Jeff Korbelik: Bold move on 'Housewives' pays off
Kudos to “Desperate Housewives” creator Marc Cherry for taking a bold leap and moving his his popular dramedy five years into the future.
The stunt reminded me of how daytime soaps often time travel, especially the children within them, who suddenly become adults in six months’ time.
With “Housewives,” Cherry’s move is paying off. The drama is entertaining again, with its actresses having to reimagine their characters — none of them more so than Eva Longoria Parker, whose Gabrielle went from — in her words — glamorous to frumpy.
“It was a chance for us to reset,” Cherry told the media before season five started. “Soaps tend to build up, and I wanted to get back to where we were that first season when it was just the small and relatable problems of some ordinary women.”
Every show goes through growing pains, and “Housewives” has had its fair share of them.
Remember season two and the terrible story arc involving Betty Applewhite (Alfre Woodard) keeping her mentally handicapped son locked in the basement? It earned Woodard an Emmy nomination, but it didn’t strike a chord with fans.
Last year, the drama found some new life thanks to newcomer Dana Delaney. The TV veteran injected some much-needed energy into the series as Bree’s (Marcia Cross) nemesis who was harboring her own secrets.
Plus, I’ve always thought the men have driven the show as much as the housewives. Last season, a blind Carlos and small business owner Tom were at the top of their games.
This season looks promising with the additions of Gale Harold (“Vanished”) as Susan’s new boyfriend and Neal McDonough (“Boomtown”) as Edie’s creepy new husband.
The trick will be for Cherry to keep the show light and fun, with just enough dramatic tension for a balance. Past seasons tended to become too dark and serious too fast.
The comedy, after all, is why people tune in. A compelling whodunit is what keeps them there.
Across the remote
* No ifs, ands or buts about it: Sarah Palin is a TV star.
The Republican vice presidential candidate’s debate on Oct. 2 with Sen. Joe Biden drew more than 70 million, ranking it as the second most-watched political debate ever.
The 1980 debate between President Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan has the record with 80.6 million.
I’m guessing many viewers like me were curious to see how Palin, a relative unknown before Sen. John McCain tapped her as his running mate, would fare against the veteran Biden.
* It appears Jesse L. Martin will be back on NBC soon.
The Hollywood Reporter said Martin is in negotiations to play opposite James Purefoy in the network’s midseason drama “The Philanthropist.”
Martin played Det. Ed Green on “Law & Order” for nine seasons.
* In other casting news, Jesse McCartney (“Summerland”) is joining ABC Family’s “Greek” as an in-demand pledge. The drama returns next spring.
* It looks like Rosie O’Donnell will be back. NBC has contracted the former “View” co-host to host a variety show on Nov. 26, the night before Thanksgiving. If it does well, we could see more of it.
Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.
The stunt reminded me of how daytime soaps often time travel, especially the children within them, who suddenly become adults in six months’ time.
With “Housewives,” Cherry’s move is paying off. The drama is entertaining again, with its actresses having to reimagine their characters — none of them more so than Eva Longoria Parker, whose Gabrielle went from — in her words — glamorous to frumpy.
“It was a chance for us to reset,” Cherry told the media before season five started. “Soaps tend to build up, and I wanted to get back to where we were that first season when it was just the small and relatable problems of some ordinary women.”
Every show goes through growing pains, and “Housewives” has had its fair share of them.
Remember season two and the terrible story arc involving Betty Applewhite (Alfre Woodard) keeping her mentally handicapped son locked in the basement? It earned Woodard an Emmy nomination, but it didn’t strike a chord with fans.
Last year, the drama found some new life thanks to newcomer Dana Delaney. The TV veteran injected some much-needed energy into the series as Bree’s (Marcia Cross) nemesis who was harboring her own secrets.
Plus, I’ve always thought the men have driven the show as much as the housewives. Last season, a blind Carlos and small business owner Tom were at the top of their games.
This season looks promising with the additions of Gale Harold (“Vanished”) as Susan’s new boyfriend and Neal McDonough (“Boomtown”) as Edie’s creepy new husband.
The trick will be for Cherry to keep the show light and fun, with just enough dramatic tension for a balance. Past seasons tended to become too dark and serious too fast.
The comedy, after all, is why people tune in. A compelling whodunit is what keeps them there.
Across the remote
* No ifs, ands or buts about it: Sarah Palin is a TV star.
The Republican vice presidential candidate’s debate on Oct. 2 with Sen. Joe Biden drew more than 70 million, ranking it as the second most-watched political debate ever.
The 1980 debate between President Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan has the record with 80.6 million.
I’m guessing many viewers like me were curious to see how Palin, a relative unknown before Sen. John McCain tapped her as his running mate, would fare against the veteran Biden.
* It appears Jesse L. Martin will be back on NBC soon.
The Hollywood Reporter said Martin is in negotiations to play opposite James Purefoy in the network’s midseason drama “The Philanthropist.”
Martin played Det. Ed Green on “Law & Order” for nine seasons.
* In other casting news, Jesse McCartney (“Summerland”) is joining ABC Family’s “Greek” as an in-demand pledge. The drama returns next spring.
* It looks like Rosie O’Donnell will be back. NBC has contracted the former “View” co-host to host a variety show on Nov. 26, the night before Thanksgiving. If it does well, we could see more of it.
Reach Jeff Korbelik at 473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com.
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