Ep 17. Free

Susan and Jackson try to start a new chapter in their relationship, but their plans come to a screeching halt when Jackson's father unexpectedly shows up. Gabrielle and Carlos deal with the aftermath of their financial meltdown and the fallout from Carlos' cheating on Gabrielle with their surrogate, Xiao-Mei. Bree tries to break free and starts to date once again, but her plans are complicated when her ex-husband, Orson, tries to win her back. Lynette discovers a shocking secret that Tom has been keeping from her, leaving their future together up in the air. Meanwhile, Katherine tries to come to terms with her feelings for Mike after he breaks up with her.

In "Free," the seventeenth episode of the fourth season of Desperate Housewives, the drama reaches new heights as the women continue navigating their complicated lives. Susan (Teri Hatcher) and Jackson (Gale Harold) have been trying to move on from their tumultuous past and start fresh in their relationship. However, when Jackson's father unexpectedly arrives in town, their peaceful plans are disrupted.

Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) and Carlos (Ricardo Chavira) are still reeling from the financial disaster that has upended their lives. Gabrielle is trying to hold the family together while Carlos struggles to come to terms with his actions, which have caused their financial ruin. Adding to their stress is the fallout from Carlos' affair with their surrogate, Xiao-Mei (Gwendoline Yeo), which threatens to tear the family apart.

Bree (Marcia Cross), too, is trying to break free from her past. She has decided to start dating again, but her ex-husband, Orson (Kyle MacLachlan), is determined to win her back. Bree begins to question her own feelings as she finds herself drawn to Orson once again.

Lynette (Felicity Huffman) and Tom (Doug Savant) are facing their own challenges. Lynette discovers a shocking secret that Tom has been keeping from her, leaving her unsure about their future together. Their relationship is left hanging in the balance as they struggle to come to terms with their new reality.

Finally, Katherine (Dana Delany) is still dealing with the fallout from her relationship with Mike (James Denton). After he breaks up with her, Katherine is left questioning her own for him. She must come to terms with her feelings and decide what she wants for her future.

"Free" is a powerful episode that showcases the complex relationships and emotional turmoil that the women face. From unexpected visitors to shocking revelations, the episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as the women continue to navigate their complicated lives.