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All television series that last longer than three seasons can’t be strong throughout. There are going to be weaker seasons for shows that stick around for awhile. If you are going to have weak seasons, you really want them to occur after the first season and before the climaxing season, and then again right after the climax and before the final season. That way the show will keep getting renewed to see more than four seasons, and will be strong from the start, through the middle, and finally at the end. But having season four occur during a “strike-shortened” year like we had last year is rough, and only strong shows can survive to follow that pattern. Desperate Housewives, thankfully for the creative team behind the show and the fans of the show, has definitely earned that respect and is considered a strong show. But the question here is how much would season four of this popular primetime drama/comedy be affected by the strike?
For those that don’t know, Desperate Housewives is set on the street of Wisteria Lane in the fictional American town of Fairview, Eagle State. The series centers around a group of women and their respective loved ones including Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross), Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria Parker), and Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan). These women are housewives who seem to have a “desperate” need to either be nosy neighbors and get into other people’s business or hide their own business from each other. Revealing these truths is their deceased neighbor and narrator Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong).
The main mystery in season four revolves around new neighbor Katherine Mayfair (Dana Delany) and her family, who returns to Wisteria Lane after a twelve-year absence. In addition, Katherine’s daughter, Dylan (Lyndsy Fonseca), remembers nothing about living on Wisteria Lane. Meanwhile, Lynette continues to battle cancer; the unhappy newlywed Gabrielle starts an affair with her ex-husband Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira); Susan and Mike (James Denton) enjoy life as a married couple and learn that they are expecting a child; Bree fakes a pregnancy and plans to raise her teenage daughter’s illegitimate child as her own; and Edie schemes to hold on to her new love, Carlos. With that wasn’t enough, a gay couple from Chicago, Lee (Kevin Rahm) and Bob (Tuc Watkins), also becomes new residents of Wisteria Lane when they move into the house formerly occupied by Betty Applewhite (Alfre Woodard), and Gloria and Alma Hodge.
The writing in season four seemed to be fresher and more intriguing than the past two seasons. The writers went back to their season one roots and showed us that the glue that holds up this show is the friendships between Lynette, Susan, Bree, and Gabrielle. Through bad times and good, they support each other and this season featured a lot of things that each other needed help with. It also didn’t hurt that story arcs that each of the main characters had written for them this season seemed to play to the respective actor’s strengths. It’s still funny to think of Desperate Housewives has a comedy, which is what they are considered under the Emmy Awards, but season four definitely featured more comedic elements that seemed to be more present in season one. But the drama is still want drives this series forward and it doesn’t disappoint this time around.
However, despite the strong writing perhaps the best reason this show seems to be better than ever is the influx of new characters. The new neighbor played by Dana Delany brings a brand new mystery to the show that is interesting to watch. She also pretty much plays the perfect “villain” to the other Wisteria Lane ladies, but especially Bree. She came in direct conflict with Bree the moment she showed back up on the street and their fighting was fun to watch. The addition of the new gay couple was also good as they play the perfect foils for Susan as well.
It was time for a shake up for Desperate Housewives and season four did just that. (Although, there may be a bigger shake up of a different kind next season.) The acting and writing in season four is as good as it ever has been. The new additions to the cast are also excellent and give the show a new energy. It’s hard to find anything wrong with this season, except the lack of extras on the actual DVD set. But season four can easily be considered as the climax of Desperate Housewives and will most likely provide enough interest for viewers to finish this series out on a high note over the next three years or so. If you loved Desperate Housewives in its first season, but were then turned off of from the show after watching seasons two and three, it’s now time to come back. Not even the writers’ strike could derail this show.
Episodes:
Disc One:
Episode 1 – Now You Know
A month has passed on Wisteria Lane since Susan and Gabrielle tied the knot with Mike and Victor. While Lynette is battling with the effects of chemotherapy, Susan finds out she might have menopause. Bree’s faked pregnancy comes close to being uncovered and Gabrielle starts an affair with Carlos. After twelve years of absence, Katherine Mayfair moves back to Wisteria Lane with her new husband Adam and daughter Dylan, who doesn’t seem to remember living there.
Episode 2 – Smiles of a Summer Night
After realizing Tom has been letting her win at cards, Lynette kicks him out of her chemotherapy sessions. Katherine suggests a lunch for Lynette to which Bree insists on bringing dessert, her very own lemon meringue pie. Katherine replaces the pie with her own and Bree becomes determined to get the recipe. Julie desperately wants to go to a party but when Mike advises against it Susan forbids Julie from going.
Episode 3 – The Game
Bree informs the housewives of what she overheard in the Mayfair house. Susan is throwing one of her charade parties, and although reluctant at first, the girls all decide to go when they make sure Katherine is going to be there. Stella makes marijuana-laced brownies to help Lynette through chemotherapy. Susan is uncomfortable having Adam as her gynecologist so she asks Bree for the number of hers. At the party, both Carlos and Katherine get upset when they see Gabrielle and Adam flirting.
Episode 4 – If There’s Anything I Can’t Stand
Wisteria Lane welcomes a gay couple to the street, and unfortunately for them, the first neighbor to greet them is Susan Mayer. Edie is shocked when she receives some news at the gynecologist’s office. Gabrielle goes with Lynette to the wig store and ends up giving her useful tips to improve her sex life. The girls throw Bree a surprise baby shower and thanks to Andrew, Bree’s ex-mother-in-law Phyllis (Shirley Knight) is among the invitees.
Disc Two:
Episode 5 – Art Isn’t Easy
Bob & Lee’s contemporary water sculpture in their front yard prompts the Wisteria Lane neighborhood association into action. Edie finds out about the affair that Carlos is having with Gaby, and John Rowland, the Solis’ former gardener, wants to rekindle his romance with Gaby.
Episode 6 – Now I Know, Don’t Be Scared
This is the show’s first Halloween episode. Edie Britt’s biggest fear comes true when Carlos walks out on their relationship. Susan finds Mike’s father, who was supposedly dead. Danielle goes into labor right in the middle of the Halloween party and somebody has to deliver the baby.
Episode 7 – You Can’t Judge A Book By Its Cover
Lynette’s sisters Lydia and Lucy come to visit. While having dinner with Susan and Mike, Bree and Orson realize they share different views on whether their newborn baby should be circumcised. On a boat, Victor confronts Gaby about her affair with Carlos and she throws him into the ocean. Later, Bree informs Susan that she thinks Mike is addicted to drugs.
Episode 8 – Distant Past
A mysterious stalker from Adam’s past shows up on Wisteria Lane. Detectives question Gabrielle about Victor’s whereabouts. Danielle’s baby puts stress on Bree and Orson’s marriage. Mike’s drug dealer drops by Susan’s house. Lynette has a reunion with her long-lost stepfather, Glen (Richard Chamberlain).
Disc Three:
Episode 9 – Something’s Coming
A tornado comes to Wisteria Lane, forcing residents into basements, cellars and safe rooms, and destroying homes and lives. Meanwhile, Susan ends up at the hospital after falling down the stairs.
Episode 10 – Welcome to Kanagawa
In the aftermath of the tornado, the residents of Wisteria Lane try to rebuild their lives. Katherine discovers someone may know her secret while Lynette faces the possibility of her family’s fate. Meanwhile Mrs. McCliskey has to face the death of one of her dearest friends, Ida.
Episode 11 – Sunday
Two weeks after the tornado, with Mike still in rehab, Mrs. Delfino gets a visit from her cousin Tim (guest star Chris Carmack). Meanwhile, Bree desperately awaits to return to her own house. Gabrielle learns that Carlos’ blindness is permanent. Katherine is unable to keep some of her secrets from the women of Wisteria Lane. Finally, a surprise wedding ceremony has its own share of secrets.
Episode 12 – In Buddy’s Eyes
Bree and Katherine join forces to plan the Founders’ Day Ball. Lynette is surprised when Rick (guest star Jason Gedrick) shows up at the Scavo pizzeria. Gabrielle struggles with the reality of having a blind husband. Mike asks Orson for forgiveness as part of his recovery program, and Orson starts sleepwalking.
Disc Four:
Episode 13 – Hello, Little Girl
Bree and Katherine decide to start a catering business together. Lynette tries to deny her feelings for Rick (guest star Jason Gedrick). Mike learns the truth about his nearly fatal accident. Carlos gets a seeing-eye dog. Dylan meets her estranged father (guest star Gary Cole).
Episode 14 – Opening Doors
Susan meets her ex-husband, Karl (guest star Richard Burgi), at a Lamaze class, and finds out that he has remarried and is having another child. Lynette learns who was responsible for starting the fire at Rick’s restaurant. Bree wants Orson to turn himself in to the police. Gabrielle rents a room to a hip artist, Ellie (guest star Justine Bateman), who has a dark secret. Dylan continues meeting with her father, Wayne (guest star Gary Cole), and Katherine decides to go spy on her.
Episode 15 – Mother Said
Adele Delfino (guest star Celia Weston), Susan’s mother-in-law, arrives for a visit. Carlos and Gabrielle find out their tenant, Ellie (guest star Justine Bateman), has a dark secret. Lynette has more problems with Kayla. A full scale war erupts between Bree and Edie.
Disc Five:
Episode 16 – The Gun Song (Part 1)
Susan and Mike try to name their son. Mike wants to name him after his deceased grandfather, Maynard. Lynette is arrested for child abuse of Kayla. Bree is being stalked by Orson, and when she meets with Reverend Green (guest star Bill Smitrovich), the reverend tries to hit on her. Gabrielle is still helping the police trying to detain Ellie (guest star Justine Bateman) for dealing drugs. Katherine is visited by her ex-husband, Wayne (guest star Gary Cole), who wants to know why Dylan doesn’t have a childhood scar on her arm anymore.
Episode 17 – Free (Part 2)
After Katherine announces that she has to leave town, Bree is left responsible for catering Bob and Lee’s wedding. Gabrielle finds $118,000 in Ellie’s teddy bear. Susan realizes she will soon lose someone she loves. Katherine Mayfair’s secrets are finally revealed, and several residents of Wisteria Lane are faced with deadly threats.
The video is given in anamorphic widescreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, which is enhanced for 16X9 TVs. The transfer is great with minimal grain. ABC shows always look great on TV, so you wouldn’t expect anything but greatness for the DVD’s video quality. No problems at all.
The audio included is in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. The dialogue and music come out loud and clear. No major problems here either and the overall quality is a little better than your average TV on DVD set.
Audio Commentaries –
There are 5 audio commentaries for 5 different episodes in this season. All of them, except one, feature an on-screen couple. Marc Cherry (creator), Bob Daily (executive producer/writer), and Jeff Greenstein (producer/writer) comment on the “Now I Know” episode. Felicity Huffman and Doug Savant comment on the “Welcome to Kanagawa” episode. Marcia Cross and Kyle MacLachlan comment on the “Now I Know Don’t Be Scared” episode. Eva Longoria Parker and Ricardo Antonio Chavira comment on the “Something’s Coming” episode. Teri Hatcher and James Denton comment on the “Mother Said” episode. This is a great mix of entertainment and information in all of these. I like the couples commentary more than the producers’ team commentary, but they are all pretty good and worth checking out.
“Getting Desperarte: From Beginning To End” Featurette –
This runs 26 minutes and this is an in-depth look at how an episode of this show goes from being written to being shot. The example used here is the infamous “Something’s Coming” tornado episode. This is pretty interesting to watch, actually.
“Spare Time: Hanging With the Men of Wisteria Lane” Featurette –
This runs 8 minutes and we talk to the main cast of men on the show about their experiences on the show. They do this while they are bowling together. James Denton, Doug Savant, Shawn Pyfrom, Kyle MacLaughlan, Nathan Fillion, Kevin Rahm, and Tuc Watkins are all featured here. It’s a little odd that Ricardo Chavira didn’t appear in this, since he has been on the show since the beginning, but it’s fun to hear their take on the women they deal with on the show. Nothing “must-see”, but it’s entertaining.
“Cherry Picked: Creator Marc Cherry’s Favorite Scenes” –
The creator, Marc Cherry, picked 6 scenes that were his “favorite” of the season for various reason. These total 14 minutes, and you have the option of hearing Cherry explain why he likes each scene. These are all great and memorable scenes in this season, so it’s nice to hear the creator’s take on them.
Deleted Scenes –
There are about 12 scenes that got cut from this season. They total 11 minutes. All of them were cut for time reasons, but none of them are scenes you have to see.
Bloopers –
Your standard set of screw ups and gags that lasts nearly 5 minutes. This is really not that funny, though.
Alternate Ending –
This a two minute alternate ending to the season. It still takes place five years later, but in this scene the main women in the show only talk about what has happened to them in the future. It was definitely better with the ending shown on TV. It created more excitement for the next season, and if you listen to Marc Cherry’s commentary of this scene, he says the same thing.
Season four is as good or even slightly better than season one. That makes it the best season so far or at least tied for the best. If you haven’t seen the show yet, it actually wouldn’t be terrible if you started with this season. So rent this at least to see what this show at its best. Fans of the show will no doubt want to buy this set, despite the limited number of extras.
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Buena Vista Home Entertainment presents Desperate Housewives – Season 4. Created by Marc Cherry. Starring Terri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross, Eva Longoria Parker, and Nicollette Sheridan. Running time: 721 minutes. Rated: NOT RATED. Released on DVD: September 2, 2008.
Available at Amazon.com
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