The first “Desperate Housewives” episode of November sweeps looked like nothing more than a ratings stunt, which is typical of many shows during this month but quite unavoidable.

In this instance, the selling of the episode (The supermarket is held hostage! Someone dies!) was very different from what I took from this great episode.

Yes, someone died. I’m sure a few out there will be dancing the happy dance because Carolyn shot Nora point blank in the chest. Yes, I didn’t like Nora. She grated on me worse than Kraft parmesan. But I thought her decision to move to Mexico with Kayla offered some interesting subplots. Now, that storyline is gone. The Scavo house just got a new girl, and I’m sure the boys will be confused but ready to initiate her into their tortuous ways.

But more important than who got shot (including Carolyn, who I knew wasn’t going to make it out alive), the episode resolved some tense relationships and solidified a few others.

The most changed relationship was between Carlos and Gaby, who started out trashing the house and the fine crystal ( a chainsaw revving in any house is good comedy). After they gathered at Bree’s house to watch coverage of the hostage situation, Gaby realized she might have been Carolyn when the divorce settlement didn’t go her way. I really don’t see Gaby holding a gun, but then again I never expected Sharon Stone to be an Oscar nominee, so you never know. The sight of Gabyand Carlos hugging was good to see, but I don’t think it will last long.

Another relationship that made a complete 180-degree turn was Julie and Austin. I was upset that Austin didn’t admit he was the one that put the whiskey in Julie’s backpack, or that Edie and Susan didn’t figure out that Julie, Miss Perfect, was an unwilling accomplice. But after Austin managed to wrestle with Carolyn seconds before she was shot by the unnamed store clerk, Julie ran to hug Austin instead of staying with her mother. Not even a trip to Paris with Sir Ian McCutie could make the look on Susan’s face disappear.

Though I hope no more Desperate Housewives grab guns (though Bree, poster child for the NRA, is a prime candidate), I do wish the momentum of Sunday’s episode continues through sweeps month.

“Desperate Housewives” airs at 8 Sundays on ABC.