Ernie Shaft Hudson is headed over to Mike's house after discovering that the potential Monique murder weapon was a pipe wrench that is mostly used by professional plumbers. Unfortunately for E.S.H. there is no wrench, or toolbox, to be found at the Delfino residence. Well, except for Mike of course.

In a nice little twist, Mrs. McClusky heads over to Mike's later to return the toolbox she borrowed from him. She even tells him that he might want to clean his wrench because there is something on it. Hmm... Where does Mrs. McClusky fit into this whole Monique-murder mystery? Was she also getting a taste of the increasingly promiscuous dead Monique? I wouldn't be surprised. Who could turn this down?

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Dinner with Grandma Sugarbaker isn't going all that well, considering that Orson is furious that his mother is even in his presence. Okay, you win! I'm interested in what the deal is here. Grandma Sugarbaker even seems like she's getting a bum wrap with Orson announcing that he sold her home and all her belongings out from under her. But instead of gently sobbing and garnering sympathy, true colors are revealed when she tells Orson that she should have "Smothered him in his sleep." Andrew gets the best line, when after Orson's mother leaves the table, he asks: "So... can we call her Grandma?" New favorite character alert! Well, maybe if he shaves his Justin Timberlake-who-do-you-think-you're-kidding facial hair.

Julie and Susan somewhat make up, but Susan is really in the dumps about Mike and Edie. There's that self-centered stick figure we all know and love!

Grandma Sugarbaker is being sent back to her Nursing Home with little fanfare from her son, Orson. Bree, on the other hand, wants to make amends. She's so blind to the fact that Grandma Sugarbaker is a loon that she even gets into the car with her. This leads to a not-too-funny scene where Grandma Sugarbaker drives the car like a madwoman into a fire hydrant. Snore.

Now Bree wants Grandma Sugarbaker to stay with them, because nothing says family bonding like attempted vehicular manslaughter. Orson and his mother have a moment to themselves, in

which she blackmails him into letting her accept Bree's offer. There's some kind of major secret that these two share, which could be potentially very dangerous to Dr. Giggles life. I'm just very dh111206-10.jpg interested in how the Monique and Alma mysteries intersect, what they have to do with Mike's time in the big house, and how suicide factors in to all of it (remember when Orson lost it when Andrew jokes about Danielle's melodramatic suicide attempt?). Hey, it's better than a mentally challenged brother locked up in the basement.

The next morning, Susan intercepts Gabby coming home from New York, while she's on a run. The SkeleHatcher frame doesn't keep itself, you know. Gabby announces that she's done with the modeling thing, and poor Teri Hatcher has to pretend that sh'es happy to not lose her friend.

In one of the creepier twists of the season, Lynette is dropping off the Gratitude Cake that she promised Art. Lynette heads over with Parker, but Art's not answering the door. But wouldn't you know it, the door is open. How convenient! Lynette lets herself into this stranger's house (who does that? Oh that's right - EVERYONE on television), planning to just leave the cake and a note. Parker is entranced by a train set on the floor, which leads him into Art's basement. With Lynette in hot pursuit, they check out the basement which is filled with tons and tons of toys. Much like Neverland Ranch, however, it isn't just toys in the basement, but also a wall of pictures of children in various stages of undress.

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So I've watched the scene again, and I smell a red herring. I'm pretty sure that we're going to discover that Art isn't really the pedophile Lynette thinks he is. The pictures on the wall, while disturbing, are all of boys with their shirts off and in swimming trunks, and for some reason, I'm thinking that maybe Art is some kind of Children's photographer for like magazines and things. That would explain the toys and the pictures. I could be totally wrong, and actually hope I am. I think that Lynette taking on a pedophile in the neighborhood would be really effective television. I just think it's too easy. And remember, Art has that invalid sister that he's taking care of; perhaps she has something to do with the pictures? Like child pornography is the only cure for her type of cancer or something. I don't know, I just get the distinct vibe that all is not what it seems here.

So what do we think? Is Art a pedophile?

Recap: Desperate Housewives: Love Thy Neighbor, Not Thy Neighbor's Kids Sections:  1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5 

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Comments (17)

brilliantmistake Author Profile Page:

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.

Clair Author Profile Page:

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.

UglyAllie Author Profile Page:

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.

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!

Captain Author Profile Page:

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.

sweetjane Author Profile Page:

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....

Lisa Author Profile Page:

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/

Victoria Author Profile Page:

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.

umnata Author Profile Page:

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...

dmbislove Author Profile Page:

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.

ckitten Author Profile Page:

Is desperate housewives going to have to call up ice-t and the crew over at svu?! Do I smell crossover episode?!?!

The Red Bean Author Profile Page:

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!

joshman5k Author Profile Page:

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?

tvaholic Author Profile Page:

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??

fozziebare13 Author Profile Page:

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.

Donna Martin Graduates! Author Profile Page:

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'?!

Jeri Boston:

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

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