I didn’t mind too much when I heard that “Desperate Housewives” would fast-forward five years for this season. After all, they have kind of planted their flag in kitschy plot devices so I thought it would be fun.

For the most part, they have succeeded with one notable exception – the Scavo kids.

First of all, when we first saw the twins, they looked like they had aged a heck of a lot more than five years. I’d estimate they were 8 or 9 when they left off last season and had their driver’s licenses now.

Then, we see their “older” brother Porter, who looked like he started smoking or something because he barely aged more than two or three years. How did he get younger than the twins?

Lastly, many DH fans worried for three episodes when Penny, the youngest Scavo, was nowhere to be found. Did Tom and Lynette put her in the basement cage in Katherine’s house? Did the evil stepdaughter come and get her? Did Bree’s daughter need a playmate for her bastard son?

We can all rest easy now because Penny flew into a scene for just a few seconds last week, long enough for Lynette to use her as a scapegoat for Tom’s broken bass guitar. At least we know these kids are worth something.