In the Season 5 premiere of Desperate Housewives, Mike Delfino’s fate hangs in the balance. He seemingly disappeared following a car accident, leaving Susan distraught and viewers captivated, eager to understand his whereabouts and condition.
The Disappearance: A Summary of the Incident
The episode, titled “You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow,” picks up five years after the events of Season 4. Susan is dating a new man, Jackson Braddock, and seemingly moving on. However, flashbacks reveal the true story of Mike’s absence. He was involved in a car accident following a confrontation with Susan about their relationship and his perceived financial failings. The episode’s final moments show Susan arriving at the accident scene, only to find Mike gone.
Understanding the Circumstances Surrounding the Accident
The circumstances surrounding Mike’s accident are crucial to understanding his disappearance. His financial struggles, exacerbated by the housing market crash, had put a strain on his marriage with Susan. They had been arguing, and Mike, overwhelmed, drove off in a state of distress. This created a scenario where reckless driving was highly probable. The accident itself occurred on a remote road, adding to the mystery surrounding his disappearance. The lack of immediate witnesses further complicates the investigation.
The Emotional Impact on Susan Mayer
Susan’s reaction to the accident and Mike’s subsequent disappearance is a central theme of the episode. Her guilt and grief are palpable as she grapples with the possibility that her actions contributed to the accident. The flashbacks reveal her initial optimism about their financial situation, which quickly turned to frustration and resentment as Mike’s business faltered. This emotional turmoil ultimately drives her to visit the accident site and confront the reality of Mike’s absence. Her new relationship with Jackson becomes a coping mechanism, albeit a fragile one.
The Investigation: What Did the Police Find?
The police investigation, as depicted in the episode, is limited. While the accident itself is confirmed, the investigation into Mike’s disappearance seems stalled. The wreckage of his car is present, suggesting the severity of the crash. However, the lack of a body or any clear indication of Mike’s whereabouts leaves the investigation open and Susan with a lingering hope that he might still be alive. The focus seems to shift towards determining if he fled the scene, possibly due to injuries or legal repercussions, rather than considering foul play.
The True Explanation: Where Was Mike Delfino?
While the episode doesn’t explicitly reveal Mike’s location, it strongly implies that he was taken away from the scene by someone unknown. Later episodes reveal that Mike was kidnapped by a loan shark named Ramon Sanchez to whom he owed money. He was taken to Mexico and kept captive. The car accident was a result of Mike being distracted by the thought of his mounting debts and the pressure of his failing marriage with Susan. The “disappearance” was not a vanishing act but rather an abduction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mike Delfino’s Disappearance
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mike Delfino’s disappearance in Season 5, Episode 1, along with comprehensive answers:
FAQ 1: Was Mike Delfino actually dead after the car accident?
No, Mike Delfino was not dead after the car accident. The episode intentionally creates suspense, but later revelations confirm that he was alive but had been taken following the accident.
FAQ 2: Who was the person Susan was dating at the beginning of Season 5?
Susan was dating Jackson Braddock, a painter, at the beginning of Season 5. Their relationship was a significant plot point, highlighting Susan’s attempt to move on from Mike.
FAQ 3: What financial troubles was Mike experiencing that led to the argument with Susan?
Mike’s plumbing business was struggling due to the housing market crash, resulting in significant debt and an inability to provide for his family in the way Susan expected. This financial strain was a major source of conflict in their marriage.
FAQ 4: Did the police suspect Susan of foul play in Mike’s disappearance?
There’s no explicit indication in the initial episode that the police suspected Susan of foul play. However, her emotional state and the circumstances surrounding their strained relationship might have raised some initial questions. The focus quickly shifted to finding Mike, dead or alive.
FAQ 5: What was the significance of the flashbacks in the episode?
The flashbacks were crucial for providing context to Mike and Susan’s deteriorating relationship and explaining the events leading up to the car accident. They revealed the build-up of resentment and the financial pressures that contributed to Mike’s emotional state.
FAQ 6: Why did Mike drive off in a state of distress?
Mike drove off in a state of distress because he felt overwhelmed by his financial troubles and the perceived failure of his marriage. The argument with Susan, combined with his own feelings of inadequacy, pushed him to a breaking point.
FAQ 7: How long was Mike missing after the accident?
While the exact duration isn’t specified in the premiere, it’s implied that Mike was missing for a significant period, likely several weeks or months, before his eventual return and the revelation of his abduction.
FAQ 8: Did anyone else see the car accident?
The episode suggests that the accident occurred in a remote area, and no immediate witnesses were apparent. This lack of witnesses contributed to the mystery surrounding Mike’s disappearance.
FAQ 9: How did Mike get involved with a loan shark like Ramon Sanchez?
Mike took out a loan from Ramon Sanchez when his plumbing business started to fail in an attempt to salvage it, spiralling him further into debt. He likely saw this as a quick solution to his financial problems, unaware of the severe consequences.
FAQ 10: What injuries did Mike sustain in the car accident?
The episode doesn’t explicitly detail the extent of Mike’s injuries from the car accident. However, it can be inferred that he sustained some injuries, given the severity of the wreckage, though not severe enough to prevent him from being moved by Ramon Sanchez’s men.
FAQ 11: Did Susan ever find out the truth about Mike’s kidnapping and his debts?
Yes, Susan eventually learns the truth about Mike’s kidnapping and the reasons behind his disappearance. This revelation is a major plot point later in Season 5, impacting her relationship with both Mike and Jackson.
FAQ 12: What implications did Mike’s disappearance have on the other residents of Wisteria Lane?
While the immediate impact is primarily on Susan, Mike’s disappearance creates a sense of unease and mystery within Wisteria Lane. It reinforces the idea that even seemingly idyllic suburban lives can be disrupted by dark secrets and unexpected events. The other housewives offer their support to Susan, but the true extent of Mike’s situation remains largely unknown to them at this stage. His return and the eventual revelation of his abduction significantly impact the relationships and dynamics within the neighborhood.