Ep 2. Ah, But Underneath

In the second episode of Desperate Housewives' first season, entitled "Ah, But Underneath," viewers are thrust deeper into the seemingly idyllic lives of the women of Wisteria Lane.

The episode begins with the aftermath of the first episode's cliffhanger: the suicide of Mary Alice Young. As the women of the neighborhood come to terms with what has occurred, secrets begin to bubble to the surface. Bree Van de Kamp (played by Marcia Cross) is in damage control mode, doing her best to keep up appearances and make sure that her family is not implicated in any way. Meanwhile, Susan Mayer (played by Teri Hatcher) is determined to connect with the new neighbor on the block, Mike Delfino (played by James Denton), despite his standoffish demeanor.

As the episode progresses, viewers are treated to glimpses beneath the surface of each of the women's lives. Lynette Scavo (played by Felicity Huffman) is struggling to maintain control over her four rambunctious children, to the point where she hires a babysitter who turns out to have a questionable past. Gabrielle Solis (played by Eva Longoria) is engaging in an affair with her teenage gardener, despite her marriage to the wealthy Carlos (played by Ricardo Antonio Chavira).

Perhaps the most intriguing plotline of the episode, however, belongs to Edie Britt (played by Nicollette Sheridan). Edie is the new woman on the block, and she wastes no time shaking things up. She invites the other women over for a poker night, where she hilariously flirts with every man in the room and reveals that she knows exactly why Mary Alice took her own life. This revelation sets the stage for a season-long mystery that will keep audiences hooked.

As the episode comes to a close, tensions continue to simmer beneath the surface. Bree is still trying to hold everything together, but cracks are beginning to show. Susan's attempts to connect with Mike are proving more difficult than she anticipated. Gabrielle is struggling to keep her affair a secret. Lynette is dealing with a professional crisis, as her decision to leave her high-powered job to be a stay-at-home mom is beginning to weigh on her. And Edie, as always, is stirring the pot.

All in all, "Ah, But Underneath" is a strong second episode that sets the stage for the drama and intrigue that will unfold over the rest of the season. Viewers will be left wanting more, eager to see what secrets will be revealed next in the seemingly perfect suburb of Wisteria Lane.