Saw the pilot tonight. This is just the sort of TV show that I will enjoy, but that will be gone by Christmas. I'm thinking of "Cupid", last year's "Hidden Hills", "Cop Rock". Best exchange, hot single Mom:"Don't try that!" Hunky new bachelor to neighborhood:"Why? I believe it's impossible to ruin macaroni and cheese. Whu-?" (Gags) "It's like it's burnt and underdone at the same time!" hot single mom: "I get that a lot."

Did you get any kind of a read on what the writers' perspective on marriage is? The commercials make it look thoroughly cynical.

Oh, it's pretty cynical, but about the clean suburban "image" and marriage is part of that. The pilot started out with the feel of "The Ice Storm" meets "American Beauty" complete with suicide. The narration by the one commiting the act continues as commentary throughout the show. The dark and quite funny humor starts as the whole street comes to the funeral dinner at the house of the slain.

Archtypes aplenty. Sexless single mom, Ms. Perfect (closet homemaker nazi), overwhelmed former professional running her house (complete with Santa's cellphone number to make the kids behave, "I know someone who know's someone who know's an elf"), trophy wife neglected by hard charging careerist hubbie who is always talking about marriage as compromise. Single newbie guy down the street immediately hounded by all the divorcees. Coming next week: secrets and secret lives aplenty.

Nice turn around as fair play last night with Dr. and Ms. Perfect. The voiceover cynically suggests that the local marriage counselor will make mucho bucks off this couple. Yes, She does tune out almost anything but a task to be performed, even to fixing a button on the counselor's sport coat, but reveals a bit about herself. And the beaten down, but self righteous hubbie might be in for a bit less sympathy in sessions upcoming by reason of gratitude issues. This is turning into what might be the most profound of the myriad plotlines, still mined with humor of course. Great show last night.

The gay side of 'Desperate Housewives' (AP)
Two days after being lavished with Emmy nominations for "Desperate Housewives," series creator Marc Cherry appeared before an especially appreciative gathering: Outfest 2005, a gay and lesbian film festival.

The ABC satire on suburbia that emerged as the runaway hit of the past TV season has a solid homosexual pedigree, even if the show's gay sensibility is more sly than overt: Cherry is gay and so are several of his writers.

At Outfest, he and the program were celebrated with a panel discussion, billed as "Queer is Just a Frame of Mind on Wisteria Lane," that included star Marcia Cross and members of the writing and producing staff...

Quite honestly, I don't understand the appeal of this show.

I for once agree with Britney's husband:

The Britney and Kevin's Top 10 reasons to check out their new reality show:

9. Kevin: Unlike those “Desperate Housewives” chicks, we’re not, like, 60 years old.

In case you ever wanted to know what was the top television show for kids between 9-14 -- ta-da!

I know this is an old post, but I couldn't figure out how to start a new one...

I'm currently writing a book on this show, but wanted to find out what others thought about the marketability of such an endeavor (not a moralistic perspective on the content, but an upbeat, take the best from the show and run with it kind of attitude). I have had two turn-downs by publishers, but I really feel called to write it. Nevertheless, I thought I'd ask - Does anyone think the show has lost it's "buzz?" I know it had a weak second half of the season last year, but it seemed to have picked up this year.

Anyone agree, disagree? Thoughts? Has it gotten better, or at least retained its viewership?

I stopped watching after...season two? I think the show became a self-cariacture.

(And, please--don't start new threads if we already have one! Also--"New users" are prevented from starting threads, but you are no longer a new users.)

It's on in the background every Sunday night although neither me nor my wife are closely watching. I really have no idea whats happening. Terri Hatcher and the plumber are married. The divorced couple are sleeping together. There is some new mystery with the new old neighbor. None of it is compelling. I think the show has totally lost it. What season is it in now? The first season was great. It's been a totally downhill slide since. They ran out of material after one season and have been forcing the "drama" ever since. I think they would have been wiser to drag out the mystery of Mary Alice's suicide over one to two seasons. It might have been too long but its better than what has been produced since.

I know that it had a definite downhill slide last year, but I liked the last couple of episodes last year, and the season premiere this year. I haven't seen the other two yet as I joined another soccer league on Sunday afternoons. I know most viewers get bored with plots that seem contrived, and men in particular have a short tolerance for silly drama. What about the women you know? Has it retained that audience at least? Anyone's wives still watching?

Thanks for your comments! That's good information to have in hand.

I honestly don't know anyone who watches it anymore. And if they do, it's not water-cooler talk Monday morning.

When I loosely watch it with my wife she's paying about as much attention as I am. We're usually doing other stuff while watching. I think the only reason it's still even on is that we've invested this much time into. Besides, Felicity Huffman has always been a joy to watch. I've actually continued to enjoy the Scavo storylines even if they are getting way too contrived at this point.

I've never watched it...just not my thing...but I've read some thoughtful commentaries on it. HJML, have you seen this book on Desperate Housewives? Might indicate the sort of thing that has been done already?

What presses have you queried? Send me a PM if you like.

I have seen that book and even listed it in the comparable materials section of my book proposal. I think I've seen them all! I did a lot of research to make sure I did my due diligence, but there is one out there that's really similar to mine. And maybe that's the problem. The only difference woudl be a different point of reference, and a different writing style. But thanks for suggesting it!! I've had a few folks e-mail me one that's coming out soon called, Passionate Housewives Desperate for Christ. Or something like that... It looks pretty good, but it's not about the show.

I'll PM you about the presses as soon as I figure out how to do a PM!

BTW, I will be gone this weekend, but I still want to hear any feedback you guys are willing to offer!! From what you're saying, though, sounds like the publishers are right on...