Ep 22. Goodbye for Now

As the first season of Desperate Housewives nears its end, tensions are running high in the neighborhood. The episode titled "Goodbye for Now" focuses on the ways in which the various characters are dealing with the upheavals in their lives.

Lynette Scavo, played by Felicity Huffman, is struggling to maintain her composure as she contemplates a major life change: returning to work after years of being a stay-at-home mom. Her husband, Tom (Doug Savant), is less than supportive, and Lynette has to navigate her own insecurities and the skepticism of her former colleagues.

Gabrielle Solis, played by Eva Longoria, is reeling from the revelation that her husband, Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira), has been unfaithful. In an attempt to take back control, Gabrielle embarks on an affair with her teenage gardener, John (Jesse Metcalfe). However, as the consequences of her actions begin to mount, Gabrielle realizes that she may have made a mistake.

Meanwhile, Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher) is still recovering from the revelation that her ex-boyfriend, Mike (James Denton), is actually the father of Julie (Andrea Bowen), her teenage daughter. As she struggles to come to terms with her past mistakes, Susan finds herself drawn to Mike again, even as she worries that he may be involved in a shady business deal.

Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross) is also dealing with a family crisis. Her son, Andrew (Shawn Pyfrom), has been caught with drugs, and Bree is torn between her desire to protect him and her strict moral code. At the same time, Bree is grappling with the realization that her marriage to Rex (Steven Culp) may not be as perfect as she once believed.

The episode also sees the return of Mary Alice Young (Brenda Strong), the mysterious narrator of the series who died in the first episode. As the various storylines come together, Mary Alice's presence looms over the neighborhood, a reminder of the secrets and lies that lurk beneath the surface.

Overall, "Goodbye for Now" is a tense and emotional episode that sets the stage for the dramatic events of the season finale. With its complex characters and intricate plotlines, Desperate Housewives continues to be one of the most compelling dramas on television.