Desperate Housewives

'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.

This is a very good episode of DH. The jokes are all over the place and finally the plot is starting to move forward.

Lynette's story seemed to be the most interesting as it gave as a quick glipse of the Bolens' relationship. The fact that Nick threatened Lynette might lead to an even greater plot for Lynette as this is the very first time she is involved in the mystery of a season. Furthermore, it showed us a side of Angie that we didn't think it existed. I liked how mature she behaved and from the looks of it this story will continue in the following episode when Angie talks to Julie.



Gabrielle is still at her best. I find Eva Longoria Parker a great actress as she can do both comedy and drama in the same episode.



Susan's story is the funniest one. Her lines and acting are perfect. I didn't like her imprisonment because I figured there's no point for the writers to do that. I guess she is going to be released in the next episode.



Finally, Bree's story is also connected to Angie. At this point it seems like three out of four housewives are connected with Angie something which makes this season even better than the other ones (where one of the housewives - usually Susan or Bree would be involved in the mystery of the season). I liked how Bree finally found someone to talk to about her marriage and this will have an effect in the following season.



Overall, a great episode and dear I say this, maybe the best one so far this season.

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.

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." ^_^

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.

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.

Susan suspects Katherine being Julie's assailant, and when giving a piece of her mind to the cops working the case, another cop; a female detective insists on taking over the investigation. Lynette learns about Julie's affair with Nick Bolen, and worries for her safety. Brie learns that Angie is an awesome Italian cook, and when it comes to catering an Italian buffet for a couple, she lies to get access to Angie's recipes. Of course, Brie's attempt had backfired, but she gets closer to Angie when she reveals her marital issues to her. Susan collaborates with the female detective, Denise (a.k.a. Moose), a girl she named after the animal for the way she laughed and was accused of stealing her boyfriend. Denise speaks to Katherine about Susan's suspicions and creates a bond with her, as well as figuring out Susan tried to shoot Katherine. Susan is put behind bars and wonders when she will be freed (we don't know). Gabrielle's housekeeper, Ivana, a romanian woman with a degree which the U.S. does not accept as legal, and teaches Juanita math, until Carlos puts his nose in this business and fires the maid. Gabrielle starts to have a low self-esteem of herself when she and Juanita remark that she is not intellectual nor good at anything related to school.

Better than last week's. I'm glad Lynette is getting put into the mystery, as she has never really been in one before. Nick is creeping me out more and more by each episode. I'm afraid Lynette will get hurt. Gabrielle and Bree seem to be hogging all the screentime! Susan got arrested--I find that funny. I hate Katherine and I hope she is the one who dies by the tenth episode. Not to be cruel, but she's becoming useless as I don't see what they could use for her by the time this storyline wraps up. Overall, this episode was wonderful but the pace of the mystery is starting to go fast then slow. I just hope they can manage to time it like they did in the first and fourth seasons.