impossible to not see her because of the fact they live so close and they have a son. He isn’t bad, but Gale Harold’s character of Jackson doesn’t really serve much of a function here. Brenda Strong with her lovely and expressive voice are once more a fixture that adds dimension to the show as she watches from her unique vantage point over the friends she had while she was alive.

1. You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow – A
2. We’re So Happy You’re So Happy – B+
3. Kids Ain’t Like Everybody Else – A
4. Back in Business – B+
5. Mirror, Mirror – A+
6. There’s Always a Woman – C+
7. What More Do I Need? – B
8. City on Fire – A
9. Me and My Town – B
10. A Vision’s Just a Vision – B+
11. Home Is the Place – B
12. Connect! Connect! – B –
13. The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened – A+
14. Mama Spent Money When She Had None – B
15. In a World Where the Kings Are Employers – D
16. Crime Doesn’t Pay – C
17. The Story of Lucy and Jessie – B
18. A Spark. To Pierce the Dark – A
19. Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know – A+
20. Rose’s Turn – B-
21. Bargaining – C+
22. Marry Me a Little – B+
23. Everybody Says Don’t – B
24. If It’s Only In Your Head – B+

With rejuvenated energy and verve, laced with darkness and more than a couple of shocks, Season 5 of Desperate Housewives is an enjoyable and compelling season.

Desperate Housewives Season 4

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2000's, Andrea Bowen, Brenda Strong, Dana Delany, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 4, Doug Savant, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, John Slattery, Kyle MacLachlan, Lyndsy Fonseca, Marcia Cross, Nathan Fillion, Nicollette Sheridan, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Teri Hatcher

It may be shorter than past seasons, mainly due to the Writer’s Strike at the time, but Season 4 of Desperate Housewives is a treat of wit, drama and underlying mystery that is delicious from the get go. Spoilers will be following in this review.

Following on from the Season 3 finale, we’re back in full swing with the dramas and dilemmas of Wisteria Lane as narrated by Mary Alice(Brenda Strong). Edie(Nicollette Sheridan), having been dumped by Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira), faked a suicide attempt to keep him with her. Sinking her claws into him, she blackmails him into staying with her because if he doesn’t she will inform the authorities of his off shore bank account. Carlos on the other hand is conducting an affair with ex-wife Gabrielle(Eva Longoria), who realised that she still loved him and that her new husband Mayor Victor Lang (John Slattery) is just using her to make his image look good. Although they are planning to run away together to rekindle their relationship, manipulative Edie has thrown a spanner in the works with her scheming plan to keep Carlos all for herself. There’s also the fact that the very influential Victor hints that if he ever caught Gabrielle cheating, the person who she conducted the affair with would ominously disappear. Lynette(Felicity Huffman) is having treatment for her cancer, but has kept it secret from her friends for fear of pity and is managing to reconnect with husband Tom(Doug Savant) again. Yet seeing that there is only so much longer she can lie, she reveals it to them and they rally to support her in this difficult time. Thankfully, Lynette manages to beat her cancer, but still has to deal with her troublesome mother and adopted daughter Kayla creating animosity with her twisted little ways. Bree(Marcia Cross) is faking a pregnancy so that the neighbours won’t be suspicious, as her teenage daughter Danielle is at a convent having discovered her pregnancy. Bree, along with her husband Orson(Kyle MacLachlan) begins to find it harder and harder to lie about the pregnancy and keep it a secret. When the baby is born, there are complications for Bree as she starts to consider whether pretending to carry the baby was really a good idea or not/ Bree must also contend with her marriage to Orson beginning to crumble, especially after she finds out it was him who ran Mike over at the end of Season 2. Susan(Teri Hatcher) and Mike(James Denton) are finally married after a tumultuous relationship and discover that they have a baby on the way. But Mike has developed an addiction to prescription drugs that started with his back being injured and has now grown into something more desperate. And providing the dark mystery this season is the icy new neighbour Katherine Mayfair(Dana Delany) along with her husband Adam(Nathan Fillion) and daughter Dylan(Lyndsy Fonseca). Katherine had previously lived on Wisteria Lane years before, but mysteriously left.  A cold woman who rubs people up the wrong way and challenges those around her, she is guarding many secrets regarding her past that she plans on keeping under wraps. Her daughter Dylan, despite having lived on Wisteria Lane as a child, doesn’t remember anything at all about it, which arouses the suspicions of former best friend Julie(Andrea Bowen), whose convinced that there is something sinister behind it. Add to that a devastating tornado that changes everyone’s lives, and its high drama and high stakes viewing.

While Season 4 is short in terms of what we usually expect, it actually gives more immediacy to the story lines present. The acerbic wit and subversive tone are here and captured splendidly during the course of Season 4. And while the humour is still here and as great as ever, there is a lot more drama this season. we have Lynette bravely battling her cancer, Bree attempting to protect her family through her lies and the affair between Carlos and Gabrielle. Lynette’s battle with cancer is the most moving to watch as she fights through the pain. The moment when she finds out she has beaten it and a whole host of emotions pass across her face is such a beautifully acted moment that is excellently done. And when it comes to the mystery, this season is a high point of creeping suspense over what Katherine’s secret is. Little by little, her past comes sneaking back and we get to see the true Katherine Mayfair.This is why I love Desperate Housewives; it can balance all of these genres so well and bring something new to the table. That is one thing about this show that keeps me so riveted to it, it just has this ability to be so effortlessly and consistently entertaining.

The major disaster of the tornado and what it spells for the characters was an ambitious move but it produces some of the most wrenching and dramatic scenes so far in the show. From the changing relationships that occur as the storm rages, to Victor’s death by impaling and Carlos losing his sight, its high drama that is entertaining and nail-biting. We are left on the edge of our seats as the residents of Wisteria Lane attempt to survive the tragedy. And then we watch as they try to literally and metaphorically rebuild their lives once more through their friendships and acquaintances. As I said earlier, Desperate Housewives really knows how to pull it out the bag when it comes to tragedy and drama. And I can’t forget to mention the teasing ending to the season that has me super excited for Season 5.

The excellent cast is once more on hand to flesh out their characters through the comedy, drama and mystery of Season 4. I continue to be super impressed with the work of Felicity Huffman as Lynette, who has more than one battle to contend with here. Huffman has this great ability to convey so much emotion in her face that you can see everything she is feeling. From her determination to survive for her children, to her horror at discovering that Kayla has launched a vendetta, Huffman just owns every minute of it with class and grace. I was impressed with Teri Hatcher’s work as Susan this season. She may have been mainly used for the cute comedy in the past, but here we get a maturation in her story lines. Hatcher manages to sell this with humanity and dignity as she goes through her pregnancy, while attempting to support Mike with his drug problem. I liked this maturation and found it quite refreshing in the scheme of things as we got to see another test for them both that they slowly overcame because of their love for one another. Marcia Cross provides humour and pathos for Bree, undergoing a tense time with Orson and bringing up a baby in the hopes that she can have a second chance as a mother. On the funny side, it’s great to see her clash with Katherine, who attempts to be the queen bee of the circle much to the chagrin of Bree, who eventually warms to her. Watching Bree try to be respectful while secretly feeling challenged is a hoot, though I was glad the writers decided to have the two women become friends because of their similarities. Eva Longoria is still as flamboyant as ever as Gabrielle, but there is that added love and care to her this time around. I was glad to see her get back with Carlos again, and despite the fact that money is tight and Carlos has been blinded, Gabrielle doesn’t resort to her selfish ways. Rather, she slowly but surely gets to grips with things and sees that having Carlos is much more important than finery. Eva Longoria is a dab hand at showing these sides to Gabrielle and still provides that sassy edge we all know and love. Nicollette Sheridan is on spectacular form once again as queen bitch and husband stealer Edie Britt. She may have softened a little last season, but it is great to see her back at her bitchy and scheming best as she makes it so delightful. Yet Edie goes one step too far this time and though the other ladies have tried to put up with her, they now disown her as she has crossed the line for the last time.

As the newest housewife Katherine, Dana Delany fits the role like a glove. Seeming to be organised and standoffish, Delany lets us venture deeper into the confines of the character as we sense the terrified woman beneath, hidden by an ice maiden facade that slowly thaws as her past comes back to haunt her. Lyndsy Fonseca has the right amount of curiosity and naivety as Dylan, who senses that something is really wrong and that her mother is not being honest about the past. But by searching for the truth, she soon uncovers something very sinister. Unfortunately, I found that Nathan Fillion was underused as Katherine’s husband Adam, who has a roving eye. Kyle MacLachlan continued to flesh Orson out, showing us that while he is attempting to be good he can’t escape the bad things he has done in the past. Ricardo Antonio Chavira is immensely convincing as Carlos, who must adjust to being blind which becomes harder as he doesn’t want to feel like a burden. Doug Savant is also very good as Tom, having to see that his daughter Kayla is indeed trying to split the family apart. James Denton was very convincing showing Mike descend into addiction but having the strength and support to fight back and be a good father to his baby son. And while not used as much as she has been, Andrea Bowen still plays Julie well with her maturity and charm. John Slattery is given a hell of a send off as the corrupt Victor, who gets impaled during the tornado after fighting Carlos for Gabrielle’s affections. And Brenda Strong’s beautiful voice is still really effective in its observations of the comings and goings of Wisteria Lane.

 

1. Now You Know – A
2. Smiles of a Summer Night – A
3. The Game – B
4. If There’s Anything I Can’t Stand – B+
5. Art Isn’t Easy – B
6. Now I Know, Don’t Be Scared – A+
7. You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover – C
8. Distant Past – B+
9. Something’s Coming – A+
10. Welcome to Kanagawa – A
11. Sunday – B+
12. In Buddy’s Eyes – C+
13. Hello, Little Girl – B
14. Opening Doors – B+
15. Mother Said – B
16. The Gun Song – A
17. Free – A

So although it’s short in length, Season 4 of Desperate Housewives provides us with another very strong bunch of episodes to be entertained by.

Desperate Housewives Season 3

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2000's, Andrea Bowen, Brenda Strong, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 3, Doug Savant, Dougray Scott, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, John Slattery, Josh Henderson, Kyle MacLachlan, Laurie Metcalf, Marcia Cross, Nicollette Sheridan, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Teri Hatcher

With Season 2 being a bit flawed and slightly stumbling in comparison to the fabulous first season, Season 3 had a lot riding on it. Thankfully it is a splendid return to form with razor-sharp wit, emotional drama and mystery that made us love Desperate Housewives in the first place. Trust me, Season 3 brings the show back with a bang. Spoilers will follow in this review.

The deceased Mary Alice Young(Brenda Strong) continues to narrate the daily events of the women on Wisteria Lane. Six months have passed since the events of the Season 2 finale. Mike(James Denton), after being run over by the mysterious Orson Hodge(Kyle MacLachlan), is in a coma and is showing no responsive signs. Girlfriend Susan(Teri Hatcher) is by his bedside most days and trying to keep faith that he will come out of it. Susan though finds herself tempted by charming Ian(Dougray Scott), a man whose wife is also in a coma. Yet despite her passion for Ian, Susan can’t help but feel guilty as if she’s cheating on Mike with a stranger. But when Mike does wake up, he is suffering from amnesia. Edie(Nicollette Sheridan), who has always been Susan’s rival, uses this opportunity to make her move and poison Mike away from Susan. It is then down to Susan to choose between Mike and Ian, but her heart tells her it’s Mike that is the one for her despite caring for Ian deeply. She must then attempt to get through to Mike in the hope he remembers that they were in a relationship before his accident. Yet while Mike slowly regains his memory, he begins to remember other things from his past that tie in with Orson. Add to this Edie’s bad boy nephew Austin(Josh Henderson) turning up and catching the eye of Julie(Andrea Bowen) and thinks are going to get interesting for Susan. Gabrielle(Eva Longoria) is filing for divorce from Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira) after discovering his affair with their maid, who is also carrying a surrogate baby. Yet because of a mix up during the surrogacy, the baby born is not theirs which further puts a wall up between them. Gabrielle then endures loneliness and does in fact misses Carlos, yet finds company and later nuptials in the form of campaigning politician and secretly slimy Victor Lang(John Slattery) after discovering that Carlos has unexpectedly begun dating the saucy Edie. Meanwhile, the charming but sinister Orson has charmed Bree(Marcia Cross) off her feet and the two marry. But all is not well, as Orson has a few incidents in his past(primarily the disappearance of his ex-wife Alma, running over Mike and a woman named Monique) that are very dark and form the backbone of the mystery this season. As much as Bree loves Orson, there is something about him that worries her and with what is slowly shown and revealed to us, she has every right to be worried. And rounding out the women is Lynette(Felicity Huffman), trying to adjust to the fact that her husband Tom(Doug Savant) had a child with another woman and the other woman Nora constantly being around causing rifts in marriage. Yet all that changes after a tragic hostage situation that results in Nora’s death and Lynette promising to raise her daughter as her own. Lynette also quits her advertising job to open a pizza place with Tom so they can pursue their dream and provide for five children, but as always, trouble awaits. All in all, it’s another eventful trip through the lives of the interesting ladies of Wisteria Lane.

I was so happy that the mystery angle was better than ever this season. The whole circumstances surrounding Orson are enthralling as we slowly see the danger that this man may be to those around him. The dark edge to Desperate Housewives always intrigues me so the return to the superior mystery was a major plus for me. Once more the deliciously wicked wit is on hand for laughs and many enjoyable moments. There is an excellent balance held between comedy and drama, which was somewhat lacking in Season 2. And speaking of drama, I can’t discuss Season 3 without mentioning “Bang” which has to be one of the best episodes so far in the show. In it, Carolyn Bigsby(played amazingly by a scene-stealing Laurie Metcalf) discovers her husband’s infidelity and completely snaps by holding up the supermarket. The tension drips from the episode as we wonder who will survive and emotions are stunningly observed. And Felicity Huffman is a powerhouse in the episode, evolving from fear, pain to anger as she witnesses Nora’s unexpected death and confronts the unstable Carolyn with a speech about how everyone carries pain, but acts about it behind closed doors. In short, it is an outstanding episode that shows Desperate Housewives at its most effective and dramatic.

If Season 3 had a nickname, it would probably be the love, divorce and wedding season because of the marital events and tribulations on show. From Bree’s marriage to Orson which raises many questions to Gabrielle trying to get a divorce while finding company with Victor that doesn’t go to plan, marriage and union are integral and lead to many fantastic moments in this splendid season. Relationships of a romantic nature have been featured throughout the show, but this is the season when they are most prominent. The most enjoyable part of the these is Gabrielle and Carlos, whose bickering and resorting to extreme measures to make the other jealous are comedic highlights. There is an obvious passion between them that often leads to destructiveness and heartbreak. And it’s fun to watch the usually respectable and mindful Julie fall for bad boy Austin( who is cheating on her with Bree’s daughter Danielle), especially considering the tense situation between members of each of their families. It’s safe to say Season 3 has a lot going on in it, but none of it feel rushed or half-baked due to spectacular writing and performances.

The main cast is engaging as always. The two main stand outs this season are Eva Longoria and Felicity Huffman. Longoria has such excellent comic timing but also knows when to rein it in and shows off considerable dramatic chops as Gabrielle. We get to see that she is gregarious and never really wants to be alone, and although she loves Carlos, their relationship is extremely complicated. Gabrielle could easily have been a character that was hard to like, but because of the writing and performance from Eva Longoria, we do feel sympathy for her. Felicity Huffman once again shines as Lynette, bringing a whole load of emotion to the role. This is the season so far that Lynette goes through the most in terms of emotional baggage, marital problems and personal drama and Huffman just shows all of this with her stunning work. No matter if it’s the comedy or the drama, Huffman brings her A game to both with equal aplomb. Marcia Cross is as always wonderful as Bree, having made the character her own. Bree must go through many more struggles this season and stay afloat in an ocean of uncertainty, mainly courtesy of the mystery provided by her new husband. Cross is excellent at displaying Bree’s concern and confusion while trying to stop her bubble of being a perfect neighbour from bursting. While humour has always been the main selling point of Susan, Teri Hatcher manages to also project poignant emotion to the part and the writing thankfully doesn’t make her slip into ridiculousness. Yes Susan is as romantic as ever by being caught between her loyalty and passion, but Hatcher exudes a relatability and warmth that captures your attention. You can’t help but root for Susan to get Mike back, as it is very obvious the two are meant to be together. Nicollette Sheridan is delightfully scheming and sultry as Edie, who may poison Mike against Susan but drops him when he is arrested for murder. This leads her unexpectedly into the arms of Carlos, which may jeopardize friendship with Gabrielle. Sheridan brings some more emotion to Edie than before as we see that she does have a heart underneath the trashy exterior. It’s nice to see the writer’s attempt something different with Edie this season that actually pays off and shows another side to her.

The rest of the cast, old and new, continue to explore their characters and bring them to life. Mike Denton brings out the confused state of Mike’s mind well, as he recalls some events that he really doesn’t want to remember. As the cause of this season’s mystery, Kyle MacLachlan is strangely charming yet full of hidden danger as the enigmatic Orson. MacLachlan has this ability to set your nerves on edge which he uses a lot during this season to menacing effect that also leaves you questioning whether or not he’s as bad as some of the hints make him out to be. Series stalwarts Doug Savant and Ricardo Antonio Chavira provide a considerable amount of laughs as Tom and Carlos, two of the husbands on the lane. Chavira in particular raises many laughs as Carlos, who still deeply loves Gabrielle and amusingly teases her about the string of dates she’s been on, hoping that she will see that the two of them are meant to be. I’m not the biggest fan of the character of Ian, who falls for Susan but sees that her heart belongs to Mike. None of this is to do with Dougray Scott, but as Susan is meant to be with Mike, the character of Ian feels a bit needless. Josh Henderson has the right look and swagger as Edie’s nephew Austin, who is always up to something troublesome. Plus, he provides eye candy for all the ladies watching as he’s almost constantly shirtless. Andrea Bowen charts Julie’s occasional rebellious streak after being the model daughter for so long very well. John Slattery oozes oily and smarmy charm as mayor candidate Victor Lang, who soon becomes engaged to Gabrielle, but is really using her to make his image look good. Brenda Strong lends her mellifluous voice once again to narration as Mary Alice with a mix of adroit humour, grave warnings and otherworldly warmth.

1. Listen to the Rain on the Roof – A
2. It Takes Two – B+
3. A Weekend in the Country – B+
4. Like It Was – A
5. Nice She Ain’t – B
6. Sweetheart, I Have to Confess – B
7. Bang – A+
8. Children and Art – C
9. Beautiful Girls – A
10. The Miracle Song – C
11. No Fits, No Fights, No Feuds – B+
12. Not While I’m Around – A
13. Come Play Wiz Me – A-
14. I Remember That – B
15. The Little Things You Do Together – A+
16. My Husband, the Pig – B+
17. Dress Big – A
18. Liaisons – B
19. God, That’s Good – A
20. Gossip – A
21. Into the Woods – B+
22. What Would We Do Without You? – B+
23. Getting Married Today – A

Season 3 of Desperate Housewives brings the show back to its best in style with wit, mystery and emotional drama to enjoy.

Desperate Housewives Season 2

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2000's, Alfre Woodard, Andrea Bowen, Brenda Strong, Cody Kasch, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 2, Doug Savant, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, Marcia Cross, Mark Moses, Nicollette Sheridan, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Richard Burgi, Roger Bart, Teri Hatcher

It was going to be a hard task to match the utter greatness of Season 1 of Desperate Housewives, so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that Season 2 is something of a lesser season in comparison. That isn’t to say that it is a bad season, far from it in fact as it’s always entertaining to watch the lives of the ladies unravel with drama. But it just doesn’t have the killer punch and mystery of the first offering. Spoilers will follow in this review.

After the Mary Alice(Brenda Strong) mystery was wrapped up, the ladies of Wisteria Lane are attempting to get back to normal again, though this is proving harder than anticipated. Uptight Bree(Marcia Cross) is dealing with the death of her husband Rex, whose heart attack was brought on by Bree’s admirer and pharmacist George(Roger Bart) tampering with his medication. This fact is not known by Bree, who is still trying to keep up appearances but is inside devastated. George begins to infiltrate her life again posing as a shoulder to cry on, but secretly obsessed with her. Bree is also coming to terms with her troublesome son Andrew coming out as gay and his constant attempts to make her life hell. The manipulative George uses Andrew’s often antagonistic behaviour to his advantage as he gets dangerously close to the unsuspecting Bree. Lynette(Felicity Huffman) goes back to work again, while her husband Tom(Doug Savant) becomes a stay at home dad. Although she feels exhilarated being back in a job, she can’t help but feel that the balance between her work life and home life is challenging. She begins to slightly neglect her duties as a mother as she excels in business, but is still very conflicted on what she should do. Susan(Teri Hatcher) is trying to recover after being held hostage by the unstable Zach(Cody Kasch) in the finale after which the teenager runs away, while also dealing with the fact that Mike(James Denton) is actually Zach’s biological father. There is also the matter of her ex husband Karl(Richard Burgi) moving in with the street vamp Edie Britt(Nicollette Sheridan), but still has feelings for her. Rounding out the main drama is the glamorous Gabrielle(Eva Longoria) is pregnant and trying to make it work with Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira) who is incarcerated for eight months. The ups and downs of their union are also tested when Gabrielle suffers a miscarriage just as she is warming to the idea of motherhood. Paul Young(Mark Moses) returns after his near-death encounter with Mike, but is arrested for murder shortly after due to the vendetta of a vengeful neighbour.Then we have the overriding mystery of this season in the form of Betty Applewhite(Alfre Woodard). The religious woman, who has moved onto Wisteria Lane with her son Matthew, keeps herself to herself and is deep down guarding a dark secret. She has her other son Caleb locked up in the basement, as he is meant to have murdered someone but as is always the case with the mysteries of Wisteria Lane, nothing is as it seems and darkness lurks beneath the lovely surface.

Like I previously mentioned, this isn’t a bad season but it just pales in comparison with the debut one. It is the mystery this time that doesn’t become that enthralling or enigmatic enough. Some of the parts of Betty’s story are very mysterious, but they just don’t have the pull that the Mary Alice discoveries had. If the mystery of Betty and her son’s had been given more thought, it might have made this a season on par with the first. There are also times when the neat balance that Desperate Housewives has of comedy and drama becomes a little thin and one is given precedence over the other. There is a lack of consistency in the beginning of the season with the quality changing, but once it gets into the groove, Desperate Housewives Season 2 churns out some great episodes. Now, despite these negative aspects, there’s still a lot to enjoy in this sophomore season. When the humour, sly and dark undercutting of suburbia are allowed to reach their heights without leaving the other out, it is very successful and delightfully observed with help from witty screenplays and genuine emotional drama involving the core ladies. The continuing narration from Mary Alice is always a plus, as she watches over her friends and the daily struggles they go through with a warmth and knowing. I liked how Bree was made the centre of many stories as I’ve found her character interesting and full of so many layers. The theme of conflict is very apparent throughout the season, whether it be physical, emotional or mental and its a very nifty plot point that leads to some truly great episodes. Once again, a tonally diverse score helps add even more playful antics to the already more than eventful proceedings.

Despite some of the flaws of the season, the reliable cast are at least on hand to deliver great work. Marcia Cross excels as Bree, the centerpiece of this season. The amount of emotion she projects while also subtlety exuding the demeanor of a perfect house keeper is astonishing. She goes through so much this season: Andrew constantly trying to make her feel inferior, Rex’s death and most importantly her relationship with the manipulative George. The relationship with George and watching her realise his possessive nature and how he killed Rex is genuinely chilling and heart wrenching to watch. As well as the scene when he overdoses and tries to blackmail Bree into saving him, but she calmly lets him die for all the pain he has caused her and her unshakable facade crumbles. I think it’s safe to say that this season belongs to Marcia Cross. Felicity Huffman is excellent at portraying Lynette’s conflicting interests of being in business and raising her kids and her need for a compromise. Huffman gives such comic timing and emotional depth to Lynette that I can’t imagine anyone playing the character because of it. Teri Hatcher is still an absolute joy to view as hapless Susan, now caught between Mike and the last person she thought she’d have feelings for, her ex husband Karl. Hatcher sells the comic and romantic mishaps of Susan with charm and verve, while also letting us relate to her because of the emotions she displays. I liked how Eva Longoria brought out the softer side of Gabrielle this season as she deals with losing her child and her shaky marriage to Carlos. Sure she is still feisty, opinionated and selfish, but she also has a heart there as she begins to want a child again after being dead set against it and the luminous Longoria excellently portrays that. Nicollette Sheridan continues to sizzle as the outrageously trashy Edie, who manages to at least get into the central circle of friends for once after always being the outsider bitch.

Her mystery story line may not be up to much, but Alfre Woodard turns in stellar work as the secretive Betty. Projecting a welcoming image to everyone, we glimpse how underneath she is driven, extremely protective and fast-thinking in situations. She may make some questionable decisions, but Woodard sells Betty’s complex personality very well. James Denton brings his presence to the part of Mike, who is attempting to adjust to life knowing who his son is and his own past. Richard Burgi is very amusing as Susan’s ex Karl, who has feelings for her even though they’re separated. Ricardo Antonio Chavira provides very funny work as Carlos, who has found God while in prison and is attempting to mend his angered ways. This is very much to the chagrin of Gabrielle who prefers her husband the way he was. Special mention must go to Roger Bart this season, who imbues the obsessed George Williams with a disquieting and controlling demeanor as he worms his way into Bree’s life. His death and attempts to blackmail Bree are riveting scenes, even though he has underestimated Bree’s vengeance for killing her husband and he watches as she silently observes him pass away knowing all the pain he has brought her. It would have been good if he’d stuck around a little longer, but when he is on the show he is amazing. I thought it was good that they expanded on Tom’s role and gave Doug Savant more to do. The character goes back to work with Lynette, but finds his masculinity challenged as he can’t accept that his wife is also his boss. Andrea Bowen is likable and extremely mature as Susan’s daughter, who senses that her parents still have a spark of love between them. Like with the last season, Mark Moses in on great form as the chilling Paul Young, while Cody Kasch fleshes out Zach to reveal why he has become so disturbed and how devious he can really be. And not forgetting the sagacious voice of Brenda Strong as the deceased Mary Alice, continuing to watch from beyond the grave.

1. Next – A
2. You Could Drive a Person Crazy – B-
3. You’ll Never Get Away from Me – C
4. My Heart Belongs to Daddy – D
5. They Asked Me Why I Believe in You – B
6. I Wish I Could Forget You – C+
7. Color and Light – C
8. The Sun Won’t Set – B
9. That’s Good, That’s Bad – A
10. Coming Home – C
11. One More Kiss – A
12. We’re Gonna Be All Right – D
13. There’s Something About a War – B+
14. Silly People – B+
15. Thank You So Much – C
16. There Is No Other Way – C
17. Could I Leave You? – B
18. Everybody Says Don’t – C-
19. Don’t Look at Me – A
20. It Wasn’t Meant to Happen – B+
21. I Know Things Now – A+
22. No One Is Alone – A
23. Remember Part 1 – A
24. Remember Part 2 – A+

While not as riveting or laced with mystery that could have been expanded, Desperate Housewives Season 2 is worthwhile watching due to the cast and writing.

Desperate Housewives Season 1

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2000's, Andrea Bowen, Brenda Strong, Cody Kasch, Desperate Housewives, Desperate Housewives Season 1, Doug Savant, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, James Denton, Jesse Metcalfe, Marcia Cross, Mark Moses, Nicollette Sheridan, Ricardo Antonio Chavira, Steven Culp, Teri Hatcher

And now I’m going to begin another Television review, this time of the popular Desperate Housewives. I remember hearing a lot about the show when it aired but only ever catching a few episodes. I decided to rectify this as I’d always been very curious to see if I enjoyed the show. A dark cross between comedy, drama and devious mystery that focuses on the troubled lives of the women of Wisteria Lane, Desperate Housewives just keeps you wanting more. It’s safe to say I’m now hooked on the show. So here is my take on Season 1. Be warned, spoilers will be following in my review.

The freshly mowed lawns and picture postcard image of suburban Wisteria Lane is changed when a seemingly happy housewife by the name of Mary Alice Young( Brenda Strong) shoots herself. To the outside world she appeared to have it all, but there was something lurking behind that. The show opens with Mary Alice’s suicide and focuses on the reactions of her group of female friends as they attempt to decipher why she killed herself, while also dealing with their own individual dramas. There is Susan Mayer(Teri Hatcher), a clumsy and self-doubting woman prone to embarrassing herself who is looking for love after her divorce. Her mature teenage daughter Julie(Andrea Bowen), who often acts as a confidante to her mother and a supportive presence, helps her out in various situations. Susan sees an opportunity in the form of nice guy Mike Delfino(James Denton), who is the newest neighbour and is guarding his own personal secrets. Lynette Scavo(Felicity Huffman) is a former career women who is now looking after her troublesome kids and struggling to hold it together while her husband Tom(Doug Savant) is away regularly expanding his career. Bree Van de Kamp(Marcia Cross), the prim and perfect wife whose marriage to the dissatisfied Rex(Steven Culp) is falling apart underneath the image of domesticity she presents to the world. Despite this, after a brief break up with Rex, the two get back together only for a vindictive tragedy by an obsessive admirer to scupper the reconciliation. Former fashion model and lover of finery Gabrielle Solis(Eva Longoria), is unhappy in her marriage to the high-powered but neglectful Carlos(Ricardo Antonio Chavira). She finds comfort and excitement in the arms of her hunky teenage gardener John(Jesse Metcalfe). But this illicit relationship is complicated as deep down Gabrielle does love Carlos and has to contend with him being arrested for dodgy dealings at his work. There is also the street’s trampy serial divorcee Edie Britt(Nicollette Sheridan), who is always after a man and engages in battle with Susan for Mike’s affections.Watching over this is Mary Alice from beyond the grave. She provides the narration to the show and observes her friend’s lives and dilemmas as they slowly unearth secrets about her life and the reasons for her suicide. And with skeletons rattling loudly in closets of the residents of Wisteria Lane, the dirty secrets and concealed facts are soon bound to spill out into the open for all eyes to see. Especially those surrounding Mary Alice herself, her past actions as well as her shifty husband Paul’s(Mark Moses) murderous ways of burying the past and the behaviour of her disturbed teenage son Zach(Cody Kasch).

What immediately struck me upon watching Desperate Housewives was the way it incorporated multiple genres and did it well, where so many others have fallen flat. Through the combination of sharp writing and great performances from the cast, it emerges victorious. We’ve got the sardonic humour that subverts the rose-tinted view of suburbia, the many eventful dramas that befall the ladies and the sinister mystery of Mary Alice’s death. There’s something very mischievous about the way the show pulls these together and takes what could be considered clichés and makes them seem very fresh and lively again.And while people often say that Desperate Housewives is about the drama and comedy, it’s the mystery that invests the show with its pull and dark foreboding as we unearth the scandal and secrecy behind the facade of niceness put forward to everyone else. This leads to some excellent cliffhangers that immediately make you want to watch the next episode as soon as possible. I liked how this season slowly but surely began to expose the past of Mary Alice, including the fact she changed her name, there is murder that she committed in her past and a secret involving the paternity of her son. I was literally questioning every possible avenue in trying to figure out what lay beneath the seemingly docile serenity of her life. A sly score, laced with humour and peppered with sinister suspense, perfectly accompanies thee unraveling stories of the women’s lives and the discovery of mystery and unusual events.

The excellent cast, particularly the main ladies, brings even more of a reason to watch the show with their impressive performances. Teri Hatcher has splendid comic timing and emotional depth as Susan, and really makes you root for her as a character, especially in her search for love. Her many instances of humiliation, such as her locking herself out the house and losing her towel get you to feel for her and make her very human. This is a role that fits Teri Hatcher like a glove and is a joy to watch. Felicity Huffman is on spectacular form as the frazzled Lynette, who is clearly at the end of her tether with her young children running rings around her. Huffman successfully delineates the loving side of Lynette with the slowly neurotic half that is close to cracking up completely by combining humour, stressed out emotion and a look of indignation. Marcia Cross steals all of her scenes as the model housewife Bree, whose icy and imperious facade hides that her life and marriage are really a lie. Bree is a woman on a mission to ignore the hurt in her life by busying herself with work, but who can’t deny that there is significant trouble in paradise. All of these conflicted emotions and traits are embodied with full force by the talented Marcia Cross who peppers Bree with humour, supreme need for control and fraught worry. The stunning Eva Longoria is feisty, selfish but hurting underneath as Gabrielle, who is conducting a dangerous affair with her gardener and fears what fearsome Carlos will do if it is discovered. Longoria adds significant sex appeal to the show and brings a whole lot of sassy personality to the discontented Gabrielle. Nicollette Sheridan adds spice to the already heady mix of sexy scandal and outrageous events with her performance as the queen bitch and tart Edie, who will go with anything that has a pulse and is more than willing to cause controversy.

The other members of the cast are no slouches either. Brenda Strong provides the wise voice of Mary Alice, observing life from beyond the grave with acute insight. Strong has such an engaging voice that you could listen to for days and gives Desperate Housewives a somewhat mordant theme of beyond the grave. James Denton brings the necessary charm and secrecy to new guy Mike, while Steven Culp is suitably frustrated as Bree’s husband Rex, who can’t stand her strive for perfection all the time and is ultimately ill-fated just as they decide to give it another go. Mark Moses is excellent as the enigmatic Paul, who will do just about anything to stop the truth about Mary Alice being unearthed. Cody Kasch as the troubled and very disturbed son Zach is riveting to watch as you don’t know what you’re going to get from him. One minute he seems to be calm and collected, then the next he is full of deep anger and haunted expression. Andrea Bowen provides amusingly mature charm as Susan’s daughter and in many ways best friend Julie. Jesse Metcalfe as the hunky gardener John who falls into lust with Gabrielle, Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Gabrielle’s fearsome husband Carlos in trouble with the law and Doug Savant as Lynette’s businessman husband Tom all fill their roles with considerable presence.

1. Pilot – A+
2. Ah, But Underneath – A
3. Pretty Little Picture – B+
4. Who’s That Woman? – B+
5. Come In, Stranger – B
6. Running to Stand Still – C
7. Anything You Can Do – A
8. Guilty – B+
9. Suspicious Minds – B
10. Come Back to Me – B-
11. Move On – B
12. Every Day a Little Death – A
13. Your Fault – B
14. Love Is in the Air – B+
15. Impossible – B+
16. The Ladies Who Lunch – A
17. There Won’t Be Trumpets – C
18. Children Will Listen – B+
19. Live Alone and Like It – A-
20. Fear No More – B
21. Sunday in the Park with George – B
22. Goodbye for Now – A
23. One Wonderful Day – A+

Sardonic, devilish and oh so entertaining, Season 1 of Desperate Housewives is well-crafted television that is wholly addictive. And below is a promo for this season which is very tempting indeed.