Desperate Housewives season 5 explained

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  1. AE1A30
Season Number:5
Num Episodes:24
Network:ABC
Episode List:List of Desperate Housewives episodes

The fifth season of Desperate Housewives, an American television series created by Marc Cherry, began airing on ABC on September 28, 2008, and concluded on May 17, 2009. The season takes place five years after the events of the season four finale in 2008 and continues to focus on the lives of Wisteria Lane residents Susan Mayer, Lynette Scavo, Bree Hodge, Gabrielle Solis, Edie Britt and Katherine Mayfair, as seen through the eyes of the series' deceased narrator, Mary Alice Young. The season's mystery is centered on Edie Britt's third husband, Dave Williams. The series received media attention following the announcement that Edie, portrayed by Nicollette Sheridan, would be killed off close to the end of the season.[1] Edie takes on the narration in "Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know" following her death, marking the second time Mary Alice's voice is not heard in an episode.

The series saw its lowest ratings up to that point in season five. Nevertheless, Desperate Housewives maintained its position as a top-ten series. It was the ninth most-watched series during the 2008–09 television season with an average of 14.8 million viewers per episode.[2]

Season five was released on DVD by ABC Studios as the seven-disc set Desperate Housewives: The Complete Fifth Season — The Red Hot Edition on September 1, 2009 in Region 1,[3] October 21, 2009 in Region 4, and November 9 in Region 2.[4]

Production

Filming began on July 7, 2008 and finished in March 2009.

There was much speculation about the fifth season of the show, due to the many cliffhangers at the end of season four, such as the departure of Edie Britt, and whether she would return after the events of the "Mother Said" episode. When asked about Sheridan's departure, Cherry commented "She won't be back for a few years", a reference to the 'five-year leap' that the show is undertaking. Edie returned to Wisteria Lane with a new husband, Dave, played by Neal McDonough, who joined the cast as a series regular.[5] [6] However, Sheridan left Desperate Housewives towards the end of the season when her character Edie died in an accident involving her car and a dangerous electrical wire in the 18th episode of Season 5, "A Spark. To Pierce the Dark.", which aired on March 22, 2009.[1] [7]

There had also been speculation whether the character of Mike Delfino would return, after the final scene in season four, set five years into the future, which showed Susan in the arms of a new mystery man, Jackson (Gale Harold). The fate of Mike Delfino was later revealed by actor James Denton, who plays Mike, when he told People magazine that he would definitely be returning in Season 5. However, "Mike and Susan have definitely split up," Denton told People.[8]

On October 14, 2008, Gale Harold was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. His character, Jackson, plays a pivotal role in the fifth season's eighth episode "City on Fire", which finds several Wisteria Lane residents trapped inside a nightclub fire. Cherry said Harold had been filming scenes all week for the episode and had been scheduled to be on set Tuesday, the day of the accident. Marc Cherry said they would await the actor's prognosis before deciding how to proceed, but that at least some changes would have to be made: "We know we're going to rewrite one scene," he said.[9] The show issued a statement: "Gale is part of the 'Desperate Housewives' family and our thoughts and wishes are with him for a speedy recovery."[10] [11] Despite Harold's injury and ongoing recovery, no major Desperate Housewives production disruptions were expected.[9] [12]

Cast

See main article: List of Desperate Housewives cast members and List of Desperate Housewives characters. The fifth season had thirteen roles receiving star billing, with eleven out of twelve returning from the previous season. The series is narrated by Brenda Strong, who portrays the deceased Mary Alice Young, as she observes from beyond the grave the lives of the Wisteria Lane residents and her former best friends. Teri Hatcher portrayed Susan Mayer, now separated from Mike and in a relationship with her painter. Felicity Huffman portrayed Lynette Scavo, who deals with her now teenage sons. Marcia Cross portrayed Bree Hodge, who has become a successful business woman and author. Eva Longoria portrayed Gabrielle Solis, who has lost her money and beauty and now looks after a blind husband and two daughters. Nicollette Sheridan portrayed Edie Williams, who returns to Wisteria Lane with a new husband after leaving the neighborhood towards the end of the previous season. Ricardo Antonio Chavira portrayed Carlos Solis, Gabrielle's husband who is still blind but with a chance to recover his sight and his career as a business executive. Doug Savant portrayed Tom Scavo, Lynette's husband who is facing a mid-life crisis. Kyle MacLachlan portrayed Orson Hodge, Bree's husband who feels overshadowed by her success. Dana Delany portrayed Katherine Mayfair, Bree's business partner and Mike's new girlfriend. James Denton portrayed Mike Delfino, Susan's ex-husband and the target of a man who seeks revenge on him.[13] Shawn Pyfrom was promoted from an "also starring" credit to a formal "starring" credit playing Andrew Van de Kamp, Bree's homosexual son who now works with her in her business. Also joining the principal cast was actor Neal McDonough as Dave Williams, whose mysterious arc is the season's main storyline.[14] Andrea Bowen departed from the principal cast but was credited as "special guest star" in the episode "City on Fire" playing the role of Julie Mayer, Susan's daughter, who is now attending college.[15]

The "also starring" cast had many changes. The roles of the Scavo children were recast in order to reflect their new ages following the time jump. Charlie and Max Carver replaced Shane and Brent Kinsman as Porter and Preston Scavo, respectively.[16] The Kinsman twins appeared in a flashback in this episode.[17] Joshua Logan Moore was cast as Parker Scavo, a role previously played by Zane Huett, and Kendall Applegate joined the cast as Penny Scavo, who had previously been portrayed by several toddler actresses. Huett did not return for this season. Joy Lauren left the "also starring" cast too, but made two guest appearances as Danielle Katz, Bree's daughter.[18]

Many established guest stars from previous seasons also returned. Kathryn Joosten portrayed Karen McCluskey, one of the most prominent residents of Wisteria Lane. Richard Burgi portrayed Karl Mayer, Susan's ex-husband and Bree's new divorce lawyer. Tuc Watkins and Kevin Rahm respectively played Bob Hunter and Lee McDermott, a gay lawyer and his husband. Part of Susan's storyline were Gale Harold appearing as Jackson Braddock, a painter and Susan's new love interest,[19] Mason Vale Cotton playing M.J. Delfino, Susan and Mike's son, and John Rubinstein portraying Principal Hobson, headmaster at M.J.'s school. Part of Lynette's storyline were Polly Bergen in the role of her mother Stella Wingfield, Gail O'Grady appearing as Anne Schilling, the mother of Porter's best friend who starts an affair with him, and Peter Onorati portraying Warren Schilling, Anne's abusive husband and owner of a club that is burnt down. Part of Gabrielle's storyline were Madison De La Garza and Daniella Baltodano respectively playing Juanita and Celia Solis, stepmother Gaby's troublesome daughters,[20] Jeff Doucette appearing as Father Crowley, priest at the local Catholic church, Frances Conroy portraying Virginia Hildebrand, a rich woman that hires Carlos to become her personal massage therapist, David Starzyk playing Bradley Scott, Carlos's boss after he regains his sight, Ion Overman portraying Maria Scott, Bradley's wife, Megan Hilty acting as Shayla Grove, Bradley's mistress, Lesley Boone in the role of Lucy Blackburn, Carlos's ex-girlfriend from college, and future series regular Maiara Walsh, who appeared as Carlos's niece Ana Solis in the season finale. Part of the main mystery arc were Stephen Spinella portraying Dr. Samuel Heller, Dave's psychiatrist, and Lily Tomlin playing Roberta Simonds, Mrs. McCluskey's sister who helps her to do some research on Dave.

For the 100th episode of the series, many former cast members returned, including Steven Culp as Rex Van de Kamp, Bree's deceased first husband, Christine Estabrook as Martha Huber, the woman that blackmailed Mary Alice and was killed by Paul Young, and Lucille Soong as Yao Lin, Gabrielle's former maid. Beau Bridges made a special guest appearance as Eli Scruggs, Wisteria Lane's handyman who managed to help every one of the housewives in a different way.

Episodes

Reception

The fifth season received mostly positive reviews.

Ratings

United States

Episode number
Production number		TitleOriginal airingRatingShare18-49 http://www.spottedratings.com/2011/10/spotvault-desperate-housewives-abc-2008.htmlTotal viewers (in millions)Rank per week
88
5-01 		You're Gonna Love Tomorrow September 28, 2008 11.4[21] 17 7.1 18.684
  1. 2
89
5-02 		We're So Happy You're So Happy October 5, 2008 10.0[22] 15 5.8 15.685
  1. 4
90
5-03 		Kids Ain't Like Everybody Else October 12, 2008 9.8[23] 15 5.9 15.505
  1. 6
91
5-04 		Back in Business October 19, 2008 9.7[24] 145.7 15.485
  1. 3
92
5-05 		Mirror, Mirror October 26, 2008 10.1[25] 15 5.8 15.953
  1. 5
93
5-06 		There's Always a Woman November 2, 2008 10.1[26] 15 5.8 15.933
  1. 8
94
5-07 		What More Do I Need? November 9, 2008 10.1[27] 15 5.9 15.854
  1. 5
95
5-08 		City on Fire November 16, 2008 10.3[28] 15 6.2 16.842
  1. 6
96
5-09 		Me and My Town November 30, 2008 9.9 15 5.715.814
  1. 7
97
5-10 		A Vision's Just a Vision December 7, 2008 9.9 15 6.0 16.088
  1. 5
98
5-11 		Home Is the Place January 4, 2009 8.8135.214.394
  1. 4
99
5-12 		Connect! Connect! January 11, 2009 8.5125.213.787
  1. 10
100
5-13 		The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened January 18, 2009 8.3 12 4.613.082
  1. 15
101
5-14 		Mama Spent Money When She Had None February 8, 2009 8.6 13 4.913.823
  1. 11
102
5-15 		In a World Where the Kings Are Employers February 15, 2009 8.7 13 4.914.010
  1. 10
103
5-16 		Crime Doesn't Pay March 8, 2009 8.7 13 4.713.646
  1. 9
104
5-17 		The Story of Lucy and Jessie March 15, 2009 9.1 14 5.114.602
  1. 5
105
5-18 		A Spark. To Pierce the Dark. March 22, 2009 9.2 14 5.0 14.748
  1. 7
106
5-19 		Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know April 19, 2009 8.6 134.813.851
  1. 7
107
5-20 		Rose's Turn April 26, 2009 8.5 13 4.713.642
  1. 7
108
5-21 		Bargaining May 3, 2009 8.4 134.413.485
  1. 11
109
5-22 		Marry Me a Little May 10, 2009 7.7 12 4.112.293
  1. 13
110
5-23 		Everybody Says Don't May 17, 2009 8.7 144.713.956
  1. 9
111
5-24 		If It's Only In Your Head May 17, 2009 8.7 144.713.956
  1. 9

United Kingdom

Episode numberTitleOriginal airing on Channel 4Time of airing on Channel 4Original airing on E4Time of airing on E4Position in Channel 4 and Channel 4+1's ratingsPosition in E4 and E4+1's ratingsTotal viewers
88You're Gonna Love Tomorrow22 October 200810:00pm – 11:00pm19 October 200810:00pm – 11:00pm2.39m[29] 639,900[30] 2,949,900
89We're So Happy You're So Happy29 October 200810:00pm – 11:00pm26 October 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.88m[31] 577,400 2,377,400
90Kids Ain't Like Everybody Else5 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm2 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.97m 654,700[32] 2,534,700
91Back in Business12 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm9 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.77m[33] 615,800 2,393,800
92Mirror, Mirror19 November 200810:20pm – 11:05pm16 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.77m 525,900[34] 2,295,900
93There's Always a Woman26 November 200810:10pm – 11:10pm23 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.77m 761,100[35] 2,435,100
94What More Do I Need?30 November 200810:10pm – 11:10pm30 November 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.74[36] 552,600 2,292,600
95City on Fire10 December 200810:05pm – 11:05pm 7 December 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.73m 601,900 2,331,900
96Me and My Town17 December 200810:00pm – 11:00pm 14 December 200810:00pm – 11:00pm1.76m 1.0m 2,760,200
97A Vision's Just a Vision25 February 200910:00pm – 11:00pm1 March 20099:00pm – 10:00pm2.65m[37] 190,500 2,840,500
98Home Is the Place4 March 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm1 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm2.01m 520,700 2,530,700
99Connect! Connect!11 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm8 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm1.87m 460,700 2,330,700
100The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened18 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm 15 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm2.05m 503,600 2,553,600
101Mama Spent Money When She Had None25 March 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 22 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm1.95m465,900 2,395,900
1021 April 200910:00pm – 11:00pm 29 March 200910:00pm – 11:00pm1.91m 620,0002,530,000
1038 April 200910:00pm – 11:00pm 5 April 200910:00pm – 11:00pm1.81m623,700 2,433,000
10415 April 200910:00pm – 11:00pm 12 April 200910:00pm – 11:00pm1.94m 622,800 2,563,000
10522 April 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 19 April 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm1.88m674,300 2,554,000
10629 April 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 26 April 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm1.83m744,900 2,575,000
1076 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 3 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 2.03m703,100 2,733,100
10813 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 10 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 2.03m 555,100 2.58m
10920 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 17 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 1.76m 529,400 2.28m
11027 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 24 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 1.87m 523,600 2.39m
1113 June 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 31 May 2009 10:00pm – 11:00pm 1.87m 780,2002,650,200

Republic of Ireland on RTÉ 2

Episode numberTitleAir DateTimeslotViewersRank
88 You're Gonna Love Tomorrow 14 October 2008 9:55pm - -
89 We're So Happy You're So Happy 21 October 20089:55pm --
90 Kids Ain't Like Everybody Else 28 October 20089:55pm - -
91 Back in Business 4 November 20089:55pm 540,000
  1. 1
92 Mirror, Mirror 11 November 20089:55pm 452,000
  1. 1
93 There's Always a Woman 18 November 20089:55pm 421,000
  1. 3
94 What More Do I Need? 25 November 20089:55pm 453,000
  1. 1
95 City on Fire 2 December 20089:55pm 421,000
  1. 1
96 Me and My Town 9 December 20089:55pm 392,000
  1. 1
97 A Vision's Just a Vision 16 December 20089:55pm - -
98 Home is the Place 13 January 20099:55pm 395,000
  1. 1
99 Connect! Connect! 20 January 20099:55pm 384,000
  1. 1
100 The Best Thing That Ever Could Have Happened 27 January 2009 9:55pm 420,000
  1. 1
101 Mama Spent Money When She Had None 10 February 20099:55pm 368,000
  1. 3
102 In a World Where the Kings Are Employers 17 February 20099:55pm 366,000
  1. 1
103 Crime Doesn't Pay March 10, 2009 9:55pm 426,000
  1. 1
104 The Story of Lucy and Jessie March 17, 2009 9:55pm 308,000
  1. 4
105 A Spark. To Pierce the Dark. March 24, 2009 9:55pm 410,000
  1. 1
106 Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know April 21, 2009 9:55pm 388,000
  1. 1
107 Rose's Turn April 28, 2009 9:55pm --
108 Bargaining May 5, 2009 9:55pm 416,000
  1. 1
109 Marry Me a Little May 12, 2009 9:55pm 344,000
  1. 2
110 Everybody Says Don't May 19, 2009 9:00pm 379,000
  1. 2
111 If It's Only In Your Head May 19, 2009 9:55pm 490,000
  1. 1

Notes and References

  1. http://www.today.com/id/29145953 "Housewife" to Make "Desperate" Exit
  2. Web site: ABC Medianet . 2009-07-03 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100131044226/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 . 2010-01-31 .
  3. Web site: Desperate Housewives — The Complete Fifth Season : The Red Hot Edition. YouTube. Amazon.com
  4. Web site: Desperate Housewives — The Complete Fifth Season : The Red Hot Edition . 2009-11-07 . 2009-10-16 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091016112857/http://www.play.com/DVD/DVD/4-/9493859/Desperate-Housewives-Series-5/Product.html . live . Play.com
  5. http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/sheridan%20set%20for%20housewives%20comeback_10728898 Sheridan Set for "Housewives" Comeback
  6. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i3a6a726c3dd89a147f64ac96bd9c771 Neal McDonough Moving to "Housewives"
  7. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/the_awful_truth/b99582_exclusive_nicollette_sheridans.html Exclusive! Nicollette Sheridan's "Desperate Housewives" Days Numbered
  8. http://tvwatch.people.com/2008/07/05/james-denton-returning-to-desperate-housewives-%e2%80%94-but-single/ James Denton Returning to "Desperate Housewives"--But Single
  9. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b63895__lt_i_gt_Desperate_Housewives_lt__i_gt__Star_Gale_Harold_Hospitalized.html Desperate Housewives Star Gale Harold Hospitalized
  10. http://omg.yahoo.com/news/housewives-actor-gale-harold-out-of-intensive-care/14581 'Housewives' Actor Gale Harold Out Of Intensive Care
  11. http://omg.yahoo.com/news/marcia-cross-housewives-co-star-much-better-after-accident/14303 Marcia Cross: Housewives Co-Star "Much Better" After Accident
  12. http://www.eonline.com/uberblog/b64335_Reports__Gale_Harold_Getting_Better.html Reports: Gale Harold Getting Better
  13. Diaz, Glenn (July 7, 2008). "James Denton Returns to Desperate Housewives - Single" . BuddyTV. Retrieved May 28, 2008.
  14. Armstrong, Jennifer (July 25, 2008). "Inside the New TV Season: Every Night is Ladies' Night" . Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved June 20, 2011.
  15. De Leon, Kris (May 29, 2008). "'Desperate Housewives' Star Devastated Over Her On-screen Daughter's Storyline" . BuddyTV. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  16. Batallones, Henrik (July 17, 2008). "Desperate Housewives: Five-Year Jump Brings New Cast, Clean Slate" . BuddyTV. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  17. Keck, William (May 19, 2008). "Time's really flying for the 'Housewives'". USA Today. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  18. De Leon, Kris (May 26, 2008). "Desperate Housewives: More Cast Members Might Be Out for Season 5" . BuddyTV. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  19. Mitovich, Matt (July 18, 2008). "Housewives Exclusive: What's Up with Susan's New Fella?" . TV Guide. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  20. Mitovich, Matt (August 6, 2008). "Housewives' Gaby Will Play Mom to Teen Queen's Sis" . TV Guide. Retrieved May 28, 2011.
  21. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/09/30/dancing-stars-desperate-housewives-and-greys-anatomy-lead-weekly-viewing/5384 Dancing Stars, Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy lead weekly viewing
  22. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/10/07/dancing-stars-ncis-60-minutes-and-desperate-housewives-lead-weekly-viewing/5804 Dancing Stars, NCIS, 60 Minutes and Desperate Housewives Top Broadcast viewing
  23. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/10/14/csi-dancing-with-the-stars-ncis-criminal-minds-and-csi-ny-lead-weekly-broadcast-viewing/6197 CSI, Dancing with the Stars, NCIS, Criminal Minds and CSI: NY Lead Weekly Broadcast Viewing
  24. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/10/21/csi-ncis-dancing-stars-and-desperate-housewives-lead-weekly-viewing/6580 CSI, NCIS, Dancing Stars and Desperate Housewives Lead Weekly Viewing
  25. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/10/28/csi-dancing-with-the-stars-and-ncis-most-watched-in-prime-time/7056 CSI, Dancing With the Stars and NCIS Most-Watched In Prime Time
  26. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/11/04/world-series-nfl-and-the-simpsons-lead-weekly-tv-viewing/7530 World Series, NFL and The Simpsons Lead Weekly TV Viewing
  27. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/11/11/60-minutes-csi-and-sunday-night-football-lead-weekly-top-20/7938 60 Minutes, CSI and Sunday Night Football lead weekly top 20 Nielsen TV Ratings
  28. http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/11/18/60-minutes-nfl-csi-and-ncis-lead-weekly-nielsen-broadcast-viewing/8354 60 Minutes, NFL, CSI and NCIS lead weekly Nielsen broadcast viewing
  29. Web site: BARB . 2007-03-08 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070208114136/http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?report=weeklyterrestrial&requesttimeout=500&flag=viewingsummary . 2007-02-08 .
  30. Web site: Home. 2008-10-20. 2012-02-05. https://web.archive.org/web/20120205202953/http://www.channel4sales.com/audience_data/overnights. live.
  31. Web site: BARB . 2007-05-16 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070418100604/http://www.barb.co.uk/viewingsummary/weekreports.cfm?report=weeklyterrestrial&requesttimeout=500 . 2007-04-18 .
  32. Web site: Home - 4Sales. 4Sales. 2008-11-03. 2008-12-02. https://web.archive.org/web/20081202003858/http://www.channel4sales.com/data/overnights. live.
  33. Web site: Weekly top 30 programmes - BARB. www.barb.co.uk. 2014-07-15. 2014-07-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20140719113909/http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-30?_s=3. live.
  34. Web site: Home - 4Sales. 4Sales. 2008-11-20. 2008-12-20. https://web.archive.org/web/20081220001054/http://www.channel4sales.com/data/overnights/Adults+16-34/16/November/2008. live.
  35. Web site: Weekly top 10 programmes - BARB. www.barb.co.uk. 2014-07-15. 2011-06-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20110628203009/http://www.barb.co.uk/whats-new/weekly-top-10. live.
  36. Web site: BARB - Broadcasters Audience Research Board. www.barb.co.uk. 2008-10-29. 2009-03-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20090303182838/http://www.barb.co.uk/. live.
  37. Web site: Weekly top 30 programmes - BARB. www.barb.co.uk. 2014-07-15. 2010-12-15. https://web.archive.org/web/20101215200025/http://www.barb.co.uk/report/weeklyTopProgrammesOverview. live.

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