View All PostsThe First 'Wives Club
Housewives on the Clam Shell
Ep 1: Bravotv.com's Editor tries grasp the concept of Briana having a baby and of Vicki and Tamra at odds.
Apr 1Hello Orange County lovers! The original has returned to us, in all its juicy, sun-kissed form. I'm so happy to see our original Wives shining faces (even if some of them have changed). Let us begin by seeing what our ladies have been doing since we last saw them being nearly devoured by birds at the Reunion.
Vicki Gunvalson Movers
We start with Vicki, who is trying to get her house ready for baby. Yes, Briana, Ryan, and the babe are bunking up at Casa da Gunvalson. And so Vicki does her best to lift a couch while still drinking wine. A woman after my own heart. Don't let heavy lifting distract you from heavy drinking!
Besides renovating her home (and ridding it of both Donn and Brooks), she's done a little bit of remodeling on her face. Now, according to Vicki, the only Muppet-resemblance is that she feels like part of it still doesn't move. Let's see if that new visage can net her a less dramatic man now that's she done with Brooks (or so she says, apparently some are not so convinced).
All Clammed Up
Meanwhile, it's not pig but crustaceans that Heather is occupying herself with. Heather is having a party sans Alexis and sans onion rings (despite Terry's protests). While Heather has managed to keep Alexis' negative energy from the house, she wants to be sure to keep Brooks' energy out of her abode as well. Hopefully this party will have far less screaming and need for security than her big name-changing festivus from last season. Thankfully her security detail will be at the ready, just in case.
Speaking of good house energy, Tamra and Eddie are settling into living together. Tamra, being the headstrong gal that she is, is less than pleased with Eddie's particular ways with the house. If she wants to keep her shoes on lighten up the dark walls, she's going to do it. Don't you doubt that Eddie! Hopefully these are just growing pains, and not some major lightbulb leaving on issue. I'd hate to see these lovebirds fall apart because of a new washer and dryer.
Oh please, Alexis saying that her husband is so stinking wonderful when last season he left the party without the courtesy of letting his wife know. And, she is running after his vehicle calling out to him. They are both fools. Give me crude & rude talking Tamera any day! At least Tamara knows how to say she's sorry. (Remember her apologizing to Gretchen?)
I'm looking forward to Lauri Petersons return to the show.
I understand she has news , for us, that one of the housewives doesn't want known .
This housewife show is aestheticly beautiful to me. The location, the weather , the beautiful California blondes , the clothes, the jewelery. ( Gretchen's turquoise starfish necklace !!) Heathers breath taking house! Sometimes I don't even care what they are talking about. It's just relaxing, mindless entertainment , like flipping through a magazine.
I really enjoyed this episode. I think all the ladies have their good qualities...
It's nice to see Gretchen and Tamra getting along and being friends. From the first season they were both on the show (whichever it was) I always felt they were a lot alike and should be friends. And I think Heather fits in with them well. I like watching the three of them together, just a trio of girls who like to have fun.
I'm very happy for Vicki (I think). She's now a grandma (yes, I teared up watching) and all the drama with the other women is irrelevant. Whether you love or loathe Vicki, you cannot help but give a 'Whoo hoo" for her when you saw her first moments as a grandmother. It was such a raw, honest moment. As for her surgery, she's a successful, recently single woman who just became a grandmother. Is she wanted a little work done, well, she's entitled to it. I just pray she doesn't get back together and settle down with Brooks. Sumthin just ain't right....
Alexis... Hmm, I just don't like her. I hope she's not, but she comes across dumb as dirt sometimes. And she let's her husband walk all over her. A man who truly loves his wife respects her opinion and encourages her dreams. Jim seems to take pleasure in being 'King of the Castle' and having his live in Barbie doll. (Which is what Alexis looks like when she just stands there, blinking.)
It will be interesting to see why Lauri came back into the group. I know her and Vicki have remained friendly, but Lauri seemed so settled and calm with her husband. I'm just curious as to her motivation. :)
In the first five seconds of her scene, Alexis does exactly what all the women accused her of doing in Costa Rica...BRAGGING! None of the other women talk about how many square feet their homes are or how many bathrooms it has! Who the hell cares! It's so obvious that the most important things to her in life are completely superficial. But she is right about one thing - Jim's taste in "art" is all in his mouth.Looks like stuff you would buy on the sidewalk in Laguna Beach for half off.
@Uplander That's the EXACT same thing I said as soon as she said it ! I was like SEE Alexis---you're doing just what the girls said you were doing ! Being materialistic and having to tell all us lowly viewers how big her house is and how many bathrooms, etc. Maybe she was raised this way, who knows. But she really IS dumb--remember her reading the menu for her fashion show and she didn't know what bruschetta was or half the other things on the menu. That's only a tiny example--you know there's tons of scenes where she really lets us know that she's is not the sharpest tool in the shed for sure. I really think that's one reason Heather dislikes her so much--because Alexis thinks she's so much better than everyone when in reality she is a ditsy dingbat is only concerned with everyone thinking she has so much $$$$.
My favorite ladies,OC then BH.Alexis is my fav,I hope all the ladies have fun this season and hope there is not so much judgeing.A strong woman does not have to spend her time worrying about others in judgement.Take care of yourself and learn kindness.I posted 2 photos on the OC facebook page.The women look so happy!I think this season will be the best ever!!!
It's only the first episode and" Trouble Maker Tamara" is already flapping her BIG,VILE,and HURTFUL mouth.I hope everyone's eyes will be opened this season to the fact that she does not know how to be a loyal friend to anyone!! Every time she opens her mouth it's negative and hurtful towards someone.It doesn't matter who it is! She claims to be happy.I highly doubt it!
The mean girls have switched, it use to be Tamra and Vicki and now it is Tamra and Gretchen. I somewhat agree that bullying maybe a harsh term to use but ganged up on, attacked or ambushed may be a better description of what happened to Alexis. I find it funny why Heather, Tamra and Gretchen do not get why Alexis hasn't changed, well if you have three people coming at you out of the blue with things that they may not necessarily like about your personality but not things in which you have wronged them, no wonder she not only didn't take you seriously but in essence ignored all that they stated. Alexis maybe a beautiful airhead but she means well and seems to be geniuenly nice which is why Tamra and Heather pounced upon her. As for Vicki and Tamra, I love that Tamra was jealous about heather getting a phone call about the baby but not her, Tamra if you wanted to be contacted first, then don't attack her personal life and her, then walk away, it does take two to make or break a relationship but when it comes to her boyfriend let the her immediate family deal with that. I find it funny that even though Eddie seems like a nice and sensable guy how he puts up with Tamra is beyond me. As for Gretchen and Slade, happy he has a job, it is funny that Gretchen seems to either not have the brains to do what needs to be done which I am sure that a monkey can do with ease or is unable to recongize Slade's contribution. These women are funny, in the fact that no matter how much money they have, they still act like their in high school just with better clothing.
CherylS27Oh pullleeeassse, Vicki is THE most judgmental of ALL of them, she has NO right to judge anyone, look at her life, huh? She's been divorced twice and can't seem to exist without a man. For a woman who's supposed to be SO strong, all she does is want to cling to a man, any man. I like Tamra because what you see is what you get and she had to guts to apologize to Gretchen.
I have been a watcher of the RHOC since it first aired, but this may be the last episode I watch. Tamra was so mean and so cruel when talking about Vicki. We get it, you're not friends anymore. Move on. Don't dwell on it. It only makes you look jealous of Vicki's life. I also useto be a big Gretchen fan, but the way she gets in on Tamra's mean girl antics makes me think that I was wrong about her.
I truly cannot even stand Tamara anymore. She is so immature and back stabbing. Gretchen will be friends with anyone she thinks will further her career and I think picking Tamara over Alexis was the wrong decision. OC used to be my favorite now I can barely watch. The constant underhanded comments Tamara makes toward Vicki just sickens me. Heather I'm still not sure about...
ssammy--OMG you couldnt be MORE wrong! Tamra had the guts to apologize and make nice with Gretchen and that ticked off Vicki SO much. Why couldn't Vicki embrace the fact that Tamra wanted to move on and make amends with Gretchen? Why? Because Vicki wants to be the center of attention and couldnt deal with the fact that Tamra could have more than one friend. Vicki is shallow and disgusting and is the worst of all! Vicki can't exist without a man, she is pathetic.
tThere seem to be some OC haters out there......I like the show it is not my favorite......I don't think Heather was a good choice and Tamra is a devil....Gretchen is ok her laugh is annoying but she seems to have some brains in her head.......finally Slade is working .......happy for Vicky and a new baby in the family......hope Brooke fades out eventually.......Alexis went back to being a homemaker and mom good choice.......I will continue to watch the show and hope to see some good stuff........
Real sad to hear Gretchen still saying "sunthing" instead of "something" - it just drives me crazy!
I would also like to add that I work at an elementary school up to 5th grade and I hear some of these kids talking about this show. They shouldnt be watching but not all parents are responsible. Bullying in the younger grades is rampant! Please pull it back ok.
I love to joke around and be sarcastic as much as the next gal but, I don't think that Tamra is funny at all, just mean. She makes jokes at other people's expense and always has a target, last year it was Alexis, the year before, Gretchen. And I DO believe Alexis was bullied last year. Tamra and Heather picked on her constantly, it may not have been the type of the harsh bullying that goes on in some schools to push kids to suicide, but I do believe that there are different degress of bullying and Alexis was definitely subjected to a degree of bullying. This show has become all about "who gets ganged up on this season", if nothing changes, I won't be watching anymore.
Gee whiz, Orange County is maybe 50 miles from Beverly Hills, but these two groups of women share no similarities! For the most part, the gals from Beverly Hills have ambition, intelligence and are capable of appearing gracious....ugh, qualities absent among the cast of Orange County.
Ah yes, I had almost forgotten the predictable conversation style of Tamra: me, me, me! The riveting dialogue at Heather's party between Gretchen and Tamra, "oh no, here comes Vicki, what are you going to say to her", "I don't know, I don't want to look at her", gave me a headache. Hurry back, Beverly Hills.
lisag8839 Could not agree with you more. These two groups of women are so different. The things we think are scandalous or mean behavior on BH cannot ever hold a candle to the kinds of things that are said and done to folks on OC. Good luck to the new girl. With the exception of the way they treated Heather, this group of girls is the hardest on the newcomer, and not just for a few episodes - they can carry on this way for years until someone else new comes around.
WOw I certainly hope the whole season isn't like this. Don't think I could watch the mean girls club (Tamara and Gretchen) if they continue to be so nasty ganging up on people. And Heather, I hope we don't see more of her treating her husband that way. It wasn't the usually fun loving quips they had before, it came across as mean & I think he is a doll! Was Alexis bullied, my first thought was no, but it certainly must have felt that way because of the Delivery from Tamara. Alexis is easy pickings so I can kinda see her point. I will give this one more episode but if it keeps being so mean then I'm out!
Tamra is disgusting- I wish Bravo would have fired her and I reeeeeally hope Vicki does not take her back as a friend, after the reunion and Tamra throwing out all Vicki's secrets when they were friends and then telling her to swear on her unborn grandson....wow...Tamra makes me sick!
RvaViewer
I lost all respect for Tamra when at the reunion she yelled at Vicki.."You are going to Hell!"......WHAT? Such a disgusting look at Tamra's character. Maybe if she has religion in her life she would not be so unhappy.
Wow! I was really hoping that Tamara would have grown up in the past few months. I cannot believe how mean she has become. Gretchen better watch out or she will bring her down! I hope Vicki finds happiness without a man. Brooks is a loser. Heather needs to come down off her high horse and thank God for the life she has. I hope I see some redeeming qualities in these women this year...
Vicki should have been gone seasons ago.I don't think I can do one more season of her screaming. She's worse than a barking dog.
I just LOVE you GRETCHEN!! Don't change a thing!
I was excited about the premier and can't wait to see what this season holds. Each housewife has something I relate to and some things I hate. I totally love Gretchen!! I can see hanging out with her. I love her fashion, her attitude and her fun loving way of wondering why the heck everyone else can't get along. Even her snide comments remind me of me when I've been crossed. Really more funny than evil, just a way of dealing with crazy.
Wonder why Tamra has become so high strung but I still love her.
The best part of the season 8 kick off was Alexis and Jim.Luv your hair,Your tag line, and her blue dress! I am glad you are back.Vicki your chin looks good.Lydia will be on the 15.Tamra i hope can learn kindness this season.Heather,let us not be so judgementel.Gretchen,Stop with the baby talk already and calling Slade your B.................!is disrespectful and not funny.I think this will be a good season.I think Alexis and Heather and even tamra will get along by the end of the season.Vicki and Tamra will be friends again.Gretchen and Tamra we already new there freindship was fake.They are now not BFF's of chorse.I have been watching from the beginning.Season 4 is when things got mean when Gretchen and Tamra were on together that first season.You had no friends till Lex and jim came on.They supported you and slade always.Alexis, You are kind and can forgive but watch your back.
I used to really like Tamra - what the h*** happened? She was in an oppressive marriage and I felt bad for her; but she's taken her liberation from that marriage to the extreme and went from being afraid to speak her mind to being really ugly a lot of the time. Appearing bossy and nasty to and about others is just the opposite side of oppression coin. I so hope she gains some emotional balance and peace.
Heather is a doll and, though a little full of herself but she's easily forgiven because I believe her to be genuine. Yes, I honestly believe someone that pretty and that intelligent who's in a good marriage to a solid guy, with four beautiful kids, living in luxury, can be genuine. Call me crazy.
Alexis.... I have to be honest and admit that I still laugh about Tamra's Jesus Jugs comment. To me, Alexis is happily buried in a marriage to her "dad", er, husband. She's likely confused because it's such a sick way to relate in marriage she can't get her footing. I don't know what she really thinks about anything - unless her husband tells her what to think. It's a weird relationship wrapped up in Jesus and Sex and Control. No thank you.
Vickie doesn't let a lot go to her head - and if this physical makeover / do-over helps her feel more confident, good for her. She is ripe to be taken advantage of by another Brooks type (or Brooks, himself), and in my opinion she'd be better served getting her heart around being less needy of a man's approval and getting her arms around being a loving grandparent. All women want to be cherished - and that's a difficult thing to find when you're an accomplished, professional woman in your own right. Somehow many men capable of cherishing a woman gravitate towards ladies who are less capable professionally and financially. It's a frustrating thing - but craving a man's approval and tenderness only seems to attract men who are less capable in their own right.
And Gretchen is often childlike, which is different than childish. I believe her to be more wise than most give her credit for - and she's one of the most honest people currently on any of the RH of... series. Besides, that girl really has had a rough go of it - and as pretty as she is, it's likely been tough for her in terms of other women hating her simply because of her looks. I think she's fun and open - and even silly and a bit green around the edges at times. Again, often childlike, which is endearing, but dangerous in a world of sharks.
jmcinnc
We never really heard Simon's side of ending of the marriage. I suspect it was not his fault alone. I mean her son didn't help things. I do feel for Eddie because I think he is in for a very rude awakening. But, then again, I think he only has to watch her in past seasons to see how she can be.
@seasonedviewer7 jmcinnc You're right re: Simon's side - there are always two sides; and you're also correct about Tamra's son and getting his head on straight - or even mounted on his neck at all. I don't think Eddie is the type to have watch RH past seasons, and believe he has some knight in shining armor desires of his own. The thing is, we all speculate and that's part of the RH draw, but unless you're living under the same roof we're all just guessing about a lot of this. My husband, who innocently thinks I'm one of the smartest people he knows (we must get him out more), cannot believe I tune into such drama. That's when I remind him of his own less than stellar choices of drama -- that always involving things getting blown up and/or appendages being blown off. :)
Gretchen used to be my favorite until she started to form a "Girl Pack" w/ Tamara.
jmcinnc Re: Heather. OK you're crazy! lol
jmcinnc Tamra was not in an oppressive marriage. She just knows how to play the victim. She's always been an oppressor.
jmcinnc uh, what is funny about Jesus Jugs. to say or laugh at such an idiotic comment is beyond me.
realdealkc jmcinnc Oh lighten up! It WAS funny! Holy crap, you can't say anything ever without some person or group getting offended! Please!
It wasn't an UNinvite...it was a NEVER WAS invited. Not cool, but it's Heather's party and she can invite whomever she chooses.
i just cannot watch another season of these awful women! the sound of their voices, especially Tamra's, is enough to make me scream. have mercy!
Wow,I feel completely alone when I say I actually have always kinda liked Tamra and still do.I have a similar sense of humor as she and try not to take myself to seriously.I like all the O.C. ladies for different reasons.Vicki is extremely hard working and loves her family,Gretchen just seems like a fun girl to be around,Heather is so witty and intelligent,and Alexis,well,she loves her family too.I'm looking forward to meeting Lydia,judging by the previews I don't know how well I'll be able to relate to her though,she seems a little ditsy.
judy@london
Don't feel alone! I like Tamra, too! In fact, I like them all in their own way!
Yippee, the girls are back and showing true form to who they are. Each week I change who I like and who I can't stand ... ok, sometimes it takes a season.
I'm glad to see Alexis back. Honestly, I thought she had had it with the show. She looks soooo cute with her new do and was IMO, positive last night .... good for you honey! Although I don't believe in 'obeying' your husband, Jim has your back! I can't even imagine what it feels like to not only be attacked, but attacked in front of the cameras. You handled it very well.
So, I kinda sorta like Heather .... always have. Is she a bit pretentious? Yep. But I do believe, like Alexis, she has love in her heart. I just hope she stays more in the middle, instead of taking sides with the total brats of the show.
Tamra, you my dear, need to take a pill & calm down. The hate that spews from your mouth (and even your eyes when you're not talking) is so hard to watch. Vickie should not be your mentor when it comes to life. You took way to many notes on how to be the mean girl .... probably to take your position into the limelight to enhance the popularity of your new gym. Personally, I would never buy into your club. Someone so egotistical and hateful as you does not get my money. Be kind.
Now onto Gretchen. She's growing into a mature young lady. I think she's always handled herself with grace. No foul mouth gets my vote. Quit hanging out with Tamara. She's going to turn you into a nasty person. I think you have fun with Slade and he takes it all in stride. BTW, kudos to Slade for going back to work. I did think you treated him horribly (because of what others said about him) while he was 'working' for you. What he gave to you & helping out with your business was also instrumental in your business. He did the grunt work, but he was still helping you without any complaints.
Vickie, Vickie, Vickie .... like Tamra, take a chill pill. I know you're a type A personality, but you come across as being so hateful. I've always felt bad for your children ... especially when they were young & didn't know how to deal with your screaming, ranting and then turning it into 'oh I love you' ... have you ever thought about seeing a therapist about this ... I suspect not only are you a Type A personality but also bi-polar. About Brooks, if you love him, then do it. You should know at your age, that no one can stop you from loving someone. Although I'm no fan of him, this is your decision. I just hope you don't move him into the house .... yet! You may have a big house, but it's a full house. It should be filled with total love & peace while precious Troy is living under your roof. Plus, you really should get to know yourself and take the time to learn what went wrong in your marriage to Donn so it doesn't happen again.
I know the taping season is over for you ladies, I love to hate you *wink* .... I'll be around to watch and voice my opinion. Hmmmm, wonder who I'll end up not liking at the end of the season?!!!
Does anyone else think Tamra needs to grow up? Even Eddie looked mostly annoyed with her (about time).
Seriously, she is going to bring Gretchen down. Not that that's a far drop!
MsBravo Yes I think Tamra needs to grow up!! She is such a nasty human being!!!! As for Eddie, at times he seemed annoyed but yet he would make some unkind comments of his own. It seems like the men on this show are very catty toward women their ladies have issues with! Honestly be men and stay out of the drama!!!!
MsBravo Exactly... with Gretchen, that will go down eventually. It's just a matter of time since they're still on the "honeymoon" phase. Tamra always been a mean girl and for not being supportive to Vicky when she's finally happy- regardless of what Brooks might or might not do- and on top of that, ganging up on her with Brianna when they should just be happy for her and support her. They have to let her make the mistake and find out by herself if Brooks is right for her or not. What they're doing is pushing her away... And with a daughter like Brianna is better not to have one at all (my personal opinion, I believe she's very spoiled and extremely unappreciative). But definitely that's why they say a mother's love in unconditional... Still, Brianna did what she did and got married through a drive-thru in Vegas- who is she to take down Vicky the way she has done, especially in front of everyone? She took a decision upon herself and didn't consult it even with her own mother, a moment as important as that one. Have some respect for your mother bitch! Why Vicky has to go crazy looking for her approval or the other women for that matter? Vicky is an independent, smart and financially stable woman, she doesn't need a man for anything- just to make her company and compliment her. Gretchen with her loser man Slade, that has gone out with all Orange County- her time will come too. At the beginning when Tamra was attacking her all the time, she cried, suffered, looked for support and now, she's just plain mean and follows everything and agrees to what Tamra says like a little puppy. Now, they make fun of Vicky's face. Seriously???Gretchen is just a follower. When Tamra had her hard times on her life, Vicky was there for her unconditionally, no buts, no questions, UNCONDITIONALLY AS A FRIEND...Something some women from Beverly Hills and Atlanta have to learn! For Alexis, I haven't paid that much attention to her "God" thing, the TV job and she was attacked so much last season for flashing the material things she had and for her husband being "controlling", that, I was really annoyed by it since she didn't know how to defend herself even though she tried, plus, she was expecting Gretchen to have her back and she just sided with Tamra... Reminds me of the Kyle and Lisa story... Hopefully she changed this season and learned from her past mistakes. Heather I think is a "little" superficial and I thought she was going to be the "voice of reason" at the beginning of last season, but she changed towards the end talking about everyone and fighting about stupid stuff. Not cool for the type of woman she claims she is- not letting anyone influence her. We have to see how neutral she will be this season... The new housewife Lydia... We'll see...
MsBravo
I agree Tamra has changed but I hope she doesn't bring down Gretchen. I love her!
MsBravo
Tamra will drop Gretchen it is a matter of time.....seems to be her Friend history......right now she is working her way into Heathers world and will bomb her too......whos left
susanzavagli That's so true, didn't one of her past "friends" say she is capable of having only one friend at a time?
MsBravo
I think it was Jeanna......by the way she was a cool lady too bad she quit HWOC but you can't blame her
susanzavagli MsBravo
Jeanna was manipulative and liked to stir things up, I never trusted her. Glad she is not on the show.
I honestly think Tamra harbors some hostility toward Vicky for her part in her break-up with Simon. Tamara was telling Vicky what was going on with her & Simon then trying to lie about it and put it on Vicky just before their split. I felt sooo bad for Vicky because she seemed so excited to start over and introduce her new man to the group. She probably thought he would be received warmly by her friends, just like Eddie. Right away Tamara bashed the poor guy for saying evil eye and giving Vicky affirmations she has asked for. Of course you're gonna watch a show if you start dating a cast member. That doesn't mean he STUDIED it. He's giving Vicky what she wants/needs. Everyone should just be happy for her. She's a strong woman, has worked hard her entire life, and doesn't need to be told what to do. Tamra is gonna scare Eddie away. She's already trying to take over everything. Put your brakes on girl. You're not married to him yet!!
They're all disgusting. Every single one of them. Seems there isn't enough blonde hair dye and cake-face-make-up in Orange County to help any of them be "beautiful."
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