Ep 5. Come In, Stranger

In Desperate Housewives season 1 episode 5, entitled "Come In, Stranger," the residents of Wisteria Lane are preoccupied with the shocking news of Mary Alice's suicide. The episode opens with the residents gathering to pay their respects to Mary Alice's family and to try and console her grieving husband, Paul Young. Meanwhile, Susan is still struggling to get over her breakup with Mike and is growing increasingly suspicious of her new neighbor, Mrs. Huber.

Bree is still obsessed with perfection and control. She is applying for a membership in a prestigious garden club and is stressing over throwing the perfect dinner party to impress the members. Meanwhile, Lynette is desperate for a night out with her husband but is frustrated by his work schedule and the difficulty of finding a babysitter for their four children.

As the episode unfolds, secrets begin to unravel. Susan discovers that her ex-husband, Karl, and Edie Britt, another neighbor, have been having an affair. Bree's son, Andrew, is suspended from school for smoking marijuana and she is forced to confront her own flaws as a mother.

Things come to a head when a stranger comes knocking on the door of the Young household. Paul invites him in and things quickly escalate, leading to a dramatic conclusion.

"Come In, Stranger" is a powerful episode that delves into the complex lives and relationships of the residents of Wisteria Lane. It explores themes of grief, anger, betrayal, and desperation, while also adding new layers of depth to the show's larger narrative and characters. With its strong writing, excellent performances, and compelling storyline, the episode is a standout of the first season and a must-see for fans of the series.