In the season's second installment the mystery slowly starts to unfold. As a marvelous homage to the show itself, we're reminded why this concept works so well.
Many years ago this show started with one of the better mysteries on television. The idea of housewives bearing secrets was incredibly refreshing and deceptive. For all we knew, our own mothers had letters in the mail. For its final season it was a great move to revisit that very same mystery and try to spin it in a new way. That very twist ensured my return to the show and I'm not disappointed.
The idea of Desperate Housewives is basically the voice-over of Mary-Alice explaining the episode's theme to us in a series of montage and it is always a treat. But now her mystery is back on the surface that very familiar montage carries a heavier load.
I think the power in repeating that story is in the connection we have with Bree. We've seen her struggle for eight seasons, including one of the most devastating love lives on TV. Now it's her turn to be faced with her inner demons and, personally, I loved the show's season-long mysteries most when they involved Bree. For one she's incredibly efficient, visiting Paul within a week of receiving the letter. Secondly, I was very relieved she decided to do what Mary-Alice couldn't: confide in others.
On other sides of the lane the episode proved to be a rather classic one. Gaby dealt with sex issues, resulting in one of the funniest outcomes of the week. Susan, as chaotic as ever, tried to get punished for her sins in the familiar unrealistic, almost cartoonist ways. And Tom and Lynette, even separated, acted as a couple first and parents second, only to see the error of their ways.
The most remarkable thing about the episode was its awareness of history. From Mike's time in jail that conflicted with getting hired to Carlos being reminded of being blind (who remembered, honestly?). The episode was one big statement that the show had chronicled these characters lives in a respectable and rather down to earth way.
Quite on the contrary was the guilt of Susan and Carlos. Two characters who, even after being neighbors for years, haven't dealt with each other much, found each other in a shared feeling of regret. I thought it was a beautiful story that was both surprising as resolving. Except that it feels utterly misplaced. Both of these people have had a lot to deal with. Guns being fired, dead people in their house, committing crimes, etc. I'm sorry but if you talk about self-awareness, it's hard to figure that these two who have been through so much are this distraught by covering up a murder. Perhaps I'm too far removed from society to judge but I honestly can't see the big problem with all of it. Not after everything they've been through.
It perfectly reflects what this show is all about and how it works. Desperate Housewives remains one of the juiciest, intriguing stories on air, but much like its themes, you're advised not to look to deep down the barrel.
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