What I’m Watching: Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives: Season 7, Episode 13 “I’m Still Here” (C+)

While some of this show’s plotlines tend to be longer arcs that are addressed week-to-week, it’s strange (and rather random) to see some recurring storylines spotlighted out of the blue when there’s suddenly nothing else to occupy a character’s time. I’m speaking specifically of Lynette, whose mother pops back into the picture to announce her engagement to the single most offensive man in the world. Larry Hagman really went out of his way to seem as entirely detestable as possible, and it’s no surprise that Lynette didn’t warm to him in the slightest. On the subject of less-than-pleasant people, Gregory Itzin, best known as President Charles Logan on “24,” did a tremendous job of portraying a bitter patient who didn’t immediately warm to Susan’s bubbly nature. Another dramatic actor delivered a typically terrific performance as his character discovered yet another treacherous element in his immediate family. I think Mark Moses is an extremely underrated actor, and watching him seethe and scheme is absolutely fascinating. It was nice to see a strong storyline for Renee that involved both hilarity (stopping the kid on the bike with just a gesture) and serious contemplation, as well as using Lee and Bob in a productive way. The timely arrival of Keith’s baby mama is another unnecessary complication in their lives, and I’ve had more than enough of this Gaby doll nonsense. A word of advice to Carlos: when you end up in the wrong part of town, don’t choose that moment to take the GPS out and input the address.