What I'm Watching: Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives: Season 3, Episode 21 "Into the Woods" (B)

This episode felt very much divided in that, for what seems like the first time in a long time, each of the housewives is on a completely separate and unconnected path. Susan is off being herself, hiking to find Mike. Edie is trying to keep both Travers and Carlos close. Lynette is having problems with both her husband and her flirtateous co-worker. And Gabrielle is wreaking havoc because she is on a power trip now that her fiancee is the bigshot mayor. This combination often feels disjointed, to the point that during the episode, dramatic music actually cuts off in the middle, barely transitioning to a goofy comical score. Susan is back with Mike, which is great, and Edie has ensured herself a closeness with an uncertain Carlos. Lynette's story is in danger of constantly repeating itself, but hopefully, with the loss of Rick, Lynette can find a certain peaceful happiness with Tom, so that her more comedic storylines can begin anew. And John Slattery's performance in this episode unfortunately plummeted, a la Debra Messing from "Will & Grace," suddenly from a mediocre and unproblematic performance to a terribly one-note, poor portrayal. His character, on the other hand, is showing his true colors about how far he really will go to protect those he cares about. I think the show is generally fluctuating right now because the comedy is too focused on Susan and Gabrielle (plus Bree's absence), and the drama always on Lynette and Edie. Spread the genres a bit, maybe it will work a bit better.