'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' Review/Recap: "Breaking Branches"

Evan Slead ’16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
It’s time to pick up where it all left off with the ladies of the 90210. Friendships are tested, family ties are loosened, and branches from trees are plucked from their roots. Lisa Vanderpump and Brandi Glanville attempt to patch things up by way of house warming parties and olive branches. One of which may be trying harder than the other as pointed out by many of the ladies. The newcomers Eileen Davidson and Lisa Rinna begin to show their true colors in the group dynamic. Wanting to stay out of the drama, they observe the subtle hints of trouble between certain ladies. Kyle and Kim Richards continue to watch their children grow out of their adolescence and into adulthood. And last but certainly not least, Yolanda continues to love on her talented hubby while maintaining picture perfect manners (picture perfect may be debatable).
Single momma and fiercely independent Brandi has finally snagged a new home for her and her boys. Of course in all Beverly Hills fashion, a housewarming party is thrown to commemorate her newfound station in life. The last few episodes have shown that Brandi wants a relationship with Lisa V. again, but not the “you’re my little soldier” dynamic played out last year. According to Brandi, she felt used and more like a minion of Lisa V. than an actual friend. Feeling attacked by many of the ladies last season, Lisa V. is not too high on jumping back into anything, especially with Brandi. Despite all of this apprehension, Lisa V. enters Brandi’s party donned in her best get up with a bottle of champagne as the chaser. “I’m so glad you came!” is repeated as much as possible on Brandi’s end; a touch that is sweet but may be a tad overboard. What’s interesting about Lisa V. is that she continually speaks on moving ahead. That should’ve been included in her opening tagline in all honesty: “Throw me to the wolves…and we’ll move ahead”. Yes, she felt attacked and in a mob mentality by the ladies, but the apologies have flowed to her. She feels inclined and entitled to call out their faults continually, but once someone does that with her, she throws them to the wolves (now its clear how that tagline came along). Even at Lisa V.’s charity event, Brandi attempts to break down barriers with a literal olive branch and invitation to lunch to talk. Well, there was another offer but let’s keep this PG. Hopefully Lisa V. will try and give back some of that effort.
The number one trait that Lisa R. has is being a supporter. She genuinely supports her fellow man (and fellow housewife) when positivity comes their way. Hence, attending Lisa V.’s Palm Springs star ceremony is repeated to the other ladies. Sadly, the other ladies were not invited which of course brings up some drama. Yolanda specifically can’t understand why Lisa V. would not think to invite her to this star ceremony when Yo invited her to David’s Hollywood walk of fame ceremony (a common problem that most viewers can share in probably). Yolanda is as bold as a lemon squeeze which prompts her to confront Lisa V. many times over said invitation. Much like Brandi though, Yolanda does not receive any sort of apology. Now that everyone feels nice and unloved, how about an afternoon drink with the ladies to discuss. Lisa R. and Eileen finally dig their teeth into what’s been unfolding before them between the ladies and Lisa V. As each lady begins to explain their beef with Vanderpump, it becomes clear that Eileen and Lisa R. want to stay out of the group hate for her. Honestly this is a refreshing take to some previous cast members behavior in these situations (Carlton anyone?). It’s nice to have new ladies that just want to be themselves and don’t feel the need to pick a side right out of the gate. This means they may not survive though; only time will tell. For now, Eileen’s quirky commentary and reenactments of the ladies behavior can stay.
Rounding out the dynamics are the sister child stars turned proud mommas. Kyle is coming to grips with the fact that all of her kids are either gone for college or are beginning to leave. This will just leave her, Mauricio and Portia to inhabit that beautiful white party home. Kim on the other hand has dealt with this already, but the marriage of her daughter is a new blessing to unravel. Kyle and Kim are thankfully the “sisters that get along” as opposed to previous years as the “sisters that scream”. It brings a nice home grown feel to the otherwise “shi shee” Beverly Hills atmosphere. Kim truly is a strong woman to keep an eye on because of how she manages to rise above trials that should destroy a person. Kyle always commented on how she looked up to Kim growing up; that she was magical. It’s a beautiful thing to see that magic return.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs on Bravo on Tuesday’s at 8/7c.
Overall Episode Grade: A