'Desperate Housewives' Defend Second Season

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – Four "Desperate Housewives" and their fellow cast members gathered on Wisteria Lane to celebrate something that fans, critics and Emmy voters had dubbed something of a disappointment: the second season of the popular ABC series.

"Housewives" Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Nicolette Sheridan attended the launch party Saturday night for the DVD "Desperate Housewives: The Complete Second Season; Extra Juicy Edition." In addition to the televised episodes, the set includes outtakes, behind-the-scenes footage and a storyline that never made it to the airwaves.

"I'm so proud of this DVD because I think once you see it, you'll really realize how good Season Two was, instead of listening to, just, critics saying 'Oh, they're in a slump. Oh, it wasn't like last year,"' said Longoria, who plays Gabrielle.

"When you really look at the DVD, and specifically Gabrielle's storyline and Gabrielle's arc, there was so much there. This was definitely the best work I've ever done in my life," she told AP Television.

Three episodes have been shot for the new season, and a few details leaked at the party, held on the show's Wisteria Lane set at Universal Studios.

"Within the first two or three episodes, the baby thing is solved, resolved, something," said Longoria, referring to Gabrielle and husband Carlos's plan to have a child through a surrogate.

Actor Kyle MacLachlan is returning as dentist Orson. In his last appearance, he drove his car into plumber Mike (James Denton), who ended up in a coma. Now Orson has his sights set on Marcia Cross's character, Bree.

Voters for this year's Emmy nominations snubbed the series although three of its stars were nominated last year and Huffman won the best comedy actress trophy.

"I was surprised," said Andrea Bowen, who plays Julie, the daughter of Hatcher's Susan. "I still think it was better than a lot of things that are out there. But it's OK, because we had so much success our first season. We don't need to be greedy."

Huffman said she's looking forward to Emmy night, Aug. 27. "Wonderful people got nominated this year, fantastic shows," she said. Longoria said she's going to be a presenter at the ceremony.