Desperate Housewives: Season 7 (2010-11)

I can't believe that Desperate Housewives has just completed (in the UK) it's 7th season! It only seems like yesterday I was gripped on the first run of the show's mystery revolving around the creepy Paul Young... Maybe I'm confused because he was this season's overarching 'villain' too? Though I suppose the real baddie this time was Felicia Tilman, out to avenge her sister's death at Paul's hands several years earlier (not seven years earlier, there's been a jump forward in time to consider). 

This season benefited from the demise of Ugly Betty by casting Wilhemina (Vanessa Williams) as the new 'Edie', Renee, who was softer than her Betty incarnation, but with a biting tongue and a penchant for killer one liners. Unfortunately, like Edie before her, Renee was given a lot more to do than provide the laughs, although she did reveal her long-held crush on Tom Scavo. The latter's marriage to Lynette, a solid rock, despite all of the upheavals of previous seasons, finally began to falter and break down. Susan got trampled half to death and lost a kidney during a surprisingly thrilling midseason cliffhanger, and Bree dated first a young stud and then a cop. Gabby got some meaty material in her revelation of child abuse at the hands of her stepfather, who turned up at season's end, and he only turned out to be Ugly Betty's Tony Plana! 

I think this season of Housewives lacked a truly compelling continuing storyline, particularly after last year's serial killer and the drama surrounding Angie's ex-husband. There were only so many times Paul could be knocked out or poisoned and they played that card once too often. It was nice to see gaybours Lee and Bob graduate to 'starring' roles and they began to play a bigger role in Wisteria Lane's drama, particularly Kevin Rahm's Lee who's adorable and hilarious. I was sad to witness the demise of the Scavo's as a couple and I hope there is a reconciliation to look forward to next season.