7x10 Down the Block There's a Riot

For me, this episode is on par with “Bang!” and “Something’s Coming”, as the best tragedies ones of the show. I’m always drooling over the construction of the script, the rising tension, the anxiety, the fear. To the climax it is by far one of the most impressive sequels Desperate Housewives has delivered to date.

First we have the individual situations, starting with Gaby... I can’t feel much anger at Juanita for the push she gave her mother, although she was strong. After all, since Grace came into their lives, she’s noticed that Gaby has an unusual fondness for the girl. Apart from that she noticed that since her departure, her mother has been sad, crying in the corners. She had already questioned that Gaby loved Grace more, and that was before she knew the truth. Imagine knowing? She’s a child, I can’t even imagine how upsetting it must be – in this whole story, it’s Juanita I feel the most pity for. Anyway, Gaby’s despair was agonizing as she searched for the girl amidst the chaos, even more so when everything got out of hand and people started running, pushing, stomping. Heavy. I love it hard when Gaby finds Juanita and knocks the man off the car like that. Now I hope the Solis can handle this situation in the best way possible.

Susan has already revealed that she knows about Tom and Renee’s past affair. And that Renee has feelings for him to this day. Again, I don’t think it’s bad that she wants to tell Lynette, because this Renee situation is pretty serious. If it was at least a case from 20 years ago, nothing more, I think she might try to brush it off. But knowing that she still has feelings involved, it’s complicated. Renee is conscious when she’s sober, but she gets impulsive drunk, as you can see. So right? But I have to say that I enjoyed seeing Renee all worried and looking for Susan when she saw that she disappeared amidst the chaos. This image of Susan lying on the floor after being trampled leaves me with my heart in my hand. Poor thing. So many bad things have happened to her this season, she didn’t need one more.

Keith is wonderful and I am frustrated that he allowed his father’s ridiculous ideas to enter his head. The whole time this worm Richard was trying to sabotage his son’s relationship, what a rage! Apart from that moment when he tried to grab Bree by force inside the house, saying that she “misread the signs”. I can’t deal with the excuses of these types of people. In fact, this situation was really reflexive. A few minutes earlier, Bree had found herself in trouble with the invading ex-con who didn’t want to leave, only chose to do so when he realized she wasn’t alone. And then she is harassed by someone who has been invited into the house. Makes you think... In addition: it was very tense Keith beating his father, and even more, him being mistaken for an ex-con just because of his clothes and tattoos (something else to reflect on) and being brutally beaten. Even Bree was pushed. But if it hadn’t been for her and that gun, what would have become of him? Although it was because of the shot she fired that the despair began.

Which brings us to the riot and Paul’s plan. I think his plan is amazing, very well calculated, ingenious and efficient. He did exactly what he said he would do: he pitted neighbor against neighbor with almost nothing. He was smart enough to send Mitzy away so he could have the opportunity to lie to Lee and get the last house he needed. And in the end, with the opening of the Correctional Center, he let that Fairview neighborhood show its most violent and prejudiced side. At this point, the dialogue Lynette had with Parker moments before the riot started is critical. After all, if no neighborhood can accept ex-convicts who have already served their time and are looking for a fresh start, where should they go? And how can they socialize again, live in society, if they are seen with so much prejudice by other people? Seriously, Desperate Housewives was SIR in this whole discussion. That’s why this episode is so rich, heavy, and important.

Finally: I really love this cliffhanger. Paul in the middle of the night bragging about having managed to destroy Wisteria Lane that way and receives a shot in the chest as thanks. The question now remains: who shot Paul Young?