It was inevitable that after the best episode in years last week, Desperate Housewives would hit a lull with the follow-up. I mean, you can only kill The Babe and Aunt Jackie once, so how do you come back from that? But while I was expecting a complete and utter collapse, we were still treated to a pretty meaty episode that gave us a few new shades to old mysteries. Why was Mike's large tool was needed in the Monique murder investigation? What is the secret that Orson's mother is holding over her son's head? Meanwhile, we were introduced to some new mysteries, most notably: Just how nice is new nice guy neighbor, Art? Find out after the jump...
I know that this is going to be a humdinger of a Desperate Housewives episode because my lady love, Karen McClusky is a major part of the open. You see Karen, besides being a Grade-A hottie, is also the Wisteria Lane "helper". She goes around to people's houses and paints there garage doors when they are starting to look a little lackluster, takes down errant Christmas lights in mid-Spring, etc. She's even been know to shave Edie Britt's scrotum when it's become too unseemly, making her the best neighbor ever. But you see, like the true bad girl she is, Karen isn't doing these things out of the kindness of her heart, but rather to gain the upper hand on her fellow Wisteria Lane dwellers. Believe me, I know from experience, Karen McClusky likes to be on top.
On this particular day, Mrs. McClusky is lurking around Mike Delfino's house as Edie is fixing it up for her returning amnesiac beau. I guess Mike's seemingly endless Health Insurance finally ran out and he is being evicted from Chez Hospital. Mrs. McDoMe needs a favor, but Edie isn't too keen on it. It seems Edie is too busy getting ready for that bank job she has planned at Wisteria Lane Federal Credit Union:
Mrs. McClusky thinks that Edie will see things her way, when she correctly deduces that Edie is at Mike's house to hide any trace of Mike's relationship with Susan. Unfortunately for Edie, Mrs. McClusky has a stash of pictures of Mike and Susan look happy as two skeletons can look. Seriously Mike, eat something. Mrs. McClusky not-so-vaguely threatens that she can show these pictures to Mike at anytime. Wait a second, I thought that Vampires DIDN'T show up in pictures? Weird. Edie breaks and Mrs. McClusky is bought off with Mike's lawnmower.
It's that horrible time of the year again: Girl Scout time. Sure, who doesn't love a Samoa cookie (frozen Samoas... mmmmmm), but come on, aren't Girl Scouts like the scariest ever? No? Just me? Whatever. Sadly, these little bloodsuckers don't even have a Samoa or Thin Mint 
under their arms but rather are selling magazine subscriptions. One has the misfortune of heading over to the Solis household where Gabby is doing her best Norma Desmond meets Naomi Campbell impression. This girl is wildly impressed by the fact that Gabby used to be a model, thus giving Gabby an excuse to bust out her overstuffed portfolio. I suspended the belief that Eva could be such a successful model, despite her 5'2" stature, but so many covers in so little time? However, it is hysterical that while Gabby is sipping Red Wine (isn't it like 10 am?) there is a wine glass full of Milk for her new little fan.
Later on Gabby, Bree and Susan are waiting in front of the Scavo house for Lynette, who is returning home from the hospital after her brush with Aunt Jackie-style death. While they are waiting Gabby tells Bree and Susan that she is planning a triumphant return to modeling. The women feign concern that this career move could take Gabby away from Wisteria Lane and to New York, but let's be honest, even when "acting" this scene SkeleHatcher and KimberBree were probably fantasizing about getting this Maxim-cover stealing hussy off their show for good.
Lynette finally arrives to cheers and adulation from her friends and children. She offhandedly mentions that Kayla, the orphan whose mother just took a slug to the chest and whom The Babe left to Lynette's keeping with her last dying breath, is staying with her grandmother. It seems that the Minions of Darkness Lynette refers to as her children are unaware that she was shot, involved in a hostage situation and that The Babe is no longer with the living.
Comments (17)
Yes, Art is a pedophile. Maybe he'll go with the Pete Townshend "I was doing research" explanation.
Grandma Sugarbaker rocks. That kitchen scene between Orson and her had all the creepiness that made the first season work.
1 of 17 | Posted by brilliantmistake![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 15, 2006 3:51 PM
I don't know about Art being a pedophile, however I think Lynette's reaction was a little odd. She should have gone straight to the police instead of straight home, but that wouldn't make for very good drama.
Excellent recap, Umnata.
2 of 17 | Posted by Clair![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 15, 2006 4:50 PM
Hmm I never thought about Art not being a pedophile. I guess it would be an interesting twist if the pictures were for something non-disturbing.
Oh, and I thought it would be worth mentioning that I never watched DH until I read a recap on TVgasm out of boredom and decided these recaps are too funny and it might help if I knew what was going on. So thanks for adding yet another show to my ever-increasing TiVo lineup.
3 of 17 | Posted by AlJal8754![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 15, 2006 4:52 PM
Great recap!
I was also irked when Lynette made the "wherever" comment (she did it twice too!) .. just didn't seem realistic.
And even though Asslee Simpson's ex boyfriend is a fun character... the pairing with Julie is too contrived. Its hard to watch.
Loved seeing Karl back. He was a great character... Get him back together with Edie and get rid of bland Mike!
4 of 17 | Posted by shiaobundan![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 15, 2006 5:39 PM
I think they mentioned that he was a swim coach or something along those lines. That was a great twist at the end; something I didn't expect. But I agree with brilliantmisttake, I doubt that this is a red herring, it's probably the real thing. And I'm glad I'm no the the only one noticing Ms. McClusky's womanly curves.
5 of 17 | Posted by Captain![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 15, 2006 5:53 PM
umnata- the phrase that the kiddies are using is "dunzo." as in, skelehatcher wants the relationship to be dunzo. ok- so that refers to 2 relationships. but you get the idea....
6 of 17 | Posted by sweetjane![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 8:11 AM
Great recap. I'm starting to like Andrew better and better each week. He's better at the snarky mama's boy than the angsty teen rebel. Can't wait to find out what's up with Orson and his mom...
Also, here's an interview with your girlfriend! She talks about her character on the West Wing too...
http://www.mediavillage.com/jmentr/2006/11/15/jmer-housewives-11-15-06/
7 of 17 | Posted by Lisa![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 8:17 AM
Finding out Art was a pedophile was seriously disturbing. And who wouldn't call the police? Is she just going to continue to let this man interact with her children? We know she's not the best mom, but geez. Lynette also needs to bo back to wearing the clip in her hair. The hair down is not working for her.
8 of 17 | Posted by Victoria![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 12:43 PM
im telling you guys - i really dont feel like Art is a pedophile - i think it's all going to end up being a major misunderstanding. i HOPE he is a pedophile (is that weird to say?) bc i think it'll be great TV - lynette vs. the perv. it would be really great. i just have a nagging feeling that it's not what it seems. although i do agree with all of you that i cant believe lynette would go straight to the cops...
9 of 17 | Posted by umnata![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 1:25 PM
I think the reason Lynette didn't go to the police, is the fact that she was in his house uninvited. It doesn't matter if he had the door unlocked or not.
I'm thinking he's not a pedophile. At first I did, but now that I see the picture of the kids, it appears that they are at the pool, and if he was a swim coach...I don't know I guess we will see.
Also the "P" on Art's shirt is not a Purdue P. They could've at least used a real Purdue t-shirt.
10 of 17 | Posted by dmbislove![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 2:08 PM
Is desperate housewives going to have to call up ice-t and the crew over at svu?! Do I smell crossover episode?!?!
11 of 17 | Posted by ckitten![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 2:35 PM
No love for the Christmas letter? Hilarious!
I can see Lynette's hesitation with Art somewhat believeable. I mean...the man DID save her life just a few days ago...I could see it being a difficult decision to make... Man saves your life, and you ruin his. Besides, it's just hesitation, she may act on it soon. You could see her deep in thought in the last scene, so it's on her mind.
I hope they keep Carl for a few more episodes, he's always been such an interesting and animated character.
Eager to see the next episode, and the next recap!
12 of 17 | Posted by The Red Bean![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 5:43 PM
heh, I go to Purdue, and that made my night.
Also as mentioned, that was NOT a real Purdue P, but do you really think the producers would actually ask to use a real one?
13 of 17 | Posted by joshman5k![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 16, 2006 7:09 PM
Has anyone mentioned the fact that Art is Fisher, Aunt Jackie's abusive boyfriend & real life baby-daddy? This is the first I've seen him since Roseanne.
Great recap. On the pedophile-thing: very possible he is one. First, he works as a boy's swim coach, ped's will find a way to be around kids. Second, his toy room in the basement, & third having the pictures on the wall. BUT-all the pictures look like they were at the pool & no one was naked. We haven't met is invalid sister yet-could be a piece to the puzzle.
BTW-I HATE Edie's nephew. Bad acting, bad writing, bad hair...why oh why couldn't he have taken the bullet for Nora??
14 of 17 | Posted by tvaholic![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 17, 2006 10:51 AM
I also hope that the neighbor isn't a pedo. Although I think it would make good TV, I feel sorry for this actor. First he was best known as the jerkass that beat up Aunt Jackie and now he'll always be known as a child molester.
15 of 17 | Posted by fozziebare13![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 17, 2006 8:13 PM
Whoa! Thanks for the shout-out, Umnata! Yes, I did dig The Babe. (Sadly, I do not share your lustful fascination for the old snoopy dame McClusky.)
At the risk of sounding obsequious, your DH recaps are getting better and better. I had many a snigger and snort as I read your witty snark.
BTW -- brilliantmistake (#1) -- I totally bought Pete Townshend's explanation -- am I being naïve?
dmbislove (#10) -- re not using the real 'P' - is it possible the producers just wanted to avoid a licensing issue? Especially if it later becomes 'P is for Pedophile'?!
16 of 17 | Posted by Donna Martin Graduates!![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tvgasm.com/shows/nav-commenters.gif)
|
Posted on November 21, 2006 3:45 PM
I would like to know the poem that they said on the last show on Jan.6 When they spread the ashes on the field. Thank you,Jeri Boston
17 of 17 | Posted by Jeri Boston | Posted on January 9, 2008 6:13 PM