Network television gets a lot of criticism — and rightfully so — for its lack of diversity in casting.

But sometimes the best steps toward diversity are the least noticeable. Case in point — ABC's "Desperate Housewives," which features two of the few Hispanic characters in prime time.

Eva Longoria and Ricardo Antonio Chavira star as Gabrielle and Carlos Solis. They're definitely Hispanic — specifically, Mexican-American, which is a rarity — but it's not like that has been a central part of their stories.

No, Gabrielle and Carlos are as deeply flawed as the rest of the characters inhabiting Wisteria Lane. Which is kind of refreshing — creator/executive producer Marc Cherry and his team treat them just like they treat everybody else.

So Carlos is a white-collar criminal with a sometimes violent temper, and Gabrielle is a vain, self-centered adulteress.

"I think for the most part that the reaction that I've been getting from a lot of Latinos back in south Texas is just a great amount of pride," Chavira said. "I think one of the greatest things about it, which is addressed in the show, (is) just the fact that both of us are from south Texas. We're both Mexican-American. And more often than not within the entertainment industry, Latinos are Cuban or Puerto Rican. Seldom do you see the Mexican-Americans represented.

"So, in that respect, I think this is a great opportunity. And I know south Texas is swelling with pride."

Even if it's for a white-collar criminal with a sometimes violent temper and a vain, self-centered adulteress.

"Desperate Housewives" isn't always subtle, but it does treat Gabrielle and Carlos as regular people who happen to be Hispanic.

"I've only gotten a lot of positive feedback from all viewers — Latin, white, black, Asian — and I think that has to do a lot with Marc (Cherry) doesn't hit you over the head that we're Latin. We just happen to be one of the families on the block," Longoria said. "I'm a proud Latina. I love representing my culture, but I love that it's not in our accents. It's not in the writing to where we make tortillas every night.

"Well, Gabrielle doesn't cook, but . . ."

WISTERIA LANE will be home to a black woman (Alfre Woodard) and her son next season (they moved in at the tail end of last season), so there will be still more diversity on the show.

Now, if only we could see an Asian character other than the one played by Lucille Soong — the Solis' maid, Yao Lin,

But even Yao Lin got her moment to shine when she outmaneuvered Gabrielle.

CRAIG FERGUSON won't be acting anymore, he says. And not just because he's lifted CBS's "Late Late Show" to its best ratings ever since taking over as host a few months ago.

Best known for playing Mr. Wick on "The Drew Carey Show" before landing the late-night gig, Ferguson said, "Yes, I'm done with acting. . . . When I saw the movie 'Babe' and I saw how good that sheepdog was in that movie I thought, 'That dog is a better actor than me.' I thought, 'I've got to find something else.' "

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E-mail: pierce@desnews.com