I just sent this email about the Real Housewives of Orange County to my friend Stacey. Then I realized that it may be of interest to some of you, so here you are.
Hey!
I am going to have to plead again that you give RHOC a chance if you need something mindless while traveling or if you need to decompress. I understand why you left the Housewives fold during the pandemic, as "whooping it up" during a global emergency felt somewhat obscene.
That said—and I am not getting a commission on this—I am urging you to come back, at least for this cast, at least for this season. Back when you were in the Housewives tribe with me, there was always one standout cast, one standout season that was capable of turning the tide. (If you recall, it was you who brought me back to RHONY and I have always thanked you because it was worth it.)
So, I would like to ease your transition, should you choose to humor me. Remember, this isn't like trying to dive into Breaking Bad after missing the first few seasons, where everything builds on everything and nuance is an issue. You don't even need a primer, yet I am providing one anyway because I believe it will only hasten your enjoyment.
First, let me reintroduce the cast:
Shannon Storms Beador
I don't recall where you left off with her, but I think she and David had already divorced. Shannon ate her feelings i/r/t her new lifestyle and that had been a major plot point, especially as they sold the eco-palace. Shannon eventually found happiness (of sorts) with smarmy John Janssen, who is a first-name and last-name kind of guy. (I don't know why it's necessary to say both names, but it is. I don't make the rules.)
This season SHOULD be about Shannon finally reaching her goal weight, but it's been overshadowed by the fact that she drove her car drunk... into someone's living room... and tried to get away with it by pretending to walk her dog. Also, John Janssen dumped her... and quickly began dating Alexis Bellino. (More on that shortly.) Her daughters have left the nest and she's downsized, and has to buy a car with a breathalyzer in it. Although it's probably an aftermarket part.
Shannon and Tamra are fighting because she, Vicki, and Tamra had a road show called the Tres Amigas that Tamra bailed on because she didn't think it was a good look to promote an alcohol-soaked event so soon after Shannon's DUI. Tamra and Shannon are now at odds, likely because Tamra keeps screaming that Shannon is an alcoholic at public events.
Meanwhile, Shannon is completely spinning out over the breakup, especially as John Janssen is suing her for what he paid for her facelift. Shannon has also had diminished circumstances because Jim Bellino sued her for making derogatory statements about the dangers of running a trampoline park.
I am not making any of this up.
Heather Dubrow
Heather has been back for a few seasons and I didn't realize that I would have missed her, but I did. Last season was rough for her because everyone dog-piled on her, for no reason other than jealousy, IMO, especially because she turned something like a $40M profit on selling her massive shopping mall-style home. Heather keeps buying up Beverly Hills property, likely because she's trying to upgrade casts. Thus far, no luck.
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