S01.E05: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?

[swankie]

18 minutes ago, Neurochick said:

I can't believe Brandi is young.  She has awful skin.  HDTV does her no favors.

I feel for Leanne, as for her not "marrying well"...well, I think stuff like that is all a crapshoot anyway.  Two women dressed exactly the same go to a dance, Woman A meets a wealthy man, Woman B doesn't; it's just the luck of the draw.  Maybe Leanne is upset that she didn't "marry well."

Brandi's mom does not look good.  To me, the way her skin sags on her face, it looks like maybe she was large and lost a lot of weight.  That's not to say she should get any kind of enhancement done.  She's just a prime example of why some women do.

[RHJunkie]

It's easy to see and believe that LeAnn's behaviour is repetitive - it's like her boyfriend was there to witness everything first hand with the way he challenged her account of events. He has clearly observed and retained the details of her personality and behavioural patterns. Tiffany is a fence straddler. I get that she's trying to make friends but don't try to get in people's good graces by separating yourself from your friend and then promoting peace. Keep LeAnn out of your mouth when you're trying to forge a friendship with the other women. 

Brandi should have tried to coordinate the visit better with her husband's schedule if she wanted him there that badly (or perhaps she tried and they just didn't show it). However, her husband still acted like an ass and there's no excusing that. I felt so bad for her grandfather that Bryan so quickly dismissed him after a few words. Their marriage seems so disattached. Makes me wonder if Brandi doing this show was a way to seek the kind of attention that she was missing from her marriage. Or maybe hoping that exposing their lives would make her husband try more to spend time with her and the kids. It seems that Stephanie has the type of marriage that Brandi wants (at least on the surface Stephanie seems to have a solid relationship). 

I love how LeAnn tried to make it seem as though her and Tiffany are above acting out when they've already shown that they're willing to publicly scream, push and throw things when they're angry. Perhaps LeAnn as the memory span of a fish and that's why she quickly says one thing and does another. I wonder if LeAnn will share more of her childhood. 

If I had 2.5M, I'd keep it in my pocket and rock costume jewelry made of cubic zirconia, thank you very much. 

The meeting with LuAnn and Tiffany - holy apologies, lol. At least LuAnn is showing that she can apologize and acknowledge bad behaviour...apparently only when she likes the other person though.

Edited May 11, 2016 by RHJunkie

[California Girl]

I feel somewhat bad for Leanne because she is essentially the consummate outsider, a very poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a carnie life that must have been very hand-to-mouth, nearly subsistence living, as well as transient, inconsistent, unstable, and even possibly unsafe for a child.  A lot of people have experienced terrible childhoods, but as adults you have to try to put the past behind you, accept yourself, and move on as best you can.  Unfortunately, I think that Leanne was probably emotionally and psychologically scarred by her upbringing (or at least she appears to be).  She clearly still feels like that girl who nobody likes, the one who does not fit in, the shunned little girl with nothing, and she overcompensates for those feelings of insecurity and low self esteem by trying to create a life, even if it is a fiction, that fits the reality she wishes for.  The fact that the other women on the show react to her antics by (perhaps understandably, though certainly not nicely), making fun of her and excluding her from their clique, only makes her insecurities and feelings of inferiority much worse.  Leanne is an emotionally damaged character, much like Kim Richards (sans the alcohol) in the RHOBH, and in a way it thus seems rather cruel of the producers of RHOD and her fellow castmates to exploit her weakness.

Brandi is also from a modest background (as she mentioned in Episode 2), although she seemingly had a much more loving and stable childhood than that of a carnie kid.  Brandi's mean-girl contempt for Leanne may be attributable to the fact that she expects a poor girl like Leanne to ultimately pull herself together, like Brandi herself did, and not continue to indulge her childhood insecurities.  Of course, Brandi had the benefit of an abundance of confidence (probably from her loving family) that ultimately allowed her to be a popular girl and succeed as that ultimate Texas icon, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. 

I personally think that Brandi displays contempt and disrespect for her husband.  There is absolutely no love there.  In the first episode Brandi notes that she dated the high school quarterback (of course!) but started to date her husband only to make that quarterback jealous.  Who introduces us to their "love story" in that manner, stating basically, "I used to date the popular boy, but I hooked up with this loser only to make him jealous."  Then she mentions later that if her husband should die, she and the girls might just bury him in a golf hole.  Again, who talks about their relatively young husband dying, and then makes light of throwing him into a hole?  And I am sorry, but no married woman - happy or not - should go to a male dance review/strip club, and grind up against the dancers.  She drinks excessively, and never once have I heard Brandi express genuine love, happiness with, or admiration for her husband.

Brandi's husband probably idolized her for most of their marriage, and clearly has worked as hard as he can to provide a solid, if not luxurious, life.  But there is an obvious disconnect there.  Maybe Brandi resents the time her husband has to devote to work to maintain their merely "good" life, perhaps Brandi pines for a better life like that of her friend Stephanie, who is clearly more well off, or maybe she regrets that after shining as an icon in her 20s, she is merely an ordinary woman in her late 30s.  In any case, I sense that Brandi's husband is fed up with the way she treats him, and I think that Brandi is manipulative and astute enough to play her husband's anger, sadness, and resentment to her advantage in front of the cameras.   I agree that a divorce is imminent, and I think that Brandi is using RHOD to audition for her next husband, probably hoping (with the help of her newfound RHOD friends and fame) for a richer one like Dr. Deuber. 

Edited May 11, 2016 by California Girl

[RedheadZombie]

36 minutes ago, RHJunkie said:

 Makes me wonder if Brandi doing this show was a way to seek the kind of attention that she was missing from her marriage. Or maybe hoping that exposing their lives would make her husband try more to spend time with her and the kids.

Maybe to earn her own income so she can leave her husband?

[psychoticstate]

Brandi is a nitwit who acts as though she gets paid every time she says "Jesus Juice."  Enough already.  I get it.  If I was married to that douchebag Brian I would probably want to drink myself into oblivion too.  I swear, when she was calling her younger daughter (Brinkley), I was looking for the dog.  I guess Brinkley sounds more like a dog's name to me (like Tom Hanks' dog in You've Got Mail.) 

Anyhow . . . Brandi, girl.  Your husband is cheating on you.  There was no business trip.  Or if there was, he didn't go alone.  Or if he did, he got back a day or two earlier.  If he treats you like this in front of your family (not to mention the cameras), he is DONE.   Go get an attorney and get half.  Maybe Phaedra Parks is available.  If your divorce doesn't go well, she can always bury Brian for you.  

[princelina]

1 hour ago, California Girl said:

I feel somewhat bad for Leanne because she is essentially the consummate outsider, a very poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a carnie life that must have been very hand-to-mouth, nearly subsistence living, as well as transient, inconsistent, unstable, and even possibly unsafe for a child.  A lot of people have experienced terrible childhoods, but as adults you have to try to put the past behind you, accept yourself, and move on as best you can.  Unfortunately, I think that Leanne was probably emotionally and psychologically scarred by her upbringing (or at least she appears to be).  She clearly still feels like that girl who nobody likes, the one who does not fit in, the shunned little girl with nothing, and she overcompensates for those feelings of insecurity and low self esteem by trying to create a life, even if it is a fiction, that fits the reality she wishes for.  The fact that the other women on the show react to her antics by (perhaps understandably, though certainly not nicely), making fun of her and excluding her from their clique, only makes her insecurities and feelings of inferiority much worse.  Leanne is an emotionally damaged character, much like Kim Richards (sans the alcohol) in the RHOBH, and in a way it thus seems rather cruel of the producers of RHOD and her fellow castmates to exploit her weakness.

I could agree with you, but she needs to grow up and take a reality check - she's an attractive woman, in good health, with a nice house and yard, a seemingly nice boyfriend, cute dogs and a job or hobby (not sure which) in the charity world that she enjoys.  And if it's just a hobby/charitable endeavor, then she obviously has enough money from somewhere to support herself, even if she works rather than donates in the charity world.  If we all acted like assholes because we don't have mansions and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of designer clothes and jewelry, this would be a pretty depressing world.  I have a friend like that - 4BR house, nice husband, 2 healthy daughters, 2 cars, country club membership - but not happy because her 2 best friends have better houses and handbags and country clubs.  The fact that one is a crazy woman and divorced from a douchebag, while the other is married to an abusive alcoholic, seems to escape her attention.  They have things!  and money!  I enjoy watching these shows for the money porn as well as anyone, but feel worse for someone like Brandi, with the dysfunctional marriage, 2 little girls who are going to be caught in it, and the messed up face, than for one like Leeanne.

[ninjago]

2 hours ago, RHJunkie said:

Brandi should have tried to coordinate the visit better with her husband's schedule if she wanted him there that badly (or perhaps she tried and they just didn't show it). However, her husband still acted like an ass and there's no excusing that. I felt so bad for her grandfather that Bryan so quickly dismissed him after a few words. Their marriage seems so disattached.

There sure is a messy dance going on between them.  She wants more attention than he wants to give her so she keeps upping the her demands for attention (the bunny rabbit, the lap dance, the big family BBQ, THIS SHOW) and he keeps engaging and reacting less.  

It wasn't a coincidence that the guy he went and had a drink with was Stephanie's husband, who he knew was also coming to the BBQ.  Arriving with him cut way back on the drama around Bryan's entrance.

[RedheadZombie]

3 hours ago, California Girl said:

I feel somewhat bad for Leanne because she is essentially the consummate outsider, a very poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a carnie life that must have been very hand-to-mouth, nearly subsistence living, as well as transient, inconsistent, unstable, and even possibly unsafe for a child.  A lot of people have experienced terrible childhoods, but as adults you have to try to put the past behind you, accept yourself, and move on as best you can.  Unfortunately, I think that Leanne was probably emotionally and psychologically scarred by her upbringing (or at least she appears to be).  She clearly still feels like that girl who nobody likes, the one who does not fit in, the shunned little girl with nothing, and she overcompensates for those feelings of insecurity and low self esteem by trying to create a life, even if it is a fiction, that fits the reality she wishes for.  The fact that the other women on the show react to her antics by (perhaps understandably, though certainly not nicely), making fun of her and excluding her from their clique, only makes her insecurities and feelings of inferiority much worse.  Leanne is an emotionally damaged character, much like Kim Richards (sans the alcohol) in the RHOBH, and in a way it thus seems rather cruel of the producers of RHOD and her fellow castmates to exploit her weakness.

I'm going to need to see more of Leanne to determine if I feel sorry for her for being an outsider.  As far as I can see, there's no reason Leanne Has to force herself into this lifestyle.  She chooses to devote her life inserting herself into the upper echelons of Dallas society.   But also, she seems to be a complete snob herself.  She treats Brandi like crap because she thinks she's trash.  She doesn't respect Cary because she married "up", instead of earning her own money. And while I don't particularly like Cary, she's not a trophy wife.  She works pretty damn hard as her husband's surgical nurse.  And they seem to believe that it's "their" practice versus his.  

The only thing I've seen even remotely likable in Leeanne is her affection for dogs.  I am surprised that someone who is as ambitious as her didn't snag a man with money.  She's gorgeous and worked as a model, which seems to be enough for some wealthy men.  I wonder if she has any former husbands. 

[MostlyContent]

All I really want to know is why Leanne continues to appear on this program with little clown circles of blush/rouge, as if she was either a Queen or courtesan in the 1660's in England.  

It's odd, really.  Does she not have a mirror?  

[Jel]

I wonder if we will hear more about Leeann's childhood -- i get the feeling it was not just poverty, but trauma. (Plenty of poor people raise kids who grow up to be emotionally mature and not whacko). I don't know what her issues were, but she did say something about her mother not being around, and feeling like an outsider. Interesting that as an adult she positions herself  to be the girl who never quite fits in, too, and chooses a man who seems somewhat distant and unwilling to commit.  

I agree we all have issues and things to overcome, and as adults we must take responsibility for that, but some people have so much more to deal with and to get past, and a traumatic childhood does serious damage. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case with her.  Doesn't excuse her behavior, but maybe explains it to a degree?  

[Grey Goose]

I really don't think the owners of a carnival are always poor. It's still a hugely cash business and my guess is she was taught to cry poor early on.  Also, LeeAnne is a first runner Miss USA or something.  Just how sorry do we need to feel for a model, a spokesperson, a beauty pageant contestant who did really well for herself?

[ghoulina]

14 hours ago, RedheadZombie said:

I know Leeanne didn't really hurt the camera man, but it enraged me.  It's not like she was being stalked by TMZ.  The camera man was doing his job, and she lashed out at him knowing full well he could not retaliate.  I have zero tolerance for it, and IMO, should be grounds for immediate dismissal.  But I think Leeanne is the one the want to build this franchise around, so she's untouchable.

She didn't hurt him, but she totally could have. I agree that getting physical with members of the crew should be grounds for being fired. That is entirely unacceptable to me.

 

14 hours ago, ToukieSmith said:

14 hours ago, ToukieSmith said:

Pink and purple shadows are not for them.

 

Yes! Brandi has to stop with the pastels. She is a readhead with very fair skin. She needs some earthy tones - browns and golds.

[sasha206]

11 hours ago, California Girl said:

I feel somewhat bad for Leanne because she is essentially the consummate outsider, a very poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a carnie life that must have been very hand-to-mouth, nearly subsistence living, as well as transient, inconsistent, unstable, and even possibly unsafe for a child.  A lot of people have experienced terrible childhoods, but as adults you have to try to put the past behind you, accept yourself, and move on as best you can.  Unfortunately, I think that Leanne was probably emotionally and psychologically scarred by her upbringing (or at least she appears to be).  She clearly still feels like that girl who nobody likes, the one who does not fit in, the shunned little girl with nothing, and she overcompensates for those feelings of insecurity and low self esteem by trying to create a life, even if it is a fiction, that fits the reality she wishes for.  The fact that the other women on the show react to her antics by (perhaps understandably, though certainly not nicely), making fun of her and excluding her from their clique, only makes her insecurities and feelings of inferiority much worse.  Leanne is an emotionally damaged character, much like Kim Richards (sans the alcohol) in the RHOBH, and in a way it thus seems rather cruel of the producers of RHOD and her fellow castmates to exploit her weakness.

Brandi is also from a modest background (as she mentioned in Episode 2), although she seemingly had a much more loving and stable childhood than that of a carnie kid.  Brandi's mean-girl contempt for Leanne may be attributable to the fact that she expects a poor girl like Leanne to ultimately pull herself together, like Brandi herself did, and not continue to indulge her childhood insecurities.  Of course, Brandi had the benefit of an abundance of confidence (probably from her loving family) that ultimately allowed her to be a popular girl and succeed as that ultimate Texas icon, a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. 

 

Actually Leanne appears to have done much more in her life than Brandi, if you look at her background.  The "carnie kid" is a great storyline -- but if you look at her background, she seems to have pulled herself up and is much more together than Brandi.  I think Brandi needs to get herself out of "I'm a former DCC" mode.  It seems to have stunted her growth in life.  

11 hours ago, RedheadZombie said:

Maybe to earn her own income so she can leave her husband?

Unless theirs is a financial house of cards, I'm sure she'd do well in a divorce.

I think she wanted to be on a show because the DCC cred wasn't getting her anywhere anymore.  She's a famewhore just like all of them.  And she's willing to put her bad marriage on display in order to get fame.  The fact that her kids will eventually watch it doesn't phase her I guess.

[Raynedon]

Brandi is a nitwit who acts as though she gets paid every time she says "Jesus Juice."  Enough already.  I get it.  If I was married to that douchebag Brian I would probably want to drink myself into oblivion too.  I swear, when she was calling her younger daughter (Brinkley), I was looking for the dog.  I guess Brinkley sounds more like a dog's name to me (like Tom Hanks' dog in You've Got Mail.) 

Anyhow . . . Brandi, girl.  Your husband is cheating on you.  There was no business trip.  Or if there was, he didn't go alone.  Or if he did, he got back a day or two earlier.  If he treats you like this in front of your family (not to mention the cameras), he is DONE.   Go get an attorney and get half.  Maybe Phaedra Parks is available.  If your divorce doesn't go well, she can always bury Brian for you.  

I have a feeling Brandi's behavior came first and what we're seeing is her husband's reaction to her. She has said how the marriage hasn't always been that way, so things changed. Plus, he didn't want to do the show. Gawd, I'd try to avoid spending any time with her if I was her husband, too! I find her intolerable just in the few minutes we see of her on tv; I can't imagine being married to her and having to spend hours each week with her, let alone weeks, months and years with her 'jesus juice' and 'poop hat' nonsense to say nothing about her giggles and how she finds everything about herself so fascinating and funny. Get out, Brian, and take the kids with you! Let Brandi chase the attention she craves and stardom she thinks she's so highly suited for.

[sasha206]

17 minutes ago, rayndon said:

I have a feeling Brandi's behavior came first and what we're seeing is her husband's reaction to her. She has said how the marriage hasn't always been that way, so things changed. Plus, he didn't want to do the show. Gawd, I'd try to avoid spending any time with her if I was her husband, too! I find her intolerable just in the few minutes we see of her on tv; I can't imagine being married to her and having to spend hours each week with her, let alone weeks, months and years with her 'jesus juice' and 'poop hat' nonsense to say nothing about her giggles and how she finds everything about herself so fascinating and funny. Get out, Brian, and take the kids with you! Let Brandi chase the attention she craves and stardom she thinks she's so highly suited for.

That's my thought too.  I bet her actions were a lot cuter to him when she was  DCC than now when she is 36, talking poop, Jesus Juicing, and straddling strippers.

[ToukieSmith]

4 hours ago, Grey Goose said:

I really don't think the owners of a carnival are always poor. It's still a hugely cash business and my guess is she was taught to cry poor early on.  Also, LeeAnne is a first runner Miss USA or something.  Just how sorry do we need to feel for a model, a spokesperson, a beauty pageant contestant who did really well for herself?

I have empathy for LeeAnne and I can look past her crazy somewhat because I recall that Brandi came for LeeAnne first.  LeeAnne was minding her own business acting like she was of the manor born and Brandi decided to mimic her behind her back and the other women were cackling about it.  If she did not like how LeeAnne was acting, she should have either said something directly to LeeAnne or minded her own business.  If LeeAnne wants to go ape over the charity game, then thats her thing.  If she wants to contribute to charity so she can raise her profile, then who is she hurting exactly?  Most folks that contribute to charity are doing it to raise their profile.  These parties give them an opportunity to showcase their philanthropy and hob nob with folks like themselves.

No one is saying anything to Brandi about using her time as a DCC as her social cred.  No one is telling her that she needs to get a hair cut, stop drinking so much and stop talking like a baby.  I have empathy for Brandi too because she does not realize that she is grown ass woman with a brain and the world is at her fingertips if she chooses to grab it instead of drowning her misery in a wine bottle.  She and LeeAnne need a therapist, stat.

I think all of these women are guilty of acting like high school girls and disrespecting each others facades.

[Tara Ariano]

In case you missed it, here's the Previously.TV post on the episode!

Who Cares Who's 'Coming To Dinner' On Real Housewives Of Dallas?

And other not-so-burning questions, like, 'Is this an unofficial ABC series?'

[Grey Goose]

1 hour ago, ToukieSmith said:

I have empathy for LeeAnne and I can look past her crazy somewhat because I recall that Brandi came for LeeAnne first.  LeeAnne was minding her own business acting like she was of the manor born and Brandi decided to mimic her behind her back and the other women were cackling about it.  If she did not like how LeeAnne was acting, she should have either said something directly to LeeAnne or minded her own business.  If LeeAnne wants to go ape over the charity game, then thats her thing.  If she wants to contribute to charity so she can raise her profile, then who is she hurting exactly?  Most folks that contribute to charity are doing it to raise their profile.  These parties give them an opportunity to showcase their philanthropy and hob nob with folks like themselves.

No one is saying anything to Brandi about using her time as a DCC as her social cred.  No one is telling her that she needs to get a hair cut, stop drinking so much and stop talking like a baby.  I have empathy for Brandi too because she does not realize that she is grown ass woman with a brain and the world is at her fingertips if she chooses to grab it instead of drowning her misery in a wine bottle.  She and LeeAnne need a therapist, stat.

I think all of these women are guilty of acting like high school girls and disrespecting each others facades.

I'll say it.  Brandi should get better make up assistance, quit drinking during the day and let go of the baby talk. If appealing to a broader audience (including, it seems, her husband) is a priority, those are things she should consider.  I'm not bothered by either one of them. They both have killer bodies, more cash to spend on fun than I do, and are being paid to be on TV without having to leave their home town.  Good gig, even if temporary.  I think they are both people I probably wouldn't have much to do with though.  A little too crass, both of them.  

[AuntiePam]

I don't have any empathy for LeeAnne, not without more background.  All she's told us so far is that she was a "carny" kid and that her mother was absent.  By "carny", I suppose that means they traveled a lot.  She probably changed schools often and had a hard time making friends.  On the other hand, it means she traveled the country, saw a lot of neat places, encountered interesting new people. 

An absent mother can be a good thing, if dad or siblings or other relatives step up.

[California Girl]

19 hours ago, AuntiePam said:

I don't have any empathy for LeeAnne, not without more background.  All she's told us so far is that she was a "carny" kid and that her mother was absent.  By "carny", I suppose that means they traveled a lot.  She probably changed schools often and had a hard time making friends.  On the other hand, it means she traveled the country, saw a lot of neat places, encountered interesting new people. 

An absent mother can be a good thing, if dad or siblings or other relatives step up.

Again, I think the comparison between LeeAnne and Kim Richards (of the RHOBH) is an apt one.  It is a well-known "secret" that child actors/entertainers are sometimes, though obviously not always, exploited and abused, and that their "normal" childhood development, socialization, and education can  -- if not well-managed by the parents -- take a backseat to the demands of working, and being on set or tour.  Many child actors/entertainers grow up healthy and fine, but there are also other notable examples of child entertainers who develop psychological issues, breakdowns, drug or alcohol addiction, and other traumas.

LeeAnne has said that she grew up a "carny" kid, and that her mother was somewhat absent.  The carny lifestyle in the 1970-80s, when LeeAnne grew up, was a modest affair, which usually involved touring around a regional circuit of town celebrations and county fairs.  These were not big money productions, and likely entailed a hand-to-mouth existence.  It certainly meant travelling from town to town, from county to county, or from state to state, setting up for the carnival, performing, and then tearing everything down and packing up again -- for two or three week stays; on a circuit tour that could run from early spring (April) to late fall (November). 

I assume that LeeAnne, a pretty little girl, was often unsupervised and unattended in a lifestyle that placed her education, stability, normal social development, and well-being on the backburner.  LeeAnne probably lived an itinerant existence, constantly exposed to strangers (many good, others not) working for the carnival, or passing through in the towns they visited, who came in and out of her day.  I cannot imagine some of the things she must have seen, been exposed to, or experienced.  And I am certain that none of us would be willing to let our own kids travel unsupervised with a carnival for even a week, much less for years on end. 

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and the effects of that life on LeeAnne are obvious.  She clearly feels the need to "act out" in order to get attention (even the negative kind), she exhibits "altered" behavior as she is shunned by the other women, and her probable educational deficits likely limit her options for a professional career.  LeeAnne needs a good therapist to help her accept herself, to focus her on her good qualities, and to channel the negatives of her "carny" childhood into more positive, calm, and healing behavior.

I agree with the other posters that the scenario under which Brandi reunites with her grandfather after years of estrangement, may have some kernel of truth to it, but is probably largely a fiction created for the show.  One has only to observe the familiarity with which Brandi's "estranged" grandfather and her "current" husband Bryan greeted each other, to know that those two men have met and socialized on several occasions before.  I think that Bryan's biggest crime in this latest episode was his failure to play along with that particular RHOD charade (thus the bad edit).

If that is the case, then I do not blame Bryan for golfing with Stephanie's husband Travis beforehand.  After all, the couples are clearly good friends and the women, Brandi and Stephanie, apparently hang out and socialize together all the time.  Clearly Stephanie did not have an issue with Travis coming in late, after golfing and drinking, to Brandi's family party.  In fact, I would bet that Brandi and Stephanie were aware of Bryan and Travis's plans to golf beforehand.  But in the fake drama that is the RHOD franchise, we have to pretend that they were not. 

Finally, many spouses return from an overnight business trip, and go directly from the airport into the office for work.  No one would be upset if Bryan had gone from an overnight business trip straight into work the next day.  So why begrudge a spouse some time to decompress with a good friend on the golf course, after coming home from a long business trip instead?  Especially when the good friend you plan to golf with is the husband of your wife's "bestie"; and you have already agreed with your wives beforehand - (wink, wink, we have to pretend that you did not) - to meet them at home afterwards for a family cook out with everyone (including the grandfather) who you already know and see every month.

Edited May 12, 2016 by California Girl

[Grey Goose]

I would buy that LeeAnne has had trauma in her life, I'm just not convinced it was the carny lifestyle.  She could be throwing shade on herself to distract from something else.  LeeAnne is pompous and has her hair dyed way too dark.  Way too dark.  It makes her look harsh. 

I would buy that Brandi has also had trauma.  Brandi is more of a turnoff because she vulgar.  Vulgar is a pretty blunt choice. 

I think the real outlier is Cary.   Awesome bod.  I'd believe she grew up the ugly duckling outsider with self-esteem issues.  She's just hiding it with the husband slams and exaggerated facial movements. She has some edge. 

[ChlcGirl]

I'm kind of amazed at the leaps being made about LeeAnne's childhood and the horribleness of it.  She was a finalist in the Miss USA pageant, yes?  You don't get to that level without many pageants under your belt.  And all of those pageants cost a lot of money. Not just for costumes and gowns, but entrance fees and usually some type of talent lessons.  I highly doubt that she was traveling the fair circuit for months at a time.  Since my cousin was married to a carnie (Lord above ...) I can tell you with complete honesty that their kids never traveled with their father.  They stayed at home with their mother and went to school.  I would kind of like to know what exactly LeeAnne is talking about when she says she was a carnie kid. Has she ever explained who precisely worked the carnival?  Has she not said she lived with her grandmother?

[Jel]

I don't think she has said much about it, other than it was not a good childhood, and of course that she was a "carny kid".  I do wonder if we will hear more about it. To be honest, I kind of get an abusive childhood vibe from her, but that's just speculation on my part and (virtual) shootin' the breeze to even post it.

[ChlcGirl]

I checked out her bio.  She grew up in Houston, raised by her grandparents and went to college before moving to LA for modeling/acting.  And of course Miss USA.

 

I have been to many a carnival/fair in my time and never have I seen a child working the rides/games.

[California Girl]

6 minutes ago, ChlcGirl said:

I checked out her bio.  She grew up in Houston, raised by her grandparents and went to college before moving to LA for modeling/acting.  And of course Miss USA.

 

I have been to many a carnival/fair in my time and never have I seen a child working the rides/games.

I do not necessarily think that being left behind by your parents to be raised by your grandparents makes for an emotionally secure childhood.  In either case, it does give me some context for her erratic behavior and a bit of empathy for her.

[ChlcGirl]

I actually have none for her.  The woman is 48 years old.  If she hasn't learned how to behave in a reasonable manner by that age then I really think she should button up about the behavior of others.  

I think we've had one segment of her discussing something something other than charity and the proper behavior while engaging in charitable works.  

[tomsmom]

Looks like Brandi's hubby is as sick of her shit as I am! (pun intended)

[ToukieSmith]

On 5/11/2016 at 2:36 PM, Grey Goose said:

I'll say it.  Brandi should get better make up assistance, quit drinking during the day and let go of the baby talk. If appealing to a broader audience (including, it seems, her husband) is a priority, those are things she should consider.  I'm not bothered by either one of them. They both have killer bodies, more cash to spend on fun than I do, and are being paid to be on TV without having to leave their home town.  Good gig, even if temporary.  I think they are both people I probably wouldn't have much to do with though.  A little too crass, both of them

LOL, I meant that no one on the show has called Brandi out on her hair tossing, wine drinking, baby talk......yet.

I think the show has gotten progressively better now that we have moved on from charity and feces. 

[polandspring]

On 5/11/2016 at 9:54 PM, California Girl said:

I personally think that Brandi displays contempt and disrespect for her husband.  There is absolutely no love there.  In the first episode Brandi notes that she dated the high school quarterback (of course!) but started to date her husband only to make that quarterback jealous.  Who introduces us to their "love story" in that manner, stating basically, "I used to date the popular boy, but I hooked up with this loser only to make him jealous."  

 

It's funny how two people can look at the same thing and get totally different impressions of it.  While I definitely don't think Brandi is perfect, I perceived her as reaching out for attention from her distant husband.  I was more inclined to blame him for their obviously bad marriage.  I also can't help but wonder if after so many years of being thought of as the one in the relationship who married up, he enjoys being in a position of power over her ( bywithholding his time and affection). 

Edited May 13, 2016 by polandspring

[nenya]

On May 11, 2016 at 2:56 AM, MostlyContent said:

All I really want to know is why Leanne continues to appear on this program with little clown circles of blush/rouge, as if she was either a Queen or courtesan in the 1660's in England.  

It's odd, really.  Does she not have a mirror?  

Lol, well, she is a carny kid, so it makes sense she is wearing clown make-up.

Maybe she mixing up stage make-up with TV make-up? I know even for TV you need a little more than what you would have in person, but I also would assume that you can test it quickly by taking a picture or filming yourself briefly and seeing how it looks. I know our cameras are not the same HD as the show, but it is probably better than not testing on any medium. 

[archer1267]

I saw a theory on another message board that Brandi and Brian are already living apart, hence he's "always traveling" and wasn't happy about coming back home to keep up the façade. (Did he even look at Brandi when he entered the house?) I hadn't considered that, but it would make sense. Or, maybe Brian moved out for the duration of filming.

I can't imagine Aaron's reaction to seeing this episode. We left LA for this catfight shit?

Edited May 15, 2016 by archer1267

[Neurochick]

I like LeAnne, or Leanne. 

Some people get involved with charity work after suffering a loss.  Nature abhors a vacuum and sometimes charity work fills that vacuum.  Maybe that is what happened to LeAnne.  If that's the case then more power to her, I mean it's not like she's drinking, taking drugs, etc.  LeAnne needs to realize that not everybody will feel the same passion she does, for some women, going to these events is a way of getting out of the house.  As for her not being damaged because she was a finalist in Miss USA, check out Kenya Moore from RHOA, who actually was Miss USA.

I don't like Brandi at all.  I can't stand her stupid baby voice, it's not cute and she looks much older than 36, she looks LeAnne's age to me.  I didn't like the nasty thing she said about LeAnne.  Stephanie said something like, "LeAnne needs to get knocked up or something," (notice how these women thing a baby will solve everything...) and then Brandi said, "I think she's stopped ovulating."  Very funny Brandi, in ten years that will be you and she'll probably be grinding up on strippers, flicking her hair back and thinking she's still a DCC.  

I really dislike Cary, too much plastic surgery, too much botox.  There's something about her that I really don't like.  In fact, the only ones I do like are LeAnne and Tiffany.  The other women, to me, act like, "I'm all that because I have a HUZZBAND."

I too think that LeAnne's too dark hair makes her look severe.  I wonder if she deliberately dyes it that color because she's surrounded by so many blondes, and she feels having very dark hair makes her stand out.

[MollyBrown]

I finally figured out who Stephanie reminds me of.  It's Anna Camp from True Blood. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2319871/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t22

[Noire]

Watching the way Brandi was standing there, cuddling that dog and staring at the husband who pretty much ignored her to go play on the swings?  Tugged at my heart strings.  So cold.  

[TheFinalRose]

Quote

I do not necessarily think that being left behind by your parents to be raised by your grandparents makes for an emotionally secure childhood.  In either case, it does give me some context for her erratic behavior and a bit of empathy for her.

 

On the other hand, it might have been what saved her.  When I think of a carnie upbringing I think of an adult who turns out like Honey Boo Boo's mom.  Not someone like LeAnne, who has enough polish to her that Bravo is willing to build a whole series around her.  Attending college, competing in Miss USA kind of cancels out the "oh, poor me, I'm a carnie girl" excuse in my book.  Now she has hinted that her mom was not around, so abandonment issues are more likely at the root of her insecurities, IMO.  

Quote

 

I really dislike Cary, too much plastic surgery, too much botox.  There's something about her that I really don't like.

 

I'm with you here. She does not make good tv, as I do not see a personality with her. Every scene with her is either: "Look, I have an important job where I wear scrubs in an operating room with my gross, um, I mean husband who is hot for me" or "Hey, babe, let's have a casual fake conversation where we talk about living in Switzerland or replacing my wine-soaked dress with a four figure Roberto Cavalli number to make sure people know we make more money than anyone else on this cast and also to remind people that you think I am hot."  

Stephanie's husband seemed a little less like the Dallas incarnation of the Incredible Hulk this episode. Guess he has a gentle and romantic side, which is nice. Or maybe he did it to look good on tv. Brandi's husband, on the other hand, did not bother to try and look good on tv. He was rude and obviously pissed off at his wife for some reason. However, this was filmed a while ago and usually if the marriage breaks up before the show even airs that is part of the show's publicity. I'm assuming they have patched things up, because there is no buzz that they are currently getting divorced. Of course, I can barely bother to watch my tivo-ed episodes of this show so I haven't made any attempt to google her marriage and see what's up there either. 

But I do think the show is getting better having moved on from 24/7 poop jokes. 

[CrinkleCutCat]

Brandi's husband may have 'needed' decompressing time after his trip...but he can let his wife know where he is and when he will be back!

Some of you think he is avoiding the camera when he arrived at the family BBQ... IMO he was avoiding his wife.

Some of you think he is having an affair... Who knows? I don't think affair, I just think: Checked. Out.... Way. Out! Or... Still pissed off about her 'wild' night at the strip club. Some male egos are too fragile to deal with that.

[ChlcGirl]

And good Lord, male strip clubs are so ridiculous.  The men are beefy and not really hot, and if my experience is similar to other's, a majority of the truly hot guys are gay.  I had to laugh at all the women freaking about those Magic Mike movies - those are not the caliber of guys I ever saw stripping lol

[lunastartron]

I feel like I'm watching a different show than most of the other posters.

From what I've seen, I can't say that LeeAnn is healthy or well adjusted . . . but she doesn't resonate for me as especially egregious relative to the rest of the cast. In fact, among the other women, I'd say she's the most "normal" second only to Stephanie.

Although she was clearly primed to escalate the histrionics at the social function this episode, Brandi is the one who first steered the discourse leftward into a verbal confrontation. And despite flinging the champagne and hurling insults, LeeAnn subsequently made the effort to extricate herself from the situation before Tiffany literally sprinted after her with the intent of assaulting her. Miss Hendra is lucky she didn't wind up laid out on that sidewalk because there is absolutely no way she would have gotten away with violently shoving her target and screaming in their faces on other shows within the franchise.

As for LeeAnn pushing the camera and attacking the trolley, it's hard for me to raise an eyebrow considering that she was trying to remove herself from triggering circumstances when her friend chased after her with the express purpose of perpetrating some physical abuse. And within the context of, say, Porsha Williams assaulting no less than three people on camera and/or Ramona Singer throwing a glass at someone's face, LeeAnn was a veritable model of self-restraint.

[polandspring]

9 hours ago, ChlcGirl said:

And good Lord, male strip clubs are so ridiculous.  The men are beefy and not really hot, and if my experience is similar to other's, a majority of the truly hot guys are gay.  I had to laugh at all the women freaking about those Magic Mike movies - those are not the caliber of guys I ever saw stripping lol

Not my cup of tea, either.  I hate waxed chests.

[ChlcGirl]

Waxed chests and that ...lube or grease that they wipe all over themselves.  It reminds me of those contests where they grease a pig and have people try to catch them.  Bleah.

[polandspring]

Just now, ChlcGirl said:

Waxed chests and that ...lube or grease that they wipe all over themselves.  It reminds me of those contests where they grease a pig and have people try to catch them.  Bleah.

LOL, to me it just looks fake and plastic.  

[ChlcGirl]

And there is no way NO WAY it is at all sexy.

[swankie]

Has anyone figured out what all of this "Fee" stuff is about between LeeAnn and Tiffany?  LeeAnn even called Tiffany that when she was relaying their altercation to her boyfriend.  She said, "It was all Fee!"  Is this some kind of made up language between those two or is Fee a new word for girlfriend?  Maybe it's spelled "Fea" and stands for "Friend Ever After"?  I don't know.  Anyone have a clue?

 

Quote

I too think that LeAnne's too dark hair makes her look severe.  I wonder if she deliberately dyes it that color because she's surrounded by so many blondes, and she feels having very dark hair makes her stand out.

Or she may just be covering gray hair.

Edited May 17, 2016 by swankie

[bosawks]

On 5/11/2016 at 8:36 AM, ghoulina said:

 

Yes! Brandi has to stop with the pastels. She is a readhead with very fair skin. She needs some earthy tones - browns and golds.

Does this include Brian?

[tabloidlover]

8 hours ago, straightshooter said:

I really hope this is their way of gunnin' for a storyline - but my guess is that Brian is just a freaking prick.  I have a hard enough time just looking at his face with the constant dickhead expressions - but the visuals of him biting his toenails and picking his nose?   Vomit.  

While I hate Brian (based on what we've been shown) I think there is quite a bit we haven't been shown about Brandi. The dig at him about biting his toenails and picking his nose was SO passive aggressive!  Why would you do that to your spouse?  Her makeup is killing me and if she can't articulate wtf she wants from him, I don't know how she expects him to fix it. 

[wait.what]

I know Cary is a "first assist RN" and all, but I don't think RN's are licensed to inject Botox???

[biakbiak]

19 hours ago, wait.what said:

I know Cary is a "first assist RN" and all, but I don't think RN's are licensed to inject Botox???

Nurses can be licensed to do it.

[raiderred1]

On 5/10/2016 at 7:39 PM, NYCFree said:

^^^^^^^

For me its Brandy's mom whose age I can't believe.  If Brandy is 36, and her mom had her at 16, the mom is 52.  I turn 50 later this year, don't look particularly young for my age, and I look a good 15 years younger than her.

The only thing I can think of, is that her mom has spent the past 40 years constantly in the sun, while drinking gallons of alcohol and smoking a pack a day.

NYCfree, I totally agree and just a shout out for a fellow '66er! My 50th is also later this year!