When the fourth season opens, we immediately learn the fate of neighborhood hot tamale Edie Britt (Nicollette Sheridan), who appeared to have hung herself in the third season finale. What happens to Edie is too clever and fun to spoil, so let's move on to what's happened with the other housewives.
Gabby (Eva Longoria) has just married her cold-hearted politician boyfriend and is already planning to run off with her ex-husband, Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira). Bree (Marcia Cross) and her still-somewhat-new hubby Orson (Kyle MacLachlan) are still pretending that Bree is pregnant, to help hide the truth about Bree's daughter Danielle (who is actually pregnant). Lynette (Felicity Huffman) is deep into chemotherapy for her recently diagnosed cancer, but still hasn't told anyone besides her husband Tom (Doug Savant) and her mother (Polly Bergen).
And, of course, Susan (Teri Hatcher) is still married to Mike (James Denton) and, instead of being happy, is already convinced that their union is doomed. Sigh. Oh Susan, you never fail to annoy.
We're also introduced to new neighbor Katherine Mayfair, played by the always welcome Dana Delany. Katherine apparently lived on Wisteria Lane before, and was a buddy to Susan. She's returned with her daughter, who seems not to remember anything about her life in her old neighborhood, and a hunky doctor husband (Nathan Fillion -- just as welcome as Delany).
The stories bump along pleasantly enough -- though, as usual, Huffman and Cross get the best stuff. I particularly liked that Huffman, unlike most actresses who play cancer patients, allows herself to actually look sick. When we first see the post-chemo Lynette, it's appropriately shocking. But thankfully, Lynette hasn't lost her edge, and there's a cheer-worthy moment she finally reveals her cancer.
Cross also has a couple of great moments, including a wonderfully tense discussion with Delany's character over a cup of coffee. Like so many of the best Bree moments, it's polite on the surface with rage and resentment simmering underneath.
I enjoyed the first episode so much that I'm very hopeful about the new season. Let's hope they maintain the momentum. No one needs more "DH"-induced whiplash.