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Too Much and Too Little

Regina | July 11, 2012 | 41 Comments More

(July 11, 2012) – At one point it gets to be too much and too little at the same time. You could waste your time, as I did, and watch part one of the Real Housewives of Orange County’s seventh season reunion. Or you could trust your instinct and correctly predict what would happen – without spending one precious minute watching Andy Cohen bait his employees into behaving poorly while trying to make their colleagues look bad.

Last night the attacks were, predictably, too much. In return for suffering through them, we gained far too little new information about or insight into the cast of Bravo’s longest-running Reality TV show.

What We Already Knew

1. The single-minded obsession with bashing Alexis Bellino.
First of all, as it turned out, Andy devoted half of the episode to discussing everything that is supposedly wrong with Alexis. We literally went through 30 minutes of discussions about how Alexis is too subservient to her husband Jim, before discussing how inauthentic she is. Clearly Alexis is the single-most important part of this cast, commanding far more than what should be her 20% share of this show.

Of course we already knew, three of the five ladies loathe Alexis . They have no idea – or perhaps are unwilling to admit – why they dislike her. Tamra Barney, Gretchen Bellino and Heather Dubrow want us to believe this is because Alexis is allegedly controlled by her husband and that she’s extraordinarily fake. I’m not buy it.

While I doubt she’s Pinocchio to Jim’s Geppetto, I recognize Alexis may very well may be pretending to be far more affluent and content than she really is. Still even if everything they say about her is true, I do not understand why they hate her unless, of course, they’re wildly jealous and the mere sight of her makes them feel inferior.

I say that because Alexis’ having a controlling husband and putting a happy spin on everything could never make anyone feel as threatened as these women are. Something else is going on here. My guess is that Tamra is green with envy about Alexis’ life, her body, her good looks, her grace, and her enduring marriage. I think Gretchen jumped onto the bash-Alexis train because she believes Tamra controls this cast and she will do anything to stay on her good side.

Heather, that’s a tricky one. Heather is definitely jealous that Alexis got that part-time gig at Fox 5-San Diego gig. You could see it on her face when she first heard about it. Heather would have loved being on camera without having to film far away from home. She also heard, prior to this season wrapping up, that Alexis made the bold statement that Heather is no Angelina Jolie. Personally, I do not think Angelina is the greatest actress known to man, but that comment was a dig. Heather did not forget it after the Bravo team showed her that footage when she filmed her video diary segments. I believe it inspired Heather to join Tamra and Gretchen in finding fault with every little thing Alexis does, including uttering one of the craziest lines I’ve ever heard on one of these shows: “If you have a ring WEAR it!”

Why would a grown woman care if someone chooses to wear costume jewelry? Well more than 99% of Manhattan is wearing costume jewelry 365 days a year. And I have news for Heather: the 1% who aren’t are not exactly the 1% that Occupy Wall Street was protesting against. I know for a fact that at least half of the Park Avenue princesses who lunch are regularly sporting Lovie Howell-sized baubles they buy from designers like Janis Savitt, who gets that many women – particularly very rich women – want to have fun and play dress-up without breaking the bank.

2. Alexis is trying to retain her dignity and her sanity
You can just tell, as she’s sitting there on the right hand side sofa with Vicki Gunvalson, as she stares across the stage at the three women who want to verbally skin her alive, she knows she’s entered a hornet’s nest with a swarm of angry women, armed with an arsenal of preplanned stinging comments.

All I could think when I heard Tamra screech at her, “you’re psychotic, Jesus Jugs” is that Ms. Barney had that mocking moniker up her sleeve well before she arrived at the reunion. Last night when I logged onto Twitter and saw she was lobbying her followers to retweet it – with hopes that it would start to trend – I was positive I was right. I promptly unfollowed her.

Tamra is just too mean and too unsophisticated to understand that in order to be a compelling character you have to display at least one redeemable quality to round your personality into the fully-fleshed, third-dimension.

Fortunately Alexis seems to get this – far better than I probably would if I were in her shoes. She says she was “released” from caring about Tamra’s opinion when they met for coffee earlier in the season and the resident mean girl promised to be “brutally honest” with her. Alexis knows Tamra is nasty, as a result she “drew the line” and no longer values her point of view.

What We Didn’t Know

1. That Gretchen had her lips done
Personally I couldn’t care less. Right from the beginning of the season, I was pretty sure something had been done to her face during the off-season. Still I just don’t care what any of them do to try and improve their appearances.

What I did find interesting and kind of sad is that Alexis is the one who let the cat out of the bag that Gretchen wasn’t merely using a lip plumper, as she claimed when Vicki hosted the cast during her Cajun party. I don’t think it’s a great idea to reveal someone’s secrets just because you’re mad at them. Still I get why she did it.

Alexis has been wronged. Gretchen is not a loyal friend. She can tell Alexis all she wants, “I care about you… I always defend you…I love you enough to jeopardize the friendship to tell you the truth.” Gretchen is not a good friend. She’s a back stabber. Joining a gang-up on her “good friend,” as she did in Costa Rica during the discussion Heather euphemistically called “an intervention” is not love.

2. This cast gets lots of information about the Bellinos while shopping in Nordstrom
Didn’t Dr. Terry start this a while back when he mentioned he’d heard Jim bragging about something while eavesdropping a conversation in Nordstrom? Last night Heather and Tamra said they know from talking to employees of the same department store that she treats the sales people like trash and that she’s “so rude to us.”

I am not sure if I believe this. Something about it just doesn’t ring true to me. But if I owned or managed Nordstrom, I’d be very curious to know if my employees were trash talking my customers by talking about them on Facebook, as Heather asserted.

3. Volatile Vicki must be on Valium
Of course I don’t really know the real Ms. Gunvalson, but I do know Television Vicki, who is normally always game to scream and emote on camera. Last night, during this reunion, relatively speaking, she was cool as a cucumber. She made it sound like in the past she was unhappily married and as a result, not always at her best. I am not so sure that is the reason she was on her best behavior last night.

I think three things were going on. One, she knows how vulnerable she is dating Brooks who pretty much no one likes and who has had his own share of child support problems in the past. She knows they’ll gun for her if she says too much.

Two, in the past Vicki had someone strong to back up her most outrageous statements. This season, she only has Alexis whom Vicki does not perceive as strong. And Alexis is not like Tamra. She’s not going to sign onto Vicki’s BS when Vicki is wrong. Alexis is not a soldier for hire. She knows the difference between right and wrong.

Three, I believe Vicki was on Xanax or Valium or something else to keep her calm. And I, for one, cannot blame her. I wish I were on it, too, when I was watching this insanity. These women are too much and they offer far too little to justify watching them making the same accusations at each other that they have all season long. These chicks need new schticks.

All photos are courtesy of BravoTV.com

 

Tags: , , ,

Category: Alexis Bellino, Gretchen Rossi, Heather Dubrow, Real Housewives of Orange County, Tamra Barney, Vicki Gunvalson

About the Author (Author Profile)

I am a New York City publicist who specializes in promoting luxury products and experiences and occasionally moonlight as a journalist.

Relatively new to the world of blogging, I have watched and enjoyed Bravo’s Housewives shows since the first season of the Real Housewives of Orange County. I created this blog over the 4th of July holiday of 2011 because I enjoy writing and love to figure out how to blend images and words to create something that is both visually compelling and interesting to read.

  • Donna

    Children learn by example.   The little I’ve seen of Tamara’s son Ryan, I see the disrespect in his eyes.  I bet my great-grandchildren would have a better play date with Alexis’ children.

    • Anonymous

       I’ve never been able to look at Ryan the same way after he lured a drunken Gretchen into a bathroom many seasons ago. There is just something roofties-creepy about taking advantage of a woman who has little idea about what is going on. What is creepier is knowing his mother was his wing man.

      Although I cannot exactly say I like Simon, I suspect he has custody of their children and I don’t think that’s such a bad idea, all things considered.

      • AZgirl

        Totally agree with you on all written – another wonderful blog!  I eagerly wait for your posts as they are thought provoking – wonderful!  I think Simon came across as controlling because he knew how embarassing Tamra could be.  Without anyone trying to leash her in, she has totally gone to the dark mean side of hell.
        She is vile.

        • Anonymous

           I find Tamra so puzzling. Part of me thinks she is someone who is naturally gauche and would love to mud wrestle in a bar. Another part of me thinks she’s performing for the cameras, knowing that Andy likes it when the women behave aggressively toward each other. Still another part thinks that someone along the way hurt this woman so badly that she’s now lashing out like a scared animal who is cornered by someone far more powerful than she will ever be.

          I have no idea if one, two, three, or none of these theories is correct. Regardless of what the problem is Vicki was right when she asked who will be Tamra’s next target. I suspect that will be Gretchen and Heather. But of course I have no idea.

          Thanks for reading and for commenting.

          • AZgirl

            You are much nicer than I am with regard to Tamra, yes I do agree she brings the drama, but the nastiness to a new victim every year is tiresome.  I think that T and Gretch made up for the cameras and a storyline, as the enemy story was getting old.  I think these h’wives are now beginning to contrive story lines to get more air time.  I think next year the person will be Heather and she will be a worthy opponent to Tamra’s nastiness.  Heather is far more educated and will be able to make mincemeat out of Tamra.  I believe that Heather tolerated Tamra this year  (that was obvious when Tamra shouted out let’s do shots at the naming party and Heather/Doc looked at her like she was crazy and said we never do that, never ever and shut her down.  My bet is Heather as she wants top/dog position and she will have to dethrone Tamra, and than Gretchen will drop Tamra and go to Heathers side.  Remember Slade was willing to be the Dubrow’s slave and throw anybody out of the party.  Right now Vicki is still friends with the Dubrows and they see each other outside of filming.  I doubt whether T & E, G & S, are hanging with the Dubrows.  I sincerely hope Alexis comes back and she and Vicki become really good friends; this will annoy Tamra no end. 

            • CarBar

              Does anyone else see parallels between the treatment of Alexis and LIsa VP by the other housewives? Or is it just me?

              • Anonymous

                 In that they were bashed into the ground during a reunion, absolutely. But in any other way? No, not at all.

                What did you see?

                • CarBar

                  I should have been a little clearer – I did mean the treatment of both at the reunions.I also think Andy’s treatment of both women was very similar during the reunions

          • LoveNYC

            It just occured to me that Tamara’s jealousy could very well stem from the season that she was still married to Simon.  The first thing that popped into my mind after reading your post was the dinner both couples had together.  Simon, in my opinion, was very impressed with the way Alexis catered to Jim.  He made several references about it during that dinner.  Tamara tried to defend herself saying that she also valued Simon’s opinion although it was clear that she didn’t.  Tamara seems petty like that to hold a grudfe over something so simple like that.

            • Anonymous

               That’s a very good point. I completely forgot about Simon. Tamra has a history of punishing people who have a shred of kindness for Simon.

              I’ve never been divorced so I am not sure about this, but I guess I could understand that when I think about some of the less than stellar people I’ve dated. If someone said something glowing about any one of them, irrationally I’d have to wonder about them. Still I’d never go apeshit on them as Tamra always seems to do.

              Thanks for mentioning Simon. That gives me a new lens through which to see Tamra’s actions.

  • MaggieG

    I didn’t see it so am reading around to find out what I missed & yours is one of my favorite & valued takes on all things HWs.  Think I didn’t feel comfortable to spectate another vivisection of Alexis but am hearing that she stood up for herself.  Good for her.

    I agree with you about top management at Nordstrom not being pleased to have the public believe it’s employees are disparaging their clients.  Not a good business image.

    After reading that you found Vicki calm & collected I almost wished I had seen it because it’s probably the only way I can believe it.  In seven seasons I cannot recall ever using “cool as a cucumber” to describe Vicki.  Can this be her on the road to redemption or, as you have suggested, is it really her avoiding the land mines?

    Thank you Priscilla.

    • Anonymous

       She did stand up for herself. She did a great job. At one point she told Heather that she didn’t appreciate Tamra and Heather suggesting that she is dumb. Heather jumped in and denied it. Heather said she merely said Alexis is “not cerebral.” Alexis’ response? “Exactly!”

      And little Andy Cohen let it fly by as though saying someone is not cerebral is entirely different from saying she is dumb. He then went on to say that Alexis suggesting Heather is “stuffy” is a direct synonym for “pretentious.” Andy’s opinions are so compromised that I doubt I’ll continue to talk about him from this point forward.

      As for Vicki, yes she was calm as a cucumber, though I must admit I cringed when I realized I used that cliche. Still all things considered, Vicki kept her composure on this episode. Then she lost me on her most recent Bravo blog when she wrote that “Heather is a class act.”

      I just wonder what class she is referring to here:
      http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/season-7/blogs/vicki-gunvalson/the-ringer?page=0,2

  • Housewives Junkie

    I am glad to see your take on Alexis at the reunion. I agree with everything you have stated about her. I have been questioning myself ever since the poll results on Watch What Happens Live. The question was ” Whose side are you on, Heather’s or Alexis’. The result was 66% Heather and 34% for Alexis. I was so surprised by that, assuming the majority of voters would side with Alexis. It had me questioning my own judgement. I value your opinon on these Housewife characters so I feel a bit more validated. (I really hate questioning my own judgement on something I feel so sure about so it was bugging me, lol.)

    • FireFly

      I was shocked by the WWHL poll results too.  Personally, I agree w/Alexis and . . . . Heather isn’t any Angelina Jolee but I’ll bet Terry could make her one!

      • Anonymous

         Firefly – That’s very funny! Thanks for making me laugh. :D

      • http://twitter.com/OneMorenBawston OneMoreinBawston

        Heather would rather look hawt like me.  Dr Terry can make it happen!

    • Anonymous

       I had no idea about that poll or its results because I rarely watch WWHL. Seeing Tyson on it was a complete fluke.

      When I read the 2/3 – 1/3 outcome made my jaw drop. I can only conclude there was a mistake, they were fixed or that Heather’s fans are more likely to vote. Still regardless, Heather was incredibly rude to Alexis, during the season and during the reunion.

      I would welcome and encourage anyone who sees Heather’s side of things to explain it to me because I just don’t get why she is so angry at and threatened by someone like Alexis who is usually relentlessly cheerful.

      • Millie

        I think it’s just the actress/ego thingy.  Heather was soooo bothered by Alexis’ Angelina Jolie comment that she just couldn’t get past it.  She was bound and determined to make Alexis pay.  Dearly.  Also being the new girl on the block, she probably thought that targeting Alexis would make Andy Cohen happy and ensure her another season.

        • Anonymous

           Hi Millie,

          I think you’re right on the money about trying to ensure she’ll be back. As much as I have zero respect for Heather, I must admit she’s not dumb. She knows what her job is: she has to bring drama. Not that I think she’s done a good job of that, or anything else this season with her mostly wooden on-camera personality.

          And you’re probably right about thinking the Angelina Jolie comment resonated with her much more than I could have anticipated. Because I am shy by nature, and haven’t the tiniest theatrical aspirations, for me, that comment would be water off a duck’s back. But for Heather? I bet it stung. Thanks for pointing that out.

          Since it aired, I’ve half seen part two of this reunion many times. And I’ve read elsewhere that people think Heather will become the Queen Bee of this cast next season. The more I see what happened in parts 1 and 2, the more I suspect this is true. This cast seems to revere Heather. I really wonder why. It cannot just be money. She has something else that is invisible to me. I just wonder what it is.

          Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate your insight. :D

  • FireFly

    As defined in the Urban Dictionary, “Jesus-Jugs”:  Hands down the most perfect boobies you’ve ever seen; as if the hand of God himself cupped and blessed each knocker.  Boobies so perfect you can’t help but yell “JEEESUS!” when you see them.

    LOL Tamra 

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JSXIUXEVNM5Q3ONA3XBIM6IWDE QueenBofOB

    I was intrigued by the Nordstrom reference, so I was lurking around trying to find out if it existed. From the comments I’ve read, everyone feels the same, that it was a bunch of baloney and if it did, the employees involved would be fired–no one would be that stupid. One thing that I read over and over, was how people thought that Heather’s hatred for Alexis is rooted in jealousy. Maybe she resembles an old girlfriend of Terry’s? Who knows. But it definitely was mentioned a lot. I find it more than odd that Heather seemed to make snotty comments about Alexis at every opportunity–even ordering her stupid cake with the fake diamonds. Then she’d say how she has friends from all walks of life. Hard to believe. On WWHL, the only example she could give of how poorly Alexis treated anyone was at the phoney glamping trip. I remember Heather acting very rudely and complaining that Alexis, who WAS recuperating from a painful SURGERY, asked her to help do something–as in why wasn’t Alexis asking her assistant? What a hateful, horrible woman. Another dumb comment from Heather, when the bird attacked Andy and she said something like that gives a *new* meaning to the word “tweet”(?) What? I thought that was the ORIGINAL meaning.

    • Anonymous

       Hi Queen,

      I haven’t looked into the Nordstrom thing. I figured that either Tamra or Heather or both were friends on Facebook with an employee who was telling her circle about something that happened with Alexis. I am not sure how that department store’s management could find that unless a manager is friends with that person or if someone else took a screen shot of the post.

      I never thought about the fake diamonds on the cake further than being kind of grossed out – I have no idea why. I wonder if she did mean it as a dig to Alexis. If she did, she is far pettier than I imagined.

      As far as Tweet goes, Heather and I do not share similar senses of humor. I think she thinks she’s hysterically funny. Still nothing she has ever said makes me chuckle even slightly.

      I wonder if she’ll return next season. If I were in charge her contract would not be renewed but I have a strong feeling that with her willingness to go toe-to-toe with Alexis, she shows great promise in Andy’s book.

      I look forward to the day when I no longer feel the need to mention Andy Cohen’s name. Andy One-Note is too predictable for my taste.

      Thanks for reading and commenting.

  • http://twitter.com/kreim karen

    Alexis is a phoney. All three of the ladies spoke on how she treats the cast. I do believe Alexis thinks she is a big star ie Angelina Jolie and not just a reality housewife. I don’t believe Heather is jealous of Alexis.But that being said the only one on the show I cant stand is Vickie.

    • Anonymous

       Do you think she’s phonier than the other women? If so, how? What makes you say Alexis thinks she a big star? I am soooo curious to know what you think. Please let me know. 

      Thanks for reading and for commenting. I’d love to know more about what you think.

    • Millie

       It’s funny how people can see things so differently.  I find Gretchen to be the phoniest by far, with her fake  “I’ve been such a good friend to Alexis”  bullsh*t.  And geez, she might want to cool it on the enhancements.  She is starting to look like a man.  No one in her early thirties should need that much plumping, filling, botox, etc., not to mention her bad fake tan complemented with muddy paint makeup.  It’s a shame.  She used to be pretty.

      • Anonymous

         She was pretty! And she probably can be again.

        As far the phony thing goes, as much as I’d like to agree with you, for me at least, this is a question of what is wetter: water, iced tea, or vodka. Physically, they’re all enhanced. Personality-wise, they’re all WISELY hiding things. As far as affluence goes, they all seem to, in my humble, have their priorities mixed up.

        I fault them for none of that. What I find curious is that accuse each other of things that are true of themselves. Having said that, I suspect that’s human nature: it’s easy to see the faults in others that we have ourselves.

        Thanks for reading and joining the discussion. I hope you return often. :D

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1418695378 Deb Thompson

    I do see why the other housewives find Alexis annoying. She does do the one upmanship thing alot and doesn’t come across as the brightest tool in the shed. This doesn’t mean she should be ganged up on and humiliated like she was in Costa Rico.

    I think Alexis really did offend Heather with the Angelina Jolie comment (and btw I have seen Heather on other shows and she is a pretty good actress).  Then gang mentality took over and Heather being the new girl just joined in. I don’t think in Heather’s case this is jealousy as much as two personalities that just don’t get along.  I also do think Heather’s reactions are extreme regarding Alexis and the way Alexis runs her marriage or Alexis’ finances are simply none of Heather’s business and she needs to but out.

    I do think Tamra is jealous.

    • Anonymous

       Wow! I would love to see Heather act. If you ever find a link, please share it with us here. I’d love to see another side of her. As soon as I have the time, I will look for her scripted work and share it here, too. Thanks for mentioning that she is a good actress. That adds a new and appreciated wrinkle to her resume.

      All of this talk about one-upping (with LuAnn in NYC and Alexis in the OC) makes me worry I am guilty of something similar. Yikes! I swear on a stack that making myself seem “more than” or somehow better is not my goal because I know who I am and I like myself — faults and all. I don’t care in the slightest if anyone agrees with me. I am okay with myself.

      During those times when I jump in and share a similar experience, my singular goal is to relate to what someone else has said to me. I have stopped doing this 100% because the last thing I want to do is “one up” someone.

      The last time I remember doing this a new friend was trying to tell me about his trip to New Zealand. Like a goofball, I said his experience sounded fantastic and related my own trip to Australia (a different, though nearby country). For weeks I’ve been meaning to apologize for changing the subject to being about my trip. I feel awful about that.

      And I mention this because as much as I bash these shows, they’ve taught me alot. And for that I will always be grateful.

  • Foxforce23

    I find Alexis very hard to watch at times….almost painful….the predicaments she puts herself in. I’ve always loved Gretchen for having a head on her shoulders….am always suspicious of Tamra…..and I do think Bravo has found a brunette winner in Heather Dubrow…I actually enjoy her more civilzed behavior around the others. As for Vicki…yes, I think she’s on heavy medication. Both in Costa Rica…and at reunion.

    • Anonymous

       I am so curious to know what Vicki was on. Whatever it is, I want an “at the ready” prescription to it, for use during stressful times in my life that I can anticipate.

      You’ve got to tell me why you think Alexis is difficult to watch! My take on her has changed over time. When she went on that trip to…what was it? Texas?….she won me over. I loved seeing her let her hair down and get real. I now accept her nearly unconditionally, even though we have precisely ZERO in common.

      Back in the day when I watched these show while doing the dishes, or folding laundry, I loved Gretchen. I thought she was cheerful and semi-funny and 100% benign. Either she changed or I am now watching much more critically. I have no idea which it is, or whether it is a combination. Regardless, I think she’s crossed the line. She is now a mean girl in my book. If she switches back, I am very happy to welcome her back into the light. :D

      Heather? In the words of my client, “Muh please!” I see nothing civilized in her behavior but I am very happy to be won over to understanding it. If you have the time, please let me know what you mean by that. I find the suggestion 100% mysterious.

      Thanks for reading and commenting Foxforce! I truly hope you return to explain or just to share more. I love it when someone sees something that escapes me. :D

      • Jordan

        No! Don’t change your opinions one bit! :)

        I whole-heartedly agree with your blog. I find Heather, Tamra and Gretchen all pretty awful. Additionally, I too have come to fully support Alexis now, you can’t help but feel for her.

        I do honestly believe that Tamra is a vile piece of garbage that is jealous of Alexis. And even when I wasn’t a fan of Alexis I always thought she was easily the prettiest of the cast. I think Heather does truly enjoy condescending to people, it makes her feel superior and “better than others” and don’t you KNOW that woman thinks to herself that she is better than others, smarter than others, more deserving of special treatment and any other type of thing in that arena.

        • Jordan

          And as for Gretchen, I think that it simply boils down to Tamra in her mind is the “popular girl” (to get a little juvenile here) and she is just desperate to be in Tamra’s favor. GOD KNOWS WHY!? BLEH. Anyway, I think Gretchen is the worst kind of friend, and the real reason Alexis lost her shit in costs rica wasn’t due to the horrible screeching harpies, it was Gretchen’s effed up betrayal and jumping in on the gang-up. I mean, even of EVERY SINGLE THING was 100% percent true about Alexis, even then I would NEVER do that to a friend. If you are a real friend and not a total asshole, you tell that person with love and kindness and NOT IN FRONT of other bitches that hate your friend and are curretly attacking her. It was disgusting. Gretchen is a total bitch, IMHO.

          Btw, sorry if I’m a little late. It just still pisses me off!

  • OnWings

    I’ve been out of the loop for a week and am so excited to see tons of new posts!

    I too found the poll upsetting, but not surprising. Sadly, many bloggers/commentators hate Alexis to the point that they don’t care how she’s “taken down.” I’m not sure what she’s done to deserve everyone’s ill (the only problems I’ve had with her are: the whole subservient wife thing, and her non-acceptance of the gay lifestyle – but she’s been clear to state that those are her opinions and she was perfectly kind to lesbian friend-of-the-housewives, Fernanda). Alexis does come off a bit phony – but so does Heather. So does Gretchen. So does Tamra. Vicki. Old cast-mates Laurie and Jeana. And so do most of the wives in the other franchises. So what? If she one-ups someone, roll your eyes, let it go, and move on. She barely interacted with anyone this season, so what was the big deal? I felt so bad for her because of the gang-up. Heather has constantly been picking on her (openly mocking and ridiculing her) all season long, her AND her husband. Alexis has only made a couple of comments. Don’t get it. 

    Does Heather have talent? Yes. Is she moderately attractive? Well, she’s looking a little too feline-ish as of lately, but for the most part, yes. Does she have a great marriage/family? Yes. Does she have money and is on a hit tv series? Yes. So why does she have to concern herself about hearsay pertaining to Alexis and/or her husband? Don’t tell me she isn’t pulling a Tamra, and making it her business. And if she really thinks Alexis is stupid (as we’ve heard her say/imply many times, and calling her more than “not cerebral”) than isn’t it a bit “unfair” for her to be making fun of her? It’s a lot like the class brain picking on the mentally handicapped kid, isn’t it (according to her opinions). Also bear in mind, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander, if she brings up Jim (many times) than Alexis can say Terry’s name in passing. 

    By the way, did anyone catch when Alexis accidently called the other cast-mates old? I was rolling on the floor with laughter, because that definitely hits them all where it hurts. And you could tell she didn’t mean to let that slip out. It wasn’t a nice thing to say and you could tell she immediantly regretted it (which speaks to her character). 

    I too call foul on the Nordstrom stories. If that’s true, I will never shop at that store. However, I doubted that story the moment it passed from Heather’s lips (and if I were that store I’d kindly ask Heather and Tamra to shop elsewhere). 

    I don’t really get Heather. Heather is seeking Alpha girl status I think. Once she figures out that she’s too wealthy and connected to ever be the target of these girls, she’ll try to take charge of the group, and Tamra will be kissing her aerobicised butt. She knows she’s safe, so why going after the “weak” links of the group (Alexis, Sarah) is fun for her hints at a really dark side of her character. Maybe she’s auditioning for a “Heathers” follow up (love that movie by the way, check it out if you don’t know the reference). I’ve already spoken about the whole Sarah/Cake scandal, and how a real host would have handled the situation (Emily Post would be disappointed in Heather to say the least) and let’s not forget that Alexis WANTED to talk to Heather in private (expressed as much several times) but Heather INSISTED on having a “sit down” with two people who’ve expressed deep dislike of the girl, and I’m sorry, that’s mean girl behavior, despite how Heather tries to spin it. Heather treats Alexis and Sarah like trash, but has the nerve to say that Alexis does this based on nothing more than gossip, when we’ve SEEN bad behavior from Heather herself is incredibly hypocritical. Unfortunatly, Alexis has no friends on the show, Andy hates her, and she isn’t able to argue effectively so Heather can just keep shouting over her. It’s really sad watching Heather laugh at her (more mean girl behavior) while Tamra hurls insults at her with Andy goading Tamra on. I’ve already spoken about this but again let me say, I sincerely doubt that Heather hangs out with anyone making less than six figures a year. We saw some of her “friends”. Talk about stereotypical Californian trophy wives. They didn’t seem too “cerebral” to me, Heather, but then I’m sure I’m being unfair.

    I have to say, Gretchen may be a lousy friend, but I’m not seeing too much malicious behavior on her part. I think she genuinely thinks she is helping Alexis in her own delusional way. I think Tamra, the fame, and Andy have influenced her in a very negative way. And I’m not surprised to hear she’s gotten lip injections done. Nothing wrong with it, but I think the money would have been better spent on a good dermatologist. She’s looking pretty haggard this season, despite being a naturally pretty girl. 

    As for Vicki, definitely not my favorite, but I hope she doesn’t wind up going off the deep end. She seems….unnerved. I hope there’s nothing too serious going on with her health. 

    • OnWings

      Interesting: going back to the whole Alexis/Heather thing, at the start of the reunion (part 2), which of course begins with attacks on Alexis, Heather calls Alexis out about the Bunko party by saying tha,t in regards to Terry (and I’m slightly paraphrasing here): “you heard a piece of conversation that had nothing to do with you yet you jump on it” – isn’t this very similar to Heather overhearing an alleged conversation between Jim and somebody that had NOTHING to do with her that caused her to nasty talk about him? Again, more hypocrisy from Heather. I also don’t buy that she would have dropped the cake incident with an “aw shucks” apology. 

      Really look forward to your take of Part 2 of the reunion. 

      • OnWings

        Just to clarify, I’m talking to Regina not myself. Currently watching the Reunion, and typing at the same time. Ha ha. 

        • Anonymous

           I love you OnWings. I get you. xxoo

      • Anonymous

         Ugh. I just wrote a reply to this and it vanished. If it reappears I’ll delete this one.

        l’ve seen part 2 a couple of times without really paying 100% attention. I hope to write something about it tomorrow in the middle of the mostly fun chaos that is my life these days.

        I suspect no one will agree with me about part 2 because I feel enormous sympathy for Vicki AND BELIEVE IT OR NOT, Brooks too. 

        I get it that Brooks is a con artist. I get it that Vicki is flawed. I just don’t like watching people get baked alive on camera. As a result I felt for both of them when I saw them squirming on camera.

        What has happened to Vicki’s family is wildly sad. I feel for Brianna who in many ways grew up on Reality TV. When she spotlighted her mother’s faults, I was surprised. Still I understand how and why this happened.

        Beyond that I don’t know what to say without watching the reunion again. I find it all so sad. And it reminds me of Pink Floyd lyrics about “hanging on in quiet desperation.” These people are far from quiet, but they’re all desperate. And they’re all “lost souls, swimming in a fish bowl, year after year.”

    • Anonymous

       Forgive me for writing this as a list. I just have lots to say and want to be economical with words.

      * I am like you. I am gay-friendly. And it’s more than that, I love gay men more than cooked food. And my favorite sister is gay. It’s all good in my book. Having said that, just as I am accepting of the gays, I am also accepting of people who don’t get my view or anyone else’s view, as long as they do not harm anyone. I truly believe the truest test of tolerance it being tolerant of people who do not agree with your world view.

      * I just don’t get this whole Alexis is dumb routine. I admit I pretty much only know very smart people. And I admit, full of shame, that I get into monster arguments with dumb people when they cross my path because I don’t see them as less than smart. Truthfully, I think they’re effing with me. Still, despite all of that, I just don’t think Alexis is dumb. She may not be educated; I have no idea if that is true or not true. Still I do not see her as dumb on any level.

      * Nordstrom can be a wonderful store. I had nearly spiritual experience in the lingerie department of their Seattle store. The pushy and loving sales woman there changed my life with SPECTACULAR bras about 5 years ago. Don’t give up on them because Tamra is cranky. Or because a salesperson in the OC doesn’t understand customer service. There are bad apples in every orchard. :D

      * You are SO RIGHT about Heather angling to be the Queen Bee of this show. Going after Alexis is horrendous. Going after Sarah seems nearly criminal to me. I felt so badly for that girl when she said something to the effect of “Is this the world we’re living in?” after cake-gate. I hope Bravo is paying for her psychological therapy. I do not mean that as a diss to Sarah. That poor girl needs help (as we all do) and Bravo owes her that after filming Heather’s name-change party.

      * For as long as I live, I will never understand Andy’s contempt for Alexis. At the end of the day, I think it’s backfiring on Mr. Bravo. It only makes me, and lots of other nice people, rally in her corner.

      * You bring up a good point about Gretchen and malice. I think you’re right that Gretchen hasn’t been malicious. Still I have to think about that one. My issue with her most recently is that she said during the reunion that she warned Alexis about the Costa Rican gang up and claims she told Alexis what she planned to say.

      Alexis said that’s not true. Personally I don’t care either way. It was just mean. And I can safely say that I would NEVER have sat by while a gang of even one person attacked my friend. What happened at that table in Costa Rica was incredibly cruel.

  • Anonymous

     I’m hoping to re-watch part 2 tomorrow. I’ve seen it many times at this point though I admit I was only half watching. I suspect no one will agree with me about anything I have to say because I really felt for Vicki, and BELIEVE IT NOT, Brooks, too.

    It is not that I don’t get how awful Brooks is. It’s not that i don’t get how flawed Vicki is. What it is, at the heart of it, is that watching people get baked alive makes me feel enormous empathy for them.

    Brooks is an opportunist. Vicki is throwing herself into many fire by dating him. Still watching her squirm on camera makes me feel badly for her. She needs help. Lots of it. I hope she gets it from someone more skilled, someone more empathetic than Tamra, who put her on skewer and toasted her and her boyfriend on camera for sport. Ugly!

  • CalifSteve

    These wives are so dysfunctional.

    I don’t like Alexis and Jim. I don’t respect them for the way they handled the short sale of their home and shrugging it off as a “strategic business move.” It sends a bad message.

    I was in the OC last week and did some shopping at Bloomingdale’s (actually I was returning a gift) in Newport Beach. I got into a conversation with the sales person and she told me about some of the celebrities that she has encountered, some of them being the cast of RHOC. The sales person said of all the housewives, Alexis was the most aloof. She didn’t say mean, rude, or condescending, just aloof. So who really knows.

    There’s something about Gretchen that isn’t right. She puts up a good facade, but deep down I think she is a calculating and manipulative person. There’s got to be a motive for her to be with Slade.

    Vicki needs to see a therapist and get some meds. She’s gone through alot but the bottom line is a little Vicki goes a loooooooooooong way.

    Heather is a good actress and her best performance is on the OC.

    Tamra is crass, obnoxious, loud, opinionated, but yet she seems the most real.  I cant see being friends with her, but to go out and have drink would be fun.

  • trishibebe

     Please, everyone watch old reunion from last season and watch how Gretchen treated Lynn, who helped her, she figured Gretchen out!  Priscilla, you are right no one likes an “underdog to be picked on, and I also feel sorry for Vicki.  I think if you marry a swinger and don’t swing, that could be a problem. You are the most adept at feeling how the fans see the situation.  We like to see a little compassion and if a woman is a “throatcutter” we unlike the Godfather take it very personally. keep up the great work!

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