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February 18, 2007: The Little Things You Do Together
Those promos at the end of last week's episode were right. We finally got answers to so many questions involving Orson's past: He was in a psychiatric ward in 1976 after the supposed suicide of his adulterous but religious father. (But now we know Gloria staged the suicide the same way she was trying to stage Bree's.) Gloria had blamed Orson for her husband's death, saying Orson was supposed to watch out for him, but chose to go out with friends. It was Gloria who killed Monique with Mike's wrench. Orson buried Monique in the dirt while Gloria removed Monique's teeth (ouch).
Ahh... closure, at last. I knew it would be good tonight since it was written by Marc Cherry and Joe Keenan. As discussed here before, Marc had to finish up Bree's story line earlier than originally planned due to Marcia Cross' pregnancy. I was very happy that Gloria ended up alive at the end. When Ida Greenberg found the bodies of Alma and Gloria lying on the lawn, I figured they were both dead. But not Gloria. Sure, she's paralyzed and can't speak due to having suffered a stroke. But her brain is still functioning, so you never know Marc's former boss Dixie Carter may just be back someday. I hope so.
So, Zach Young is hung like a horse. Who knew? Looked as though Gabrielle was briefly disappointed that she missed out on that opportunity due to being drunk and passing out. Carlos referring to Zach as "Seabiscuit" was hilarious. What an ingenious way for Zach's "endowment" to be discovered: not by Gaby herself, but by Carlos seeing it while peeing at the urinal next to Zach. If this show was on HBO or Showtime, Carlos totally could've gotten away with the following line to Gaby: "Zach Young what a dick." Glad the Gaby/Zach pairing, even though it was one-sided, is over (crossing my fingers). Zach proposing to Gaby in front of everyone was ridiculous; even Gaby isn't that hard up for money. Her "there will be no clapping!" was great, followed by, "You! Moron! Come with me!" to Zach.
At least the episode's first proposal was a success. You knew that Susan would say yes to Ian after hearing Mike confess to Carlos about being involved in Orson falling off the hospital roof. Something tells me Susan hasn't heard the last from Mike; he certainly didn't look too thrilled after Susan put the pizza down and said yes to Ian.
Speaking of pizza, I can only imagine that it will be a challenge for the producers and writers to make the Scavo story line interesting now that Tom and Lynette's pizzeria had its official opening. I did like Tom's speech that Lynette, of course, had to finish with, "If you really want to test a marriage, open a restaurant together."
Other things I enjoyed: That Orson's fall was broken by a tree. Like a lot of you, I really did not want Kyle MacLachlan to leave the show. Lynette comparing the frantic-about-the-opening Tom to herself when she was six months pregnant. Tom: "Excuse me you were hitting people. Lynette: "Only two... and the mailman had the good taste never to bring that up again. Tom, I don't need to be pregnant to kick your ass. Now go." Andrew throughout the entire episode, being so protective and supportive of his mama. Loved that. Susan and Bree at the hospital that was a beautiful scene between two good friends. Bree: "So we're back to being friends?" Susan: "We never really stopped." Gaby telling Carlos she assumed she had sex with Zach: "There was a condom wrapper... he said I was amazing... sounds like me." Carlos proclaiming to Gaby (and this was the funniest line of all): "I can't believe you bagged another neighborhood kid." Gaby: "Where are you going?" Carlos: "To warn the Scavo boys." Shut up. Gaby asking Carlos to protect her by telling Zach to leave her alone: "Go get all cholo on his ass!" Carlos comparing Zach's you-know-what to the gigantic hanging sausage at the restaurant. Gaby telling Carlos she still needs him as a friend (after he told her it was difficult): "Hang on as long as you can." Gloria, before attempting to murder Bree: "Monique that was easy. She was a slut. You're a good woman. You didn't know Orson already had a wife, but he did." The fact that both Andrew and Orson raced home to save Bree.
My only two gripes: As usual, not enough Edie! Is Danielle deaf? Why couldn't she hear Alma screaming at her across the street? I had to rewind to see if those hoop earrings were actually iPod ear-pieces. Nope.
The Oscars are next Sunday, so see you in two weeks.
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Feb 19, 2007 8:38 AM
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I was surprised how well Andrew handled a whap to the head followed by a backwards header down the stairs. This episode almost seemed like a season ender, so much was wrapped up. The only thing left for Orson from the past is the fact that he used Mike as a speed bump.
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Feb 19, 2007 9:03 AM
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Great episode--it's just as well that the storyline had to be condensed, since it was in danger of dragging on a bit longer than necessary.
I'm still waiting for Gaby and Carlos to reunite, and hopefully Zach has skulked away from Wisteria Lane for a good long while (perhaps to get a haircut).
Perhaps Danielle is being groomed as the next van De Camp to go psycho--but why is she only on for one or two lines per episode? There must be SOME use for her.
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Feb 19, 2007 9:16 AM
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Great recap - GREAT SHOW - am I wrong or is Desperate Housewives finally where it should be? Maybe it was Marc that put it where it is because of Bree but how fantastic. So glad Orson didn't kill Monique and isn't the rat he seemed like because there I was liking him saying hey you can't like this guy. Still wonder about two things - he DID run Mike down - is that going to come up? And did he do it because Mike saw him at Monique's (it happened after the Monique death came to life, didn't it? He wouldn't have thought anything of it if he thought her death was still undiscovered) OR didn't Mike question his credentials when in his office? If I remember something about whether he was really in the service or something? I remember the annoyed look on Orson's face. So think there's more here, but great way to let Marcia Cross of the hook with her maternity. Loved the Gaby/Carlos/Zach thing (IS HE out of the picture? Remember, he killed his grandfather and forget what other bad things he did), Susan and Ian/Mike - don't think this is over and that she'll marry Ian but there's enough story here about the 3 of them, Lynette and her husband (mental blank with name) and the pizza place, Andrew going back to GOOD and his sister being pregnant? Edie just being Edie. Looking forward to the new spin with her. Should mean more airtime. Meanwhile some questions very nicely closed but we can see there's a lot more fun to come. Glad to have a week off - DH and Lost keep me in the guessing mode!!
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Feb 19, 2007 9:27 AM
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I am glad they were able to wrap it up more quickly than originally planned. Leaves just the right amount of time to begin a new mystery arc to set up a season cliffhanger. I just hope Danielle is not going to be the next big storyline. I am not a fan of her character. Love Andrew this season though. I was so glad he raced home to save his mom.
My favorite comment of the night was by Carlos though about warning the Scavo boys. Laugh out loud moment. He has become really likable this season as well. Hooray for the Zach storyline possibly reaching its conclusion. Now that he is so rich, he can invest in a Flobee.
I wonder if the writers will give Orson a walk on the hit and run. Mike told Carlos that Orson could point the finger at him for attempted murder due to the fight and subsequent fall. Maybe they will agree that they are "even", though we all know that Mike did not mean for the fall to happen and Orson's indiscretion was malicious. It would be a good way to keep Orson on the show and sort of move on.
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Feb 19, 2007 9:41 AM
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I'm really glad that Orson didn't kill anyone. And how crazy is his mother that she makes Alma look sane?
Andrew's concern about Bree was very sweet, but to me, surprising. Ever since he moved back home, I've thought that at least part of his remorse had to be an act. It seems that he really has gone from wanting to hurt his mother to wanting to protect her. And Danielle was, as usual, horrible. She's not so much evil, though, as completely dumb and self-involved. Personally, if you're going to act that way, evil is way more fun.
And I love Gaby and Carlos. They're really able to communicate a lot better now than they did when they were married. It makes me almost think that they shouldn't get back together. (I said almost)
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Feb 19, 2007 9:50 AM
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I think the early wrap-up of the story is for the best but, please, enough deaths or near-deaths already! Some time ago, it was edgy TV but now is just something cliched and looks soapy. When Alma fell off the roof I was, like, "Oh, God, not another one!". And then Andrew. And then Orson. And then Gloria... I wouldn't mind miss Van de Tramp bitting the dust, though. Is she mean and self-centered or what?
Anyway, deep down inside me I knew Bree wasn't in real danger but the scenes were done pretty well and I feared for her.
Still one question unanswered: why did Orson run Mike over with his car at the season 2 finale? I hope they find a plausible explanation that allows Orson to come clean because I love his character and how things have unfolded. By the way, do you remember he entered the picture as Susan's romantic interest (kind of)? They met in a cinema when she was running away from a horrible date or something like that. Orson was with another woman there. Does anyone remember? The writers seem to have forgotten that, maybe because it doesn't fit very well.
Carlos and Gabby story was fun as usual -- they belong together alright.
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Feb 19, 2007 10:20 AM
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Last night was sooo good! So many great storylines going on! Really enjoyed it!
I was glad Orson wasnt killed either. I have really enjoyed his character!
I hate Danielle! She is so stupid and annyoing! I hope she is pregnant!
I also love Carlos and really hope that he and Gabby get back together!
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Feb 19, 2007 10:40 AM
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Still one question unanswered: why did Orson run Mike over with his car at the season 2 finale?
Orson ran over Mike, after Mike asked him where they met before. We can assume that Orson was concerned that Mike would remember that it was at Monique's house and be able to place him at her place on the night she was murdered/disappeared.
Poor Mike has a target on his back still! The police are no longer concerned but you have Orson still worried that Mike will not forgive him for framing him or running over then you have another guy trying to beat him down the aisle with Susan. When will Mike remember that he was about to propose?
It was a great episode overall! Plenty of light moments with Zach! Bree must be riding high now that she has two men in her life who want to protect her. I'm a little worried about Tom! He isn't looking too hot these days, I was expecting a heartattack at the opening night during his toast.
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Feb 19, 2007 11:10 AM
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I loved this episode, too, and thought it definitely improved upon season 2. (my recap)
I was hoping things between Gaby and Carlos would move beyond friends territory... I guess we'll have to wait and see. Yeah, Zach and his hair - neither are welcome in my book.
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Feb 19, 2007 11:41 AM
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I'm wondering if the same hairdresser that is in charge of Zach's hair is also responsible for that horrible do that Danielle was sporting. Maybe they can get Gabrielle's stylist to give this girl some help.
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Feb 19, 2007 12:05 PM
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My favorite line was Lynette's "What do you mean it's Bat Mitzvah season? There's no such thing!" Although that might take a backseat to Carlos declaring he needed to go warn the Scavo boys about Gaby!
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Feb 19, 2007 12:06 PM
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LONDONBABY, thank you for remembering that Bat Mitzvah line. I was rolling on the floor; I am sure the people in my apartment building don't like it when I watch Desperate Housewives!
And really? If Danielle is not going to be prominent or helpful to the plot, please don't use her like you do. Even when Andrew isn't part of the plot, he usually can have a good one-liner to justify him there (remember when Julie and Danielle were talking about Edie's nephew and Andrew confessed he tried to woo him with beer? Classic). Andrew does win award for the most improved character. I was quite fearful that Gloria offed him on the stairs!
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Feb 19, 2007 12:45 PM
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I didn't mind the quick wrap-up-I tend to find the year long mysteries lose steam. (Did we care about the Applewhite's anymore by the end? Did they every tie up all the lose ends from the Mary Alice suicide?) My only complaint is they changed Alma's character in 2 seconds. She suddenly gives up on Orson and is worried about Bree's safety. Then, aftr being locked in the room, a few days, she realizes she can get out the window.
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Feb 19, 2007 12:53 PM
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I have a feeling Danielle will figure more prominently in the show before long. Her 10-second appearances every other episode just can't continue as they are.
My only other qualm: Gaby kept trying to discourage Zach from pursuing her, but after so many scenes between them arguing about it (especially after she awoke with him beside her), I found it odd that telling him off in the alley outside the Scavo's restaurant was suddenly enough to send him scampering off. I sense that he'll be back way too soon.
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Feb 19, 2007 12:58 PM
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