TV Close-Up: Desperate Housewives' Marcia Cross

Bree Van de Kamp. The name alone has a reputation to live up to. Fortunately, Marcia Cross is the face behind it, and with her experience in soap operas like One Life to Live and Primetime shows like Melrose Place, she has everything necessary to deliver any expected connotations. Providing a taste of humor every week, Cross's character shines within the cast of Desperate Housewives, set apart by her OCD tendencies and cashmere sweaters. But what distinguishes her from other soap caricatures is the conflict between her idling flaws and this WASP exterior - that balance between the flaming hair and botoxed face. It is much easier to watch the show and push Bree to the side and fall in love with Eva Longoria, but Cross's dynamic proves to contain a certain depth that is part of what balances the show's ridiculous plots. Obviously Bree can be annoying, but you soon forgive her. Beyond the neighborhood drama, Housewives pulls the viewer in with its commentary on expectations and stereotypes, twisting the title of the show into a question instead of a statement.