Ep 16. The Gun Song

In Desperate Housewives season 4 episode 16, titled "The Gun Song," tensions are running high on Wisteria Lane as residents struggle to deal with the aftermath of a recent tragedy. As the episode opens, we see Lynette (Felicity Huffman) grappling with her feelings about her son, Porter, who has been implicated in a shooting at a local club. Mysteriously absent from the episode is her husband, Tom (Doug Savant), who is off dealing with a separate crisis elsewhere.

Meanwhile, other housewives are dealing with their own problems. Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) is navigating a tricky path with her husband, Victor (John Slattery), as he becomes more controlling and demanding. Bree (Marcia Cross) is doing her best to hide her own dark past from her new boyfriend, Orson (Kyle MacLachlan). And Susan (Teri Hatcher) finds herself caught between her new love interest, Jackson (Gale Harold), and her ex-husband, Mike (James Denton), who is still very much in the picture.

But the real drama of the episode comes from the aftermath of the shooting. As Porter's fate hangs in the balance, Lynette is forced to confront the reality of what her son has done - and how she may have contributed to his state of mind. Meanwhile, the other residents of Wisteria Lane are grappling with their own reactions to the tragedy. Some are quick to condemn Porter and his family, while others are more sympathetic. And one resident, in particular, is determined to take matters into her own hands and exact her own justice on the teen responsible for the shooting.

As the episode progresses, we see how the fallout from the shooting begins to affect everyone on Wisteria Lane. Relationships are tested, secrets are uncovered, and alliances shift. And through it all, the powerful emotions and complex motivations of the characters are on full display, making for a gripping and emotionally charged episode that's not to be missed.

With its deft handling of complex and difficult subjects, "The Gun Song" is a standout episode of Desperate Housewives season 4. It's a powerful exploration of the impact of gun violence on communities and individuals, as well as a reminder of the power of human connection and empathy in the face of tragedy. And above all, it's a testament to the strength and resilience of the housewives of Wisteria Lane, who continue to find the courage to face life's challenges head-on.