Desperate Housewives

Fans of Dexter were sad to bid farewell to Julie Benz: her character of Rita was killed off the Showtime drama to conclude season four.

But that show's loss in ABC's gain, as Benz has made an immediate impression on Desperate Housewives as a lesbian stripper named Robin.

Originally signed for just three episodes, the actress has seen her run on this series extended indefinitely. She'll also soon see herself making out with Katherine, a development confirmed by previous Desperate Housewives spoilers.

"There's some very sexy stuff that goes on," Benz told TV Guide. "Robin meets everyone on Wisteria Lane and her arrival causes trouble on the lane in an indirect manner."

As is often the case when female characters kiss, Desperate Housewives must deal with questions about this being nothing more than a ratings stunt. What makes this storyline unique from make-out sessions on other shows?

"It is different because there is a relationship developing out of it," Benz told Afterellen.com, going into detail about Robin's connection to Dana Delany's character:

"Katherine has had quite a history of dating men that haven't turned out to be very good for her. I think the question you have to ask yourself in real life is, if you connect with somebody, why let gender, religion or race get in the way. I think that's the struggle, the challenge that she has."

Desperate Housewives returns with a new episode on February 21.

It's hard to top the latest Desperate Housewives spoiler - that Robin will soon make out with Katherine - but here's a couple interesting casting tidbits:

As the show gets ready to conclude the Angie Bolen murder mystery - and, most likely, give Drea de Mateo her walking papers - the series has sent out a notice for Angie's mother.

ABC is seeking a tough woman in her 50s or 60s for the role. Got any suggestions?

Moreover, Desperate Housewives is searching for a Russian actress to portray the character of Irena, a 25-year-old gold-digger who set her sights on one of the neighborhood boys.

Intriguing...

Julie Benz made quite the impression on Desperate Housewives last night, debuting as a stripper named Robin.

The former Dexter star will apparently make an even bigger impression on a fellow character in a few weeks, however.

As first reported by TV Guide Magazine, viewers should expect Katherine and Robin to get especially close later this month.

“Everyone assumed I was going to come in and break up someone’s marriage, but there’s a whole different twist,” Benz said in an interview, and proves in the upcoming scene below:

The actress goes on to explain the smooch above:

“This kiss comes out of a funny moment where we’re trying to ditch some guys,” he said, while Delany adds:

“I asked, ‘Am I becoming a man?’ And [creator] Marc Cherry said, ‘Close' For a woman in her fifties to make this announcement to her community is huge. I hope it sticks.”

So do many male viewers, but we can't help but ask:

Is this a logical storyline for the character? Or a publicity stunt for the show?

The John Barrowman rumors are now a reality:

The Torchwood star has signed on for a major, recurring role on Desperate Housewives. He'll appear as the villain on at least five episode this spring, portraying a character at the center of the Angie mystery.

Look for Barrowman, who also stars on the British hit Dr. Who, to debut in April.

Being a jerk of a husband on Mad Men is paying off for Sam Page.

The actor, best known for his role as Joan's awful husband on that AMC hit, is coming to Wisteria Lane. He'll appear on multiple episodes of Desperate Housewives as Jeremy, a chef who idolizes Bree and her old-fashioned values.

Page’s first episode will air in February, around the same time he starts a stint on ABC Family’s Greek as a campaign manager and potential player in the Cappie/Casey romance.

Julie Benz, meanwhile, debuts on Desperate Housewives next week, on the drama's January 31 episode.

On this Sunday's episode of Desperate Housewives, the ladies hold nothing back.

How do we know? Because the narrator in the promo for "How About a Friendly Shrink?" says so! He opens the following preview by stating it's "the episiode that tells it like it is."

It's also the episode where Bree becomes fed up with caring for Orson. See what we mean below:

Also ahead on the installment:

• Lynette doesn't wish to speak to a counselor;
• Katherine meets a new psychologist;
• Gabrielle and Susan are determined to learn which of their kids is the best at math.

Browse through our section of Desperate Housewives quotes and then get an early look at a few scenes from the episode by clicking on the photos below:

Rest easy, Dexter fans: Rita is alive, well... and looking sort of skanky!

Indeed, Julie Benz - best known for playing Dexter's wife on that Showtime hit, until she fell victim to The Trinity Killer on the season four finale - resurfaces on primetime TV at the end of this month.

She guest stars for multiple episodes on Desperate Housewives as Debbie, an intelligent stripper that befriends Susan. Benz debuts on January 31 and we've got your first look at the actress in her new role below:

On this Sunday's new episode of Desperate Housewives, Gabrielle and Carlos try to get Juanita into a new school. There's just one problem:

She doesn't make a great impression when she asks, in shock, in front of the dean: I'm Mexican?!?

It's great stuff. Check out a clip of the scene below:

Also featured on the episode ""You Gotta Get a Gimmick:

• Susan turns up the heat for Mike;
• Lynette discovers Tom's true intentions;
• Bree learns just how difficult it will be to undo the hurt she's caused Orson.

We encourage fans to browse through our Desperate Housewives quotes section in anticipation of this week's upcoming installment.

Double spoiler alert:

Rita was killed off Dexter to end that show's fourth season; while Mona and Karl both died as a result of the recent plane crash on Desperate Housewives.

But there's good news for fans of these Showtime and ABC hits: Julie Benz is coming to Wisteria Lane!

Sources tell Entertainment Weekly that the actress has landed the role of Debbie, a stripper with a Master's degree that is taken under Susan's wing. She's offered a chance to transition into a more stable career.

Benz will debut on Desperate Housewives in February and appear in at least three episodes. Sounds like a perfect casting match to us.

As one of the first shows to return from its holiday hiatus, Desperate Housewives will also air one of the most powerful, unusual episodes in January.

On Sunday, the series picks up immediately after the plane crash that rocked Wisteria Lane and left a couple characters dead. Viewers will learn just who has left the iconic street for good, while also glimpsing the imagined future of a few housewives.

Check out the official ABC promo for "If ..." below and get excited for the return of the show: