The Early Seasons

[Pdxblonde]

I'm re-watching the earlier seasons and am currently watching season 6- Peggy's one and only season. I really can't stand her or her douche looking hubby. I'm work in the finance industry and he reminds me so much of some of the men in this industry. Plus, does Peggy really think her plastic surgery looks good and youthful? She looks a good ten years (if not more) older than her hubby. I finally realized who Gretchen and Slade remind me of- Tori and Dean. All the "babes" and "babies, " the fame-whoring, the man not really having a real job and riding the curtails of his lady's "success,", etc. Not to mention, the platinum blonde bleached out hair and the constant orange spray tan. I'm still baffled as to what ANY woman would find attractive about Slade.

[FamilyVan]

So I am watching Season 9 now on DVR - Heather was coming off really poorly in the beginning of this season.  How did she turn that around?  She was really awful.  I just watched the dinner party scene with "the chair" and she was behaving like a total asshole.  How does Heather not get called out?  Is Heather the actual OG queen bee of this show now?  I think she may be.  I think she has eclipsed Vicki for the top dog spot.  No one wants to mess with her.

[PhilMarlowe2]

16 hours ago, FamilyVan said:

So I am watching Season 9 now on DVR - Heather was coming off really poorly in the beginning of this season.  How did she turn that around?  She was really awful.  I just watched the dinner party scene with "the chair" and she was behaving like a total asshole.  How does Heather not get called out?  Is Heather the actual OG queen bee of this show now?  I think she may be.  I think she has eclipsed Vicki for the top dog spot.  No one wants to mess with her.

Heather gets worse and she got a lot of viewer backlash that season. She did end up apologizing at the reunion, but I didn't feel like she was as truly contrite as she should have been. Heather is smart enough to know how to bounce back - she came back Season 10 much more even-headed and amiable toward Shannon - she clearly learned her lesson from her experience in the dog house.

[FamilyVan]

Season 9 had to be the worst season.  It was really awful - I had this all recorded on my DVR and I ended up deleting these episodes and jumping to season 10.  It was not even enjoyable to watch.  

The stuff with Heather and Shannon was awful - watching this back is so uncomfortable I could not even watch those scenes, it is unbeleivable what as ass Heather was.  And to watch Shannon and Davids interactions now knowing that Davids affair was going on that whole time.  Yikes.

Also bothered me how Vicki was so rude and crappy toward Lizzie.  What was with all that stuff about calling her Issie and not liking her name?  This is why I cannot stand Vicki.  She had a problem with the nickname Lizzie, and said Elizabeth, Liz, or Beth would all be OK with her, but not Lizzie.  Um, first of all, why do you think you get to judge what is an acceptable name for someone to go by, and second... how is Lizzie as a nickname from Elizabeth so very different than Vicki as a nickname for Victoria?  What a hypocrite!!  (Cough cough) Sorry, I mean IRONIC person LOL.  She thought that the name Lizzie was too little girl sounding?  But she has a very similar sounding name, and as a 50+ year old woman likes to talk in a little baby voice and act coquettish in her THs? Hoo kay

[WireWrap]

17 hours ago, PhilMarlowe2 said:

Heather gets worse and she got a lot of viewer backlash that season. She did end up apologizing at the reunion, but I didn't feel like she was as truly contrite as she should have been. Heather is smart enough to know how to bounce back - she came back Season 10 much more even-headed and amiable toward Shannon - she clearly learned her lesson from her experience in the dog house.

I think that both Heather and Shannon realized that they were set up by others playing the runteldat game. Also, Shannon said that Heather knew that David was cheating but never told anyone about it, she kept it to herself, not even sharing it with Tamra or Vicki, which made it easier to forgive Heather and move past season 9.

[FamilyVan]

Quote

 Shannon said that Heather knew that David was cheating but never told anyone about it, she kept it to herself, not even sharing it with Tamra or Vicki, 

I don't understand this - wasn't it Heather that was gossiping about it at lunch to a bunch of her Newport beach friends?  Did Heather know the woman, and are they friends?  Heather really did seem to come off the bat very hostile to Shannon from the start so I find that odd.

[Ubiquitous]

I think Heather said she was with some friends who were talking about it and she claimed she kept her mouth shut or tried to change the subject.

[PhilMarlowe2]

Heather claimed she "shut it down," which, yeah right!

[qtpye]

On 7/7/2016 at 9:25 AM, FamilyVan said:

Season 9 had to be the worst season.  It was really awful - I had this all recorded on my DVR and I ended up deleting these episodes and jumping to season 10.  It was not even enjoyable to watch.  

The stuff with Heather and Shannon was awful - watching this back is so uncomfortable I could not even watch those scenes, it is unbeleivable what as ass Heather was.  And to watch Shannon and Davids interactions now knowing that Davids affair was going on that whole time.  Yikes.

Also bothered me how Vicki was so rude and crappy toward Lizzie.  What was with all that stuff about calling her Issie and not liking her name?  This is why I cannot stand Vicki.  She had a problem with the nickname Lizzie, and said Elizabeth, Liz, or Beth would all be OK with her, but not Lizzie.  Um, first of all, why do you think you get to judge what is an acceptable name for someone to go by, and second... how is Lizzie as a nickname from Elizabeth so very different than Vicki as a nickname for Victoria?  What a hypocrite!!  (Cough cough) Sorry, I mean IRONIC person LOL.  She thought that the name Lizzie was too little girl sounding?  But she has a very similar sounding name, and as a 50+ year old woman likes to talk in a little baby voice and act coquettish in her THs? Hoo kay

Was that the season where Lizzie rented a birthday party bus and no one showed up?  Lord, that was horrible.

[Talky Tina]

Now that I'm retired (hahahaha...bye bye suckers) and no longer travelling and working 60 plus hours a week I finally get to watch all of the Housewives shows.  I started with OC since its the original and just finished season 4. 

Vicki is just the worst hypocrite. At the wrap party when Gretchen got her Harley from Jeff, Vicki was seething with jealousy.  Not because of the Harley but because Gretchen had a man who cared about her enough to buy her something like that.  Vicki was sneering that Gretchen liked to call attention to herself and show off.  Vicki thought that was disgusting,  cut to Vicki showing everyone who will stop the new Rolex that she bought for herself.  At that same party she went up to Tammy K's date, hugged him then immediately launched into how she needs to be told she's loved and adored.  Geez Louise she was even worried about Briana's boyfriend liking and being proud of her.   Early Vicki was just as loathsome as current Vicki.

Then we have snobby Jeana and Kara talking about the "bummers" in Berkeley.  Kara actually said the words "it's like seeing animals in the zoo, there's one...there's one".  It made me sick.  What horrible people they are, she raised some real winners didn't she? 

Which one do you guys think I should start next?  I'm trying to decide between New York and New Jersey.  

[zoeysmom]

4 hours ago, Talky Tina said:

Now that I'm retired (hahahaha...bye bye suckers) and no longer travelling and working 60 plus hours a week I finally get to watch all of the Housewives shows.  I started with OC since its the original and just finished season 4. 

Vicki is just the worst hypocrite. At the wrap party when Gretchen got her Harley from Jeff, Vicki was seething with jealousy.  Not because of the Harley but because Gretchen had a man who cared about her enough to buy her something like that.  Vicki was sneering that Gretchen liked to call attention to herself and show off.  Vicki thought that was disgusting,  cut to Vicki showing everyone who will stop the new Rolex that she bought for herself.  At that same party she went up to Tammy K's date, hugged him then immediately launched into how she needs to be told she's loved and adored.  Geez Louise she was even worried about Briana's boyfriend liking and being proud of her.   Early Vicki was just as loathsome as current Vicki.

Then we have snobby Jeana and Kara talking about the "bummers" in Berkeley.  Kara actually said the words "it's like seeing animals in the zoo, there's one...there's one".  It made me sick.  What horrible people they are, she raised some real winners didn't she? 

Which one do you guys think I should start next?  I'm trying to decide between New York and New Jersey.  

Watch NY from Season 1 forward-Season 5 and 6 are a bit of a snore.  Or watch one season of NY and one season of NJ.  RHOBH is a good franchise.

[JAYJAY1979]

Id recommend New York cause their format changed quite a bit as well.

[Talky Tina]

Thanks for the suggestions!  I think I will try New York next.  From what I've seen I'm not a big fan of any of the NJ Housewives but I am looking forward to seeing Danielle in action. 

[teapot]

On ‎8‎/‎30‎/‎2016 at 3:52 AM, Talky Tina said:

Now that I'm retired (hahahaha...bye bye suckers) and no longer travelling and working 60 plus hours a week I finally get to watch all of the Housewives shows.  I started with OC since its the original and just finished season 4. 

 

you are who I aspire to be, and how I aspire to spend my days.  #goals

[Talky Tina]

@teapot, I highly recommend it!  I put in my time at a government job and then got the hell out. I donated my work clothes and moved to my property in the country a week after I retired.   This is the life I had dreamed of when I was  working so I made my plan and did it.  And I'm only 52 so hopefully I'll have many years to enjoy it. 

[teapot]

5 minutes ago, Talky Tina said:

@teapot, I highly recommend it!  I put in my time at a government job and then got the hell out. I donated my work clothes and moved to my property in the country a week after I retired.   This is the life I had dreamed of when I was  working so I made my plan and did it.  And I'm only 52 so hopefully I'll have many years to enjoy it. 

Rock on, girl!!  Many congrats, enjoy your life!!!  WOO-HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!  (tm Vicki Gunvalson)

[Ubiquitous]

On ‎8‎/‎30‎/‎2016 at 3:52 AM, Talky Tina said:

Vicki is just the worst hypocrite. At the wrap party when Gretchen got her Harley from Jeff, Vicki was seething with jealousy. Not because of the Harley but because Gretchen had a man who cared about her enough to buy her something like that.  Vicki was sneering that Gretchen liked to call attention to herself and show off.  Vicki thought that was disgusting,  cut to Vicki showing everyone who will stop the new Rolex that she bought for herself.  At that same party she went up to Tammy K's date, hugged him then immediately launched into how she needs to be told she's loved and adored.  Geez Louise she was even worried about Briana's boyfriend liking and being proud of her.   Early Vicki was just as loathsome as current Vicki.

Vicki reacted the same way when she and Lori discovered the new car George bought her in the parking lot.

[qtpye]

You know for Vicki for all her judgment on supposed "gold diggers"...was she not Don's secretary when he was an executive for Home Depot?  I think she had an affair with him and he married her and gave her (and her two children) quite the come up.  I also think he supported her insurance business the first couple of years, when she was not making any money and trying to establish herself.

If it was not for Don, she would never be living the high life in the OC...so, I never got why she gets so damn jealous when other men lavish money and attention on other women.  She had made this narrative for herself that she has never had help and support, when it simply is not true.

Quote

Then we have snobby Jeana and Kara talking about the "bummers" in Berkeley.  Kara actually said the words "it's like seeing animals in the zoo, there's one...there's one".  It made me sick.  What horrible people they are, she raised some real winners didn't she? 

I liked Jeana, but God her children are horrible.  They were very smug in the first season that the show would be centered around their family.  Jeana, thought they were as fascinating as the Osbornes, but with less cursing...boy was she wrong.

Kara is still angling for a reality show to this day.

[Mu Shu]

3 hours ago, qtpye said:

You know for Vicki for all her judgment on supposed "gold diggers"...was she not Don's secretary when he was an executive for Home Depot?  I think she had an affair with him and he married her and gave her (and her two children) quite the come up.  I also think he supported her insurance business the first couple of years, when she was not making any money and trying to establish herself.

If it was not for Don, she would never be living the high life in the OC...so, I never got why she gets so damn jealous when other men lavish money and attention on other women.  She had made this narrative for herself that she has never had help and support, when it simply is not true.

I liked Jeana, but God her children are horrible.  They were very smug in the first season that the show would be centered around their family.  Jeana, thought they were as fascinating as the Osbornes, but with less cursing...boy was she wrong.

Kara is still angling for a reality show to this day.

I think Donn was comfortably middle class and bestowed Vicki with comfortably middle class gifts and trips.

it seems she had nothing financial to contribute for years.  They never had kids together, and Donn supported her kids and her for years before Vicki started making a profit.  By the time the recession came around and Vicki was making a good Bravo salary and insurance residuals, Donns fortunes took a turn, and she was able to play pretend that she was the breadwinner when she had only been out earning him for a few years.  She conveniently forgot that Donn helped her attain a lifestyle she wouldn't have had without him.  I mean shit,. Brookes was making negative income.  That's about all she can hope to attract.

Donn earned every cent he recouped from that hellish Union.   She's just salty that Gretchen and Tamra got men to buy them shiny stuff.  Look how that worked out.  Simon lost his high paying job and Jeff died. Not something to be jealous of, IMO.

Also, has she seen that hideous whale tooth necklace rich David bought Shannon?   Better to buy your own jewelry.

then again, there's Laurie who got great stuff from her wallet and is still married.  That really burns her muffins, I'm sure.

[dosodog]

I've just started season 1--I want to truly understand the full on Vicki hate.  This season is my 2nd time watching.

So far I am fascinated with kimberly, I like Jeanna and Jo.  Lori comes off fake and Vicki hasn't changed.

Slade is creepy.

[Almost 3000]

1 hour ago, dosodog said:

I've just started season 1--I want to truly understand the full on Vicki hate.  This season is my 2nd time watching.

So far I am fascinated with kimberly, I like Jeanna and Jo.  Lori comes off fake and Vicki hasn't changed.

Slade is creepy.

Ahh, you're in for such fun. My favorite RH story line of all time comes from Tammy Knickerbocker in I think season 2. Its Tammy's gates that are used at the start of the show and Tamra was called Tammy but Knickerbocker was first. Its a story that just keeps coming, OC Angels and selling water, mail order brides, wayward daughters and the creepy ex who drives it all.

Its good so I won't say more...

and to answer your Vicki question, she's the same as when she started and hasn't learned a thing. We are just treated to the never ending pealing of her narcissistic layers, year after year.

Edited October 23, 2016 by Almost 3000

[JAYJAY1979]

I will say that Vicki is Vicki...hasnt changed in eleven seasons.

Tamra was semi nice in season 3...but that was the old format before the need to stir the pot was needed.  Youll notice that the season2 and 3 reunions are generally fun and not so mean spirited.

Jeana's leaving changed the show imho.  I actually am one of the few that liked her daughter Kara...she was funny lol

Tammy knickerbocker...i liked her

Wait till you see Quinn in season 3...didnt fit and was kind of quirky like Shannon..only not quite as spastic.

[dosodog]

Season 1 is finished.  Interesting the lack of interaction between the wives.  They were rarely together. 

The teenagers were, well, teenagers.  On steroids.  And dogs!  More dogs on RH.

Kimberly.  Really liked her.  Except for disrespecting Puerto Ricans and spreading the JSlate gossip.  She loved her family, had boundaries for her kids, was classy, but could let loose in a bawdy sort of way.

Lauri.  Ummmm.  I think she was doing the best she could.  However, I think unknowingly, she makes herself her first priority.  It had to be hard to go from pampered to making your own 

Jo.  Sort of spoiled and trying to be sonething she really isn't but wants Slade to be happy.  I liked her and thought she was fun, but shouldn't be settled down.

Slade.  Ick.  I found him creepy, needy and phony. 

Jeana.  She indulges her kids, but I liked her.  Down to earth in many ways.  She seems relaxed and very friendly.

Vicki.  Micromanaging, controlling and needy. Everything she is today. No growth at all.  But she does have a good work ethic.

[SCS]

A quick walk down Memory Lane. Frank Mickadeit used to write some fun, snarky columns about the show for the OC Register back in the day. These are his noms and winners for the 2006 RH Awards at the end of first season: 

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/quote-194548-vicki-slade.html

 

These 2 links are from the sub-column to the left entitled Frank's Take on Reality. The HWs are included:

http://www.ocregister.com/news/coto-193985-kids-wrong.html

http://www.ocregister.com/news/reality-193998-coto-one.html

[Almost 3000]

The real time articles from the OC Register were a big part of the fun. Lots of humorous and sometimes sad, inside scoop on the wives and even better yet their significant others and kids.

[FamilyVan]

Quote

Season 1 is finished.  Interesting the lack of interaction between the wives.  They were rarely together.

Yes - totally different!  It was about them and their family, kids were featured more.  Some of the Housewives did not even meet for the first time until the end of season cookout.  This was before the contrived dinner parties, costume theme events, 1:1 lunch sit-downs, and vacation trips.  It started to change mainly on Gretchen's season.

[zoeysmom]

On ‎10‎/‎26‎/‎2016 at 7:15 AM, FamilyVan said:

Yes - totally different!  It was about them and their family, kids were featured more.  Some of the Housewives did not even meet for the first time until the end of season cookout.  This was before the contrived dinner parties, costume theme events, 1:1 lunch sit-downs, and vacation trips.  It started to change mainly on Gretchen's season.

I agree now they make up friendships-Meghan and Kelly, for example.  At least Shannon came on without a fake intro.  I think Meghan and Kelly probably passed each other on the grocery once-most likely in the liquor aisle.

[dosodog]

Finish season 2. First thing to get out of the way Andy Cohen's hair! It was so curly!  No manipulating or playing for camera time.  It's more real than it is now.

Jeana--Still really like her.  Still indulges her kids and the marriage is sad, but I like her demeanor and spirit.

Jo-Her real problem was she was in a relationship, but wasn't ready to be in a relationship. I like her.

Lauri--Good for her and George.  However, I can't decide if she was all about tough love with the older kids or it was easier to move on and away from them.  She seems sweet, but?  I just can't decide.  

Tammy-Hmmmm.  Her kids are......well it's hard to going from everything to nothing.  Laur's daughter and Tammy's daughters are entitled, but I can't blame them.  Tammy is kind of passive agressive and kind of a non entity.  Her ex?  Ewww.  No daughter of mine would be an Aqua Angel.  Rolls eyes.

Vicki-Her own worst enemy.  I feel sad for her because she IS so controlling and needy.  I cringed FOR her when she surprised Michael at school.  She tries so hard.  It has to be exhausting being her.

Slade- I do not like him. He is a total Svengali. Bleh.

Duff--I liked him.  I would have kept him.  He came across as solid and down to earth.

Season 3 here I come.

Tamra is in season 3....  this is the season it stops being nice is my guess.

Edited October 29, 2016 by dosodog

[JAYJAY1979]

On 10/28/2016 at 4:45 PM, dosodog said:

Finish season 2. First thing to get out of the way Andy Cohen's hair! It was so curly!  No manipulating or playing for camera time.  It's more real than it is now.

Jeana--Still really like her.  Still indulges her kids and the marriage is sad, but I like her demeanor and spirit.

Jo-Her real problem was she was in a relationship, but wasn't ready to be in a relationship. I like her.

Lauri--Good for her and George.  However, I can't decide if she was all about tough love with the older kids or it was easier to move on and away from them.  She seems sweet, but?  I just can't decide.  

Tammy-Hmmmm.  Her kids are......well it's hard to going from everything to nothing.  Laur's daughter and Tammy's daughters are entitled, but I can't blame them.  Tammy is kind of passive agressive and kind of a non entity.  Her ex?  Ewww.  No daughter of mine would be an Aqua Angel.  Rolls eyes.

Vicki-Her own worst enemy.  I feel sad for her because she IS so controlling and needy.  I cringed FOR her when she surprised Michael at school.  She tries so hard.  It has to be exhausting being her.

Slade- I do not like him. He is a total Svengali. Bleh.

Duff--I liked him.  I would have kept him.  He came across as solid and down to earth.

Season 3 here I come.

Tamra is in season 3....  this is the season it stops being nice is my guess.

Cant wait to hear your thoughts on one season wonder Quinn lol  

[dosodog]

Season 3 is over.  

Jeana-Still love her.  I do.  She's fun, calm, direct and still indulges her children too much.  I like Kara.  She's funny, slightly bratty, but in the end a good kid.  She dated Tom Selleck.  I look forward to seeing her single.  I'm sorry the marriage broke up, but neither were happy. 

Lauri-I have finally decided that she means well in regards to her children, but puts all the work of their relationship on the kids.  She was right about boundaries and rules, but expected kids who for the first 15-18 years had different expectations, to conform to the new life.  Her wedding was GORGEOUS.  Fans self, so flipping GORGEOUS!  The orchids with chrystal dripping from the trees, the backyard, the flowers.  Just stunning.

Tammy-I like Tammy.  Very down to earth, calm, seems to be getting her footing after her life changed.  I miss Duff.  Megan and Lindsey.  I just can't bring myself to criticise them this season.  Their father dying, the new wife shutting them out and financially off.  I think they made poor choices, but they experienced something very tough. I give them a pass for some of the things I saw.....

Like the very gross bathing suit try on scene.  Which is completely on the men who ran the company and thinking that ogling young girls under the pretense of work is okay.  Gross.  And?  Why did I get the vibe that Kristen was head OC Angel and got the hummer because something was going on between her and Lou...

Vicki-She's loud and kind of ashamed of it.  Then Andy Cohen has to go and encourage the woo hoo Vicki. She is fun to be around during a party.  I will say that.  And Jeana likes her, so that's something. .....

Tamra-She is competitive. Starts right off snarling on Jeana and selling houses.  I don't mind her, but she is kind of calculating.  Also concerned about her looks.  I didn't find Simon to be a horrible person. Kind of strict in views, but upfront about it.  Ryan is spoiled and entitled, a theme with OC children.

Quinn-Nice, but tries to hard with the men.  She had more chemistry with the blonde guy than she did with Billy.  Billy was nice and upfront about where he was at.  She pushed too much.  I really didn't find her interesting.

I enjoyed this season.  Still found the family dynamics interesting, a little more housewife interactions.  No horrid fighting, or plotting or nastiness. 

Special mention goes to Tammy.  I about died during her day of beauty.  She looked really nice and I think she felt great about it.  In spite of the Brazillian!

[SCS]

9 minutes ago, dosodog said:

Season 3 is over.  

Jeana-Still love her.  I do.  She's fun, calm, direct and still indulges her children too much.  I like Kara.  She's funny, slightly bratty, but in the end a good kid.  She dated Tom Selleck.  I look forward to seeing her single.  I'm sorry the marriage broke up, but neither were happy. 

Lauri-I have finally decided that she means well in regards to her children, but puts all the work of their relationship on the kids.  She was right about boundaries and rules, but expected kids who for the first 15-18 years had different expectations, to conform to the new life.  Her wedding was GORGEOUS.  Fans self, so flipping GORGEOUS!  The orchids with chrystal dripping from the trees, the backyard, the flowers.  Just stunning.

Tammy-I like Tammy.  Very down to earth, calm, seems to be getting her footing after her life changed.  I miss Duff.  Megan and Lindsey.  I just can't bring myself to criticise them this season.  Their father dying, the new wife shutting them out and financially off.  I think they made poor choices, but they experienced something very tough. I give them a pass for some of the things I saw.....

Like the very gross bathing suit try on scene.  Which is completely on the men who ran the company and thinking that ogling young girls under the pretense of work is okay.  Gross.  And?  Why did I get the vibe that Kristen was head OC Angel and got the hummer because something was going on between her and Lou...

Vicki-She's loud and kind of ashamed of it.  Then Andy Cohen has to go and encourage the woo hoo Vicki. She is fun to be around during a party.  I will say that.  And Jeana likes her, so that's something. .....

Tamra-She is competitive. Starts right off snarling on Jeana and selling houses.  I don't mind her, but she is kind of calculating.  Also concerned about her looks.  I didn't find Simon to be a horrible person. Kind of strict in views, but upfront about it.  Ryan is spoiled and entitled, a theme with OC children.

Quinn-Nice, but tries to hard with the men.  She had more chemistry with the blonde guy than she did with Billy.  Billy was nice and upfront about where he was at.  She pushed too much.  I really didn't find her interesting.

I enjoyed this season.  Still found the family dynamics interesting, a little more housewife interactions.  No horrid fighting, or plotting or nastiness. 

Special mention goes to Tammy.  I about died during her day of beauty.  She looked really nice and I think she felt great about it.  In spite of the Brazillian!

 

ITA with your whole post. And Tammy's Day of Beauty was awesome with Jeana and Vix falling about laughing outside the waxing room -- probably one of the last truly genuine and funny moments in this group. Everything is so contrived now + too many of the wives are stuck in "performance" mode. 

[dosodog]

I truly felt that was a real girlfriends moment.  I really was laughing right along with Jeana and Vicki.

I came back to say.  GRETCHEN!  I've heard about her but never seen her.  Wheee!  I'm about to start understanding things like Naked Wasted!

[Mu Shu]

I think Tammy was a paid actress, and that waxing scene was set up.

Tammy Knickerbocker managed to always have the shittiest hair.  I know she was poor, but a decent cut would have made all the difference.  I did like seeing her idgit daughters, especially during the south beach trip when they were broke.     I think they ended up just a step or two above the poor Curtin girls, which isn't saying much.  

[Natalie68]

20 hours ago, dosodog said:

Season 3 is over.  

Jeana-Still love her.  I do.  She's fun, calm, direct and still indulges her children too much.  I like Kara.  She's funny, slightly bratty, but in the end a good kid.  She dated Tom Selleck.  I look forward to seeing her single.  I'm sorry the marriage broke up, but neither were happy. 

Lauri-I have finally decided that she means well in regards to her children, but puts all the work of their relationship on the kids.  She was right about boundaries and rules, but expected kids who for the first 15-18 years had different expectations, to conform to the new life.  Her wedding was GORGEOUS.  Fans self, so flipping GORGEOUS!  The orchids with chrystal dripping from the trees, the backyard, the flowers.  Just stunning.

Tammy-I like Tammy.  Very down to earth, calm, seems to be getting her footing after her life changed.  I miss Duff.  Megan and Lindsey.  I just can't bring myself to criticise them this season.  Their father dying, the new wife shutting them out and financially off.  I think they made poor choices, but they experienced something very tough. I give them a pass for some of the things I saw.....

Like the very gross bathing suit try on scene.  Which is completely on the men who ran the company and thinking that ogling young girls under the pretense of work is okay.  Gross.  And?  Why did I get the vibe that Kristen was head OC Angel and got the hummer because something was going on between her and Lou...

Vicki-She's loud and kind of ashamed of it.  Then Andy Cohen has to go and encourage the woo hoo Vicki. She is fun to be around during a party.  I will say that.  And Jeana likes her, so that's something. .....

Tamra-She is competitive. Starts right off snarling on Jeana and selling houses.  I don't mind her, but she is kind of calculating.  Also concerned about her looks.  I didn't find Simon to be a horrible person. Kind of strict in views, but upfront about it.  Ryan is spoiled and entitled, a theme with OC children.

Quinn-Nice, but tries to hard with the men.  She had more chemistry with the blonde guy than she did with Billy.  Billy was nice and upfront about where he was at.  She pushed too much.  I really didn't find her interesting.

I enjoyed this season.  Still found the family dynamics interesting, a little more housewife interactions.  No horrid fighting, or plotting or nastiness. 

Special mention goes to Tammy.  I about died during her day of beauty.  She looked really nice and I think she felt great about it.  In spite of the Brazillian!

I used to know Billy.  He was dating a coworker/neighbor in 1988-89 and we hung out a few times.  He was on the golf team at the school where I now work.  Kind of smug and didn't treat his gf well but was always nice to me.  When I saw the episode I thought I recognized him and tweeted Quinn and found out yes, I knew someone who showed up on HWs.  

[dosodog]

Season 4.  Over.

Jeana.  I still love her.  She is calm, direct, rolls her eyes appropriately and is moving on from her marriage.  I could hang with her.  No grudges and no drama.  Open and friendly and confident with who she is and where she is at in life.

Lynne.  So clueless.  So very very clueless.  But she is nice.  I think she needs to realize that she is not a teenager.  She is very calm and put up with a lot of crap from Tamra and Vicki.  If I had been in her shoes, I guarantee both those mean girls would have been crying by the time I was done speaking MY mind about their personalities.

Gretchen.  She is sweet.  I like her.  Yes she likes being the center of attention and she is very pretty.  I felt for her when Tamra questioned her relationship with Jeff.  Naked Wasted was pathetic.  On Tamra and Ryans part.  Gretchen just plows through life with a smile on her face.

Vicki.  Still trying to hard.  Still controlling. Still can't see the forest for the trees.  She tries so hard to surround herself with love that she just makes everyone want to run away from her.  She is just sad.

Tamra. Vile.  Petty.  Jealous.  Calculating.  Sneaky. Treacherous.  Low class.  Evil.  Liar.  She had no reason to dislike Gretchen.  Not to the extent that she did.  Insecure to the max.  More so than Vicki.  Bleh.  There is a pattern of nastiness with her.  And then she apologizes profusely.  But pulls shit again down the road.  She knows nothing about Jeff and Gretchen but throws shade to a national audience about them.  And then, 5 months after he dies, doesn't have the common civility to keep her awful accusations to herself.

The Men

Ryan.  Vomit comes to mind.  And lazy.

Shane.  The young version of his dad.  Jeana put up with it for too long.  This is the result.  A son who gets inappropriately angry.

Simon.  I like him. I do.  He has shown no assholish behavior so far.  Direct and upfront.  And has good tastes in gifts.

Donn.  Poor guy.  You should have got out so much sooner than you did.  I like him also. I think most women would be happy with a"Don".

This is the season where a fun little show about wealthy people became mean.  I blame Tamra.

Season 5 here I come...

Jeana is poor?!?

Slade?  What?  My mouth has dropped.

Edited November 20, 2016 by dosodog
5 minutes into season 5 and I'm stunned!

[dosodog]

Season 5 was rough.  The drama is in full force now and the series lost some of the charm.

Jeana-I miss her.  I don't blame her one bit for leaving.  Lynne did not deserve to have her party ruined because Tamra hates Gretchen.  I think Jeana saw the direction the show was going in and didn't have the personality to be a part of it.  I will always love Kara for recognizing how many hours she would have to work to buy clothes.  THIS!!! From a child raised in the OC.

Tamra-Mean girl. Completely. Very competitive and needs to be top dog.  I do have moments where I like her but I would never trust her.  I was surprised at her marriage falling apart so quickly. They seemed solid the previous season. Does the blame fall on the TV show, Vicki's influence, the lifestyle downgrade. Nothing seemed clear to me.

Vicki - Oh Vicki. You need to be honest with yourself.  Yes you work, but you place work above everything.   You also have no tact.

Lynne - She is just clueless about everything.   It smacks her right in the face and she still has not a clue. Her daughters behavior, the eviction. Her vanity is out of control. Did the plastic surgeon get paid?  She is sweet though.

Gretchen - I still like her in spite of Slade.  She's not mean unless you push her, she is very positive and she looks for humor in life.  She had no business talking to Alexa.  Her intentions were good, but that rarely ends well.

Alexis - Smug.  There are positive attributes to  Alexis and they all have a smuggish quality to them.  Don't really like her.  I could be civil around her, but there would be a lot of eye rolling involved.....

Simon - Not sure what happened with him.   I understand his concern about Vicki and her influence on Tamra.  He came off as checked out and bossy.  And fed up. 

Donn - He is a good guy. Not demonstrative with his feelings, but Vicki had a good guy.  Who put up with more than a person should. 

Frank- I don't really know anything about him.  He was there, but there in a potted plant kind of way. 

Slade-Still so gross.   However I think Gretchen is a better match than Jo was.  Having said that, I think Gretchen should run as far and as fast as she can.

Jim-HE would never be my choice. I appreciate his being upfront about what he wants. 

[dosodog]

Season 6.......I think I might take a mini break and watch some Metalacalpyse.  It's less brutal than this.

Alexis. Self absorbed and smug.  I don't think she has mean intentions, but she could be very thoughtless about other people and their problems. The meltdown at Peggy's was.....off.  Her marriage is her marriage.  Not for me, but if it works for them and they are both on the same page. 

Peggy.  I didn't really find her that interesting. She was totally right about Alexis being competitive about everything. 

Gretchen. Oh Gretchen. I don't love you as much this season. You kind of got mean.  You did it in a cheerful way, but you were mean.  Tubba Wubba really isn't tubba.  Nor wubba.  You made me feel for Slade.  That's not right.

Vicki.  You're marriage ended because you had no interest in it.  And you ended it in a horrible, tactless way.  I'm completely Team Donn. You deserve Tamra.

Tamra.  Gross.  She takes no responsibility for her lies and bratty behavior. Jeana isn't the problem.  Tamra's jealousy of Jeana is the problem.   She was so worked up at Vicki's party before she even got there.  She wanted a fight. Run Eddie run......Yeah I know, too late.  I find Tamra's jealousy determines the friendships in the OC.  She deserves Vicki.

The Men

Simon.  I wished I'd watched this in real time.  He never struck me as the guy Tamra describes him as.

Eddie. He's wonderful and very capable of tuning out her stupid, shallow gripes with people.  Great guy.  I guess she has some redeeming qualities. 

Michah.  Um...calm?  He's a potted plant too.

Slade.  Dang it gretchen.  I have no snark for the Tubba who really isn't wubba.

Jim.  Can't hate on him.  I wouldn't want to hang out with all that contrived drama either. He doesn't lie about what he wants and she wants the same thing so......

Donn. You are a good guy.  Maybe not demonstrative, but you strike me as solid.  I hope you are happy on the river and found yourself a laid back kind of gal who doesn't need to whoop it up for an audience.

[AndySmith]

Jeana's BBQ from season 1. A good way to see just how much this show has changed (granted, it has a decade).

[Maharincess]

On 11/4/2016 at 6:25 PM, dosodog said:

 

Like the very gross bathing suit try on scene.  Which is completely on the men who ran the company and thinking that ogling young girls under the pretense of work is okay.  Gross.  And?  Why did I get the vibe that Kristen was head OC Angel and got the hummer because something was going on between her and Lou...

 

I think you answered your own question there. 

I liked Quinn. 

I thought Duff was too whiny and needy. It seemed like Tammy had always wanted to get married and he didn't. Once she said screw you and left him, he suddenly wanted to get married. 

Edited December 11, 2016 by Maharincess

[dosodog]

Oy.  Season 7.  The introduction of Fancy Pants Dubrow. 

Heather.  Likes herself very much.  Pretentious and has a habit of trying to control/boss people around.  I can't for the life of me figure out why she was such a dog with a bone about Alexis.  Speaking of that, I find Heather to be 100 times more smug than Alexis. She's nice, but I think she is a snob who doesn't think she's a snob.   I found it hilarious that she shamed Alexis about a private plane when she used a private helicopter.   Glass houses people. 

Gretchen. My love for her is waning the more she hangs with Tamra.  I still find her funny and positive.  She's smart, but less sweet.

Alexis. She is smug, but she's not mean.  I feel for her.  She was ganged up on.  For things the accusers are also guilty of.

Vicki.  I get her falling so hard for Brooks.  He gave her everything she has always asked for and doesn't get.  Affirmations.  Daily. Even if it was fake.

Tamra.  I try to find redeeming qualities.  I can't find any.  She inserts herself into drama, creates drama and nurtures drama. I'm glad Brooks called her out on eye rolling at Heather's party.  She's just nasty.  Does it change?  Am I ever going to like her?  What is wrong with Eddie? 

Slade. Don't find him that creepy anymore.  I think he was okay this season.

Brooks.  He didn't bother me this season. Yes, I know what's coming, but I'm just trying to judge right now. 

Terry.  He's fun and PHONY. Yeah, I said it.  Phony. He's too on for the cameras.

Eddie. Why? How? I don't get it. He's so nice and normal and drama free.  Why Tamra?

The bow on the cake.  It was rude.  However, Heather's reaction as a hostess was a horrible example of how to handle that.  Also an example of the Dubrow 's snobbery and thinking they are above others.  Also Tamra had no business sitting down with Jim and Terry over the phony discussion.

I'm struggling with this show anymore.  Tamra takes it too far.

[PhilMarlowe2]

Ha, reading your analyses really takes me back over the years. Particularly Season 4, which was my first Housewives season that I watched in real time. Your assessments are pretty much spot-on. I remember initially thinking Gretchen was a vivacious, positive girl who simply liked to have a good time in life. And then how my estimation plummeted as she shacked up with Slade, became a self-styled "entrepreneur" and became a total mean girl toward Alexis.

[dosodog]

Season 8.  When I fell out of love with Gretchen, but discovered Lydia!  

Gretchen.  I blame Tamra for my not being fond of Gretchen anymore.  She just latched on and Tamra poisoned her sweetness and now she's bitter.  Gretchen also cannot let Vicki's behavior go.  She's Eileen Davidson, but louder and blunt.  Unfortunately her inability to let go Vicki refusing to admit she's a hypocrit becomes old and annoying. 

Alexis. I think she was ganged up on in Costa Rica and I think Heather revised history to make it appear organic when she and Tamra planned to confront her.  Also a dog with a bone.  People. These ladies don't apologize sincerely. Move on and get your paycheck.  Otherwise she had nothing going on.

Lydia.  I LOVE HER!  Love her!  So sweet, kind, funny and has an iron backbone.  She is willing to take on anyone and does it calmly.  Heather Dubrow tried and failed at intimidating her.  I will say that the "yeah" could get a little old.  Her mom looked familiar to me.  My jaw is still dropped from how horrible Ryan was to her.  Don't mess with Lydia s mom. 

Heather.  She is jealous and must be in command of everything.  She really was butt hurt over not getting the cover of the magazine and HAD to make sure everyone knew only she was asked to do Malibu Country.   She handled the bachlerette party well.   I for one would have told the cab driver to take me to Andales, but that's me.  I'm sick of champs.  Sick of it.

Tamra. I softened towards her this season.  I still find her to be mean and selfish.  I still can't figure out Eddie. I am still jealous of Bora Bora. Maybe because she made an effort to try to be nice, but not so abrasive this time around. Maybe it's because she got her tongue stuck to an ice wall. 

Vicki. I pity Vicki.  She was ripe for a con man to pick. She's uptight, judgemental, does not practice what she preaches. Fun to drink with. Not what I would call a serious friend.

Laurie.  Bleh.  You should have stayed away.  You served no purpose but to hem, haw and insinuate.  Go back to Babe. 

Ryan.  Wow.  Where did that come from?  Very little build up to that part of his personality.  Billy makes a lot of sense when it comes to his nephew in law.  Ryan has a huge sense of entitlement when it comes to Vicki's house.  His behavior was over the top and abusive.  Just wow. 

Dr. Terry.  Tries to hard, nice guy overall. Pretentious like his wife. 

Jim.  I don't hate Jim.  I think he evolved slightly over time.

Brooks.  Still don't find him horrible yet.

Slade. Back to disliking him.  Slimy. 

Doug.  I thought Lydia s Canadian uncle was Doug briefly.  He is proud if his wife and how she shines.  Like him.

Eddie. I don't get it.  Does anyone get it?  Will you explain it please?

[BodhiGurl]

Omfg, watching season 8, the final episode where Ryan (Briannas hubs) goes off on Lydia's mom. Seething again, just like I did the first time I watched this episode during the season itself...I wonder if they'll revisit this in the new season since Lydia is coming back. Maybe this is also why we see so little of him on more recent seasons...gawd I bet he's verbally abusive to Brianna at the very least... 

I'm also guessing he was never slated to go back to Afghanistan - they probably used that as an excuse for his douche behavior. Gawd I wish Vicki's brother Billy would have hauled off and smacked him.

[Gam2]

Ryan was an absolute ass in that show. He said "This is my house-um I live here". I know he's off the wall but for Brianna to defend him after going after her mom for defending Brooke's just makes my head ache. There was absolutely no excuse for his behavior that night or any other night. I also wish Uncle Billy had punched his lights out!

[walnutqueen]

On 7/8/2017 at 2:24 PM, BodhiGurl said:

Omfg, watching season 8, the final episode where Ryan (Briannas hubs) goes off on Lydia's mom. Seething again, just like I did the first time I watched this episode during the season itself...I wonder if they'll revisit this in the new season since Lydia is coming back. Maybe this is also why we see so little of him on more recent seasons...gawd I bet he's verbally abusive to Brianna at the very least... 

I'm also guessing he was never slated to go back to Afghanistan - they probably used that as an excuse for his douche behavior. Gawd I wish Vicki's brother Billy would have hauled off and smacked him.

 

On 7/8/2017 at 5:22 PM, Gam2 said:

Ryan was an absolute ass in that show. He said "This is my house-um I live here". I know he's off the wall but for Brianna to defend him after going after her mom for defending Brooke's just makes my head ache. There was absolutely no excuse for his behavior that night or any other night. I also wish Uncle Billy had punched his lights out!

I was SO incensed by his behavior that I went down a rabbit hole ... ended up on some Marine forum where a great many military types were applauding him for putting the old hippie beyotch in her place, while wives & daughters of said military were outraged. Gave me a big old pause button on the types of people who populate my world.

[Gam2]

My father, father-in-law and husband were Army officers. Not one of them has ever in over 70 years acted like Ryan did on that episode or any other episode. That's not "military". That's RYAN! And Brianna defending his behavior before she even really knew what had happened is crazy. I'm convinced that she knew that he was a hot head long before that. I'm sure there was much more on film that they never showed on TV with that nut job. Lydia's mom seems like a really laid back lady (due to the MJ probably) but there was absolutely no reason for Ryan to go off on her (or anyone else at this mother-in-law's party) like that. He was drunk, angry and out of control. I'd bet it's not the first time.

[WhoaWhoKnew]

59 minutes ago, Gam2 said:

 I'd bet it's not the first time.

It's totally not the first time. Vicki's reaction to being told about it said as much.

At first, Lydia's mom told Vicki "Your son yelled at me," and Vicki looked seriously confused and taken aback, then said, "Wait, my son or my son-in-law?!" As in, in her mind, it would be out of character for Michael to drunkenly berate someone, but not for Ryan.

Edited July 16, 2017 by WhoaWhoKnew

[walnutqueen]

He went off on Vicky, too, IIRC, and Brianna had to smooth it over.  Or maybe he went off on Brianna first?  It was a scene, for sure, but cut short with some editing shenanigans.

Who cares - he's a douchecanoe, and always has been.

Edited July 16, 2017 by walnutqueen

[FortKnox]

Hey guys turn to Bravo right now cause they're having a marathon starting with the very first ep.

[answerphone]

2 minutes ago, FortKnox said:

Hey guys turn to Bravo right now cause they're having a marathon starting with the very first ep.

Fortknox, You beat me to it! It still seems processed, but more genuine with all of their family members included... Jeana's outspoken, entitled children and drunken, sullen husband, smiling Donn and overly controlling Vicki, Slade and Jo, with more emphasis on the 'family man' Slade than Jo, poor Lauri who now has to work, Kimberly taking her 13 year old to get her makeup done (13!). The original show is delightfully entertaining.??????