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March 4, 2007: My Husband, the Pig
What a refreshing change of pace: an entire episode told from the point of view of the husbands rather than the wives. And who better to narrate than one of the dead husbands? Rex Van De Kamp (Steven Culp), great to have you back, or at least your voice. Reminded me a bit of the one time George narrated instead of Meredith on Grey's Anatomy. Shifting the focus to the husbands was an effective way of keeping our minds occupied during the absence of Marcia Cross. You've heard of going braless; well, this episode was Bree-less. But hey, Momma was preparing to have twins. Good timing for Bree to be off "visiting her parents" while her slutty daughter Danielle discovered she was pregnant. And just when Julie was forgiving Austin for cheating on her with Danielle. I loved Danielle loudly puking after Julie was telling Austin she'd give him another chance. Did any of you think Andrew was about to proposition Austin into sleeping with him as blackmail so Andrew wouldn't tell Julie about Danielle being pregnant with Austin's baby? It wouldn't have surprised me. But he's leaving town "for a while" so Austin won't be getting any action on Wisteria Lane anytime soon.
Comedy MVP for this hubby-centric episode was Ricardo Antonio Chavira as Carlos, which was appropriate since comedy MVP is usually Eva Longoria as Gabrielle. I enjoyed watching Carlos interact with all the husbands, like calling Tom "Foldylocks" since Tom kept folding during their poker game. Then he referred to Ian as "Fish 'n Chips." But it was also worthwhile to see Carlos' serious side throughout the hour, like when he had the sexually compulsive online date (Crystal Allen) over and was more concerned with Edie's son Travers (Jake Cherry) being alone outside. Speaking of showing a serious side, what a rare moment to see Edie so vulnerable, admitting to Carlos that she gave her ex-husband custody of their son because she didn't think she was a good enough mother. We can all agree that she was right about that — leaving Travers home alone while going on a date, even for an hour? No bueno. But I won't complain too much — any excuse to have more Nicollette Sheridan, I say: "Bring it!"
Meanwhile, another change of pace was seeing someone romancing Gaby who didn't just go through puberty. Of course, when Gaby welcomes an older man into her life, he just has to be rich. We'll see how long this courtship lasts, but in the meantime, John Slattery as mayoral candidate Victor Lang is a nice addition to the show. Victor to Gaby: "I'm a catch." Gaby: "Well, I'm throwing you back." Victor to his chauffeur: "I'm gonna marry that girl." Can you picture Gaby as the mayor's wife? It could happen.
Poor Tom can't get a break. His elaborate plans for he and Lynette's ninth wedding anniversary turned disastrous, but after things calmed down, it looked as though at least his plans for sex ended in success (as indicated by his smile on the porch). Best Tom and Lynette dialogue happened earlier when Lynette told him she wanted to go to bed early on their anniversary. Tom: "Hold it — what about my sex? I always have sex on our anniversary." Lynette: "We can still have sex. Just try not to wake me."
My favorite parts of the episode were the Mike scenes — everywhere he looked there was an awkward moment with either Orson or Ian, and at the poker game, both. Interesting how both Orson and Ian have blackmail-type agreements going with Mike. We knew Orson would get his way and Mike would have to remain quiet about their past, but the Ian situation is the one I think will blow up. Me thinks Mike won't keep his promise to Ian not to tell Susan about the suddenness of Ian's proposal caused by discovering Mike's intended-for-Susan engagement ring. It was fun to watch the men instead of the women be catty bitches to each other for a change, don't you agree?
It will be a while before we get the next new episode. It's all repeats for the rest of March:
Sunday, March 11 — "Sweetheart, I Have to Confess"
Sunday, March 18 — "Bang"
Sunday, March 25 — "Children and Art"
See you in April! In the meantime, comment away....
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Mar 5, 2007 3:59 AM
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My favorite line was Rex's at the end: "Of course, you do come across a lucky SOB whose dreams have all come true. You know how you can spot them. They're the ones who can't stop smiling. Don't you just hate those guys?" Yeah, Rex. We do.
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Mar 5, 2007 4:14 AM
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I was surprised at Andrew's being so fiercely protective of his sister--and, yes, I did think he was out for sex too! However, I apologize. But he still hasn't paid the price for running down Mrs. Solis (lest we forget!).
I miss Rex (although as a Kyle Maclachlan fan from Dune on, I'm glad to see him on the show), so it was good to have at least his voice & his point of view back. Maybe one episode we can have "he said, she said" with Rex & Mary Alice. Think about it, Marc Cherry!
Poor Julie! She just can't get a break. And Carlos! He's such a softy underneath it all. I wish he & Gaby would get back together.
I expect that Mike & Orson will both keep their mouths closed. They each have a lot to lose, and, IMHO, they're now even.
I'm going to miss this show until it gets back, but it does give me a chance to watch Cold Case for a few weeks!
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Mar 5, 2007 4:41 AM
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Great episode.
My fave was Edie. I thought Nicolette did a superb job tonight. I was downright impressed with her acting.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Carlos and her have a little sumpin' sumpin' going on one of these days. I'd like to see Carlos have something nice!
Anyone remember John Slattery from HOMEFRONT? That's the first I can remember seeing him in something and I've always liked him. He'll make a great foil for Gabby. Ain't she something with her slamming comebacks? Also.....isn't she getting skinnier by the episode?
I'm tired of Teri Hatcher...just basically need a rest from her for a while OR her stupid storyline....and tonight she was on just enough.
I thought the show pretty much rocked.
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Mar 5, 2007 5:33 AM
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Loved the "Househusband"-centric episode. This may be my favorite of the season; well, way up there anyway.
I too enjoyed the presence of John Slattery. I did not know him from his Homefront days, but enjoyed him on Ed. It seems as though the Zach thing has completely run its course (thank goodness!) and it will be nice to see her with a self-assured guy closer to her age.
As for Edie & Carlos, I thought their pairing was going to be a given last night. As a matter of fact, I thought I saw a preview for last night's show that showed, let's say, a little bit more of her with him. Maybe it was just my imagination.
As much as I like Orson, I really miss Rex. I thought it was pretty funny that at one point, he alluded to the fact that he really does not miss his screwed up kids.
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Mar 5, 2007 8:23 AM
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I think this was another VERY entertaining episode. I had heard months ago that there was going to be a Rex-narrated show centered on the guys, and this didn't disappoint.
For some reason, that mayoral candidate who's trying to seranade Gaby
is just dripping slime to me. What an arrogant, smirking chump--just the kind of guy she's drawn to. But I REALLY don't like him already.
It was nice to see the "new" Andrew being a decent human being and talking Austin into leaving town. I know a lot of people liked Andrew when he was constantly giving Bree so much grief, but I hated him for that, because I love Bree! Anyway, I hope he doesn't slip back to the Dark Side.
BIG COMPLAINT HERE--but not about the show itself:
Isn't anyone else infuriated with ABC by this insane scheduling? A new DH episode one week, a special or awards show the next, then one or two new ones in a row, then repeats for 3 weeks...This is just what happened during season 1 and everyone was up-in-arms about it. Too bad I don't sense that kind of resentment from other viewers now. Where's the outrage?
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Mar 5, 2007 8:25 AM
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Yeah, I like this episode. I really like the fact that Rex didn't try to narrate like Mary Alice, even though I find it weird in the beginning that it was Rex's voice, not Mary Alice. My favorite storylines involve Carlos, Mike and Orson and the whole Austin/Juile/Danielle love triangle. I also like the scene where Edie admitting that she gave custody of her son to the father because she didn't think she was a good mother. Shows that she's human.
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Mar 5, 2007 8:27 AM
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pinkie, yes, I remember John Slattery from him Homefront days. I loved that show.
Dave, I thought you were going to make a Brenda Strong/Seinfeld reference with your "braless/Breeless" commment. Remember Brenda Strong on Seinfeld? She was Sue Ellen Mischke, the "Braless Wonder". I was set to be very impressed with your obscure trivial reference, but you didn't go there.
I thought this episode was pretty good. I felt bad for Mike, but I have a feeling that everything will work out for him in the end. It's interesting how the writers are trying to make Ian the bad guy, simply for proposing to Susan so Mike wouldn't remember his own intentions. That makes Ian a bad guy? I don't buy it. Hopefully, there's some other dirt there, because otherwise, he's just a guy who wanted to marry the woman he loves.
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Mar 5, 2007 9:04 AM
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The problem is, Garry, that 16 episodes have been shown and there are only 22 in a season. Some must be saved for the May sweeps. Sometimes reruns are good for people who missed a show when it aired and don't have TiVo or forgot to set their TiVo or had a power failure, etc. Not everyone watches on line. It would be nice if the shows could do a few more episodes per season (26 would be great) but the cost is prohibitive and the actors use the hiatuses for making movies, etc. I too wish I could have a new episode each week. Would you prefer if DH ran straight through like 24? Or in two segments like Lost? Or three like Veronica Mars? I don't think there is any satisfactory solution.
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Mar 5, 2007 9:10 AM
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Loved, loved, LOVED IT!! With so many things to be excited about.
The Rex voiceover and seeing the show from the man's viewpoint.
The Mike in the middle - poor guy - think the Susan/ring thing has to come out though (maybe not that Ian saw it) but she caught him selling the ring that fit her finger!
KNEW Lynette was going to wind up waiting outside the minute the doorbell rang and she was in her robe - thought uh oh - so having the limo driver call and then seeing her sitting there was no surprise but a HOOT - and good for the two of them that Tom wound up with the smile on his face!!
Carlos was great with this newer side and being so paternal in spite of what he was losing and I thought too he and Edie would get together but that could be in the future.
Jayhawk - I thought it was Edie with Carlos in the previews too but it was probably just his oversexed date (same coloring and it was a quick shot).
Loved Andrew - do you all think he'll stay as the nice guy? - caring for his sister - and thought, with his arm around the guy's shoulder, he WAS going to hit on him. Feel bad for him (why'd I blank out on his name?) and Danielle but look, Edie couldn't have two young males to concentrate on so off with one of them which means the kid will be there for a while.
What else? So much - loved how they walked Bree off though thought it was someone her height/weight with a great red wig, and fact Orson's staying - wonder how they'll work this but wait, that's right, we have a hiatus and then maybe Marcia will be back.
All in all so much goodies to comment on and I can't think of one sour note. I'm even looking forward to the time off to do other things on a Sunday night!!
OH nearly forgot - don't know that I like the pairup with Gabby's new guy - granted he's closer to her age but somehow (and this is a switch!) thought he was too old for her or that he just didn't look like a guy I'd expect her to be with - maybe it's the grey hair - but he's bright - rich - and yes I think slimmy for some reason - so let's see how this plays out. Could be fun!!
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Mar 5, 2007 9:16 AM
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Imzadi:
As far as scheduling is concerned, I just think ABC could have put more care into making sure DH ran at least 4 or 5 episodes in a row without an interruption--that's certainly not impossible, unless my math is way off (and even a 24 episode season is preferable to 22). In season 1, I think there was a 6-week gap at mid-season between new episodes. They fixed that problem somewhat last season, but it all seems so careless lately--and doesn't help with the show's ratings or in keeping viewers interested. Perhaps it SHOULD begin later in the season and run straight through like "24", or in two long stretches, no?
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Mar 5, 2007 9:45 AM
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I also loved having Rex narrate a husband-centric episode! I liked his style a lot better than Mary Alice's "Stepford Wife" style.
I also think that John Slattery is creepy! Every time I see him, he is playing a politician, and I think of that slimy politician he played on "Sex and the City" who wanted to do a really yucky thing with Carrie that I can't even type, because I don't want to gross y'all out!!
I really like Carlos! He needs to find someone good for him. I'm not sure if he'd end up with Edie, though, because he'd always be afraid to leave Edie's son with her! Or, maybe he'd feel protective of her and her son.
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Mar 5, 2007 9:50 AM
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I must have missed an episode. What is keeping Mike quiet about Orson running him down? Please help me out here!!
I loved John Slattery as one of the men Carrie dated on Sex and the City.
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Mar 5, 2007 10:01 AM
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It seems like things usually get tense around poker games - whether it's the women or the men playing, I guess! I finally liked Mike again this episode, for maybe the first time this season. His reaction to seeing both Orson and Ian at the poker game was priceless, as was his reaction to Carlos talking about his, uh, tendencies in bed.
I didn't sympathize with Edie - come on. She didn't get pregnant when she was young, or in some difficult circumstances - she's just too self centered. And he's one child who she barely sees. The whole time she was crying to Carlos, I just kind of felt like it was funny. I don't blame him for being nice to her, though. She was crying on his doorstep with her son waiting for her.
I'm glad things ended well for Tom and Lynette. I always feel sorry for Tom, but as Rex (good to hear him) pointed out, he was the only one who seemed really happy at the end of the night.
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Mar 5, 2007 10:14 AM
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Mike doesn't know that Orson ran him down, Holly1. He didn't see who hit him, most likely.
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Mar 5, 2007 10:20 AM
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