The Secrets We Keep
FADE IN:
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
It's a typical picturesque suburban day, with NEIGHBORS gossiping on front lawns and KIDS BIKE-RIDING down the street. MARY ALICE (V.O.) sets the scene.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Every day on Wisteria Lane, the simple act of living can be quite... complicated.
INT. BREE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
BREE is on the phone, multitasking as usual, cooking dinner and preparing for a PTA meeting at the same time.
BREE
(into phone)
Look, Danielle, I don't care if that's the newest trend. If the principal says it's not appropriate attire for the PTA meeting, then you'll change into something decent.
She listens carefully to the response on the other end.
BREE
(concerned)
Well, do you want us to be responsible for another scandal in this town?
INT. SUSAN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
SUSAN is sketching in her workbook but seems to be struggling.
JULIE
(while entering the room)
Trouble coming up with the next children's book idea?
SUSAN
(sighs)
I'm just... stuck.
JULIE
(smiling)
Hey, at least it's not a tomato costume this time.
SUSAN
(groans)
Please, don't remind me.
INT. GABRIELLE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
GABRIELLE and CARLOS are having an argument. Juanita plays with her toys, ignoring them.
CARLOS
Your personal shopper may work wonders, but she's been frequenting our house so much we might as well call her family!
GABRIELLE
(agitated)
Carlos, you didn't say a word when she was here last week!
CARLOS
(holding back anger)
Because I didn't know she was here three times last week!
INT. LYNETTE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
LYNETTE, exhausted, is attempting to balance her professional life and responsibilities as a mother. She talks on the phone while typing on her laptop.
LYNETTE
(into phone)
No, I asked Charles to deal with that issue personally two days ago.
Suddenly, the sound of GLASS BREAKING from another room interrupts her.
LYNETTE
(irritated)
Just hold on a second, Megan.
She puts down the phone and walks into the living room.
INT. LYNETTE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Parker and Penny giggle in front of the shattered vase on the floor. Lynette sighs and grabs the broom.
LYNETTE
Nobody move. I'll handle this.
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
Mary Alice (V.O.) continues her narration.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
But it was on this day that a new set of complications would arise, bringing with them the dark secrets that lurk beneath the surface of Wisteria Lane. Secrets that would come to light and change everything.
The CAMERA pans over WISTERIA LANE, focusing on the arrival of a MOVING TRUCK in front of the vacant house. The four main characters gather in Bree's house, peeking out the window and watching as the NEW NEIGHBOR steps out onto the front lawn.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
For you see, dear viewers, secrets have a habit of revealing themselves when we least expect them. And so, the arrival of a new neighbor set into motion a tide of change that was bound to sweep up everyone in its path.
The new neighbor opens a parcel revealing a mysterious LETTER addressed to one of the desperate housewives. The housewives make eye contact with each other as they consider what this could mean.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED.
Desperate Housewives: Secrets and Lies
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
MARY ALICE (V.O.):
There is always one lingering secret in every suburban bliss. On Wisteria Lane, we know all about secrets... and the lies that keep them hidden.
INT. BREE'S KITCHEN - DAY
Bree is cooking an elaborate breakfast. She places a beautifully folded napkin on the table and turns around to see Andrew eating cereal at the counter.
BREE:
Andrew, we've been over this. The table is set for breakfast.
ANDREW:
Uh huh. I've got five minutes to get to school. Have fun cleaning that up.
Bree gives Andrew a disapproving look, but he doesn't seem to care as he continues eating his cereal.
INT. SUSAN'S KITCHEN - DAY
Susan is frantically preparing her breakfast, burning her toast as she scrambles eggs. Julie walks in, amused by her mom's chaos.
JULIE:
Really, mom? You have a phone call to make or what?
SUSAN:
I've got a meeting with Ms. MacFarland. Apparently Mike never paid for the art supply order we did last month.
JULIE:
Well, it's not really surprising, is it?
EXT. GABRIELLE'S FRONT YARD - DAY
Carlos is helping Gabrielle into the car, grinning slyly.
CARLOS:
You're sure you want me to drive you today? Don't you miss those shopping trips with Edie?
GABRIELLE:
Let's just say I'm still discovering new secrets about my shopping buddy. Just drive, will you?
Carlos chuckles and walks around the car to the driver's side.
INT. LYNETTE'S KITCHEN - DAY
Lynette's kids are running around, making noise as she tries to tame them. Tom is oblivious, reading the newspaper in the corner.
LYNETTE:
Can someone help me here? They're like wild animals today!
Tom puts down the paper, grabbing one of the kids and pulling them onto his lap.
TOM:
Sit down, champ. This is not a zoo. Your mother's got enough on her plate.
LYNETTE:
Thank you!
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
Mary Alice's voice-over continues as Edie's car speeds down the lane.
MARY ALICE (V.O.):
As we go about our day-to-day lives, secrets are created and lies are born. And for some, the pursuit of the truth begins.
INT. LYNETTE'S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Lynette, Susan, Bree, and Gabrielle are gathered, having their girls' night with wine and desserts. Edie barges in uninvited, waving her phone.
EDIE:
You won't believe what I found out. It's big. Like, really big.
The ladies exchange glances as Edie grins widely.
EDIE (cont'd):
Now, I've got your attention.
TO BE CONTINUED
A Sinister Scheme
FADE IN:
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
A sunny morning on Wisteria Lane. Bree walks up to Susan's front porch carrying a plate of cookies.
BREE:
(cooing)
Susan, dear, I've baked you some cookies!
SUSAN:
(stepping out of the door)
Why, Bree, you shouldn't have!
BREE:
(smiling)
Oh, it's nothing. Besides, how can we face another day without sharing a sweet treat in the neighborhood?
Susan chuckles and takes the plate of cookies.
SUSAN:
Thank you, Bree. That was very thoughtful of you.
Bree walks away, visibly happy. Suddenly, her phone RINGS. She answers it.
BREE:
(into phone)
Hello?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE:
(opening)
Stay away from Susan.
BREE:
(excitedly)
Who is this?
MYSTERIOUS VOICE:
(by the book)
That's not important. Just know that Susan is not what she seems.
The call ends. Bree stands there, confused.
CUT TO:
INT. GABY'S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Gaby and Lynette argue over something trivial.
LYNETTE:
(mocking)
You really think that outfit is appropriate for a PTA meeting?
GABY:
(defensively)
More appropriate than your frumpy pantsuit, Lynette.
Just then, Edie walks in, carrying an ENVELOPE.
EDIE:
(smirking)
Looks like I've got some juicy gossip that'll interest both of you.
LYNETTE:
(annoyed)
What now, Edie?
EDIE:
(teasing)
Wouldn't you like to know?
Edie opens the envelope and reads the letter inside, her eyes growing wide.
EDIE:
(surprised)
Oh my...
GABY:
(impatient)
Well, come on! What's in the letter?
Edie looks at Gaby and Lynette, now serious.
EDIE:
(apprehensively)
It seems we have a dangerous woman in our midst.
CUT TO:
INT. SUSAN'S KITCHEN - DAY
Susan and Mike sit down to have breakfast. Susan takes a bite of Bree's cookie.
MIKE:
(grinning)
How are the cookies Bree brought over?
SUSAN:
(chewing)
Mmm, they're divine as always. That woman just knows how to bake.
MIKE:
(smiling)
You know, I think we're really lucky to live in such a perfect neighborhood.
Susan smiles and takes another bite.
CUT TO:
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
Everyone has gathered in the middle of the street, with Edie showing them the letter.
BREE:
(concerned)
So, who is this woman?
LYNETTE:
(worried)
We need to figure it out before she hurts someone.
GABY:
(determined)
I have a plan!
The group huddles close together, as Gaby whispers her plan.
Zoom out to reveal a SUSPICIOUS FIGURE, hiding behind some bushes, watching them intently.
CUT TO:
INT. SUSAN'S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Susan prepares dinner, recalling strange events she has sensed but ignored. She starts to look worried and uncertain.
The PHONE RINGS. Susan hesitates, glancing at the phone, and finally picks up the call.
SUSAN:
(concerned)
Hello?
The other women are on the call, ready to reveal Gaby's plan.
TO BE CONTINUED.
Desperate Housewives: Secrets Unfolds
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - SUNSET
The sun sets on the picturesque suburban street. Mary Alice narrates as we get a quick glimpse of each main character.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Everyone has a secret they've been desperate to keep.
INT. BREE'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Bree sorts through paperwork next to her perfectly organized meal-prep station when her phone rings.
BREE
(on phone)
Hello, Wanda. No, I haven't noticed anything suspicious... I'll keep an eye out, though.
INT. LYNETTE'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Lynette lays on the couch while her teenage son attempts to play a video game. She's visibly frustrated.
LYNETTE
How many times have I told you to clean your room?
SON
Maybe if Dad were here he could help.
Lynette winces at the mention of her absent husband.
INT. GABRIELLE'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Gabrielle searches through her jewelry box, a mild panic rising as she cannot find the important piece she's searching for.
GABRIELLE
Carlos, have you seen my diamond earrings?
CARLOS
(innocently)
Didn't you just wear them to the party?
Gabrielle realizes something is amiss.
INT. SUSAN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Susan angrily leaves a message on her married boyfriend's voicemail, ensuring she's blocked her number.
SUSAN
(on phone)
You better call me back! Your wife left her shopping list in my car again!
INT. KAREN'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Karen looks worried, staring at a photograph of her, her husband, and their adult daughter. She clutches the photo, tears forming.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
But tonight, dear friends and neighbors, as the sun sets on Wisteria Lane... A new secret will outshine them all.
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - NIGHT
The housewives gather outside Bree's house, each showing concern and curious about what's going on.
LYNETTE
Do you think the others will come?
SUSAN
Everyone's coming, right? I invited the whole block!
BREE
(whispers)
It's time to tell them. It's time to tell everyone.
GABRIELLE
This changes everything. Are you sure?
SUSAN
Finally, we can all stop hiding.
LYNETTE
I'm scared.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
On Wisteria Lane, every secret is a ticking time bomb.
As they gather outside Bree's home, the housewives exchange uncertain glances. They're all aware of the potential consequences of this event.
MARY ALICE (V.O.) (CONT'D)
And as night falls, a single question remains: Who among us will set the world on fire?
The women stand side by side, looking out at the assembled neighbors.
TO BE CONTINUED
Desperate Housewives: Tangled Webs
INT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
A beautiful sunny day in the suburbs of Wisteria Lane. The birds are chirping, and the mailman waves to the neighbors as he delivers the mail.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Tangled webs were woven on Wisteria Lane. Secrets were kept, while lies were spun, adding to the endless mysteries of the neighborhood...
INT. SUSAN'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Susan is frantically trying to cook pancakes while talking on the phone to Bree.
SUSAN
(to the phone)
Yes, Bree, I'll be there in an hour. I promise to help you set up for Lynette's birthday party.
She flips a pancake, catching it on the edge of the pan. She struggles to adjust it and accidentally drops it on the floor.
SUSAN
(sighs)
Perfect... Now I have to start over.
INT. BREE'S HOUSE - DAY
Bree is talking to Susan on the phone while briskly walking around her living room, setting up decorations for Lynette's party.
BREE
It's fine, Susan. Just get here when you can. Gabrielle is already here helping.
INT. GABRIELLE'S HOUSE - DAY
Gabrielle steals some decorations from her personal stockpile for the party.
GABRIELLE
Carlos, do you think fifty balloons are enough? You know how much Lynette loves balloons.
Carlos chuckles and shakes his head, amused by Gabrielle's commitment to detail.
CARLOS
Gaby, it's just the neighborhood ladies. I doubt balloon quantity will make or break the party.
As Gabrielle leaves her house and begins to walk over to Bree's, she sees a mysterious new neighbor, JASMINE, stepping out of her house.
GABRIELLE
(under her breath)
Hmm, new neighbors always lead to interesting revelations.
INT. BREE'S HOUSE - DAY
Bree and Gabrielle, now joined by Susan, set up the party while sharing gossip about the newest arrival to Wisteria Lane.
SUSAN
What do we know about her so far?
GABRIELLE
All I know is her name's Jasmine and she's quite stunning. She'll definitely shake things up around here.
BREE
I suppose we should invite her to Lynette's party.
SUSAN
Really, Bree? That's very uncharacteristic of you, inviting a complete stranger.
BREE
(smiles)
Well, Susan, we were all once strangers on Wisteria Lane.
INT. JASMINE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Jasmine, elegantly dressed, sips her tea and gently sets it down. She looks out the window, noticing Susan and Gabrielle knocking on her door. She opens it and greets them with a warm smile.
JASMINE
Hello, can I help you?
GABRIELLE
(smiling)
Hi, I'm Gabrielle, and this is Susan. We're your neighbors from across the street, and we wanted to personally invite you to a birthday party for our friend Lynette today.
JASMINE
(smiling)
Thank you, I would love to attend. I've been looking forward to meeting the ladies of Wisteria Lane.
INT. BREE'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - LATER
The ladies have gathered at Bree's house for the party. Jasmine is introduced to everyone, and they all chat and gossip over drinks.
LYNETTE
(to Jasmine)
So, what brings you to Wisteria Lane?
JASMINE
Well, I needed a change in scenery after... (hesitates) after my husband passed away.
SUSAN
(whispers to Gabrielle)
Classic Wisteria Lane mystery.
As the ladies continue their conversation, they notice a man, THOMAS, lurking outside of Bree's window.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
And so, another tangled web began to grow on Wisteria Lane.
TO BE CONTINUED
Desperate Housewives: A Shocking Turn
FADE IN:
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
There's a saying on Wisteria Lane: 'Expect the unexpected.' And as we would soon find out, no truer words have been spoken.
INT. BREE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
Bree meticulously arranges a platter of exquisite pastries. She carefully places a cupcake on the platter before noticing one of the cupcakes has a small dent.
BREE
(angrily, to herself)
Oh, for goodness' sake.
(she removes the damaged cupcake)
Mary Alice narrates as Bree grudgingly begins preparing a new batch of cupcakes to replace the damaged one.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Bree Van De Kamp had always been an ardent believer in the pursuit of perfection. So even the tiniest dent in her freshly baked cupcake warranted a whole new batch.
INT. GABY'S BEDROOM - DAY
Gaby flips through a high-end fashion catalog, marking pages with a pen.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Gabrielle Solis was a woman who knew what she wanted. But what she didn't know was that life would soon present her with a choice she never wished to make.
INT. MAIN STREET - DAY
Lynette patiently waits in line at a grocery store, talking on the phone with TOM.
LYNETTE
(on the phone)
Yes, I know, Tom. I'll be home soon. I just need to pick up a few things. ...
(sighs)
Alright, alright. I'll hurry. Love you too.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Lynette Scavo was a woman who balanced work and family life with precision. But unbeknownst to her, she was about to be confronted with an urgent matter.
EXT. SUSAN'S HOUSE - DAY
Susan is seen in her driveway, struggling with a flat bicycle tire. She looks determined to fix it herself.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Susan Mayer was a woman of courage and resilience. But sometimes her stubbornness would get in the way of finding the help she needed.
INT. BREE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY
EDIE enters the kitchen, smirking as she watches Bree icing the new batch of cupcakes.
EDIE
You know, Bree, perfection is overrated.
BREE
(frowning)
And mediocrity is a sin. What do you want, Edie?
EDIE
I just wanted to remind you about the neighborhood gathering tonight. I'm expecting to see those perfect little cupcakes of yours.
BREE
I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Edie leaves the kitchen, and Bree rolls her eyes.
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
All the housewives stand outside, waiting for a moving truck that turns into the street. SUSAN, LYNETTE, BREE, GABY, and EDIE converse among themselves.
EDIE
Any idea who's moving in?
GABY
No, but they better be fabulous.
The moving truck parks near the vacant house on Wisteria Lane. A glamorous woman in her late 30s, DANIELLE, steps out of the moving truck. The housewives watch in awe.
LYNETTE
Well, speak of the devil!
The housewives approach the new arrival, each putting on their best friendly smile. Danielle greets her new neighbors with a mysterious look in her eyes.
MARY ALICE (V.O.)
Little did our ladies know that Danielle's arrival would change the course of their lives in the most shocking way possible.
FADE OUT:
TO BE CONTINUED
A Whiff of Scandal
INT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
A quiet morning on Wisteria Lane. The street is peaceful, with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees.
MARY ALICE (V.O.):
As the sun rose on another idyllic morning, the ladies of Wisteria Lane couldn't help but sense that something was amiss.
INT. SOLIS KITCHEN - DAY
GABRIELLE is in the kitchen, reading a gossip magazine while sipping on coffee. She smirks and shakes her head at the rumors in the publication.
GABRIELLE:
I can't believe people actually buy into these ridiculous scandals!
CARLOS (entering the room):
Gaby, we're out of eggs. I'll run to the store and grab some.
GABRIELLE:
Fine, but don't take too long. We've got brunch with the girls. Maybe then someone can find something juicier than these dumb tabloids!
INT. MAYER KITCHEN - DAY
SUSAN looks frustrated as she rummages through her refrigerator for ingredients. MJ wanders in sleepily.
MJ:
What's going on, mom?
SUSAN:
I'm trying to find something to bring to our brunch get-together. Your Aunt Bree wanted something homemade.
MJ (rolling his eyes):
Can't we just buy something and pretend you made it?
SUSAN (smiling):
That's the spirit, but not this time. I can't let Bree outdo me again.
INT. BREE'S KITCHEN - DAY
BREE is busy preparing a decadent quiche for brunch. LYNETTE enters, amazed at the intricate spread.
LYNETTE:
Bree, this looks amazing! Do you ever sleep?
BREE (proudly):
I'll sleep when I'm dead. Besides, I couldn't let Susan beat me at my own game.
EXT. WISTERIA LANE - DAY
The ladies gather at SUSAN's house for brunch, each carrying a homemade dish. As they walk up to the door, they notice a new woman, CLARA, moving into the recently sold home across the street. They exchange apprehensive glances.
MARY ALICE (V.O.):
Little did the ladies of Wisteria Lane know, their safe haven was about to be rocked by an unsettling disturbance... a whiff of scandal that would test their friendships and force them to face their darkest secrets.
TO BE CONTINUED
