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Desperate Housewives Season 7 Episode 10

Down the Block There's a Riot

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8.4

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EPISODE REVIEWS
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Episode Summary

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AIRED: 12/12/10

Paul's nefarious plan of opening a halfway house on Wisteria Lane is put into full effect, which sends the neighborhood into an out of control spiral of chaos. Meanwhile, Gabrielle tries to cope with her feelings regarding the loss of her biological daughter, Grace, and Susan tells Tom about Renee's feelings for him. Bree invites Keith (guest star Brian Austin Green) to move in with her, Lee becomes sort of a paria, and Lynette tries to figure out if anyone would screw over the neighborhood by selling their house to Paul Young.moreless

Fan Episode Reviews (10)

The Housewives Unite To Stop Paul For Once And All From Opening The Halfway House. Bree Takes A Big Step In Her Romance And Juanita Discovers A Secret.

10

By Matt16020-FIN, May 03, 2012

Definitely this episode is the best episode of this season and the second best of the entire series. You will see both how good and how evil humanity can get in this great episode and that will make emotions run wild for the viewer. And by good humanity I mean the residents of Fairview and by evil the ex-cons. What makes this episode to be one of the best episodes of the entire series, is that there were drama, suspense, mystery and a few emotional moments in one episode. Like the title says, there will be a huge and disastrous riot in Wisteria Lane and I was intensly and emotionally hooked all the way from the beginning. The ending scene is another high point too. Flawless. 10/10.moreless
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tense

9.0

By danny7277, Jun 05, 2011

this was a tense episode of desperate housewives with some really dramatic moments where i actually feared for the life of some of our characters, every years the writers of desperate housewives always do some big dramatic episode but the past couple of years havent been good with the fire and the plane crash but this one was actually intense and dramtic.

The end of this episode was also epic i wonder who shot paul it could be anyone really everyone hates him.

I dont think paul will be dead Overall a fantastic episode the best of this season so farmoreless
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Things come to a truly riotious head for the mid-season break.

8.0

By SWERJ321, Apr 07, 2011

You've got to hand it to Paul, he's one brilliant psychopath. The way he minipulated everyone into thinking he had the halfway house built was stunning and loved the scam with the last house. I saw it coming how he set up the entire protest, knowing how it would turn into a riot and his smug smile through it all reminds you how twisted he is. And that line to Lynette over how his cons were the only ones not acting violent was brilliant.

That so many other plots came to a boiling point was great too. Having Juanita find out the truth was a powerful moment, stunning how she just shoved her mother down like that. But having Carlos and Gabby risk themselves to save her should remind her of how they truly feel. Glad to see the Bree plot coming to an end, was uncomfortable about her and Schnider hooking up but glad to see her strong enough to avoid that temptation. Poor Lee, put in such a horrible situation but glad Lynette was able to forgive him after it all went to hell and also enjoyed her reaction as she realized too late how she'd played right into Paul's hands. Susan being injured I didn't see coming and hopefully it can fix Renee's more selfish attitude.

Of course, the big one is who shot Paul as no shortage of suspects. But that angle of him almost smiling makes me wonder if this isn't part of his plan to set the Lane against themselves more. Still a great ride for the season and can't wait to see what the new year will bring.moreless
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Down the Block There's a Riot

10

By TrueTvWatcher, Apr 07, 2011

Down the Block There's a Riot was a perfect episode of Desperate Housewives because it had every thing that makes the show great. There was mystery, suspense, drama, intrigue, and emotional moments. There was also an explosive riot that errupted on the street and it was just shocking to see what happened. I really enjoyed watching this episode and getting into all the little stories that tie in to the larger story. There was a lot going on in this episode and the ending leaves viewers wondering who did it, and what will happen next. I can't wait to find out more and watch the next episode!!!!!!!

All this being said you should know I grade the show primarily against itself. Some of the scenarios are so ridiculous that it is funny, this is entertainment!!!!!moreless
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DH is finally back and it's greater than ever!

10

By chicooss, Apr 07, 2011

This episode is stunning and perfect. I was so shocked about the whole riot thing, I still can't believe it!

But yes, you have to admit it. Paul's plan was brilliant! I wasn't expecting that whole Mitzi-Lee-Bob thing, it was brilliant! But as all the things, it wasn't perfect. He didn't think of a classic revenge (kill the person with a gun) And I really hope he dies. I think DH is finally full of Paul's crap. I think if they don't kill him, DH is just going to keep sucking. This first part of season 7 was good and watchable, but kind of predictable, until this episode! This episode marks the beginning (or not) of an amazing second part. Will it happen? Yes, it must!

All I can say is that I loved this episode, it was like watching an episode from earlier seasons. And I sure hope this continues. AND DON'T KILL SUSAN! I had to say it, despite knowing that it will never happen.

Merry Christmas folks, see you in February ;)moreless
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Cast & Crew: STARS

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Teri Hatcher	Susan Delfino
Felicity Huffman	Lynette Scavo
Marcia Cross	Bree Van de Kamp
Eva Longoria	Gabrielle Solis
Vanessa Williams	Renee Perry
Brenda Strong	Mary Alice Young

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Cast & Crew: RECURRING AND GUESTS

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John Schneider	Richard Watson	Guest Star
Ed Quinn	Brent Ferguson	Guest Star
Evan Parke	Derek Yaeger	Guest Star
Shawn Pyfrom	Andrew Van de Kamp	Recurring Role
Brian Austin Green	Keith Watson	Recurring Role
Emily Bergl	Beth Young	Recurring Role

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Episode Photos

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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TRIVIA (1)
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- This is the first disaster episode of the series in which no characters die. However, Paul Young is shot and left for dead in the closing moments.
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QUOTES (6)
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- Renee: Tom told me about your little, uh, suggestion that I needed to move off the lane. And I want you to know that ain't gonna happen.
  Susan: You know, if you're really Lynette's friend, you would know that you cannot live two doors down from her husband, a man you still love.
  Renee: That is none of your damn business!
  Susan: Really? 'Cause I am Lynette's friend and I'm not gonna stand by and watch you screw up her marriage!
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- Lynette: This is all on you, I hope you know that!
  Paul: Me? Those are your friends out there, Lynette! The solid citizens of Fairview! Tell me again why you think they're better than a bunch of ex-cons.
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- Andrew: For the third time, no. I'm not gonna sell my house to Paul Young.
  Lynette: I'm sorry. I just had to make sure. The vote is today.
  Andrew: Do you really think that I would let dangerous ex-cons move in next to my own mother?
  Lynette: I don't know. As a teenager, you were pretty nasty. (he doesn't appreciate the comment) But you're all grown up now and so very nice. Thank you for your support.
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- Beth: (to the mayor) I've never met a celebrity before.
  Mayor Franklin: Well, now you have.
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- (the neighborhood is preparing for the protest by making posters)
  Parker: (to his mother) So, if this protest works, and the place doesn't open, what happens to all those ex-cons?
  Lynette: What happens to them?
  Parker: I mean, if they don't get to stay here, where will they go?
  Lynette: They'll just go back to where they came from, or some house in another neighborhood.
  Parker: But what if that neighborhood doesn't want them either?
  Lynette: Well...
  Parker: (interrupting) I mean, if they've done their time and they need a second chance, wouldn't it be better for them to be in a nice neighborhood?
  Lynette: In theory, yes, but that's not the way the world works, we have to think about our neighborhood, our children.
  Parker: Ourselves?
  Lynette: Don't be cute. Some of these men may have good intentions, but some of them could still be really bad guys.
  Parker: But, if we don't even try to help them, are we so sure we're the good guys?
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- Renee: What is happening to this neighborhood? Some van just pulled up and these creepy characters are coming out.
  Tom: That is a school bus, Renee. Those are children.
  Renee: Well, I don't like the way they're looking at me.
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NOTES (3)
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- International Episode Titles:
  Czech Republic: Rebelové ve Wisteria Lane (Rebels on Wisteria Lane)
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- Original International Airdates:
  Germany: March 9, 2011 on ProSieben
  Australia: April 7, 2011 on Channel 7
  Norway: April 12, 2011 on TV2
  Czech Republic: February 2, 2012 on Prima LOVE
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- Darcy Rose Byrnes (Penny Scavo) and Mason Vale Cotton (MJ Delfino) are absent from this episode, and are therefore 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 "What More Do I Need?", taken from the Stephen Sondheim musical Saturday Night.
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