In episode 4, Susan gets blackmailed by a neighbor, Martha as Bree still deals with her marital problems. Carlos begins to get suspicious that Gabby is having an affair. 

This episode would pass the Bechdel test. 

  • There are four main characters that are girls 
  • The four girls are all neighbors and close friends, so they interact almost daily
  • In this episode, Susan and her daughter discuss the blackmail she is receiving from another neighbor, Martha. 

Bree

  • Feminine characteristics: yielding, sensitive to others’ needs, eager to soothe hurt feelings, childlike, doesn’t use harsh language
    • As Bree tries to hide her marital problems from her children, she continues to act as if her life is perfect.
  • Masculine characteristics: independent, willing to take risks, willing to take a stand, aggressive, acts as a leader
    • Bree became the head of the household as Rex moved out. This caused a lot of issues with her son, Andrew, so she had to stand her ground.

Susan

  • Feminine characteristics: shy, sensitive to others’ needs, eager to soothe hurt feelings, loves children 
    • Susan and her daughter bond a lot in this episode, especially when Susan begins to be blackmailed by a neighbor.
  • Masculine characteristics: willing to take risks, self-sufficient, willing to take a stand, competitive, ambitious 
    • Susan creates a plan to steal the measuring cup that is causing the blackmail. She is also still fighting against Edie to Mike’s love.

Lynette

  • Feminine characteristics: loyal, sympathetic, sensitive to others’ needs, loves children 
    • Lynette enjoys her time at home with her kids but struggles with the idea of putting two of her sons on ADD medication.
  • Masculine characteristics: assertive, aggressive, ambitious 
    • As Lynette makes the decisions to not medicate her kids, she has to become stern so the kids behave.

Gabby

  • Feminine characteristics: affectionate, eager to soothe hurt feelings, childlike 
    • Gabby shares an intimate moment with her gardener, John, in the bathtub.
  • Masculine characteristics: defends own beliefs, independent, strong personality, willing to take risks, makes decisions easily
    • As she is having an affair, she does whatever it takes for her husband, Carlos, to not find out about it.

Shared by: Lexi Anderson
Image Credit: https://www.gstatic.com/tv/thumb/v22episodes/3020279/p3020279_e_v8_ab.jpg