Perhaps the most surprising entry out of the one's I made is Desperate Housewives. Why does it deserve to be watched? Well firstly, its humour. (that's the same thing as humor for anyone reading this stateside) The show can always rely on scenarios which see Susan, expertly played by Teri Hatcher, do something clumsy, or Gabby something bitchy. Whether over-the-top, subtle or dark the audience is always taken on an enjoyable 60-minute ride through the world of Wisteria Lane.
Secondly its use of drama and suspense is in my opinion, better than even a show like 24. Why? Well, much as I love 24, often it can be seen to sacrifice characters (often in the literal sense) for drama. So we may see 45 minutes of Jack chasing someone, or being tortured and learn little-or-nothing about him as a character. This type of television is great for those who love it, but for those of us who watch shows for interest in the psychology of a character and the choices they make, Housewives must be near the top.
In the first series we see the Youngs, and what caused housewife Mary-Alice to kill herself. As an audience, our opinion of her husband Paul would change with each episode. This type of twisty-turny writing is always well done, and new characters brought in are often full of intrigue and depth (like Orson and his family this season). As such, it separates Housewives from other soaps like Grey's Anatomy, ER, and the OC, and is one of the reasons a number of my male friends watch this show as oppose to any of those other programmes.
Finally, its characters are well-drawn, likable and their existence isn't too far from real life as to be unsympathetic. Sure they burn down houses, and have to live next to serial killers/paedophiles on a surprisingly regular basis, but the real issues they deal with are: how to be a mother, wife and a career-woman (Lynette); forming one's identity having married(Gabby); being a single-mother(Susan); and bringing up your kids in what you believe is the 'right' way when they're obviously the spawn of satan (Brie). (NB: eBlogger's spellcheck wants me to capitalise 'satan' like he's God. Strange or what?)
Anyway, if you're a guy and doubting how such a show could be worth watching, then I'd encourage you to grab a manly beer, maybe even eat a particularly bloody steak and be wowed by the wit, cynicism and suspense Marc Cherry and co. bring before you each and every week.
