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May 6, 2007: Into the Woods
I just knew that Victor Lang (John Slattery) was going to turn out to be a bad guy. He seemed too perfect. But didn't you think his mean streak came out of nowhere? He acted as though Gabrielle had never done a stupid thing before with the way he yelled at her. Yes, Gaby jumped in his arms like a child when it looked as though he was going to win the mayoral race. Yes, Gaby can be a "high maintenance nightmare," as brilliantly described by Vern (Alec Mapa). And yes, Gaby got arrested for her shenanigans with the cop (Brendan Patrick Connor), ripping up the parking tickets since she thought it was acceptable behavior for the new "First Lady of Fairview." But did Victor have to yell at her like an abusive father to a daughter? You knew as soon as he saw the bruise on her wrist caused by the cop that Victor was going to have something done to the guy. Enter the two thugs, beating up the cop. But Gaby's going ahead with the wedding. Let's see if she indeed says "I do" in two weeks.
Kudos to the casting department once again for bringing back a TV actor that hasn't been seen in a while: Greg Evigan! What a perfect choice to play Edie's ex-husband and father of Travers. Greg is mostly remembered for BJ and the Bear and My Two Dads, but let's talk irony with the fact that he also played Dr. Dan Hathaway on Melrose Place. Why is this ironic? Because Dr. Dan was the eventual lover of Matt Fielding, played by Doug Savant. I'll get to Doug as Tom in just a bit. I was glad Carlos talked Edie out of her request for joint custody. You could tell Carlos was getting too attached to Travers — he was more excited to spend time with his video-game pal Travers than with Edie. But then Carlos surprisingly told Edie: "I'm going to make you happy." Edie: "Don't say that if you don't mean it." But does he mean it? Hmm...
I always like when they give Tom cojones. His meeting with Rick (Jason Gedrick) was a highlight of the episode: "Are you sleeping with my wife?" It was about time Tom spoke up — it had to be the surveillance footage that included Lynette and Rick sitting comfortably alone together at the dinner table after the restaurant had closed. But it was what Lynette didn't do that was an even bigger highlight for me. She didn't fool around or even kiss Rick when they were trapped together inside the walk-in refrigerator (by the way, how many times is Lynette going to be held at gunpoint?). Yes, she slept in Rick's arms, but it was cold in there. Then later, when Rick admitted to Lynette that he had feelings for her, she cut him off at the quick and fired him, telling him it was just flirting between them, nothing more. I would've been really peeved if she returned his compliment by saying: "Oh, Rick. I feel the same way," followed by one of those soap opera makeout sessions. Thankfully, they didn't go there. But it was pretty apparent that she does have feelings for Rick, as evidenced by her weeping by the bathtub after Tom told her he was coming back to work. No more nightly half hours of bliss sipping wine with Rick.
I was kind of dreading the "Susan searches for Mike in the woods" part of this episode, since I've never been a fan of the klutziness of Susan and I figured this scenario would be chock-full of pratfalls. Luckily, Susan only fell once. What made her woodsy adventures so much fun was the hilarious Rusty Schwimmer as Toni, the hiking guide assigned to escort the very talkative Susan through her two-day hike for Mike. Toni to Susan: "You need to rest a second? You sound winded." Then, after a bug flew in Susan's mouth: "The bugs can't get in if you keep your mouth shut." Then she chastised Susan for wanting to put lotion on her face that contained honey, calling it "bear food." The very observant Toni totally summed up us viewers when she told Susan: "You're a drama junkie. When there is no drama, you create it. You sleep with your ex-husband. You cheat on a coma victim. And now you're hiking up a mountain after a guy who has no idea you're coming." She followed that with: "You don't know how to just be happy." That honest speech caused Susan to sneak out the next morning to seek Mike on her own. But it gave Teri Hatcher a rare chance to show she's actually a terrific dramatic actress. That scene with Susan tearfully leaving Mike the voicemail message that she loves him and has always loved him was one of Teri's best. It's not that often when an episode ends so happily, with Mike showing up after desperately seeking Susan and lifting her up and kissing her. Fade to black, with no cliff-hanger. With only two episodes left this season, I didn't mind it: I welcomed it.
Two final tidbits (the second one contains a possible SPOILER, so do not read past the first one if you hate to be spoiled):
1) I was sorry there was no Mrs. McCluskey in this episode, but at least we got Kathryn Joosten’s V8 commercial during one of the breaks.
2) ***Possible SPOILER ALERT***
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Last week I mentioned Marcia Cross guesting on Letterman. Did you see it Thursday night? Marcia confirmed she'll be back for the season finale (on May 20, as previously announced), and she hinted that Bree will return with a noticeable difference. David asked if she'd be pregnant — Marcia did not say yes or no, but it was obvious her face was saying yes. Who knows? She could've just been playing around with David, but I still wanted to mention it.
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May 7, 2007 4:26 AM
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Loved Mrs. McCluskey in the V-8 commercial! And I could see Mrs. M. having to work someplace like that now that the pension has run out. . .
I am just so tired of Susan. I wonder how someone can be so amazingly senseless & still live. Has she a brain at all? But she did get her happy ending, so I guess all's well that ends well.
I didn't recognize Greg Evigan, so thanks for cluing us in. He did a good job. If he really wants to go back to Doctors Without Walls, why doesn't he let Edie keep Travers longer? I have never cared much for Edie because she's a sarcastic slut, but I don't want Carlos to break her heart either.
I do think the meter man should NOT have given Gaby a ticket. Why should she put in a quarter for just a minute?
I don't think he deserved the beating by any means, but he was an officious jerk.
How does Victor know how to find thugs anyway? Are they the only criminals in Fairview?
Why didn't Lynnette lock the door? That's something Susan would do! Lynnette is smarter than that! Freudian? She did exactly the right thing, which is why, if push comes to shove, Lynnette is my favorite housewife.
It'll be great to have Bree (AND ORSON!) back. I've missed them.
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May 7, 2007 5:56 AM
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COMMENT REGARDING SPOILER........
Maybe Bree will fake her pregnancy so that she can pass off Danielle's baby as her own! I hope it's not that cause that is sooo All My Children-ish, and I would hope Mark Cherry would come up with something a little more original.
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May 7, 2007 9:00 AM
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Regarding Susan and the rescue, until I saw the coming attractions for next week, I thought maybe Susan was delerious and was dreaming that Mike would rescue her. It was too soap operaish for my taste. But... seeing the coming attractions, I guess it did happen.
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May 7, 2007 9:21 AM
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As soon as I saw Greg Evigan, I thought of "My Two Dads" and that it was ironic considering how Carlos feels about Travers. He might as well be his second dad!
Good episode. I hope this is it for Mike and Susan and that the writers don't find other contrived ways to keep them apart. I also wonder if Orson will ever get his comeuppance for running over Mike.
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May 7, 2007 9:22 AM
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Curious_Maya, I thought EXACTLY the same thing - that Bree would fake a pregancy so they could keep Danielle's baby w/o everyone knowing.
I knew that Victor was going to do something to that parking cop. I hope his storyline w/Gaby ends soon. I'm not feeling them together. I was proud of Lynette for not acting on her feelings for Rick. I'd hate for the only married couple left to break up!
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May 7, 2007 9:25 AM
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Last time I looked, Bree & Orson were still married.
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May 7, 2007 9:34 AM
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Speaking of comeuppances, will Andrew (and Bree, who hid the crime) ever get his for running down Mama Solis in season one?????
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May 7, 2007 10:24 AM
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Ha, good point, tdean. It doesn't seem like he will, does it? That storyline is gone, if not forgotten by some of us!
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May 7, 2007 11:14 AM
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My guess is that during the intervening time before Carlos talked Edie out of it, her ex probably started calling around to find a hospital nearby that would take the dreamy do-gooder.
And then, I rented Little Children this weekend and watched it Saturday night. Um, it was really good, but the Lynette storyline hit a little too close to the movie for me (like with her yelling at Rick about how he ruined it, it was pretty darn close to a voice over in the movie). I am just saying, I would think coincidence and that it is a very expected storyline in the suburbs (oh, by the by, why is it Lynette gets to deal with all the potentially real life storylines, Bree could get a bit more of real life stories), but the book of Little Children was out first (and for how long?). I am just curious....
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May 7, 2007 11:37 AM
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I might be in the minority, but I was pulling for Mike to reject Susan at the end.
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May 7, 2007 11:37 AM
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I understand JonnyM why you said you wanted to see Mike reject Susan because truly she doesn't deserve him, but I want the two of them to be a happily married couple like Bree and Orson and Lynette and Tom.
That guide was dead on and it took me a minute to realize she was the mechanic from Heroes.
I felt bad for Lynette that her fantasy life had come to an end but I always knew she'd never cheat on Tom anyway so that played out like I thought it would. I'm proud of Tom for getting up off his butt and doing what he needs to to save his marriage. Very smart.
tdean, I hope not! I really like Andrew now and I really disliked Carlos' mom so I hope he gets away with it.
I didn't think Victor was out of line yelling at Gaby, he was telling the truth. And I for one was glad that something was happening to the cop (although I didn't expect that) because I would've had a hard time respecting a man, in power no less, that didn't seek retribution for his woman from getting bruised like that. Or any citizen for that matter, since he's the mayor. The thugs angle is interesting....
I don't know what to make of Carlos' statement to Edie about making her happy. I think it was smart of him to see that she only wanted custody so Carlos could come around still, but I don't think he really wants to get serious with her. I think he's feeling his hero complex coming on so he's going to "rescue her" from her loneliness. I think it'll be a miracle if they actually end up a real couple, although on this show especially - stranger things have happened.
Great episode!
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May 7, 2007 11:54 AM
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Imzadi - How does Victor know how to find thugs anyway? Are they the only criminals in Fairview? -- I assume he is already very familiar with the seedier element in Fairview if not even actually "connected" in some way. My guess is his connections did not exactly hurt in his campaign as well.
I agree with Dave though. Victor's ugly side sure did come out quite suddenly. I remember when Gabrielle almost ruined his campaign a couple of weeks ago, he was quite sweet about it and even said she was more important.
JonnyM - I might be in the minority, but I was pulling for Mike to reject Susan at the end. -- Maybe in the minority but not alone. I actually thought both Mike and Ian were too good for her. I would like to see her character alone for a bit instead of constantly chasing men. I mean seriously, does she have a life outside of that??
As for Lynette, it was glaringly obvious she has stronger feelings for Rick...much more than just flirty. Who cries about someone you are just flirting with? I LOVED Tom last night and the speech he gave to Rick about no matter what Lynette does, he will still be there standing by her when this is all said and done. Nothing he said had even phased Rick until then; Rick finally saw exactly what he would be up against.
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May 7, 2007 12:04 PM
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Maya's comment on the Spoiler was interesting. I never really thought of that, but I think Bree and Orson would pull something like that. Or just that she will be pregnant naturally. I vote the former just to create more drama on the show. However, Toni was dead on about Susan loving drama and stuff. I was reading a spolier somewhere that 2 weddings maybe happening on the finale. After this weeks episode I have a feeling that it will be Carlos & Edie and Susan & Mike. I have a strong feeling that Gaby and Victor are not going to get married becuase this entire season Gaby has been about self improvement in some way, so I doubt she will marry someone that will put her down like he did.
I like Lynette and Tom's storyline becuase I think they have some major issues that need to be dealt with in order for them to be turly happy. I can see wh Lynette was attracted to Rick becuase she was able to be a woman and not a mother/wife that she is with Tom. However, I really liked how Tom was bold and confronted Rick, yet I wish he would do with that with Lynette. Seems like next week they go to counseling or something.
What is happening with the teens on the show? What ever happened to the guy that was in love with Gaby but was too controlling? Does anyone think he will kidnap Gaby on her wedding day saying "If I can't have you no one will?" ">
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May 7, 2007 12:23 PM
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Did the show run late last night? I must have switched it off too soon because I NEVER saw two thugs beat up the cop nor Mike finding Susan. I feel cheated. Wish I'd taped it!!
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May 7, 2007 12:27 PM
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