Bang (Desperate Housewives)

Last updated
"Bang"
Desperate Housewives episode
Episode no.Season 3
Episode 7
Directed by Larry Shaw
Written by Joe Keenan
Production code307
Original air dateNovember 5, 2006 (2006-11-05)
Running time45 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
 Previous
"Sweetheart, I Have to Confess"
Next 
"Children and Art"
Desperate Housewives season 3
List of episodes

"Bang" is the seventh episode of the third season of the ABC television series Desperate Housewives , and the 54th overall episode of the series. The episode was written by Joe Keenan and directed by Larry Shaw, and was first broadcast on November 5, 2006.

Contents

The episode received critical acclaim, and is widely considered to be one of the series' best episodes. "Bang" garnered 22.65 million viewers upon its initial broadcast, 6.6% more viewers than the previous episode, which garnered 21.24 million viewers. [1] [2] Felicity Huffman submitted this episode for consideration on her behalf in the category of “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series” at the 2007 Emmy Awards, and was later nominated. [3] [4]

Plot

Background

Desperate Housewives focuses on the lives of several residents in the suburban neighborhood of Wisteria Lane. In previous episodes, Nora Huntington (Kiersten Warren) kisses married man Tom Scavo (Doug Savant) before being threatened by his wife Lynette (Felicity Huffman). [5] Julie Mayer (Andrea Bowen) meets Edie Britt's (Nicollette Sheridan) nephew Austin McCann (Josh Henderson). [6] Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher) makes plans to go to France with Ian Hainsworth (Dougray Scott). [5] Carlos Solis (Ricardo Antonio Chavira) and Gabrielle "Gaby" Solis (Eva Longoria) reunite. [5] Bree Van de Kamp (Marcia Cross) finds out that her husband, Orson Hodge (Kyle MacLachlan) hit his ex-wife Alma (Valerie Mahaffey) and Harvey Bigsby (Brian Kerwin) admits to Orson that he cheated on his wife Carolyn (Laurie Metcalf). [5]

Episode

The episode begins with Carolyn Bigsby shooting at her husband Harvey in the grocery store he owns because he has been having an affair. He locks himself in his office, and she holds the supermarket shoppers at gunpoint.

Earlier that morning, Bree Van de Kamp confronts her husband Orson Hodge about the police report from the night he supposedly beat his first wife Alma. He convinces her that she suffered her injuries due to a fall after attacking him. Bree reveals that Carolyn gave her the report, and Orson mentions that Carolyn's husband is cheating on her. Bree tells Carolyn that Harvey has been cheating on her. She rings Harvey at the supermarket, and tells him she knows about the affair. He tries to tell her that Monique is dead. Carolyn then goes to a drawer and takes out a gun, and Harvey calls Susan about what happened.

In the supermarket, Nora Huntington tells Lynette and her husband Tom that she is moving to Mexico with Kayla, her daughter with Tom, despite their opposition. Nora begins threatening Lynette to not apply for custody of Kayla, and the two begin to fight when a gunshot is heard.

Gabrielle and her husband Carlos are settling the final terms of their separation. Carlos reveals that Gabrielle seduced him in order to stall the divorce as she believed he was coming into some money. The judge decides Carlos gets everything in the house and Gabrielle only gets the house. When they arrive home, each tries to destroy the property left to the other in the settlement. Gabrielle tells Carlos she hates the people they've become and that she could easily be in Carolyn's place at the supermarket.

Carolyn holds the shoppers hostage, including Lynette, Nora, Julie Mayer, Edie Britt's nephew Austin McCann and new resident Art Shepard (Matt Roth) after she cannot enter Harvey's office, in which Edie has also taken refuge. Nora tells Carolyn that Lynette is trying to steal her child and Lynette argues that Nora tried to seduce her husband. Carolyn immediately shoots Nora in the chest. As Nora dies, she asks Lynette to take care of Kayla for her, and Lynette promises to do so. Carolyn quarrels with Lynette about Nora and Harvey, and eventually tries to shoot Lynette, but she is knocked off balance, only shooting Lynette in her left arm and dropping the gun. Carolyn and Austin struggle for it until one of the hostages picks it up and shoots Carolyn in the head. The hostages are released, and reunited with their loved ones waiting outside.

Production

The episode featured Laurie Metcalf's (pictured) fourth and final appearance in Desperate Housewives following her character's death. LaurieMetcalfFeb08 cropped.jpg
The episode featured Laurie Metcalf's (pictured) fourth and final appearance in Desperate Housewives following her character's death.

"Bang" was written by Joe Keenan and directed by Larry Shaw. Due to time constraints, the opening credits were completely cut from the episode. Although credited, James Denton who portrays Mike Delfino, does not appear in the episode due to his character being hospitalized following a hit-and-run. [7] [8] Brenda Strong makes a physical appearance as Mary Alice Young, appearing in Lynette's dream at the beginning and end of the episode, marking her only physical appearance in the season.

The episode marked the first in a string of four guest appearances by actor Matt Roth in the role of Art Shepard, a new resident of Wisteria Lane. [9] Roth is best known for his role on the ABC series Roseanne as Fisher, the abusive boyfriend of Jackie Harris, who is portrayed by Laurie Metcalf, actress of Carolyn Bigsby and Roth's wife at the time. [10] Incidentally, this episode marks the final appearance of Metcalf in the series, as her character is killed off in the episode.

Kiersten Warren, who portrays Nora Huntington, also made her final appearance until her brief cameo in the series finale.

Accolades

"Bang" warranted Felicity Huffman a nomination in the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards for her portrayal of Lynette Scavo. [3] [4] Matt Roth chose this episode for consideration in the category of “Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series”, as did Brenda Strong, who instead submitted this episode in the category of “Outstanding Voice-Over Performance”. [3]

Reception

Ratings

The episode premiered on November 5, 2006, and garnered 22.65 million viewers. According to ABC, "Bang" was the second most watched episode of the series' third season, behind "Listen to the Rain on the Roof", and the most watched episode of its premiere week. [1]

Critical reception

The highest-rated episode of Desperate Housewives is "Bang," which has a 9.5 rating. It's interesting that this episode is the seventh episode of season 3. It's not a season finale or even the series finale. It makes sense why this episode got such a high rating: it has a compelling storyline that is pretty scary to watch.

Aya Tsintziras, Screen Rant [11]

"Bang" received critical acclaim. The Futon Critic listed "Bang" as the 40th best television episode of 2006. [12] Entertainment Weekly writer Lindsay Soll praised Metcalf's portrayal of Carolyn Bigsby as "an over-the-edge wife who just found out her seemingly faithful husband cheated", and wrote that it was a "great episode overall". [13] In 2015, Gavin Hetherington of SpoilerTV reviewed the episode as one of the best episodes of the series, as well as the best disaster episode of the show. He also noted that Felicity Huffman deserved an Emmy win for her performances in this episode and "Something's Coming". [14] In 2022, Aya Tsintziras of Screen Rant listed "Bang" as the highest-rated episode of the series, describing the episode's storyline as "compelling". [11]

Related Research Articles

Desperate Housewives is an American comedy-drama mystery television series created by Marc Cherry and produced by ABC Studios and Cherry Productions. It aired for eight seasons on ABC from October 3, 2004, until May 13, 2012, for a total of 180 episodes. Executive producer Marc Cherry served as showrunner. Other executive producers since the fourth season included Bob Daily, George W. Perkins, John Pardee, Joey Murphy, David Grossman, and Larry Shaw.

Next (<i>Desperate Housewives</i>) 1st episode of the 2nd season of Desperate Housewives

"Next" is the second season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives, and the 24th episode overall. It was originally broadcast in the United States on September 25, 2005, on ABC. It was written by Jenna Bans and Kevin Murphy and was directed by Larry Shaw.

"One Wonderful Day" is the 23rd episode and first season finale of the American comedy-drama television series Desperate Housewives. It was originally broadcast in the United States on ABC on May 22, 2005. The episode was directed by Larry Shaw and written by John Pardee, Joey Murphy, series creator Marc Cherry, Tom Spezialy, and Kevin Murphy.

Pilot (<i>Desperate Housewives</i>) 1st episode of the 1st season of Desperate Housewives

"Pilot" is the first episode of the American dramedy-mystery series Desperate Housewives. It premiered on October 3, 2004, on the ABC network. It was written by series creator Marc Cherry and directed by Charles McDougall. The pilot introduces the residents of the suburban neighborhood of Wisteria Lane. Following the suicide of an outwardly successful neighbor, her friends begin to deal with the problems in their personal lives. Susan Mayer competes for the attention of a new plumber who has moved across the street; Bree Van de Kamp struggles with her failing marriage and ungrateful family; Gabrielle Solis continues an affair with her sixteen-year-old gardener; and Lynette Scavo copes with life as a stay-at-home mother of four.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lynette Scavo</span> Fictional character on Desperate Housewives

Lynette Scavo is a fictional character from the American comedy drama television series Desperate Housewives, which aired on ABC from 2004 to 2012. Developed by series creator Marc Cherry, Lynette was portrayed by Felicity Huffman. Lynette is introduced as a frustrated stay-at-home mother of four children, who she had with her businessman husband Tom. Formerly a high-powered businesswoman herself, Lynette aspires to return to working life as she struggles with the day-to-day tasks of motherhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Edie Britt</span> Fictional character on Desperate Housewives

Edie Britt is a fictional character created by television producer and screenwriter Marc Cherry for the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. Nicollette Sheridan portrayed Edie from her debut in the pilot episode of the series until the character's death in the fifth season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Scavo</span> Fictional character on Desperate Housewives

Thomas Scavo is a fictional character on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives, played by actor Doug Savant.

"Listen to the Rain on the Roof" is the third season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives, and the 48th episode overall. The episode premiered on ABC on September 24, 2006. It was written by series creator Marc Cherry and series writer Jeff Greenstein, and was directed by Larry Shaw.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orson Hodge</span> Fictional character on Desperate Housewives

Orson Hodge is a fictional character on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. The character is played by Kyle MacLachlan. Orson is introduced in the final episodes of the second season of the series, and becomes the main mystery of the third season. MacLachlan left the main cast in season six, but made guest appearances until the eighth and final season.

"Now You Know" is the fourth season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives, and the 71st episode overall. The episode premiered on American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on September 30, 2007. It was written by series creator Marc Cherry and directed by Larry Shaw.

<i>Desperate Housewives</i> season 3 Season of television series

The third season of the American dramedy-mystery television series Desperate Housewives commenced airing on ABC in the United States on September 24, 2006, and concluded on May 20, 2007. The season continues the story of the Wisteria Lane residents, describing their lives in the suburban neighborhood, while dealing with the arrival of the mysterious Orson Hodge. The season follows the lives and events of Susan Mayer, Lynette Scavo, Bree Van De Kamp, Gabrielle Solis and Edie Britt. Broadcast in the Sunday night timeslot at 9:00 ET, the season aired twenty-three regular episodes. In addition, two clip shows were produced for the season, in order to put the previous events of the show in perspective. "The Juciest Bites" aired before the seventeenth episode, detailing the events of the first three seasons, in order to introduce the new story arcs in the end of the season. "Secrets and Lies" was narrated by Brenda Strong and was the last clip show to be produced for the series, airing before the inception of the fourth season.

<i>Desperate Housewives</i> season 2 Season of television series

The second season of the American dramedy-mystery television series Desperate Housewives commenced airing in the United States on September 25, 2005, and concluded on May 21, 2006. The season continues the story of the Wisteria Lane residents, while their seemingly perfect lives in the suburban neighborhood are shaken by the arrival of the mysterious Betty Applewhite. Broadcast in the Sunday night time slot at 9.00 ET, the season aired twenty-four regular episodes, including a two-part season finale. In addition, three clip shows were produced for the season, in order to put the previous events of the show in perspective. "All the Juicy Details" aired before the eleventh episode, detailing the most memorable events of the season's first half, whereas "The More You Know, The Juicier It Gets", which aired before the twentieth episode, prepared the viewers for the highly anticipated season finale. "Time to Come Clean" aired three weeks before the inception of the third season, and reviewed the previous mysteries of the series before introducing the new story lines. The second season had fourteen roles receiving star billing, out of whom eleven were part of the first season's main cast. The main story lines of the season were Susan Mayer's relationship with her former husband, Gabrielle Solis' upcoming motherhood, Lynette Scavo's return to work and the death of Bree Van de Kamp's husband.

"Nice Is Different Than Good" is the sixth-season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives, and the 112th overall episode of the series. It originally aired in the United States on September 27, 2009, on ABC. In the episode, Mike marries Susan and Angie Bolen and her family move onto Wisteria Lane as they attempt to escape their sordid past.

"How About a Friendly Shrink?" is the thirteenth episode of the sixth season of the American comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives, and the 124th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on January 17, 2010. In the episode, Tom tries to convince Lynette to seek marriage counseling, Gabrielle clashes with Susan about their children's intelligence, and Bree tries to care for an increasingly irritable Orson.

Lovely (<i>Desperate Housewives</i>) 15th episode of the 6th season of Desperate Housewives

"Lovely" is the fifteenth episode of the sixth season of the American comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives, and the 126th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on February 21, 2010. In the episode, former stripper Robin Gallagher interacts with each of the women of Wisteria Lane, drastically affecting their lives. She grows particularly close to Katherine Mayfair, with whom she shares a kiss during a bar outing.

"The Chase" is the sixteenth episode of the sixth season of the American comedy-drama series, Desperate Housewives, and the 127th overall episode of the series. It originally aired on ABC in the United States on February 28, 2010. In the episode, Gabrielle gets a break from the children when one of them catches chickenpox, Lynette forgets her daughter's birthday, and Katherine continues to explore her feelings of lesbianism.

"Remember Paul?" is the seventh season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama television series Desperate Housewives, and the 135th overall episode of the series. It was originally broadcast in the United States on September 26, 2010, on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). In the episode, Paul announces his return to Wisteria Lane while Carlos learns that his daughter was accidentally switched with another baby at the hospital eight years earlier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Secrets That I Never Want to Know</span> 1st episode of the 8th season of Desperate Housewives

"Secrets That I Never Want to Know" is the eighth-season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama television series Desperate Housewives, and the 158th overall episode of the series. It was originally broadcast in the United States on September 25, 2011, on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC). The episode focuses on the aftermath and cover-up of an accidental killing.

References

  1. 1 2 "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. March 14, 2006. Archived from the original on March 11, 2015. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
  2. "Weekly Program Rankings". ABC Medianet. October 31, 2006. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
  3. 1 2 3 "2007 Emmys CONFIRMED Episode Submissions". The Envelope Forum, Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 26 June 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-18.
  4. 1 2 "2007 - 59th Emmy Awards". Television Academy. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Sweetheart, I Have to Confess". Desperate Housewives. Season 3. Episode 6. October 29, 2006. ABC.
  6. "It Takes Two". Desperate Housewives. Season 3. Episode 2. October 1, 2006. ABC.
  7. "Remember, Part 2". Desperate Housewives. Season 2. Episode 24. May 21, 2006. ABC.
  8. "Listen to the Rain on the Roof". Desperate Housewives. Season 3. Episode 1. September 24, 2006. ABC.
  9. "Kathleen York and Matt Roth Join Desperate Housewives". Movieweb. September 21, 2006. Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  10. Finn, Natalie (September 21, 2011). "Roseanne Star Laurie Metcalf Getting Divorced". E! News . Retrieved July 1, 2023.
  11. 1 2 Tsintziras, Aya (October 26, 2022). "Desperate Housewives: 10 Best Episodes, Ranked By IMDb Rating". Screen Rant . Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  12. Sullivan, Brian Ford (January 2, 2007). "The Best Episodes of 2006: #40-31". The Futon Critic. Retrieved June 28, 2012.
  13. Soll, Lindsay (November 6, 2006). "Desperate Housewives: Supermarket shootings". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  14. Hetherington, Gavin (March 12, 2015). "Throwback Thursday - Desperate Housewives - The Disaster Episodes - Review". SpoilerTV. Retrieved March 12, 2015.