In episode five, there is an intruder in the neighborhood, so there is a neighborhood watch meeting. Gabby’s mother in law makes a surprise visit as Lynette works to get her kids into an academy school that Bree’s kids once attended. 

This episode wouldn’t 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, all of the womans’ discussions involved some male.

Bree

  • Feminine characteristics: sensitive to others’ needs, understanding, compassionate, eager to soothe hurt feelings, loves children 
    • Bree made sure to put in a good word for Lynette’s children as her own kids attended the academy they’re trying to get into. She also invites the neighbor boy, Zach, over for dinner on her first night with no kids or husband in the house. 
  • Masculine characteristics: leadership ability
    • Bree is the head of the household now with Rex being gone. 

Susan

  • Feminine characteristics: yielding, cheerful, shy, affectionate, loyal, soft spoken, gullible, childlike, loves children 
    • Susan cares for the neighbor’s cat, but while she’s gone, someone breaks in. The cop who was there to help fooled her into going on a date with him. 
  • Masculine characteristics: self-reliant, willing to take risks, ambitious 
    • As Susan is a single mother, she is very self-reliant. She decides to tell Mike how she feels (and is happy to find out he feels the same).

Lynette

  • Feminine characteristics: yielding, understanding, soft-spoken, loves children, gentle 
    • Lynette does anything she can do to get her kids into the academy, even if it means a generous donation of ten thousand dollars. 
  • Masculine characteristics: defends own beliefs, leadership ability, willing to take a stand, competitive, ambitious
    • Lynette becomes very competitive to get into the academy especially when her husband brings up homeschooling as an alternative. 

Gabby

  • Feminine characteristics: yielding, affectionate, feminine, sympathetic
    • Gabby tries to please her mother in law who is constantly following her to ensure there is no affair going on. Gabby finds a little time to sneak away and be with her gardener. 
  • Masculine characteristics: athletic, assertive, strong personality, willing to take risks, make decisions easily, willing to take a stand, acts as a leader 
    • Carlos becomes weak as he assumes Gabby is having an affair. She uses this to her advantage although her mother in law gets in the way. Gabby sets her up, so she gets accused of shoplifting, and Gabby gets to sneak away with John, her gardener.

Shared by: Lexi Anderson
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