<P> The episode also continues the storyline of Tom and Lynette's separation . Huffman enjoyed her character's storyline, stating: "I'm sure there are things that they knew the viewers want, which is for Tom and Lynette to get back together . But I do like that it's kind of up in the air and maybe they won't ." Doug Savant commented, "For many years on this show, we knew that Tom and Lynette were the grounding force on the street . They were the couple that most resembled most couples in America . It just got to a point after so many years when (the writers) really wanted to explore the things that made this relationship work by first pulling it apart ." Both actors expressed their desire for the couple to reunite by the series' end . Charles Mesure made his debut as new neighbor Ben Faulkner, a self - made contractor and Renee's new love interest . According to Vanessa Williams, "She's working hard to make it happen and it's not happening easily for her . And she's not used to that and that's where the comedy ensues and it gives her something to pursue ." </P> <P> According to Nielsen ratings, "Secrets That I Never Want to Know" was watched by 9.93 million viewers and held a 3.2 rating / 7 share among viewers between 18 and 49 years of age . The episode is the least - watched season premiere in the series' history, indicating a 28 percent decrease in viewership from the seventh season premiere one year earlier . The episode was outperformed by Sunday Night Football on NBC, which averaged 20.36 million viewers and an 8.3 rating / 21 share, and The Good Wife on CBS, which was watched by 10.66 million viewers but held a 2.2 rating / 5 share, 45 percent lower than Desperate Housewives . The episode was also outperformed by its lead - out program, the series premiere of Pan Am . It averaged 1.2 million viewers more than "Secrets That I Never Want to Know", becoming the first lead - out program to outperform Desperate Housewives since Grey's Anatomy in May 2006 . The final minute of "Secrets That I Never Want to Know" drew 12.188 million viewers and received a 7.9 rating / 12 share overall with 4.1 rating / 9 share in the 18 to 49 demographic . The episode gained an additional 2 million viewers and 0.9 rating in the week following the original broadcast due to DVR recordings . </P> <P> "Secrets That I Never Want to Know" received mixed critical reviews . TV Guide's Kate Stanhope gave a mixed review of the episode, opining that "the episode moved a little slow for what was the last season premiere ." She praised the sequence in which Bree and Gabrielle attempt to get rid of Alejandro's car, writing, "I always love the Bree - Gaby scenes because they contradict each other in such an interesting way ." She enjoyed that the Bree character was "turning back into the controlling perfectionist we grew to love rather than the carefree woman she became" in the seventh season . Stanhope was critical of the Lynette and Tom storyline, opining: "it's annoying that their relationship has been reduced to this gimmick...I was never on board with the whole Tom and Lynette split simply because it felt less honest and more of a last - ditch effort to cause conflict . But if they're going to go through with separating the formerly stable couple, at least go through with it all the way and show Lynette really and truly on her own ." She also believed the Renee storyline to be a waste of Vanessa Williams's talents . Tanner Stransky of Entertainment Weekly called the episode's overall storyline "too juicy a landmine to not have the repercussions play out deliciously on this, the show's last season ." </P> <P> TV Fanatic's Christina Tran gave the episode a positive review, awarding it 4 out of 5 stars . She picked Susan's hamster burial scene and the scene in which Gabrielle eases Carlos' conscience her favorite scenes in the episode . Tran also appreciated the writers' decision not to prolong Tom and Lynette's attempts to hide their separation, opining: "Last season, their fights were relentless and exhausting . I was glad that this storyline wasn't dragged out too much, as Tom and Lynette were both able to rip off the band - aid and let their children know of their new status ." She also enjoyed the addition of the Ben character and hoped that the Renee character would receive her own storyline this season . John Griffiths of Us Weekly awarded the episode 3.5 out of 4 stars, writing, "After last season's silly antics, the venerable dramedy pulls itself together for a clever final round ." He opined that Carlos and Susan's guilt helped keep the cover - up storyline compelling . The Hollywood Reporter's Jethro Nededog was positive in his review of the episode, writing: "It was a strong return, because it relied on the series' strength, which is the bond these women have with each other ." Jamie Heller of The A.V. Club noted that "there's almost no other plot development" in the episode apart from the cover - up and Lynette and Tom's separation . </P>

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