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April 8, 2007: Dress Big
It's been a month since we were last treated with a new episode. Was it worth the wait? For the most part, I'd say yes. These Marcia Cross-less episodes show just how pivotal both the actress and the character of Bree are to the show. But I think you'll agree that the consolation prize is pretty nice: No Bree = more Edie! Nicollette Sheridan rarely gets a chance to truly shine like she did tonight. That scene toward the end, with Edie undressing in front of Carlos, was one of Nicollette's best moments ever. It reminded me of her classic strip croquet scene from years ago on Knots Landing. She still has a rockin' bod. I loved Edie slowly shedding her clothing, literally and figuratively giving Carlos the naked truth, admitting that her breasts aren't as perky as they once were and that she has a C-section scar. Yes, Edie has her faults — like not being the best mother and using her son Travers as "sex bait" — but I'm glad Carlos gave her a chance (good move with the flowers, Carlos). So while we await Marcia's return, we'll get to enjoy more Nicollette. Wait until Gabrielle finds out Carlos is sleeping with Edie.
At least Gaby is keeping busy. Of course, she didn't really mean it when she said she was going to break up with Victor (John Slattery). Not after all her clothes were water-damaged. Gaby screaming the blood-curdling "No!!" and Edie's facial expression killed me. But one look inside Victor's ex-wife Samantha's closet put Gaby in a different mood. Gaby showing up at Victor's house while he wasn't home and "borrowing" some of Samantha's dresses also cracked me up. I just knew Samantha (Challen Cates) was going to recognize her couture dress on Gaby at Victor's function, but I didn't think she'd ask her to take the dress off then and there. I think Victor's the perfect match for Gaby money-wise, but I don't see her physically attracted to him.
Brilliant casting with Lynn Redgrave as Ian's mother and the actor with the very unfortunate last name — Paxton Whitehead — as Ian's cross-dressing father. When Susan walked in and found Ian's dad dressed in her robe and lace bra, wouldn't it have been one of those classic DH moments had ABC not included it their promos? Note to ABC: Stop including spoilers in your coming attractions and promos. Thanks. OK, back to Ian's parents meeting Susan. Enough already with Susan's plethora of pratfalls. Yes, mama Hainsworth on fire outside with Susan by the grill was a hilarious visual, but did Susan have to cause the wine to spill on Mrs. H's top later? Great moment, however, when Susan was about to sign the pre-nup and she looked over at Mr. Hainsworth and made several references that she'd do nothing but be absolutely honest about everything: "There'll be no topics that I need to skirt." Poof — Mr. H said no to the pre-nup. Susan knew it would be a total drag if Ian found out about his daddy's secret.
So I wasn't too thrilled with the Scavo story line, but can you blame me? Lynette's making such a big deal about the orange uniforms was pretty lame — especially sitting down with some of the pizzeria employees and having a "bitch session" that focused on the "ugly-ass uniforms." The only reason I felt all of Lynette's bitching paid off was that it gave Felicity Huffman a chance to show just how fabulous an actress she is after Tom's back went out again, causing him to pass out and be unconscious. Kind of put things into perspective, huh, Lynette? Maybe wearing orange isn't as horrific as you thought (it was nice to see her put on the uniform at the end).
Other random highlights:
— Horny Edie after three weeks without sex admitting to Gaby that going lingerie shopping when she's horny is not a good thing, comparing it to grocery shopping when she's hungry.
— Lynette asking Tom if he was speaking to her as a boss or as a husband and Tom's answer: "As a boss. As a husband, I'm too damn scared of you."
— The fact that Mike thought one of his earliest fun times with Susan was part of a chick flick he watched with her.
— That Ian has a brother that is "an alcoholic homosexual." Can't wait to see who they cast in that role.
— Gaby comparing the orange color of the Scavo uniforms to cheese doodles.
— Susan to Gaby after Lynette walked out of her own house: "Well, I guess we're babysitting the kids?"
— Edie to Carlos before they had sex: "You nailed me, Carlos. Maybe not the way I wanted you to."
Next week is another new episode. Two weeks in a row — can you believe it?
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Apr 9, 2007 4:26 AM
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Excellent recap and can't think of a thing you didn't mention - though have a glimmer of an unsaid funny moment I can't really recall so I guess you did nail it all.
I LOVED the show - it was great fun and had such excitement and humor.
However, I never once thought of Bree, but I guess it's because the whole cast was involved in such great goings on that it felt like absolutely nothing was missing.
A few comments - I don't see any physical attraction either with Gaby and her new man - there's no on-air chemistry to my mind - but can see her getting turned on by all of the money and the new clothes and the power - and probably by having someone really get and want her again.
Wonder what fireworks are going to happen with Lynette and the new guy in the coming attractions - especially with Tom out of commission - but no - not her - hope not anyway - but should make things interesting. I thought her fighting about the orange shirt went far deeper than just the shirt - thought it was the domination/control Tom had over her wearing it - but loved how she put it on at the end.
Remembered the Knots strip of Edie only afte you said it and thanks for bringing back those fond memories. HOPE she and Carlos work out for a while - he's perfect with her son and adds a new dimension of human feeling to her that's a great plus.
As far as Susan and Ian and Mike? What a laugh all of that was and I happen to be in what seems like the minority with these posts but I LIKE Susan and laugh at her clutsyness and think it's C-U-T-E and how lucky to have two hunky guys in love with her and wonder where this is going to go.
Enjoying the ride - will take whatever happens but hope it can sustain all the excitement and humor and "rightonness" (so I made up a word!) it's got going right now. Six stars, and keep it coming!!
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Apr 9, 2007 8:42 AM
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Yeah, Susan and her clumsiness were a bit much, but I suppose it was necessary in order to turn off Ian's parents. I kinda don't like the fact that she used Ian's dad's secret to get out of signing the prenup. I know she's protecting Ian, but she's already starting off their relationship with being dishonest.
I thought Lynette complaining about the shirts also was taken too far, but then it made sense after what happened to Tom.
Lastly, even though the scene between Edie and Carlos was good, I don't think Edie's gonna change one bit. She knew her regular act wasn't gonna work with Carlos, so she just changed her tactics. It worked, didn't it ? But I wouldn't be surprised if in the next episode, she was like, okay, thanks, that was great, see ya !
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Apr 9, 2007 9:20 AM
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I guess I'm in the minority here, but Susan's clumsiness and pratfalls still give me real bellylaughs (hey, they were good enough for the greatest film and TV comedians of the past 100 years, so why gripe about it with Susan/Teri Hatcher?)
It really was good to see more of Edie this week (in more ways than one). I bet Nicolette Sheridan was happy to have more to do, too.
Gaby was hilarious with her ever-present obsession with clothes, especially the shot of her sneaking out of Victor's house with dozens of dresses puffing her body out like an engorged tick.
Yes, Bree was conspicuous by her absence, but at least we got a brief scene of the others together in Lynette's house--I'd like to see them all interact with each other more.
For some reason, in the scene where Lynette finds Tom on the floor, I almost expected him to break into a smile and say, "gotcha!" or something equally idiotic--I'm sort of glad that didn't happen, but did anyone else suspect at first, even for a second or two, that it was bogus? (By the way, I did notice that when she called 911, she gave the address of the restaurant, but didn't say "it's Scavo's restaurant" to make it a little easier for the amublance drivers to find).
I can't help but wonder what there is left for Mike to do with himself. I guess we're to assume that he will become an even bigger monkeywrench in Susan's plans to marry Ian? Things will no doubt get ugly.
It was great to see a new and funny episode. Another new one next week too? Great idea! ABC should try it more often!
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Apr 9, 2007 9:53 AM
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I think I may be the only one that has never warmed up to Edie. Especially ever since she used Mike’s memory loss to her advantage. We know she slept with Carl while he and Susan were still married. Now she’s sleeping with Carlos. Even though he and Gabby are divorced, there is just a known rule that you shouldn’t hook up with a friends ex. I just can’t like her. I agree with the pp – I don’t think she can change her ways.
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Apr 9, 2007 9:58 AM
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I'm a huge fan of DHW, and Lynette is one of my favorite characters, but lately they are making her way too annoying....give the orange shirts a break, geez.....does she have to argue about EVERYTHING! Edie's performance was excellent at the end, I was all teared up by the time she was done. I do miss Bree, can't wait for her return.
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Apr 9, 2007 10:01 AM
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I liked Edie's scene at the end with Carlos, but you have to admit...that was pure cheese! Of course, that is why this show is fun. They can really pull off the over-the-top melodrama.
Gaby's scenes are usually not my favorite, but they sure were last night. I loved the bathroom scene and how Victor calmly let Gaby know that his ex brought him up to speed (on the dress.) From what I have read, I know I am in the minority in actually catching a bit of a sexual attraction between the two. It is not hit you over the head obvious, but I really do sense a mild attraction. Maybe I am still just SO happy that Zach storyline ended.
As for the orange shirt, yes, it was sort of a ridiculous argument to have, but it was obvious the only reason it was written in was for the payoff at the end where Lynette sucked it up and did what she had to. I'm sorry, I have to sort of agree with her. I have similar coloring to her and have never in my life owned a shirt that color. You would think that was something they may have discussed prior to opening though.
The storyline I was least crazy about was Susan's. Just sign the paper. If you have to blackmail your way out of signing a prenup, it makes you look like you really are after something. If the end result was her not signing, I just wish Ian had ripped it up instead of the father. As for the cross-dressing, I think it is perfectly OK for Ian to go his whole life never having to know that.
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Apr 9, 2007 10:35 AM
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WHAT bodies on those 3 ladies last night! We have seen Gaby stripping down to the bra and panties on many occasions and have had some views of Edie and Lynnette but never 3 in one ep!! They all have rocking bodies, and I definitely had a flashback to Nicolette's strip croquet game with William Devane on "Knot's Landing" (awesome show) lo those many years ago... glad to see other viewers, and obvious fans of the show, remember too!
Have to say that Carlos is a little thick around the middle - he should take some ab-tightening tips from his female co-stars the next time the shirt comes off...though the sight of him did get Edie's horny thoughts racing.
Interesting to see Edie and Gaby returning from a shopping trip together but I like the different dynamic between the housewives and neighbors, specially with Bree off on maternity. Makes for some good scenes.
SO funny to see Gaby fondling the ex-wife's clothes and to hear the awe in her voice as she cataloged all of the designers represented in the closet - and if she and the ex HAD met under other circumstances, their mutual love of clothes just may have led to a "beautiful friendship!"
And after seeing Laura Leighton (Mrs. Doug Savant in real life) again on "SVU" last week, can't Marc Cherry find a way to bring her to "Desperate Housewives???" She would be an awesome addition, and hey, she is already well acquainted with Marcia Cross from their "Melrose Place" days...just a thought but isn't it tempting???
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Apr 9, 2007 10:45 AM
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TVforever:
Laura Leighton would be great on "Desperate Housewives" (as a regular, not just in one or two episodes), because she's so good in every role she does, and is still drop-dead gorgeous. I could see her as one of Bree's relatives (sister?) who wreaks havoc, either intentionally or otherwise.
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Apr 9, 2007 10:55 AM
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Lynette bitching over the orange T-shirt was ridiculous. Okay, so orange isn't the greatest color choice for an Italian restaurant, but I've worn much uglier uniforms. At least she had a fitted women's tee instead of a unisex tee with huge armholes.
Are slips passe? Neither Edie nor Gaby had a slip on underneath their dress/skirt.
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Apr 9, 2007 12:13 PM
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I don't think there was room under those dresses for a slip.
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Apr 9, 2007 12:25 PM
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cute answer wendue. If they'd been wearing a slip you wouldn't have seen their bodies so easily, so why bother. But, me thinks the question was said in humor?
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Apr 9, 2007 1:37 PM
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"I think Victor's the perfect match for Gaby money-wise, but I don't see her physically attracted to him."
Really? I think John Slattery is incredibly sexy and find Victor to be a great match, mentally and physically, for Gabrielle...until the writers get her back with Carlos, where she belongs!
I too am bored by Susan's pratfalls and accidents.
Ditto the Scavo storylines lately.
I wasn't a fan of a Carlos/Edie match, but I like the way they did it.
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Apr 9, 2007 1:58 PM
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Loved the Gaby story line!!! I'm with you Jayhawk, did notice the chemistry w/Victor!
Lynette was tuff to watch.
I was wondering why Susan didn't just sign it, but I don't like Ian. Hoping that Mike recovers his full memory in time to stop the wedding!
Here is my take on the episode...
At least Marc Cherry is consistent.
Susan- Once a klutz always a klutz!
Edie- Once a slut always a slut!
Lynette- Once a control freak always a control freak!
Gaby- Once a clothing Junkie always...
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Apr 9, 2007 2:22 PM
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I know it's probably a little too on-the-nose, but how about Rupert Everett as Ian's alcoholic homosexual brother? I haven't seen much of him lately and I think that he'd be a fun guest star. Plus, he already has experience playing Lynn Redgrave's son.
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Apr 9, 2007 2:46 PM
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