Given that I never like to leave a job unfinished, I have decided to bring myself, and my loyal readers (hah!) bang up to date with those television shows that I started reviewing and then devilishly abandoned a couple of months back. I know, I'm a scamp. I promise to maintain them in 2009. Honest, I do. In fact, I might even give them their own website; crazy, huh? But enough small talk... we begin with Desperate Housewives which, well, went a little bit doo-lally...
506: 'There's Always a Woman'
Writer: John Paul Bullock, III
Director: Matthew Diamond
Synopsis: Gabby is over the moon when Carlos' client makes them an offer they can't refuse, but a startling discovery leaves her second guessing. Lynette grows suspicious that Tom is cheating on her. After breaking up with Jackson, Susan tries to surprise him, only to find the surprise is on her. Meanwhile, the bond between Bree and Katherine grows. Finally, Mrs. McCluskey enlists the help of her sister Roberta (guest star Lily Tomlin) to dig up dirt on Dave.
Review: A strong episode that jump-starts a host of fresh narratives. Lynette's is of particular note, if only for the 'phew! What a relief!' moment when we find that no, Tom's mid-life crisis does not extend to banging the town harlot... over the past few seasons, the Scavos have seen just about enough adultery-teasing thank you very much. The decision to throw a statutory rape storyline into the mix is a brave one and shines the spotlight very firmly on the talents of the (new) actor playing Porter; hopefully, he'll impress. Elsewhere, Frances Conroy is superb as creepy fruitbasket Virginia Hildebrand, and her obsession with the Solis family makes for some satisfying comedic moments, and Lily Tomlin instantly makes the role of Roberta her own with one Southern accent, a bottle of liquor and a fag jammed into her mouth. 8.6
507: 'What More Do I Need?'
Writer: Matt Berry
Director: Larry Shaw
Synopsis: Lynette and Tom uncover the unsettling truth about son Porter. Gabrielle suspects Carlos' best client, Virginia (guest star Frances Conroy), has ulterior motives. Bree's moment of weakness could bring her great embarrassment and shame. Katherine's not-so-little secret is unveiled. Susan learns of Jackson's true passion. Finally, Mrs. McCluskey's sister Roberta (guest star Lily Tomlin) unearths a disturbing fact about Dave.
Review: Treading water slightly, 'What More Do I Need?' nudges the housewives' narratives forward a few baby steps, rather than putting the pedal to the metal and sending them joyriding around Wisteria Lane. Still, there's much to enjoy here, particularly Felicity Huffman's work as a rather demented Lynette Scavo, whose determination to put an end to what she sees as a violation of her son is so believable, it's almost too difficult to watch. Bree's 'moment of weakness' is rather fun too, giving Marcia Cross a chance to let her, often underestimated, comedic talents shine through. And how about Andrew, eh? Still looking pretty hot in those suits... 8.2
508: 'City on Fire'
Writer: Bob Daily
Director: David Grossman
Synopsis: Susan's daughter Julie (former main castmember Andrea Bowen) comes to visit with her surprising new boyfriend (played by Steven Weber). Gabrielle learns that Mrs. Hildebrand (guest star Frances Conroy) has made her and Carlos heirs of her entire fortune. A reporter looks to expose Bree's imperfections. Lynette learns Porter and Anne Schilling (guest star Gail O'Grady) plan to leave Fairview and disappear. Finally, everyone has gathered at a club to see the guys play in the annual "Battle of the Bands" when a fire erupts, threatening the lives of those in attendance. Some will fall as a hero will rise.
Review: And so to Desperate Housewives' annual 'big sweeps episode', the one that 'threatens to change the lives of the central characters forever' (just as it did in all the past seasons, but, um, well, actually didn't all that much) and promises to be a season highlight, full of action, drama, revelations and, hopefully, mindless gay sex featuring Shawn Pyfrom and Jesse Metcalffe... *ahem* In the past two seasons, the hype machine went into overdrive for 'Bang!' and 'Something's Coming', respectively and, well, justifiably so. Those remain two of the best forty five minutes of television that the creators of this show have ever put to film. 'City on Fire' tries to be the equivalent - really, it does - but, let's be honest, it just can't quite match them. A middleweight in heavyweight territory, would be an appropriate metaphor. There's some clever manipulation of plot structure, interesting character developments and a brief "oh my God, they're actually going to kill Mike" moment to enjoy but, sadly, the gravitas of the fire just doesn't compare to that of, say, a tornado; and the drama of the situation is nowhere near as intense as the claustrophobic psych-fest of the supermarket robbery in 'Bang!' Of course, it is perhaps a bit unfair to judge 'City of Fire' in this fashion; it is a well written episode with a host of excellent scenes and, at the very least, a cameo from Tokyo Police Club to enjoy. It could just have done with a little bit more... oomph. And if Mike is Dave's target, I swear to God... 8.7
509: 'Me and My Town'
Writer: Lori Kirkland Baker
Director: David Warren
Synopsis: For Gaby and Carlos, injuries sustained in the fire lead to a fortunate discovery. But for most, the consequences are less forgiving. Lynette and Tom vow to protect son Porter at any cost. Susan must learn to let go of the man she loves. Orson's attempt at a good night's sleep puts Bree in a most precarious, though amusing, position on the day of her big cooking demonstration.
Review: Oh God. They're going to do it, aren't they? They're actually going to do it. I knew that whole 'five years in the future' thing was going to prove to be a little too convenient sooner rather than later. Please, please, please, Marc Cherry... don't have it happen. Don't ruin the chance to spend at least the next season or so exploring what was an incredibly brave decision on the part of your writing staff. Don't have Carlos regain his sight. It'll be a complete 'jump the shark' moment, truly. At least we don't know for certain yet... he's just going for the operation. And thus far, it has thrown up some wonderful acting from Eva Longoria and Ricardo Chavira. But I'm still not happy. Oh, yes, I almost forgot, the episode. Pretty good stuff, nicely, and creatively, structured (again) around the hospital. Felicity Huffman proves she's the best damn thing to have ever happened to this show for the millionth time. Dave goes a bit loopy, which is nice. And Andrew gets a boyfriend! Wah-hey! And he's a hottie! Double wah-hey! Now if only we can spend next week watching them doing the ugly, I'll be happy. Wah-hey! 8.5
510: 'A Vision's Just a Vision'
Writer: David Flebotte
Director: Larry Shaw
Synopsis: Lynette takes extreme measures to protect her son. Carlos realizes the extent of Gaby's sacrifices for their family. Bree wants to prove to Andrew that she has accepted him for who he is. Katherine finds happiness, as Susan and Mike recognize the fate of their relationship. Meanwhile, Dave starts to lose his grip.
Review: I knew it. I bloody knew it. Desperate Housewives: shark. Shark: Desperate Housewives. Jump! Despite some wonderful dialogue and superb acting from our regulars, Carlos and Gabby's storyline is a freaking shambles. I'm sorry, but it had to be said. He's been blind for eighteen episodes. EIGHTEEN FREAKING EPISODES. That's less than a conventional season of American television. Really, what was the point? Sure, it's made for some fresh storylines, breathing a new lease of life into the Solis' narratives, but surely that could continue? There's so much more mileage left in it. It's a completely wasted opportunity... much like Dave's story, which seemingly unleashed its big reveal at the end of this episode, and it was... he's after Mike. Well there's a surprise. Big whoopie-do. Did anyone really not see that coming? It was about as telegraphed as the sun rising. And did it have to be the idiot plumber again? The one with the established sordid past again? Surely it would've made things a tad more interesting had it been, say, Tom or Carlos? *sigh* Maybe I'm jumping the gun; maybe, given Dave's apparent descent into whacked-out hallucination-land in 'A Vision's Just a Vision', he was blabbering and not actually revealing his true intentions. Or maybe I'm just indulging in a spot of wishful thinking. I suppose we'll have to wait until the New Year to see. But I'm not happy right now, people. Not happy at all. Well, except for the part of me that is absolutely in love with Andrew's story, that is. Nicely written, at times pleasantly comedic and surprisingly moving, and well played by all.. and not a whiff of a stereotype to be seen. Well, not on Andrew and his beau anyway. We'll just forget about Bob and Lee, shall we? At least I'm getting what I want on the Shawn Pyfrom front, I suppose (well, except for his naked body on a platter), but still... grrrrr. Bloody predictable writers. I shake my fist at you. *shake* 7.7
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