'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Review/Recap: "Pay Attention to Me!"

Evan Slead ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Life in the 90210 is crazier than ever this season, mostly because of our two new ladies, but also because of the continual feuds between ex-BFF’s. Viewers got their first introduction to the new cast member, Eileen Davidson, during a lunch visit with the other newbie, Lisa Rinna. Speaking of Lisa, there’s a Vanderpumped birthday thrown for Rinna at (yup, you guessed it) Pump. Brandi is settling into her new home, while Kim is coping with the recent news that her ex-husband is battling several forms of cancer.
Starting with our new ladies, it seems that miss Rinna is already a fan favorite. She has an amazing wit and down-to-earth approach to her above the clouds lifestyle that makes her an instant sweetheart. It is nice to have fresh energy in the group of ladies that has no ties to previous feuds or anger. There have been times when new ladies are brought on the show just because they have previous beefs with a well-liked cast member. This tactic is understandable, of course, because it changes the tides and keeps everyone on their toes. It can end badly though, like a Faye Resnick type ordeal, or “puffing away” Allison DuBoe. On the other hand, bringing in the nice ladies could turn them into boring and ultimately hated new additions. Rinna has that magical straddling power between sweet but respectable. When it comes to Eileen, not much is known about her yet – other than she has won an Emmy (impressive to say the least!) and is old friends with Rinna. As many fans have said, she has an energy like Shannon Beador, the instantly lovable new addition to Orange County last season. Overall, it’s nice to see two successful actresses (that have had to compete for roles in the past) get along and have a real relationship.
While Kim and Kyle, joined by the always-honest Kathy Hilton, help Kim’s daughter shop for a wedding dress, there’s news that Kim’s ex-husband’s health has reached new lows. The relationship between the Richard sisters has always brought that gut-wrenching reality to the reality TV genre, and this moment brings that all back into perspective. No matter how much they’ve been through, its great to see that while Kim and her family go through this horrible time, she has her sisters there to support her. Honestly, it’s amazing to see Kim and her incredible strength through the circumstances. She has come a long way on her journey and it’s moments like these that should make viewers cherish the good things in their life. Thank you, Kim, for the hope you bring!
Rounding out the episode, Brandi has decided to throw a housewarming party. As she explains this to Kyle on their hike, she decides to call Lisa and just bury the hatchet. Well, at least that was the idea. Brandi and Lisa were tight BFFs during season three, but last year we saw the friendship dwindle into a mess. It may never be known what exactly went down behind the scenes in that relationship. Lisa has a great reputation and earned respect in her community and from fans of the show, but there definitely is a little more under the surface to explore. All of the housewives have expressed that Lisa is not one to apologize for something she’s done wrong. This is not a trait that she should be chastised for, to be sure, however it is interesting that they all quickly agree on that concept about her. All this to say, Lisa may not be as innocent as fans want her to be in all that Brandi accused her of doing. There needs to be a letting down of walls so that healing can truly begin. Granted, Brandi doesn’t help the situation by sticking so closely to her accusatory guns. Hopefully there will be some resolution at some point. Sadly, since this is a reality show filmed in the past, the hopeful resolution is still not a reality.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs at 8/7c on Bravo.
Overall Episode Grade: B+

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