Ep 1. Pilot

In the first episode of Desperate Housewives, titled Pilot, we are introduced to the seemingly perfect neighborhood of Wisteria Lane. However, even in this idyllic setting, there are secrets and scandals lurking behind closed doors.

The episode opens with the suicide of Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong), who leaves behind a note for her husband, Paul (Mark Moses). This event serves as a catalyst for the rest of the episode, as we see how the other women on the street react to the tragedy.

We first meet Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), a recently divorced mother who is struggling to make ends meet. She is immediately drawn to new neighbor Mike Delfino (James Denton), whose mysterious past and good looks have caught the attention of many of the women on the street.

Next, we are introduced to Lynette Scavo (Felicity Huffman), a former career woman who is now a stay-at-home mom to her four young children. She is feeling overwhelmed and unfulfilled, and at one point almost loses her temper with her children in a supermarket.

Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross) is the epitome of perfection - a wealthy woman who takes great pride in her home and her family. However, we soon learn that her strict standards have put a strain on her marriage to Rex (Steven Culp) and her relationship with her rebellious teenage son, Andrew (Shawn Pyfrom).

Finally, we meet Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria), a former model who is now bored with her life as a housewife. She is having an affair with her gardener, John (Jesse Metcalfe), and is desperately trying to keep it a secret from her husband, Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira).

As the episode progresses, we see the women grappling with their own personal problems while also dealing with the aftermath of Mary Alice's suicide. There are hints of a larger mystery at play, as we see Paul Young behaving oddly and the police investigating Mary Alice's death.

Overall, Pilot sets the stage for what will be a thrilling and often absurd exploration of suburban life. The show's mix of dark humor, soap opera-style drama, and mystery makes it a captivating watch from start to finish.