I was going to post this, but I didn’t think anyone here but me would care about the news.
I admit that there’s no denying that the writing quality went down as the seasons went on. They’ve always been great at the comedy, but the drama often times comes off hollow in later seasons. That said, the actors have been and still are
amazing. I most look forward to seeing Felicity Huffman in any future projects she'll take on.
I think the main reason for the end is obviously the drop in ratings. They lose a million viewers every year in the spring when ABC decides to use a really horrible schedule (new episode, three weeks re-runs, new episode, Grammy’s, re-runs, new episode, re-runs, season finale!
). That’s not counting Hulu, etc. views though. Last spring, they finally went under 10 million viewers--when they used to make around 24 million--so they probably decided to end before the ratings took a really bad turn, especially since the show has started to cost more than its worth with new contracts dished out last year. Still, only 2 years ago it was the 3rd most-watched show
in the world, and I remember reading an article about how popular shows like
Desperate Housewives have actually helped to change views about America in certain parts of the world (like Pakistan, Iraq, etc.).
I have to admit it depresses me a little, but, all in all, I think this season will be a fitting end. All the women have a huge secret they will have to deal with, and which will end up bringing them closer together than ever. Also, I’ve heard the mystery will involve Mary Alice this season--back to basics. Maybe they'll finally give Zack a proper resolution now that Felicia and Paul have been taken care of? That combined with the Lynette-Tom divorce will hopefully add up to an amazing season. I hope Dana Delaney and Kyle McLachlan will return for the series finale; I would like to see cameos of everyone who's played major roles over the years (though it's only too bad Dixie Carter passed; and I'm guessing Sheridan is out of the question...
).
I look forward to what they do for a proper send-off to these characters. Considering the great things they did back in season 5 for the 100th episode, they better pull out all the stops for this final year!