If you came here looking for screencaps from Desperate Housewives episodes, visit wisteria-lane.com
Desperate Housewives, as you may know, is the most popular new show of the season. It stars Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria, and Marcia Cross as four friends who also happen to be neighbors in what appears to be a typical, stylish American neighborhood. But things, of course, aren't always as they seem. This deliciously entertaining show mixes mystery with humor and has given me something to look forward to on Sunday nights. I haven't had that happen since... well... the last time Teri Hatcher was starring on a TV show on ABC.
The show is filmed on the Universal Studios backlot. I was there two years ago -- yes, long before Desperate Housewives began filming -- but I did manage to get shots of many of the sets that are now used on the show. The houses that stand in for those of Mrs. Huber, Mary Alice, Bree, and Mike are next to each other in real-life... and on the show. Susan's and Gabrielle's homes are across the street. And here are some lovely shots of their dwellings, cuz I'm sure you all totally care. :)
First off we have Mike's house. It took me forever to figure out if this was Mike's house, and I had to watch all four episodes in my lame attempt to discover the truth. This house is a light tan color, and its distinct features are a white porch railing and a kind of rounded-top window near the top of the house.
Here's a screencap of the house, as seen on the show. You'll notice there are now wooden steps coming off the porch, in addition to the cement steps that lead from the porch to the ground (they're positioned near the garage). In the episode Ah, But Underneath, Mike is seen carrying his dog down the cement steps. Here's a view from afar...
It's right across from Susan's, as we can see from this shot... which would make sense, considering Susan is able to watch Mike from her front window. (And can ya blame her?)
Here's how Bree's house looked in December, 2002. And this is what it looks like now...
There have been a few changes, most notably a paint job (new color!) and some additional foliage, no doubt planted by busywoman Bree.
Next on the block is the home of the late Mary Alice, a house that's full of dark secrets. The exterior of this establishment doesn't seem to have gone through any major changes in preparation for the show. Here are a couple of screencaps from DH of the house:
And, of course, there you can see the window Mrs. Huber peered through after hearing the gunshot... only to discover a horrible scene. The scene that, you know, only made her pause with grief momentarily before she decided to lay claim to Mary Alice's blender.
And lastly, here is Mrs. Huber's house. Yeah... it kind of used to be blue. My first clue to the fact that they are one & the same was the round window near the front door... plus you can tell the porch railing is the same, as is the door.
Mrs. Huber's house, er porch, now...
Mrs. Huber's porch then...
Unfortunately, riding on that crazy tram on the Universal backlot I was was positioned on the left side of the train, and the other Housewives' homes were on the right. Also, if you're wondering why some of the pictures are crooked... hey, you try taking straight shots while holding a video camera with your right hand while shooting out a left-hand window on a moving vehicle using a camera without an external LCD screen. Aint easy.
Finally, I'd like to leave you with two pictures.
What is this lame-looking building, you ask? This is Stage 28, where much of DH is shot!
You'll be traumatized to learn exactly what was being filmed on Stage 28 in December, 2002. Let's just say: Cat... Hat....
Thankfully, Stage 28 is witnessing some good times, now. Oh, did you know Stage 28 is the oldest one on the lot? So said our tram guide. Totally useless bit of trivia, there! Hurray!
Be sure to catch Desperate Housewives Sunday nights at 9pm on ABC. And, to learn more, visit wisteria-lane.com, run by my friend Andrea... this page has got everything you could possibly want regarding DH and a lot more. :D
