Desperate Housewives Analysis

Let's face it, every woman out there can probably identify with at least one of the ladies from Wisteria Lane.  I know that I can personally identify with every single one of them.  I think that is one of the reasons that the series is so successful.  Honestly, who wants to watch a Dramedy when you can't see a little bit of yourself in the main characters?  That's just not interesting!  The writers and creators of Desperate Housewives must be geniuses.  That's the only explanation.

Bree Hodge, played by Marcia Cross, is your stereotypical Stepford Wife.  Plagued with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, She keeps every single thing in her life exactly in order.  Her house is always spotless, her clothes are always perfectly arranged and pressed.  Not a single hair is ever out of place.  And yet, she has to be one of the most complex characters in the series.  Deep down, she's so much more than what you'd think.  She is fiercely protective of her family and will stop at nothing to protect them, even when they would be better off making mistakes and learning from them.  She is a passionate woman, when at first you'd think that she was cold and impersonal.  Bree is also, in my opinion, the most devious of the ladies on Wisteria Lane.  I would never, ever want to cross her.

Susan Meyer, played by Teri Hatcher, is the ditzy one.  Most people would relate to Susan because of her big heart and the obvious humanity of her character.  There is nothing extraordinary about Susan, and yet she is the most heartwarming of all of the characters.  Susan is pretty goofy, lovable, and human.  Watching her character progress in the show is sort of like watching a child grow.  They make mistakes over and over until they learn the right way to do things.  Susan falls into and out of love so quickly.  She gets knocked down and gets right back up, every single time.  She might seem a bit dopey, but she has a heart of gold and good intentions, no matter how much trouble she gets herself into.

Lynette Scavo, portrayed by Felicity Huffman, is the over worked and under payed mother.  She has 5 children, including a set of the most mischievous twins I could ever imagine.  You could say that she actually has 6 children, considering what a baby her husband tends to be.  Initially you feel sorry for Lynette, because it is so obvious that her family takes her for granted.  As her character progresses, however, you come to know her as bossy, particular, and irate.  You still have to love her, because how else could she handle the family that she has?  It is kind of sad to say it, but Lynette is without a doubt the one character that I can personally relate to more than the others.  I would be willing to bet that other stay at home mothers might feel the same, and working mothers as well!

Last, but definitely not least, you have Gabrielle Solis.  Gabrielle is played by Eva Longoria Parker.  She is an ex model who married for money more than love.  While she seems to be a spoiled little housewife, she is much more than that.  Gabby is almost as devious as Bree and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.  She is the type of person who builds walls to keep others out, and the occasional glimpses that we, the viewers, are given into her soul are real treasures.  You come to love her a bit because she is so kind and such a wonderful friend. 

Though I am completely enthralled with this series, I cannot help but admit that there are some flaws.  The writing is fabulous, and the characters are deep and compelling.  However, sometimes the plot twists feel forced and out of place.  At times it feels very unbelievable, almost as if you know the season's end will show that it was all just one of Susan's dreams.  It feels that unrealistic.

Still, flaws included, Desperate Housewives has without a doubt changed the way that I view television.  I think, thanks to this series, I have a more refined taste now and won't settle for just any mindless show that keeps my brain preoccupied for a while.  I want something interesting, something that I can really sink my teeth into.  If you haven't thought to watch this, I encourage you to at least watch the first 5 minutes of the first episode.  I was immediately hooked and I'll bet that you will be, too.