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This article contains episode summaries for the seventh season of Desperate Housewives.

Season Summary[]

In the U.S., original episodes of season seven started airing on September 26, 2010, and finished the original broadcast with a 2-hour season finale (consisting of episodes 22 and 23) airing on May 15, 2011.

Cast[]

Starring[]

*Credited as "Eva Longoria Parker" through "Sorry Grateful".

**Credited only in the episodes in which they appear.

Also Starring[]

*Credited only in the episodes in which they appear.

*Billing order switched to being featured under the credits of De La Garza and Cotton (when credited) from "You Must Meet My Wife" to "Let Me Entertain You".

***Credited in but absent from "Let Me Entertain You".

Recurring Guest Stars[]

Overview[]

After losing both her husband and her business, Bree slowly begins the process of rebuilding her life, first by telling her friend Gabrielle a secret that could end their friendship, and then by starting up a romance with her much younger contractor Keith Watson. In the meantime, the Solises discover that their daughter Juanita was swapped at birth, and Lynette is visited by her old college roommate Renee Perry (Vanessa Williams), who later moves to the lane permanently. Bob and Lee find their way back to one another, and Susan and Mike's financial situations lead them to move to an apartment in the city and to take on jobs they don't want to endure through, whereas Paul Young, Mary Alice's widower, moves back to Wisteria Lane to wreak havoc.

Main Plot Points[]


Episodes[]

01 "Remember Paul?" 09 "Pleasant Little Kingdom" 17 "Everything's Different, Nothing's Changed"
02 "You Must Meet My Wife" 10 "Down The Block There's a Riot" 18 "Moments in the Woods"
03 "Truly Content" 11 "Assassins" 19 "The Lies Ill-Concealed"
04 "The Thing That Counts is What's Inside" 12 "Where Do I Belong?" 20 "I'll Swallow Poison on Sunday"
05 "Let Me Entertain You" 13 "I'm Still Here" 21 "Then I Really Got Scared"
06 "Excited and Scared" 14 "Flashback" 22 "And Lots of Security..."
07 "A Humiliating Business" 15 "Farewell Letter" 23 "Come on Over for Dinner"
08 "Sorry Grateful" 16 "Searching"

Remember Paul?[]

Desperate Housewives 7x01
See main article: "Remember Paul?"

Original air date: September 26, 2010

Written by: Marc Cherry

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: The residents of Wisteria Lane are stunned to discover that Paul Young is out of prison and back in the neighborhood with seemingly dark motives. Meanwhile, while Paul is renting Susan's home, she, Mike and MJ are living in an apartment on limited funds... However, Susan sees a glimmer of hope in getting her life back on the lane when she's offered an unorthodox job by her apartment manager, Maxine. Lynette's rich and successful college friend, Renee, pays an unexpected visit to the Scavo household, whereas Gabrielle and Carlos find themselves keeping secrets from one another, and Bree, newly single and needing a fresh start after handing out her business, finds herself tempted by Keith, the handsome, young handyman she's hired to update her house.

Recurring Guest Stars: Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Steven Culp (Rex Van de Kamp), Christine Estabrook (Martha Huber), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Lainie Kazan (Maxine Rosen), Kyle MacLachlan (Orson Hodge)



You Must Meet My Wife[]

Desperate Housewives 7x02
See main article: "You Must Meet My Wife"

Original air date: October 3, 2010

Written by: Dave Flebotte

Directed by: Larry Shaw

Plot Synopsis: Susan is wracked with guilt about lying to Mike regarding her new, risqué side job, and Gabrielle is forced to rush to the hospital after her daughter Juanita becomes the victim in an accident that also involves a fellow resident of Wisteria Lane. In the meantime, Bree fires Keith without a warning when she suddenly finds herself falling for him, and after Renee starts spending way too much time with Tom, Lynette becomes concerned that she may be trying to sabotage her marriage. Paul Young finally introduces his lovely new wife to his neighbors on Wisteria Lane.

Recurring Guest Stars: Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Lainie Kazan (Maxine Rosen), Shawn Pyfrom (Andrew Van de Kamp)



Truly Content[]

Desperate Housewives 7x03
See main article: "Truly Content"

Original air date: October 10, 2010

Written by: Matt Berry

Directed by: Tara Nicole Weyr

Plot Synopsis: The women of Wisteria Lane invite Beth over for a poker game wanting to know more about her marriage to Paul. Susan is less than pleased when she finds out that some her best and sexiest internet show moves are being copied by a competitor, and Gabrielle hires a friend to look into an important matter, unbeknownst to Carlos. Meanwhile, Lynette is stunned when Tom's doctor prescribes him a rather unorthodox remedy for his depression, and Renee invites a reluctant Bree to go clubbing with her in order to engage in some local man-hunting.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Lainie Kazan (Maxine Rosen)



The Thing That Counts is What's Inside[]

Desperate Housewives 7x04
See main article: "The Thing That Counts is What's Inside"

Original air date: October 17, 2010

Written by: Jason Ganzel

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: Susan is horrified when she discovers that she has become the face of the provocative internet company she's been secretly working for, and is now the cover model for their outdoor billboard ads. Gabrielle tells her coveted secret to the ladies after meeting her biological daughter and the family who's taking care of her, and Renee and Bree go up against one another, each with hopes of nabbing Keith away and have him for herself. Meanwhile, Lynette takes advantage of daughter Penny's generous offer to help look after the baby, and Paul purchases the home he shared with Mary Alice, against the will of his new wife.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Lainie Kazan (Maxine Rosen), Joy Lauren (Danielle Katz)



Let Me Entertain You[]

Desperate Housewives 7x05
See main article: "Let Me Entertain You"

Original air date: October 24, 2010

Written by: Sara Parriott and Josann McGibbon

Directed by: Lonny Price

Plot Synopsis: Susan's days as a sexy internet sensation may be coming to an end after she angers an important client and incurs the wrath of her boss, Maxine. Meanwhile, Renee and Gabrielle are headed for a smackdown after each of them reveals an intimate secret about the other to the wrong people, and Bree finds herself exhausted by younger lover Keith's sexual stamina. Lynette is angry with Tom after he asks his mother to become the baby's nanny without talking it over with her first, and housewife Emma Graham puts on a cabaret show - with the aid of saxophonist Dave Koz - with surprising results.

Recurring Guest Stars: Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Lainie Kazan (Maxine Rosen)



Excited and Scared[]

Desperate Housewives 7x06
See main article: "Excited and Scared"

Original air date: October 31, 2010

Written by: Jeff Greenstein

Directed by: Jeff Greenstein

Plot Synopsis: As Halloween approaches, Susan is forced to reveal her secret, sexy internet side job to a shocked Mike, and Juanita becomes suspicious of Gabrielle's sudden interest in Grace. Meanwhile, Lynette becomes concerned about Tom's mother's memory lapses, and Bree learns a secret about Keith. Paul is encouraged to take wife Beth out on a date in order to light a spark in their unromantic relationship.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson)



A Humiliating Business[]

Desperate Housewives 7x07
See main article: "A Humiliating Business"

Original air date: November 7, 2010

Written by: Marco Pennette

Directed by: Larry Shaw

Plot Synopsis: Susan begrudgingly accepts Lynette's offer to be baby Paige's nanny, and Bree is too embarrassed to tell Keith (guest star Brian Austin Green) that she's beginning to go through menopause. Meanwhile, Renee makes a tempting job proposition to her friend Lynette, and Gabrielle fears that Bob is trying to seduce Carlos after the two strike up a friendship. Beth begins to question Paul's motives on the lane.

Recurring Guest Stars: Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman)



Sorry Grateful[]

Desperate Housewives 7x08
See main article: "Sorry Grateful"

Original air date: November 14, 2010

Written by: Annie Weisman

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: Thanksgiving on Wisteria Lane finds Gabrielle and Carlos hosting Carmen, Hector and Grace to a bountiful feast. But the Solises discover some surprising news about the Sanchez family that could threaten their time with Grace. Meanwhile, Bree invites Keith's parents to partake in Thanksgiving at her house and learns some family secrets, and Susan butts heads with Lynette over her sleep training techniques for baby Paige. Renee continues to remind Tom about their past, and Beth tries to uncover more about Paul's past misdeeds.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman)



Pleasant Little Kingdom[]

Desperate Housewives 7x09
See main article: "Pleasant Little Kingdom"

Original air date: December 5, 2010

Written by: Dave Flebotte

Directed by: Arlene Sanford

Plot Synopsis: Gabrielle desperately tries to figure out a way to keep her biological daughter Grace in her life, and Keith tries to get the most out of his intimate get-togethers with Bree, but his own father always finds a way to ruin such intimacy. In the meantime, Tom is angry at Lynette for not disclosing his special physical attributes, and Susan takes Renee out on a pity birthday dinner date, only to later find out a deep secret the latter is concealing. Paul's plan for Wisteria Lane is revealed, and chaos ensues as a result.

Recurring Guest Stars: Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Mindy Sterling (Mitzi Kinsky)



Down the Block There's a Riot[]

Desperate Housewives 7x10
See main article: "Down the Block There's a Riot"

Original air date: December 12, 2010

Written by: Bob Daily

Directed by: Larry Shaw

Plot Synopsis: Paul's nefarious plan of opening a halfway house on Wisteria Lane is put into full effect, which sends the neighborhood into an out of control spiral of chaos. Meanwhile, Gabrielle tries to cope with her feelings regarding the loss of her biological daughter, Grace, and Susan tells Tom about Renee's feelings for him. Bree invites Keith to move in with her, Lee becomes sort of a paria, and Lynette tries to figure out if anyone would screw over the neighborhood by selling their house to Paul Young.

Recurring Guest Stars: Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Shawn Pyfrom (Andrew Van de Kamp), Mindy Sterling (Mitzi Kinsky)



Assassins[]

Desperate Housewives 7x11
See main article: "Assassins"

Original air date: January 2, 2011

Written by: John Paul Bullock III

Directed by: David Warren

Plot Synopsis: The fate of Paul Young is revealed following the aftermath of the riot, but one important question remains: who shot him? Meanwhile, Susan's life hangs in the balance after being trampled by the rioting mob on Wisteria Lane, and Gabrielle finds it difficult to purge all traces of Grace from her life in order to repair her relationship with Juanita. Renee wrestles with telling Lynette the truth about her past with Tom, and Keith moves in with Bree but is shocked when her ex-husband Orson Hodge pays a surprise visit.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Kyle MacLachlan (Orson Hodge), Dale Waddington (Nurse)



Where Do I Belong?[]

Desperate Housewives 7x12
See main article: "Where Do I Belong?"

Original air date: January 9, 2011

Written by: David Schladweiler

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: While Susan continues to undergo dialysis, she is stunned when her flighty mother, Sophie, along with her aunt Claire, pays a visit but won't agree to get tested to see if she would be a potential kidney donor candidate. Meanwhile, not knowing where biological daughter Grace is causes Gabrielle to turn her feelings of loss into an obsession, and Lynette exacts revenge on Tom after she learns about his past with Renee. Bree tries to befriend a friendless Beth Young.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Cody Kasch (Zach Young), Dakin Matthews (Reverend Sikes), Dale Waddington (Nurse), Lesley Ann Warren (Sophie Bremmer)



I'm Still Here[]

Desperate Housewives 7x13
See main article: "I'm Still Here"

Original air date: January 16, 2011

Written by: Josann McGibbon & Sara Parriott

Directed by: Lonny Price

Plot Synopsis: Lynette feels her mother is marrying Frank, an abrasive and obnoxious man, for all the wrong reasons, and thus tries to talk her out of it. Meanwhile, Carlos becomes concerned when he learns about Gabrielle's obsession with her doll, and Bob and Lee hire a non-maternal Renee to decorate their newly adopted girl's bedroom. Bree runs into Keith's ex-girlfriend and learns some shocking news about his past, and Susan tries to befriend a curmudgeonly man who has given up on ever finding a kidney donor. In the meantime, Paul appears to have some plans for Beth, as he books a trip for the two of them to a remote cabin in the woods.

Recurring Guest Stars: Polly Bergen (Stella Wingfield), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson)



Flashback[]

Desperate Housewives 7x14
See main article: "Flashback"

Original air date: February 13, 2011

Written by: Matt Berry

Directed by: Andrew Doerfer

Plot Synopsis: Lynette fights back when her mother tries to force the Scavos to pose for a family portrait with her obnoxious new husband, Frank. Meanwhile, Susan is presented with a kidney donation from an unlikely source, Gabrielle refuses to confront her past while undergoing therapy to discover what's causing her underlying obsession with her doll, Bree continues to keep the existence of Keith's son a secret from him, and Mike reaches out to biological son Zach to see if he was involved in adopted father Paul's shooting.

Recurring Guest Stars: Polly Bergen (Stella Wingfield), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Cody Kasch (Zach Young)



Farewell Letter[]

Desperate Housewives 7x15
See main article: "Farewell Letter"

Original air date: February 20, 2011

Written by: Marco Pennette

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: Lynette and Tom feel that it's time for twins Porter and Preston to move out on their own and learn how to become responsible adults... but the boys end up moving out to a pad that's a little too close to home. Meanwhile, as part of Gabrielle's therapy, she and Carlos pay a visit to her hometown to confront her past and discover that she has left a lasting impression on the town. Keith asks Bree to move to Florida with him to be closer to his son, whereas Susan uses her kidney ailment to garner special treatment in public places, and, after sending son Zach to rehab, Paul makes a decision about his life with Beth.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Brian Austin Green (Keith Watson), Cody Kasch (Zach Young), Brent Kinsman (Preston Scavo (younger)), Shane Kinsman (Porter Scavo (younger))



Searching[]

Desperate Housewives 7x16
See main article: "Searching"

Original air date: March 6, 2011

Written by: Jeff Greenstein

Directed by: Larry Shaw

Plot Synopsis: Susan vows to get the most out of life when she learns that her dialysis isn't working and that, unless she receives a kidney transplant soon, she will die. Bree makes it her mission to find a kidney donor for Susan and, jealous of Lee and Bob's adopted daughter's routine for an upcoming school talent show, Gabrielle pressures Juanita to come up with a number that will outshine everyone. Meanwhile, Lynette puts a plan into action to discourage a clearly non-maternal Renee from adopting a baby, and Beth Young struggles to figure out what to do with her life after Paul kicked her out of the house.

Recurring Guest Stars: Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Dakin Matthews (Reverend Sikes), Mindy Sterling (Mitzi Kinsky)



Everything's Different, Nothing's Changed[]

Desperate Housewives 7x17
See main article: "Everything's Different, Nothing's Changed"

Original air date: April 3, 2011

Written by: Annie Weisman

Directed by: David Warren

Plot Synopsis: Paul Young stands in the way of Susan getting her much-needed kidney transplant. Meanwhile, Lynette is furious with Tom when he passes up a lucrative job opportunity in order to continue working with Carlos out of friendship, Bree becomes concerned over Andrew's escalating alcohol consumption, and Gabrielle is shocked when Renee continues as planned with her neighborhood party after the tragic suicide attempt of one of Wisteria Lane's residents.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Emily Bergl (Beth Young), Todd Grinnell (Dr. Alex Cominis), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Shawn Pyfrom (Andrew Van de Kamp), Mindy Sterling (Mitzi Kinsky)



Moments in the Woods[]

Desperate Housewives 7x18
See main article: "Moments in the Woods"

Original air date: April 17, 2011

Written by: John Paul Bullock III

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: Believing she's on a winning streak after undergoing a successful kidney transplant, Susan begins to think she's invincible and starts to gamble with the little money she and Mike have, convinced she can't lose. Meanwhile, Bree desperately tries to stop Andrew from admitting to Carlos that he was the one who accidentally killed his mother years ago, and Renee helps introduce Lynette to the world of high class, frivolous shopping now that Tom's bringing in the big bucks with his new, high-powered job. Felicia moves back into the neighborhood and tries to convince an extremely suspicious Paul that she wants to bury the hatchet and try to be civil to one another.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Shawn Pyfrom (Andrew Van de Kamp)



The Lies Ill-Concealed[]

Desperate Housewives 7x19
See main article: "The Lies Ill-Concealed"

Original air date: April 24, 2011

Written by: David Schladweiler

Directed by: Larry Shaw

Plot Synopsis: Gabrielle must meet Bree under a cloak of secrecy when Carlos forbids their friendship after learning the truth about his mother's death. Meanwhile, saved by the late Beth Young's kidney donation, Susan begins to have some inappropriate dreams about Paul, and Lynette is reluctant to be the "plus one" when she accompanies Tom to a weekend conference featuring the nation's top executives. Felicia Tilman tries to regain Mrs. McCluskey's trust in her campaign to bring down Paul Young.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman)



I'll Swallow Poison on Sunday[]

Desperate Housewives 7x20
See main article: "I'll Swallow Poison on Sunday"

Original air date: May 1, 2011

Written by: Jason Ganzel

Directed by: David Warren

Plot Synopsis: With Gabrielle and her girls temporarily staying at Bree's house, Bree must lay down the law and demand discipline before Juanita and Celia destroy her home. Meanwhile, Tom hires Lynette and Renee to redecorate his office - but Lynette has her own ideas of what she thinks Tom needs as opposed to wants. While continuing to help nurse Paul back to health, Susan discovers that Felicia has been released from prison and is back on Wisteria Lane.

Recurring Guest Stars: Daniella Baltodano (Celia Solis), Jonathan Cake (Chuck Vance), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman)



Then I Really Got Scared[]

Desperate Housewives 7x21
See main article: "Then I Really Got Scared"

Original air date: May 8, 2011

Written by: Valérie A. Brotski

Directed by: David Warren

Plot Synopsis: Paul begins to suspect that Susan is responsible for his rapidly declining health, and Lynette and Tom butt heads over where to go on their family vacation, as well as which one of them will set it up. In the meantime, Gabrielle shows Juanita a horror movie and has to pay the price when her daughter becomes too scared to sleep in her own bed, whereas Bree runs into some trust issues when she goes out on a date with a detective.

Recurring Guest Stars: Jonathan Cake (Chuck Vance), Max Carver (Preston Scavo), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Tony Plana (Alejandro Perez), John Rubinstein (Principal Hobson)



And Lots of Security...[]

Desperate Housewives 7x22
See main article: "And Lots of Security..."

Original air date: May 15, 2011

Written by: Joe Keenan

Directed by: David Grossman

Plot Synopsis: Gabrielle grows more and more concerned over the mysterious man who has been keeping a close eye on her, and decides it is time to get a gun for protection. Meanwhile, Lynette and Tom attempt to put the spark back into their marriage by spending a few days alone together at a romantic B&B, but they soon find themselves trying to avoid at all costs being alone together after all. Bree begins to suspect that her new boyfriend might be gay, and, after being placed under arrest for allegedly poisoning Paul, Susan must convince the police that she was being framed for the deed by Felicia Tilman.

Recurring Guest Stars: Jonathan Cake (Chuck Vance), Michael Dempsey (Detective Murphy), Harriet Sansom Harris (Felicia Tilman), Tony Plana (Alejandro Perez)



Come on Over for Dinner[]

Desperate Housewives 7x23
See main article: "Come on Over for Dinner"

Original air date: May 15, 2011

Written by: Bob Daily

Directed by: Larry Shaw

Plot Synopsis: Mike and Susan move back to the lane, and their friends and neighbors decide to host a progressive dinner party to celebrate their return, but things don't go quite as planned. Lynette worries that Tom might leave her, but becomes even more concerned about the feelings that resurface once he's gone, Bree decides to pay a visit to Chuck's wife's boutique, Renee learns that her ex-husband is getting remarried, and Gabrielle decides the time has come to confront her stepfather.

Recurring Guest Stars: Orson Bean (Roy Bender), Jonathan Cake (Chuck Vance), Tony Plana (Alejandro Perez)



Notes[]

Production[]

Season seven was originally intended to be the final season, according to creator Marc Cherry. However, he then developed a new plan to extend the series for two more seasons, meaning an eighth and ninth season. Marc Cherry signed a two-year deal with ABC, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Marcia Cross and Eva Longoria to keep Desperate Housewives on the air until the year 2013. However, it was revealed about a month before Season 8's premiere that the season would be its last.

Reception[]

The series saw the lowest ratings in its history in the seventh season. In the first 12 episodes, the series attracted very similar viewership to the second half of the sixth season and hit season highs of 4.4 in the 18-49 demographic and continued around 3.5 - 4.3 until mid January. But after the thirteenth episode of season seven, "I'm Still Here", the ratings declined heavily because of the consecutive competition from the 68th Golden Globe Awards and then saw even lower numbers, against the 2011 Grammy Awards and then the Country Music Association Awards. "Desperate Housewives" lost many viewers in the second half of its season, and unlike the previous season, it failed to pick up again towards the end of the season. The show hit series lows of 2.7 in 18-49 demographic twice and continued to receive ratings between 2.7 - 3.1 in the last 11 episodes with the exception of Searching which was promoted by ABC after the 83rd Academy Awards and had a lead in from the season premiere of Secret Millionaire. This is the first time in its history that it did not place in the 20 most watched shows, ranking as the 25th most watched show, although it did place as the 15th most watched scripted show during the 2010-11 television season. The season averaged 11.7 million viewers per episode and is ABC's second most watched scripted show in total viewers after Modern Family. In the 18-49 demographic, the show ranked as the 17th most watched show.

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