Desperate Housewives – Everybody in the club gettin’ tipsy

Alcoholism — a word described as an addiction to the consumption of alcoholic liquor — isn’t exactly pretty. Still, that didn’t stop one prim housewife from overindulging in this particular installment. Ladies and gentlemen, it was a rather slow night for ABC’s Desperate Housewives with filler storylines and a couple of interesting plot advances. However, a new narrative featuring the previously mentioned housewife did help spice things up a bit. To that end, let’s kick this recap off with everyone’s favorite drunk … Bree.

This week found Ms. Van De Kamp (or is that Van De Tramp?) still continuing to cope with the return of her addiction to liquor. Tragic. Of course, she wouldn’t be drinking so much if she weren’t so stressed. Perhaps this is because of the second mysterious note she received in last week’s episode. After confiding in Lynette and Gaby, who both believe the new letter has absolutely nothing to do with the first, Bree drowns her sorrow with booze. Being a good friend, Renee insists on pulling the redhead out of her depressed funk by taking her to a bar where she ends up getting intoxicated — of course — and leaving with a man to make out in the pool of his supervisor. Oh, Bree. How the mighty have fallen.

I’d now like to take the time to point out that Bree has now been with more men on this program than the buxom blonde bombshell she once passed judgment on. Yup, that’s right, folks … I’m talking about Edie Britt. Now, isn’t that sad? And I thought Bree had morals. Speaking of the late, great Edie, how about we move on to discuss her sassy replacement, Renee?

It’s no secret that I believe Renee is the best underdog of season eight. While half of her plot last night was shared with Wisteria Lane’s resident alcoholic, the other half of Renee Perry’s storyline was shared with her boyfriend Ben. It seems that Renee’s concerned that Ben is losing interest. I can’t imagine why someone would lose interest in a woman that looks like Vanessa Williams. I certainly wouldn’t. Still, after focusing all of his attention on his business venture and newfound money troubles, Ben proceeds in pushing Renee away … at least until Mike informs him that she’s a multi-millionaire. This prompts Ben to immediately make up with Renee towards the end of the episode. Hmm. I don’t think I like where this is going. Nevertheless, Renee’s storyline is definitely heating up.

You know whose story could use a bit more heat? Lynette’s. Look, guys, I’m a fan of Felicity Huffman. Quite frankly, I think the chick is awesome, but her storyline this season has been a bit of a drag. This episode found Lynette trying to fix the lights in her home without calling an electrician. Don’t worry. She does have a motive. Since Tom is gone, Lynette feels it’s time to step it up a notch in taking care of her family. That’s nice, but while they’re at it, could the writers step theirs up on her story? Perchance we’ll get that in the next episode. Previews indicate that Renee and Gaby will be trying to land Lynette a new man. Well, it’s about time. I’m all for Lynette moving on. She may be manipulative, but everyone deserves happiness, right?

That’s actually a serious question. I’d like to know your opinions. Moving on. …

Gabrielle’s storyline crisscrossed with Lynette’s which was nice. I personally like it when the plots intersect. This week, Gabrielle went to Lynette for business advice in wooing a high stakes corporation in the absence of Carlos who is still in rehab. Needless to say, she failed. However, it was nice seeing Gaby try to hold down the fort. Gabrielle Solis may be vainglorious, but deep down, she does have a heart, and it touches mine to see that she’s trying to keep her husband’s company afloat. Then again, maybe she did it for the cash.

Damn. She was almost back in my good graces.

Speaking of which, I can tell you someone who isn’t. I think we all know that I’m referring to Susan. While her intentions are honestly noble, I just feel that Susan should have stayed in Fairview as opposed to running off to Okalahoma City to check up on Alejandro’s family. It was a nice show of compassion, but Susan (being Susan) went and screwed everything up by talking to Alejandro’s stepdaughter who seemed to have been molested herself. After revealing this encounter to her mother, Alejandro’s wife glanced at the check that Susan gave her and zeroed in on the address … Wisteria Lane. Oy vey.

Needless to say, trouble is definitely on the horizon. So, with that being said, as usual, we’ve been left with some fascinating questions to ponder. For starters, who was watching Bree from a distance? Was it Ben? I’m not so sure anymore. He seems to be a bit preoccupied with his company. Will Lynette finally move on from Tom? What will happen when Alejandro’s family catches up with Susan? And will we see more Mary Alice in flashbacks? Just thought I’d throw that out there. Feel free to sound off in the comments below!

Clacked by Jaylen Christie
on Jan 16, 2012 @ 09:16 EST5EDT