(S04E09) "It was supposed to be a beautiful day." - Mary Alice

"The most elaborate episode ever produced in the history of the series" (per what ABC said in the episode's press release) finally aired. A lot of fans have been looking forward to Desperate Housewives' tornado episode for weeks (myself included), especially since two somewhat important characters were said to die. Did the episode deliver? Were expectations too high?

I have to get this off my chest now: Wow! It was indeed the most elaborate episode so far. That last shot of a destroyed Wisteria Lane must have taken hours of preparation, required tons of workers to put everything so that it looks like a real tornado hit and must have been pricey! It looks like I was not the only one feeling that way after watching the episode because, as I was writing this review, I've received a few emails of DH fans saying words like "speechless," "best episode ever," "Oh. My God."

Episode 4.10 was produced but I'm pretty sure ABC will decide to withhold it for a while as "Something's Coming" could easily serve as a season finale if the strike lasts too long. This week's episode closed the books on a few storylines and face-offs while opening new paths. We saw enemies bond, characters learn the ugly truth and people fighting for their lives.

Bree and Katherine: BBFs

As I've stated in earlier reviews, I love Bree and Katherine face-offs but after tonight, I think seeing them gossip together, work hand in hand to win the next bake off, manipulate neighbors, and hide each other's secrets may be as delicious. We pretty much knew Adam's secret (affair with a patient) but we never knew the full extent of it (he did sleep with Sylvia but told everyone it wasn't true and settle in order not to lose his license which, in turn, had his family lose everything and relocate). Because I want Nathan Fillion to stick around, I hope Katherine goes in her "let's keep up appearances" mode and gives the guy a (second) chance.

The look on Katherine's face when she learned of the tattoo was as priceless as the look on Bree's face when she discovered the mistake she made in serving tea to Sylvia so she could get the dirt on her nemesis.

Edie and Gabrielle: Friends again

Edie and Gaby were never the best of friends but there was a point where they were somewhat civil to one another. This week, after seeing them fight for the account info, they bonded while trying to hide from the tornado. Both stepped on their ego a bit in order to let the other one know who they truly felt: "I'm sorry Carlos and I lied to you," said Gaby. Later, Edie said that she didn't hate Gaby but hated herself for falling in love with Carlos when she knew he would go back to his true love, Gabrielle. I must say I'm happy with this turn of events because I was getting tired of the Victor/Gaby/Carlos/Edie storyline. Plus, Gaby and Edie are more interesting in scenes together than hating one another apart.

Susan acts like an adult!

I can't believe I just wrote that subtitle. But yes, Susan did act like an adult tonight when she refused to give Mike one of her painkillers and told him she would walk out on him if he didn't go to rehab. You go girl! Sadly, I'm pretty sure she'll go back to her teenage-acting as soon as Julie is back from her school trip.

Victor seeks revenge

Let's hope Victor doesn't have nine lives! We knew Victor was coming for Gaby and Carlos this week and that he would probably try to kill one if not both. That fight scene between him and Carlos rocked! Kudos to the actors for fighting in the on-set-created win; that must not have been an easy scene to shoot. I can imagine tomorrow's headline of Fairview's leading newspaper: "Mayor killed by a white picket fence." Even if Victor bit the dust, Carlos and Gaby's problems are far from over. The detectives will surely still work on what happened on the boat and will add Victor's death to the list. More drama!

Tobey, the cat

Poor cat; he surely didn't survive the tornado. However, the cat served an important purpose this week as it made McCluskey teach Lynette what friendship is really about. It's important to not only ask for help, time and energy but also give it in return. Lynette had been neglecting McCluskey who was always there to help the Scavos. The cat incident plus hiding in the bathtub together will have brought both women closer than ever. And Lynette will definitely need to have all the friends she can have with the way the episode ended...

Other tidbits of interest:

• Death toll: Victor, Sylvia, Tobey (I assume) and a friend...
• "Some of us gave you very expensive gifts." - Bree to Gaby
• "I only love four of you." - McCluskey to Lynette
• "I've had better days." - Mike
• "We are two halves of the same person." - Carlos about Gaby and him
• "There is not enough Novocaine in this office to numb the pain I will inflict on you." - Susan to Orson
• "Katherine, for what it's worth, I would have spit in her face too." - Bree