DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES: THE COMPLETE SIXTH SEASON
(not rated)
MOVIE: *1/2 (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: **1/2 (out of 5)
BY KEVIN CARR
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
The housewives of Wisteria Lane are back for a sixth season, and they’re drawing new blood. The new family on the block is the Bolens, who have a mysterious past that puts everyone in the neighborhood in danger. Mike and Susan are together again, but that doesn’t stop them from facing the dangers of Katherine’s wrath and strippers in the mix. Finally, as a plane crash changes the dynamic of the neighborhood forever, we find out new secrets about Bree’s dead husband’s past as well as a new danger that puts the Scavos in real jeopardy.
WHAT I LIKED
As I sit here to reflect upon the entire series of “Desperate Housewives,” I cannot call myself a fan. However, I have respect for the significant impact this show has made on the television landscape. Six years ago, along with “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives” was partly responsible for saving hour-long dramatic television, which was fading away in the shadow of reality TV. Me and the other people out there who do not like the show often forget that, so “Desperate Housewives” has my thanks for that.
The series continues to push the buttons of its die-hard fans, so its definitely doing something right. People have fallen in love with these characters and, for better or for worse, Marc Cherry and his team are keeping them alive and kicking.
I will also give Cherry credit for delivering a mid-season finale with a real punch (even if the outcome was a bit standard for him). I may not find his shows brilliant, but they definitely do what needs to be done to keep the fans invigorated.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE
The real charm of the first two seasons of “Desperate Housewives” was the smarminess of the characters. I loved how decadent they were and how fun it was to watch them be terrible to each other. This element is continued through the show even into the sixth season, but it’s inappropriately balanced with too much heart. Lynette Scavo is an awful person and a terrible mom, but the show continually tries to remind us that she’s a great mom. Similarly, Gabrielle Solis is a self-centered, egotistical, pretentious and snobby woman. So when the show tries to portray her as just another housewife trying to get along, I have a real problem with that.
I wish the show would got back to its roots in a more “Married… with Children” or “Seinfeld” feel, in which we enjoy watching the wretchedness of the characters.
The other real problem I have with the show is the overdone introduction of a new housewife on Wisteria Lane. This season, the Bolens embody almost offensive New York stereotypes and exhibit a questionable morality that seems to be championed by the series. They’re not bad enough people to be villains, but they’re not good enough to get me to root for them.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the storylines about taking people in. Whether they’re strippers in need or budding serial killers, these elements are more ridiculous than even this show’s premise will allow.
DVD FEATURES
In its sixth season, there are still some decent special features. Standard elements include a blooper reel and deleted scenes. Like previous season, Marc Cherry picks his favorite scenes in “Cherry-Picked” and offers a commentary on them. There’s another feature called “Master Class” which profiles the actors and how they hone their art for the show. Finally, the best feature is “Miss Piggy Gets Desperate” which brings the famous Muppet along with Pepe the Prawn Shrimp to Wisteria Lane to get a part in the show.
WHO’S GOING TO LIKE THIS MOVIE
The same people who loved seasons one through five.