How About a Friendly Shrink?

Last updated
"How About a Friendly Shrink?"
Desperate Housewives episode
Episode no.Season 6
Episode 13
Directed by Lonny Price
Written by Jason Ganzel
Production code613
Original air dateJanuary 17, 2010 (2010-01-17)
Running time43 minutes
Guest appearances
Episode chronology
← Previous
"You Gotta Get a Gimmick"		Next →
"The Glamorous Life"
Desperate Housewives season 6
List of episodes

"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.

Contents

The episode was written by Jason Ganzel and directed by Lonny Price. "How About a Friendly Shrink?" marked the return of Katherine Mayfair, portrayed by Dana Delany, who had been not appeared since the episode "Boom Crunch". It also featured Jane Leeves, who previously starred as Daphne Moon on the American NBC sitcom Frasier , in a guest appearance as Tom and Lynette's therapist, Dr. Graham.

"How About a Friendly Shrink?" received generally mixed reviews. According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by 11.2 million viewers. It was the lowest rating for an individual Desperate Housewives in the series' history, a distinction it held only two weeks until the subsequent episode, "The Glamorous Life", drew even poorer ratings. The viewership for "How About a Friendly Shrink?" suffered due to competition from the 67th Golden Globe Awards on NBC and the two-hour eighth season premiere of 24 on Fox.

The title of this episode is taken from a line in the song "Country House" which was written for the London premiere of the Stephen Sondheim musical, "Follies".

Plot

When he learns that Bob (Tuc Watkins) and Lee (Kevin Rahm) are seeing a counselor, Tom (Doug Savant) suggests going to one with Lynette (Felicity Huffman), but she insists therapy is for "losers". Tom starts seeing a therapist on his own and keeping a "feelings" journal, which he will not let Lynette read. Angrily, she visits the therapist, Dr. Graham (Jane Leeves), to defend herself from what she's sure is Tom's badmouthing. She admits she gets mad when she is not in control. When Dr. Graham equates this to the lack of control Lynette felt in losing her baby, Lynette reluctantly sits down on the couch. Later, when Tom returns from work, Lynette informs him they will be going to therapy together.

Using a wheelchair, Orson (Kyle MacLachlan) continues to order Bree (Marcia Cross) around at his whim and refuses to let her give him a bath. When Orson refuses to say please while Bree brings him breakfast, she places the waffles on a shelf he cannot reach. When the physical therapist arrives, he pretends to be starving and abused. The therapist tells Bree she must be more patient, or she will be reported. Later, when Orson still refuses to be bathed, Bree takes him outside and sprays him with the garden hose until he begs her to stop. He breaks down and admits he is miserable at the prospective of a life in which he needs to ask for help in everything. Bree finally understands, and asks Orson for forgiveness.

The Oakridge students are placed into learning groups named after animals. Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) initially suspects her daughter Juanita (Madison De La Garza), who is in the Leopards, is among the slow group, whereas Susan (Teri Hatcher) is pleased that her son M.J. (Mason Vale Cotton) is in the Giraffes, which she believes are advanced. This leads to competitive behavior between the two ladies. Eventually, by taking pictures of different students' homework and studying them, Gabrielle realizes the Leopards are actually advanced and the Giraffes are slow. When Susan realizes this, she confronts a teacher in public, and the secret code of the animal groups becomes widespread. While Susan and Gabrielle wait to talk to the principal, they both admit they got carried away and confess fears that they are letting their kids down.

Angie (Drea de Matteo) takes an instant dislike to her son Danny's (Beau Mirchoff) new girlfriend, Ana (Maiara Walsh), who she fears is too fun-loving and not serious enough. However, Danny feels comfortable talking to Ana, who seems to understand what he has been through. Ana assures Angie she is not going anywhere. Meanwhile, Katherine (Dana Delany) speaks to her psychiatrist at a mental clinic. She says the medicine is working, but she now realizes the person she has become and how much she has hurt her neighbors and friends. Karen (Kathryn Joosten) visits her and asks her to come back to Wisteria Lane, but Katherine says she will not come back because she does not feel she will be forgiven. Later, Karen returns with Bree, Lynette, Gabrielle and Susan, who comfort Katherine and say they will try to forgive her.

Production

Jane Leeves, who previously starred as Daphne Moon on the American NBC sitcom Frasier, made a guest appearance in "How About a Friendly Shrink?" Jane Leeves at the Emmys cropped.jpg
Jane Leeves, who previously starred as Daphne Moon on the American NBC sitcom Frasier , made a guest appearance in "How About a Friendly Shrink?"

"How About a Friendly Shrink?" was written by Jason Ganzel and directed by Lonny Price. It first aired on January 17, 2010 in the United States on ABC. The episode marked the return of Katherine Mayfair, who had been absent since the episode "Boom Crunch", in which she suffered a nervous breakdown. [1] Jane Leeves, who previously starred as Daphne Moon on the American NBC sitcom Frasier , made a guest appearance as Tom and Lynette's therapist, Dr. Graham. [2] She is slated to appear in at least one more episode. [3]

Leeves is the third former star of Frasier to make a guest appearance in Desperate Housewives. Harriet Sansom Harris, who played talent agent Bebe Glazer on the sitcom, played recurring character Felicia Tilman in the first, second and seventh season of Desperate Housewives. Peri Gilpin, who played Roz Doyle in Frasier, has also appeared in the show, and Joe Keenan, former show runner on Frasier, serves as a consulting producer for Desperate Housewives. [3]

Reception

In its original American broadcast on January 17, 2010, "How About a Friendly Shrink?" was seen by 11.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. At the time, it was the lowest rating for an individual Desperate Housewives in the series' history. [4] [5] However, it held that distinction only two weeks before "The Glamorous Life", and the subsequent episode "Lovely", received even lower ratings. [6] [7] The viewership for "How About a Friendly Shrink?" suffered due to competition from the 67th Golden Globe Awards on NBC (which drew 16.9 million viewers) and the two-hour seventh season premiere of 24 on Fox (which drew 11.4 million viewers). "How About a Friendly Shrink?" received a 3.7 rating/9 share among viewers aged between 18 and 49. [4] The overall rating was a 21 percent drop in viewership from the previous week's episode, "You Gotta Get a Gimmick". [5]

Other than perhaps Katherine's loony bin storyline, Desperate Housewives' "How About a Friendly Shrink?" didn't really push things forward, plot-wise, but it's still good for a few laughs, and a few heart-wrenching scenes and dialogues, which as we all know is the minimum requirement.

Glenn Diaz, BuddyTV [8]

"How About a Friendly Shrink?" received generally mixed reviews. Gerrick Kennedy of the Los Angeles Times praised the episode and was particularly excited by the guest appearance by Jane Leeves. She called the subplot between Gaby and Susan was "cute, but honest", but felt the Orson and Katherine characters have "run their course". [2] Entertainment Weekly writer Tanner Stransky declared the reappearance of Katherine Mayfair was the only interesting element of the episode, and that it was touching to see her realize the damage she had done. Stransky wrote, "The rest of the story lines from last night just kind of sat there rather limply," and said the Orson and Bree story, and Tom and Lynette's therapy, "just seemed so dumpy for this once-sexy show". [9]

DeAnn Welker of MSNBC complimented the Katherine homecoming, and said the best line of the episode was Karen McCluskey's response when Katherine rejected visitors: "Who says I'm visiting? Maybe I'm bonkers too." Welker, however, was critical of the subplot between Gaby and Susan, who she said were "stuck in storylines-that-don’t-matter territory." [10] Glenn Diaz of BuddyTV felt the episode did little to advance the overall plot of the series, but included some strong scenes and good jokes. Diaz called the Orson and Bree subplot "heartbreaking", and said he was able to empathize with Katherine for the first time in many episodes. [8] Isabelle Carreau of TV Squad called Orson particularly unlikeable in the episode, but declared the Lynette and Tom subplot "fun and touching at the same time", and said the Ana character showed new depths that had not been shown before. [1]

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.

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

Susan Delfino is a fictional character played by Teri Hatcher on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. The character was created by television producer and screenwriter Marc Cherry. She first appeared in the pilot episode of the series on October 3, 2004, and appeared in every episode until the series finale on May 13, 2012. Susan resides on the fictional Wisteria Lane in Fairview, Eagle State, the primary setting of the show. One of four lead characters, Susan is characterized as being a "notoriously clumsy" romantic with a "magnetic charm." Her storylines tend to focus on her romantic relationships, most notably with Mike Delfino, whom she marries twice in the series.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bree Van de Kamp</span> Fictional character on Desperate Housewives

Bree Van de Kamp is a fictional character on the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. She was played by actress Marcia Cross, who received multiple awards and nominations for her portrayal, including an Emmy Award nomination, three Golden Globe Award nominations, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. Cross' portrayal of Bree was widely praised by critics and fans.

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.

"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.

"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.

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

Katherine Irma Mayfair is a fictional character created by Marc Cherry for the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. The character was portrayed by Dana Delany and first appeared in the series' fourth season premiere on September 30, 2007, as the focus of the yearly mystery.

"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 5 Season of television series

The fifth season of Desperate Housewives, an American television series created by Marc Cherry, began airing on ABC on September 28, 2008, and concluded on May 17, 2009. The season takes place five years after the events of the season four finale in 2008 and continues to focus on the lives of Wisteria Lane residents Susan Mayer, Lynette Scavo, Bree Hodge, Gabrielle Solis, Edie Britt and Katherine Mayfair, as seen through the eyes of the series' deceased narrator, Mary Alice Young. The season's mystery is centered on Edie Britt's third husband, Dave Williams. The series received media attention following the announcement that Edie, portrayed by Nicollette Sheridan, would be killed off close to the end of the season. Edie takes on the narration in "Look Into Their Eyes and You See What They Know" following her death, marking the second time Mary Alice's voice is not heard in an episode.

<i>Desperate Housewives</i> season 4 Season of television series

The fourth season of Desperate Housewives, an American television series created by Marc Cherry, premiered on September 30, 2007, on ABC. Filming for the series was interrupted by the 2007–2008 Writers Guild of America strike in November 2007, after production on the two-episode tornado storyline wrapped. The first part, "Something's Coming", aired on December 2, 2007. "Welcome to Kanagawa", the second part and the last episode filmed before the strike, was originally going to be aired after the strike's resolution, but aired on January 6, 2008. Seven additional episodes were produced for the fourth season after the strike, the first of which aired on April 13, 2008. The final two episodes served as a two-part finale and were aired consecutively on May 18, 2008. A total of 17 episodes aired as part of the season, with one recap special airing on September 23, 2007.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You're Gonna Love Tomorrow</span> 1st episode of the 5th season of Desperate Housewives

"You're Gonna Love Tomorrow" is the fifth season premiere episode of the American comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives, and the 88th episode overall. It originally aired on September 28, 2008, in the United States on ABC. The episode was written by series creator Marc Cherry and directed by Larry Shaw. "You're Gonna Love Tomorrow", as well as all subsequent episodes, takes place five years after the events of the fourth season finale following Cherry's decision to revamp the series with a time jump.

<i>Desperate Housewives</i> season 6 Season of television series

The sixth season of Desperate Housewives, a television series created by Marc Cherry, began airing on September 27, 2009, and concluded on May 16, 2010. The season consists of 23 episodes. The deceased Mary Alice Young continues to narrate the events in the lives of her friends and Wisteria Lane residents, Susan Delfino, Lynette Scavo, Bree Hodge, Gabrielle Solis and Katherine Mayfair. Angie Bolen and her family are the focus of this season's mystery.

"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.

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">Renee Perry</span> Fictional character on Desperate Housewives

Renee Perry is a fictional character created by television producer and screenwriter Marc Cherry for the ABC television series Desperate Housewives. She is portrayed by Vanessa Williams, and is the second African-American housewife to be a major character.

<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 Carreau, Isabelle (January 17, 2010). "Review: Desperate Housewives - How About a Friendly Shrink?". TV Squad . Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  2. 1 2 Kennedy, Gerrick D. (January 18, 2010). ""Desperate Housewives": What's behind closed doors". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  3. 1 2 Ausiello, Michael (January 10, 2010). "Exclusive: "Desperate Housewives" books Jane Leeves". Entertainment Weekly . Archived from the original on January 23, 2010. Retrieved January 21, 2010.
  4. 1 2 Kissell, Rick (January 18, 2010). "Globes golden in ratings race". Variety . Retrieved January 19, 2010.
  5. 1 2 Gorman, Bill (January 18, 2010). "UPDATED TV Ratings: Football Boosts CBS; Golden Globes Up!, 24, Housewives Down". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 9, 2010. Retrieved January 20, 2010.
  6. ↑ Gorman, Bill (February 1, 2010). "TV Ratings Sunday: Grammy Awards Drown Out The Competition'". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 17, 2012. Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  7. ↑ Bryant, Adam (February 22, 2010). "Ratings: Olympics Keeps Dominating, Undercover Boss Stays Strong". TV Guide . Retrieved February 22, 2010.
  8. 1 2 Giaz, Glenn (January 18, 2010). ""Desperate Housewives" Recap: Hmm, Attacking". BuddyTV . Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  9. ↑ Stransky, Tanner (January 18, 2010). ""Desperate Housewives" recap: Therapeutic Effect". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved January 18, 2010.
  10. ↑ Welker, DeAnn (January 7, 2010). "Relationship issues abound on "Housewives"". Today.com. Retrieved January 18, 2010.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.