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Desperate Housewives Season 6 Episode 7

Careful the Things You Say

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Aired Sunday 9:00 PM Nov 08, 2009 on ABC

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AIRED: Nov 08, 2009

8.2

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Episode Summary

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Susan is in desperate need of help to figure out if Katherine was responsible for strangling her daughter, and the detective who agrees to help her, Denise Lapera (guest star Kathy Najimy), shares some history with her that they both would rather forget. In the meantime, Lynette learns about Julie's past affair with Nick Bolen, which leads her to have her own theory as to who may have strangled her. The Hodges are invited over for dinner by the Bolens, and Nick proposes to Bree that she hire Angie to work for her at the catering company. Meanwhile, Gabrielle takes advantage of her housekeeper (guest star Anna Katarina) by making her play the role of Juanita's tuitor.moreless

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Fan Episode Reviews (7)

'Careful the Things You Say' is a game of two halves, where one is replete with interesting new character pairings and the other is full of stale retreads of former glories.moreless

6.5

By screenagedkicks, Nov 20, 2009

'Careful the Things You Say' is a game of two halves, where one is replete with interesting new character pairings and the other is full of stale retreads of former glories. With Lynette and Bree's stories, the episode is able to hold its head up high and lay claim to still being one of the sharpest and most underhandedly humorous drama-cum-soap-operas on television. Coupling Mrs. Scavo up with Julie Mayer was a fantastic idea right from the get go, way back in the season's second episode, and it's really refreshing to see the pair engaged in a heart-to-heart, delivering some meaningful and believable discourse that edges forward this year's arc plot without a great deal of contrivance. Lynette's effective voicing of her suspicions to good old Larry Moss plays wonderfully, despite being somewhat reminiscent of Tom's encounters with Dave last year, and Felicity Huffman caps it all off by selling his unspoken threat with just the right level of unease. From the Hodges, meanwhile, we have a lovely piece of comedic theatre, set around a dining table, that manages to incorporate Bree's infidelity, Orson's cluelessness, the couple's woeful marital problems, Nick's infidelity, Angie's maneouvering and, indeed, this couple's woeful marital problems simultaneously, allowing the humour to arise naturally out of a perfectly ordinary, and yet highly charged, situation. It's a shame that Bree resorts to stealing Angie's recipies, and that it takes a few stern words for the pair to end up where they should be - in the kitchen together - but at least we get some honesty from our favourite gun-toting conservative and the makings of what could be a most enjoyable friendship. It's worth mentioning, actually, that the Bolens continue to be distinctly intriguing week in, week out. There's some mighty fine acting chops on display here, particularly when Angie reveals that she's aware of Nick's affair, and the writers keep things just the right side of oblique and mysterious not to provoke frustration.

Sadly though, there's that pesky second half to contend with and it really drags the episode down. Susan's visit to the police station is practically the epitome of lazy writing, fit to burst with half-arsed stereotypes and predictable dialogue. The fact that she and Denise have some unfortunate history is telegraphed from the moment they first clap eyes on each other, so the reveal fails spectacularly, but how on Earth did anyone think this would be even remotely entertaining in the first place? Oh yes, Susan's being harrassed by Katherine and having trouble getting through to the police... well, wouldn't it be even funnier if the police turned out to be on Mayfair's side, and proactively hindered Susan? Yeah yeah, that'd be great. It's a screamer... write it down! Except don't. It's unbelievable, it's old hat and it's just plain uninteresting. Same goes for you, Gabrielle's-housekeeper-cum-Physics-expert. We've had this story before, and it came in the form of the maid that Carlos had his wicked way with in season two. Granted, she wasn't helping any children with their maths homework, but still... Gabrielle shirking her responsibilities and palming them off to someone less fortunate? How original!

What Desperate Housewives needs right now is consistency. It needs to find a writer or two who can embelish everyone's narratives with creativity and derive comedy and drama organically from the characters, instead of grafting it on with the heaviest of hands. In its current state, it's far too hit and miss, and sooner rather than later, it's going to come a cropper because of it.moreless
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Moving forward at last...

8.0

By sequoa84, Nov 10, 2009

Well, things are starting to fall in place at Wisteria Lane. The storyline has made some good advances to create the mystery and anticipation we see ever season. That being said, this episode had a good feel to it. Primarily because, it had less of Karl and Katherine. Lynette on one hand is now sucked into the dark mystery, and looks like she will be the victim of some attack. The shady-ness level of Nick Bolen had been taken up a notch, after we see him threatening Lynette. Bree and Angie bond, for which there might be an ulterior motive. Gaby was brilliant as always providing the much needed comedy track. And Susan, what's up with her? she did a good job trying to get the cops interested in Katherine, and in the end landing in jail herself. Good Episode.moreless
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Julie confides in Lynette about her affair with Nick; Susan learns the detective working her case is an old high school nemesis; Angie hosts a dinner for Bree and Orson; Gabby continues to struggle with Juanita.moreless

9.5

By ivalice1980, Nov 09, 2009

Not a particularly revelatory episode, but there were some interesting developments, the highlight (for me) being Bree and Angie's new partnership. I've been hoping the writers would integrate Angie more into the ladies' lives, and it seems like they heard my thoughts. I've liked Angie from the get-go, what with her "candid" personality, and, of course, secrets which have yet to be revealed, but this episode, I kinda fell in love with her. I was also a little surprised that she already knew about Nick's affair with Julie - and then she proceeded to punch him. Awesome. But does her knowledge of the affair make her a suspect of Julie's strangling? It's very possible. Then again, if they're hiding from something, that wouldn't exactly be a good way to stay hidden, would it? I love this mystery!

Gabby continues to struggle with homeschooling Juanita. Not a "great" story per se, it just feels more like filler than anything else, but it was definitely amusing. I especially loved Gabby's demonstration of fractions with the doll.

After Julie tells Lynette that Nick was the man with whom she was having the affair, Lynette does what she knows to be right: she and Tom go to the cops. Good move, if you ask me.

And Poor Susan..confronted with a former high school enemy as the detective on Julie's case. Kathy Najimy was a complete delight as said detective. I hope we get to see more of her!

Quote of the night: "Honey, you hear that? People are asking us for gardening tips. We are officially suburban." ^_^moreless
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For filler, this is pretty solid. And Angie rocks, btw

8.0

By RobGrizz, Nov 09, 2009

This episode of Desperate Housewives isn't going to blow down any doors. It's not going to knock off any socks. It won't drop any jaws. But as a filler episode, with most of the main plots taking five, it's a pretty solid and enjoyable effort nonetheless. There is one super significant development, but I'll get to that at later. I'll start with Gabrielle, who continues to home-school Juanita. I think everyone had a lot of fun with this the last time, but it might be time to move on from this plot- which the writers seem to be doing. Gaby is clearly in over her head, and her fears of ruining her relationship with her daughter was a nice moment for her (even if it was oddly, played for laughs). The maid business seemed a little familiar, but the ends justify the means; it looks like Juanita will either go back to school, or get a tutor- either way, Gaby is free to move on to some new material. (I can't believe I miss the bratty niece right now!) Also oddly played for laughs was Susan's request for a detective on her daughter's case. The way the police couldn't fathom a female killer really broke the believability of this plot. Couldn't quite get over that, but I did enjoy Kathy Najimi's (Sister Act, Hocus Pocus) guest spot as a bitter detective wronged by Susan back in High School. The grudge over being labeled "Moose" and the idea over bonding with fellow Susan hater Katherine was both cute and funny. It turns out Katherine might have had an alibi; talking with her daughter (remember her?!) on the night of the attack. But overall, the story wasn't terribly eventful. Lynette had the least to do, but as usual, makes the most of her scenes. She comes across an arguing Julie and Nick, and discovers that these two were having an affair (and humorously wish she never knew). Taking initiative, Lynn confronts Dom, and later tells Julie that she and Tom have to tell the cops. Julie's behavior in the ep sorta bugged me. "I'm confused, he would never hurt me, Bla bla" I wanted to slap her face! Julie has always been a sharp, strong girl. What are they doing with her? The most significant development of this episode comes from Lynette making the move; The cops have a new suspect, and biggest of all, Angie knows about the affair. Interestingly, she wasn't the bit surprised. In fact, she'd known for some time. Sometimes the best characters are the ones you have no idea what they are going to do next, and I think Angie really embodies this. *Punch in the face!* Drea De Matteo has brought her A-game to Desperate Housewives, and I think she's earned her spot on the show! Further coloring in this great character, was her plot with Bree, where she hoped to find work with that catering business. Angie made Bree and Orson a lavish Italian dinner, and seemed to sincerely try to make friends with the couple. Sure, she had an angle, but if anything, she seems even more genuinely nice to me, and it was great to see some of the wholesome, family values instilled in Angie. (She lit a candle!) Nothing wrong with being "earthy." I welcome her sharp tongue and quick wit. As of now, she seems to have the stones to go toe-to-toe with any of my ladies and I confess I was disappointed in Bree. She selfishly stole the recipe, continues to be cold to Orson (who is really trying) and had no real reason at all for disliking Angie (who is no more crude than Lynn or Gaby at times). If I didn't know better, I'd swear she was a bigot. Anyway, after a heart-to-heart, the two seem to have made peace. And I like how Angie is assimilating into the show.moreless
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People hate Susan.

7.5

By thefanof, Nov 09, 2009

At long last, no Karl. Not that he's the worst male character on the show, but Karl and Bree is not nearly as entertaining as Bree and Orson. I'm still hoping those two can pull it together and last, but who knows.

Gaby was awesome as usual again this week, but like I have mentioned in the past, she needs a bigger storyline than simply struggling with Juanita. Eva Longoria Parker has come close to getting an Emmy nomination in the past and this could be her year if she keeps up the humor.

I also liked the turn that the Dominic storyline took with her threatening Lynette. Sure, creepy, dangerous dudes have been a dime a dozen on Wisteria Lane, but this one could be different, and there's nothing wrong with reusing a formula if it works.

Good episode tonight.moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Felicity Huffman	Lynette Scavo
Marcia Cross	Bree Hodge
Eva Longoria	Gabrielle Solis
Dana Delany	Katherine Mayfair
Drea de Matteo	Angie Bolen
Brenda Strong	Mary Alice Young

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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Karl Makinen	Detective Furst	Guest Star
Kathy Najimy	Detective Denise Lapera	Guest Star
Eileen Galindo	Christina	Guest Star
Michael Dempsey	Detective Murphy	Recurring Role

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Episode Photos

Teri Hatcher, Karl Makinen and Michael D...

© 2009 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Teri Hatcher, Karl Makinen and Michael D...

© 2009 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Teri Hatcher of Desperate Housewives in ...

© 2009 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.
Kathy Najimy and Teri Hatcher of Despera...

© 2009 American Broadcasting Companies, Inc.

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (1)
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- The last name of the Italian family that Bree is catering to is "Vitale", which was originally supposed to be the last name of the new family this season, the Bolens.
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QUOTES (2)
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- Julie: (talking about Nick) He's the guy. The guy I was having an affair with.
  Lynette: No. No! Why did you tell me this?
  Julie: You asked.
  Lynette: Why not lie? I'm late for work, I would've bought anything!
  Julie: Look, don't freak out. It's over.
  Lynette: Not for me. Now I have to tell your mom!
  Julie: No, you don't.
  Lynette: She was pissed when I didn't tell her you might be pregnant. If I don't tell her about this, I'm dead.
  Julie: Come on, Lynette.
  Lynette: I'm serious! She already shot Katherine. Now she's got a taste for blood.
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- (Gabrielle and Carlos are talking about their old housekeeper, Ivana, while the new housekeeper is waiting outside their house)
  Gabrielle: Where's Ivana?
  Carlos: I called the agency and had them send over someone else.
  Gabrielle: Well... why?
  Carlos: Because Ivana sucked, and not in that good vacuum sort of way.
  Gabrielle: Hey, cut her some slack. She's Romanian, okay? When your people are being chased into Argentina by angry cossacks, maybe a sparkling toilet isn't that important.
  Carlos: Argentina? How about you stick to fractions, and I'll teach Juanita geography? Goodbye.
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NOTES (3)
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- International Episode Titles:
  Czech Republic: Opatrně s tím, co říkáte (Be Careful with What You Say)
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- International airdates:
  Latin America: January 13, 2009 on Sony Entertainment Television (a.k.a. Canal Sony)
  Turkey: January 5, 2010 on CNBC-e
  The Netherlands: February 9, 2010 on Net5
  Germany: February 17, 2010 on ProSieben
  Australia: March 15, 2010 on Channel 7
  Norway: March 16, 2010 on TV2
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- Although credited, Maiara Walsh (Ana Solis), Charlie Carver (Porter Scavo), Joshua Logan Moore (Parker Scavo) and Mason Vale Cotton (MJ Delfino) are absent from this episode.
  
  Kathryn Joosten (Karen McCluskey) and Beau Mirchoff (Danny Bolen) are also absent from this episode, and therefore are not credited.
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ALLUSIONS (1)
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- Episode Title: The title of this episode comes from a lyric in the song "Children Will Listen", from the Stephen Sondheim musical Into the Woods.
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