The highest-rated program of the 2004-05 season, ABC's Desperate Housewives dominated workplace water-cooler conversations after the airing of its first episode and has captivated the American public ever since thanks to excellent writing, wonderful acting by a great ensemble cast, and a beguiling blend of soap opera, melodrama, and romantic comedy. The tone was set in the opener, with the inexplicable suicide of Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong), who became the ghostly narrator that introduced us to her neighbors on Wisteria Lane, that hotbed of unfulfilled dreams, marital infidelities, and catty backbiting. The principals in this deliciously tawdry mélange include Susan Mayer (Golden Globe-winner Teri Hatcher), a divorced single mom prepared to do almost anything in love's name; Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross), the homemaker whose perfectionism masks deep-rooted insecurities; Lynette Scavo (Emmy-winner Felicity Huffman), a manipulative mom dying to get back on the career fast-track; and Gabrielle Solis (breakout star Eva Longoria), the ex-model who seems to have it all—wealthy husband, big house, beautiful baby—but wants even more. The show's male contingent is headed by Susan's heartthrob Mike Delfino (Jamie Denton), Bree's husband Rex (Steven Culp), and the grief-stricken, secretive Paul Young (Mark Moses). For added measure—and mischief—there's seductive real-estate agent Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan). Recurring guest stars in this 23-episode first season set include Lesley Ann Warren, Alfre Woodard, and Bob Newhart. DVD extras include extended episodes (with minor scenes that were cut for time constraints), audio commentaries, deleted scenes, “making-of” featurettes, and interviews. Highly recommended. (E. Hulse)
Desperate Housewives: The Complete First Season
Touchstone, 6 discs, 998 min., TV-14, DVD: $59.95 November 28, 2005
Desperate Housewives: The Complete First Season
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