This week’s episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County, “Dinner Party Disaster,” was a bit of a snooze. Last week’s episode ended with Katie almost being scored into the earth by Heather. Tensions are still at an all-time high as Valentine’s Day approaches. Hopefully, the women can start feeling the love soon. Emily and Shane celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary with a “wholesome” photo, and Tamra finally loses her cool with Shannon. Here is your Real Housewives of Orange County, Season 18, Episode 5 recap.
Brunch is life on Real Housewives of Orange County
When I die, I want to be reincarnated as Heather. Even though she was on a morning-after rampage at the Balboa Bay Beach Club, she still had a pretty solid life. As Heather slurps down orange juice, she can pull together one hell of a Galentine’s breakfast, complete with face masks. And say what you want, but I love Terry’s two cents when it comes to the girl’s drama. It turns out the doctor likes it when paps takes photos of him. He actually wants Katie’s friend’s number to give him the heads-up next time. Honestly, it’s hilarious, Terry!
But amidst the joking, Heather is questioning Gina’s loyalty. The actress is confused and irritated at the whole situation, and rightly so. However, according to Gina, she thought it was in her best interest not to have said anything about Katie’s gossiping. But Gina can always admit when she made a mistake and she tells Heathr she “f*ked up.”
Katie bonds with Shannon
It’s the day after the drunk-driving event, and it’s Valentine’s Day! I’m sensing a new showmance between Shannon and Katie. Ms. Beador, who is notoriously not good with the new girls, tells the cameras, “Sometimes you meet people, and you can banter.” I can see her heart growing two sizes already! And even though Shannon might be considered a bit of a Debbie Downer, Katie is trying to get to know her. It seems like Katie and Shannon might be allies in their shared annoyance with Fancy Pants.
Shannon, who spent most of her time hiding behind a lamp on the golf course, tells Katie, “I was admiring you for holding your ground with Heather.” It was then that Katie showed Shannon the receipts, aka the text. And you know this will be used further down the line. Katie also opened up about how she thinks Gina hung her out to dry noting “She’s terrified of disappointing Heather.”
Get those ducks in a row
So far this season, Gina has had multiple sit-downs with numerous cast members. Honestly, that coffee bill must be starting to pile up. But finally, Katie and Gina meet up to clear the air. The newbie told Gina, “I feel abandoned by you; you took Heather’s side. I feel like there was a way to stay neutral.” But even though her friend was in tears, Gina was not about to support the new girl through her bullshit. The real estate agent declares that she should have had Heather’s back more and isn’t willing to take Katie’s back under the circumstances.
I love Katie, so when she broke down, I felt it for her: Katie clearly felt betrayed and pushed to the side. It is pretty obvious Gina was never going to back Katie, and that’s just par for the course for the woman who’s always riding the fence, afraid to anger anyone in the group.
Alexis has changed
I never thought there would be a world where Tamra and Alexis would be breaking bread or cookies. The self-proclaimed “happy-go-lucky Lexi” is annoying, but it makes sense why she is trying to bond with Tammy Sue. She needs an ally. Tamra starts spilling the tea immediately, claiming she always tried to help Shannon out. And no sooner has Tamra taken a breath than Alexis is back defending her man.
Alexis states that John is rarely drunk around her. While snacking on a Crumble Cookie, Tamra drops a bomb, saying that Shannon told her that she did, in fact, “borrow” money for the $75K facelift. If Shannon’s face could move, she’d be frowning right about now.
It’s your funeral
I’m not sure why Gina decided to throw a dinner party, but it was good to learn she was “allergic to a**holes.” Everyone is invited, including Queen V. I thought the biggest faux pas was going to be Tamra showing up in Gina’s confessional look. But nope, before cocktails could be drunk, shit was hitting the fan. I’m starting to think that Heather isn’t wrong for wanting to always have seating cards. Again, Vicki is back to being Shannon’s plus one and support animal. Immediately, she is stumped by the entrance to the dining room, which leaves my jaw on the floor. But honestly, how has Victoria never seen a secret door to another room? You’re doing too much, V.
It’s a spider web of conflict
The Tres Amigas are making it clear that their fiesta days are over. Tamra can’t stop herself, and as the waiter starts to take orders, she notes, “Oh yeah, an alcoholic should drink.” You could hear a pin drop. But it’s not for Tamra to be the drinking police, however she’s well within her right to be concerned about her friend who chose to drive drunk. Tamra pounds the table and screams that Shannon is an alcoholic. In the background, between the high-pitched yelps, you hear Tamra whisper, “Liar liar, Spanx on fire.”
Meanwhile, Alexis’s cocktail must have hit because she pipes up to once again talk about Johnny J. But in a moment of clarity, Vicki asks the all-important question of why she is always backing John. Alexis simply notes, “I’m confident in everything John says ’cause I’ve watched his actions.” Also, why was Vicki always backing Brooks Ayers? Sit down, Vicki.
God spoke
In perhaps the most bizarre part of the evening, Vicki, disgusted by all the fighting, stands to deliver a sermon. The former orange-holder notes, “This is toxic to me. You have to be kind. Humans need to do that, especially when we are women of faith. I know you believe in Jesus Christ. We don’t treat people this way.” Pot/kettle with a little Jesus thrown in for good measure.
Vicki dolling out advice on how to act is comical. But Bravo was ready and cued up ten years’ worth of clips of the OG acting a fool. Someone needs to remind Vicki of the meaning of church and state. There is no mercy when it comes to the world of the Real Housewives of Orange County.
Real Housewives of Orange County continues on Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.
TELL US – ARE YOU STARTING TO FEEL BAD FOR SHANNON? DO YOU AGREE WITH VICKI’S SERMON?