Season 8

This article contains episode summaries for the eighth (and final) season of Desperate Housewives.

Season Summary

In the U.S., original episodes of season eight started airing on September 25, 2011, and finished the original broacast with a 2-hour season finale (consisting of episodes 22 and 23) airing on May 13, 2012.

Cast

Starring

Teri Hatcher - Susan Delfino (23/23)
Felicity Huffman - Lynette Scavo (23/23)
Marcia Cross - Bree Van de Kamp (23/23)
Eva Longoria - Gabrielle Solis (23/23)
Vanessa Williams - Renee Perry (23/23)
Ricardo Antonio Chavira - Carlos Solis (18/23)
Doug Savant - Tom Scavo (18/23)
Jonathan Cake - Chuck Vance (8/23)* **
Charles Mesure - Ben Faulkner (15/23)* ***
Madison De La Garza - Juanita Solis (12/23)* ****
with Brenda Strong - Mary Alice Young (23/23)
and James Denton - Mike Delfino (16/23)

*Credited only in the episodes in which they appear.
**Credited under "starring" through "Putting It Together", and makes uncredited cameo in "Finishing the Hat".
***Credited under "also starring" before "Who Can Say What's True?".
****Credited in two episodes from which she's absent.

Also Starring

Kathryn Joosten - Karen McCluskey (10/23)*
Tuc Watkins - Bob Hunter (6/23)* **
Kevin Rahm - Lee McDermott (8/23)* **
Charlie Carver - Porter Scavo (4/23)* ***
Joshua Logan Moore - Parker Scavo (6/23)*
Darcy Rose Byrnes - Penny Scavo (14/23)*
Mason Vale Cotton - MJ Delfino (8/23)* **** *****

*Credited only in the episodes in which they appear.
**Credits can switch.
***Also seen in archive footage in "Give Me the Blame", accounting for a 5th appearance.
****Not credited in "School of Hard Knocks".
*****Also seen in archive footage in "You Take for Granted" and "Give Me the Blame", accounting for 10 appearances.

*Also seen in archive footage in "You Take for Granted", accounting for an 8th appearance.
**Also seen in archive footage in "Give Me the Blame", accounting for a 3rd appearance.
***Also seen in archive footage in "Finishing the Hat", accounting for a 3rd appearance.
****Not credited in "Finishing the Hat".

Overview

Carlos' murder of his wife Gabrielle's evil stepfather and the cover-up by the housewives has far-reaching effects, as feelings of guilt begin to overcome everyone in different ways. Gabrielle works to reach out to Carlos while his guilt weighs heavily upon him, and Susan starts to withdraw from her friends and family. As Lynette and Tom are grappling with their disintegrating marriage and impending separation, the former is having trouble making the right choices ever since she participated in the cover-up. And Bree must be especially careful around her new romantic interest, detective Chuck Vance. Meanwhile, a handsome new neighbor, Ben Faulkner, moves to town, and he's Renee's first order of business.

Main Plot Points

The women and Carlos all cover up the murder of Alejandro, in which ultimately more people become involved, and the guilt and fear of being caught eats away at them.
Bree takes charge in the cover-up, and her world falls apart as she is shunned by her friends and later becomes the target of a police investigation.
Gabrielle does her best to shake off the scandalous events regarding the cover-up, and she and Carlos later undergo big changes in their lives when he decides to help the needy.
Lynette and Tom undergo a separation, and the former tries to get her life on track without her husband.
Renee meets and falls for the hunky new neighbor, Australian Ben Faulkner.
Susan is consumed by guilt over the cover-up, goes back to art school, loses Mike and becomes a grandmother.
Karen discovers her cancer has returned.

Episodes

#	Title	Airdate	Directed by	Written by
1	"Secrets That I Never Want to Know"	September 25, 2011	David Grossman	Bob Daily
Carlos's murder of his wife Gabrielle's evil stepfather and the cover-up by the housewives has far-reaching effects, as feelings of guilt begin to overcome everyone in different ways. Gabrielle works to reach out to Carlos while his guilt weighs heavily upon him, and Susan starts to withdraw from her friends and family. As Lynette and Tom are grappling with their disintegrating marriage and impending separation, the former is having trouble making the right choices ever since she participated in the cover-up. And Bree must be especially careful around her new romantic interest, detective Chuck Vance. Meanwhile a sexy new neighbor, Ben Faulkner, moves to town, and he's Renee's first order of business.
2	"Making the Connection"	October 02, 2011	Tara Nicole Weyr	Matt Berry
Susan discovers a dangerously thrilling way to help ease her guilt over being an accessory to the murder of her friend Gabrielle's evil stepfather, whereas Gabby herself plans a sexy surprise for Carlos to help him gain his sexual mojo back. In the meantime, Bree learns an interesting tidbit about Chuck's past after visiting Paul Young in jail, and Lynette and Tom find it hard to say "no" to their kids' sometimes outlandish requests so as to not come off as the "bad guy" as their marriage woes continue. Renee tries to win over hunky new neighbor Ben by finding out his passions.
3	"Watch While I Revise the World"	October 09, 2011	David Warren	John Paul Bullock III
As Susan and Carlos bond over their feelings of guilt at the murder of Gabrielle stepfather, Mike begins to think that the two are having an affair, and Bree suspects that her detective boyfriend, Chuck, may secretly be investigating her. As her marriage continues to crumble, the tables are turned on Lynette when her usually relationship-challenged sister Lydia comes to town and announces she's engaged. Meanwhile, after asking Renee to help his daughter, Jenny, go shopping for her first bra, Lee fears that the child is starting to bond more with Renee and becoming more distant from him.
4	"School of Hard Knocks"	October 16, 2011	David Grossman	Marco Pennette
After disobeying the rules of student drop-offs at the front of Juanita's school, Gabrielle makes it her mission to get even with a parent volunteer who banishes her to a faraway parking lot. Meanwhile, Bree discovers that her daughter Danielle's new business may not be as wholesome as she first though, and Lynette begins to suspect that Tom may be dating. Susan tries to ease her guilt by taking an art class with no-nonsense instructor Andre Zeller.
5	"The Art of Making Art"	October 23, 2011	Lonny Price	Dave Flebotte
Susan is mortified but tries her best to comply when her art teacher, Andre Zeller, asks the students to show up to class in the nude in order to help them create from a point of honesty. In the meantime, Bree serves up some delicious, homemade soup for the homeless at the local shelter, but ends up enticing the local hipsters and pushing out those in need. Gabrielle finds herself without a staff to help set up a school event when her lacadaisical approach to her new job as president of the PTA insults the parent volunteers, and Renee helps a reluctant Lynette get back into the dating pool by taking her to a singles bar. Meanwhile, Carlos finds himself hitting rock bottom when the guilt over murdering his wife's stepfather begins to engulf him.
6	"Witch's Lament"	October 30, 2011	Tony Plana	Annie Weisman
As Halloween approaches, Gabrielle, Bree and Lynette must attempt to exhume and move the body of the former's murdered stepfather after learning that Ben's real estate development excavation is taking place on that very spot. Meanwhile, Susan discovers that being art teacher Andre's intern involves tending to matters that aren't necessarily art-related. Hoping not to be outdone by Tom's new girlfriend, Lynette tries to construct a homemade Halloween costume for Penny, and Renee uses a little enticement to help spice up her first night of romance with Ben.
7	"Always in Control"	November 6, 2011	Jeff Greenstein	Jeff Greenstein
Bree is stunned when she learns who dug up the body of Gabrielle's stepfather. Jealousy rears its ugly head when Lynette begins to spread lies to Penny about her father's new girlfriend, and Gabrielle and Carlos must convince Bob and Lee that their daughters Juanita and Celia are not the bad seeds that they used to be when they want to name the gay couple in their will as guardians. Meanwhile, Susan desperately searches for her inner self to find what inspires her in order to better her art and impress her hard-to-please art teacher.
8	"Suspicion Song"	November 13, 2011	Jennifer Getzinger	David Schladweiler
Detective Chuck Vance begins harassing Bree as his suspicions about her involvement in the disappearance of Alejandro grow. After using the murder of Gabrielle's stepfather as inspiration for her art school projects, Susan must find a way to graciously decline art school teacher Andre's invitation to display and sell her paintings at a gallery showing. When Carlos' drinking gets in the way of his ability to work, his wife goes to the office in an effort to save his business from losing a multi-million dollar account. Meanwhile, on the occasion of their 22-year anniversary, Lynette comes up with a plan to try to salvage her marriage to Tom.
9	"Putting It Together"	December 4, 2011	David Warren	Sheila Lawrence
Chuck calls Gabrielle, Susan and Lynette individually for questioning about the disappearance - and possible murder - of Alejandro, inciting panic. Bree's life begins to spiral into despair when her friends abandon her after they blame her for scorning Chuck and causing him to take out his revenge on them. Meanwhile, Lynette asks a favor of Tom that could ruin his relationship with Jane, and Susan is made a once-in-a-lifetime proposition to become a real artist.
10	"What's to Discuss, Old Friend?"	January 8, 2012	David Grossman	Wendy Mericle
With a gun at her side, Bree prepares to end it all, now that her friends have abandoned her and her life continues to spiral further into despair. Meanwhile, Gabrielle begins to suspect that Carlos may have had something to do with Detective Chuck Vance's murder. Susan makes up her mind to go to New York to become a true artist - with or without Mike, and an angry Tom cancels his plans to go to Paris with his girlfriend when Lynette confesses that she's an accomplice to murder and may soon be arrested.
11	"Who Can Say What's True?"	January 15, 2012	Larry Shaw	Brian Tanen
With Carlos still in rehab, Gabrielle asks for Lynette's help in wooing a high-stakes company to sign with her husband's firm. Meanwhile, Renee talks Bree into getting out of the house and having some fun at a pick up bar, and Mike discovers some inconsistencies with Ben's real estate project. Lynette tries to get things around the house done all by herself, and Susan pays a covert visit to Alejandro's family to see how they've been holding up since he went missing.
12	"What's the Good of Being Good?"	January 22, 2012	Ron Underwood	Jason Ganzel
Bree's life continues to spiral out of control as her alcohol consumption rises - along with her lust for men. In the meantime, Lynette goes out on her first date since separating from Tom... with Renee's hairdresser. Alejandro's current wife suspects foul play is afoot and has a confrontation with Susan, whereas Gabrielle discovers that Alejandro also abused his other step-daughter, Marisa. Ben has special plans in store for Renee.
13	"Is This What You Call Love?"	February 12, 2012	David Grossman	David Schladweiler & Valérie A. Brotski
Susan is in for a shock when daughter Julie pays a visit and shows up six months pregnant. Meanwhile, Bree's alcohol consumption and lust for men continues to dominate and ruin her life, and Lynette's first sexual encounter since separating from Tom doesn't quite end in fireworks. Gabrielle's attempt to soothe Juanita when she doesn't receive a Valentine's Day card from a boy she has a crush on backfires.
14	"Get Out of My Life"	February 19, 2012	James Hayman	Cindy Appel
Susan discovers the identity of the father of Julie's baby, and Orson makes it his duty to nurse Bree back to health. When Mrs. McCluskey throws Roy out of the house, Gabrielle takes him in and is reluctant to help get them back together when he proves to be an invaluable disciplinarian to her kids. Meanwhile, after getting used to her alone time, Lynette is furious when Porter and Preston are evicted from their apartment and try to move back home, and Mike informs Renee of Ben's dire circumstances with a loan shark.
15	"She Needs Me"	March 4, 2012	Randy Zisk	Jason Ganzel
After Lynette refuses to help raise Porter and Julie's baby, Susan offers to assist by setting up a nursery. Meanwhile, Orson talks Bree into going to Maine with him, and Karen asks Gabrielle to keep a secret.
16	"You Take for Granted"	March 11, 2012	Jeff Greenstein	Matt Berry
Susan convinces Mike to go to the police when she discovers that Ben's loan shark is out to get him, which could have dire results. Meanwhile, Gabrielle is justifiably concerned when Carlos exhibits some strange behavior on his first day back to work, and Tom's girlfriend, Jane, drops a bombshell on Lynette during Penny's birthday party. In the meantime, Mrs. McCluskey, who is suffering from terminal cancer, asks Bree to help put an end to her life.
17	"Women and Death"	March 18, 2012	David Grossman	Annie Weisman
On the day of the funeral of a beloved Wisteria Lane resident, each of the ladies thinks back on how this person had affected their lives. Meanwhile, believing that the investigation died with Chuck Vance, Bree is stunned when she is called in for questioning about the murder of Gabrielle's stepfather, Alejandro.
18	"Any Moment"	March 25, 2012	Randy Zisk	Sheila Lawrence
Julie becomes concerned over Susan's parenting skills when she begins to allow MJ to do whatever he feels like doing. Meanwhile, with Carlos resigning from his high-paying job, Gabrielle tries to land her own high-powered position in order to keep up her extravagant lifestyle. Bree is suspicious of Andrew's intentions when he announces that he's getting married, and Lynette puts a plan into action in the hopes of winning Tom back, while Ben finally properly proposes to Renee.
19	"With So Little to Be Sure Of"	April 1, 2012	Tara Nicole Weyr	Marco Pennette
Susan discovers that Mike had been hiding a secret from her for years, and Gabrielle discovers a sexy way to earn a bigger commission at her new job as a personal shopper. Meanwhile, while Lynette continues to try and win Tom back, his girlfriend Jane does everything in her power to ensure that the two carry through with their divorce. Bree attempts to hire a high-powered attorney when she becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Gaby's stepfather.
20	"Lost My Power"	April 29, 2012	David Grossman	Wendy Mericle
With Mike gone, Susan attempts to build a car for MJ's father-and-son school soapbox derby, while Bree's attorney, Trip Weston, learns of her previous drunken sexual spree and needs her to come clean about it in order to help strengthen her case. Lynette tries to cause some negative friction between Tom and his girlfriend, Jane, by flirting with his boss and getting him to pile more work on her estranged husband. Meanwhile, Gabrielle is furious with Carlos when he tries to poach one of her rich, personal shopper clients and talk her into helping with his newly formed charity organization, and Renee discovers that Ben is keeping a secret from her about his involvement with Bree - and the body found at his work site.
21	"The People Will Hear"	May 6, 2012	David Warren	Brian Tanen
As her trial nears, Bree begins to fall for her attorney, Trip Weston, and the ladies are shocked about Gabrielle's nonchalant attitude as Bree continues to stand trial and take the fall for Carlos in the murder of Alejandro. Meanwhile, Susan becomes concerned when Julie doubts Porter's commitment to be a hands-on father to their unborn baby, and, as Tom gets closer to being transferred to India for his job - thanks to Lynette - she begins to have second thoughts and tries to convince his boss to rescind the move.
22	"Give Me the Blame"	May 13, 2012	Larry Shaw	Bob Daily
Trip begs Bree to tell him what really happened the night of Alejandro's murder as her trial begins to go south and it looks like she's about to be convicted. Gabrielle tries to come up with a solution that will take the burden off of Bree, and Susan tries to keep the sale of her house private until she's had a chance to break the news to the ladies. Meanwhile, Renee is shocked to discover that, as their wedding nears, Ben has been arrested and thrown in jail.
23	"Finishing the Hat"	May 13, 2012	David Grossman	Marc Cherry
Katherine Mayfair returns to Wisteria Lane and offers Lynette an intriguing job opportunity - which could end her chances of reconciling with Tom. The women all agree to take care of Mrs. McCluskey when they discover that she wants to die with dignity at home, and Susan finds herself at wits end when Julie goes into labor at the most inopportune time.

Production

Marc Cherry announced the possibility of there being an 8th of Desperate Housewives. He had stated that if he could get all four lead actresses to renew their contracts for an extra 2 seasons, ABC would allow them two more seasons. However, it was announced on August 7th that the eighth season would be the last, as decided by both Cherry and ABC head Paul Lee.

Lead actresses Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Marcia Cross had signed on for a two year deal with earnings of $325,000 - $400,000 for each episode in season 8.
Executive producer Bob Daily is the showrunner for season 8. However, Cherry is still an executive producer, along with Sabrina Wind, Marco Pennette, Matt Berry, David Grossman, George W. Perkins and Jeff Greenstein. The show is still being produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. Sheila Lawrence is a co-executive producer, P. Erik Carlson is a production designer, and other producers include Charles Skouras III, Annie Weisman, consulting producer Dave Flebotte, and supervising producer Stephanie Hagen. Jason Ganzel, Wendy Mericle and Brian Tanen are the executive story editors.
Steve Jablonsky is still the music composer in season 8.

Reception

Notes

The characters of Susan Delfino, Lynette Scavo, Bree Van de Kamp, Gabrielle Solis and Renee Perry are the only ones to be physically seen in every single episode of the season. In addition to them, Mary Alice Young provides voice-overs for all 23 episodes, and is physically seen in 3 of them.
This is the only season to feature the characters of Chuck Vance and Ben Faulkner as series regulars.
Due to it being the final season of the series, it is the last season to feature the characters of Susan Delfino, Lynette Scavo, Bree Van de Kamp, Gabrielle Solis, Renee Perry, Carlos Solis, Tom Scavo, Chuck Vance, Ben Faulkner, Juanita Solis, Mary Alice Young, Mike Delfino, Karen McCluskey, Bob Hunter, Lee McDermott, Porter Scavo, Parker Scavo, Penny Scavo and MJ Delfino as series regulars.
This season featured a total of 23 out of the series' 29 main characters, some on guest status, the most out of all the seasons of the series (although Ana was merely seen in archive footage).