After watching last night’s season premier, (which I was really looking forward to, by the way), I realized that The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is just a business, above all other things. It is a way for rich people to make more money. I once thought reality shows were a form of entertainment, but now, nothing about these shows is realistic. And I’m sickened by this. I miss good television, good writing, good editing, good actors, and producers you can count to teach you important life lessons. All I learned from last night’s show is that denying any responsibility and ignoring a suicide of a cast member was most-likely caused by EDITING is the way to go, if you want your business to survive.
I sat there, watching the impromptu (ha!) gathering at Adrienne Maloof’s house, where everyone except Taylor sat around saying things like, “I never saw a sign of it” and “He wanted to be a venture capitalist, and when that didn’t work out, it became too much for him.” Why wasn’t anyone speaking the truth? Why didn’t anyone say Russel had a hard time dealing with the fact that he looked like a complete jerk by the end of season one, and he was horrified by what was going to air on season 2. I heard the rumors that he hit Taylor, he was a convicted felon, he had no money, and I live in the darn midwest. What was the gossip like for him in the middle of the storm? I can’t imagine. I realize that these reality show stars sign a contract that basically gives them no right to protect the way they come off on television, and in return, they get fame and fortune. Not everyone has a thick skin, and can tolerate all the hate directed towards them. Danielle Staub is a perfect example of this. Russell figured he was finished, and it would be easier to kill himself that to face all that hate, because we all know a man who is accused of something on tv is guilty, until proven innocent. I feel bad for him, his family, his 3 small children, and Taylor. No one should ever have to die, just because a reality show decides to paint a person as a “bad guy.”
We all know Bravo loves to make somebody the bad guy, and this season was going to be all about burying Russell. He reached a breaking point, and he put them in a bind by killing himself. I’ve already been rather curious by Bravo’s lack of action regarding Russel Armstrong’s suicide, even going into hiding by pulling Andy Cohen and Watch What Happens Live from the public eye for the past few weeks. I’m not saying they should go out there admitting their actions directly caused his death, but they could have at least had the balls to talk about it directly with the viewers, if not delay the season. Last night’s denial of responsibility at the beginning, and the 30 second promo about suicide at the end of the show was a joke. You could totally tell Taylor and Russell’s marriage drama was cut from this episode, as the episode lacked the normal amount of Housewives drama. I’m sorry, but that just wasn’t good enough for me. Bravo needed to address the suicide, and they should have aired the show as is, if they still want to call it a reality show. I hate it when people decide the best action is no action, because those problems will still bubble to the surface eventually. Russell’s death is forever going to effect Taylor and his children, and he presence on the show. Andy Cohen should have been at Adrienne’s house, and he should have spoken the truth, even if it would have cost Bravo sponsors. It would have been the right thing to do. Now, all of Bravo’s shows are tainted by the lack of responsibility.
I was happy to see Jiggy and Lisa Vanderpump again. I just love that dog–he is the sweetest little dog on reality tv. Although I did gag when Jiggy and Ken drank from the same glass last night. GROSS.
How does Jiggy sit still for a manicure?
Even my hubby didn’t remember Lisa and Ken’s daughter Pandora. I’m just glad Lisa doesn’t pimp out her adult children so they will get paid by Bravo for appearing on episodes like the New Jersey Housewives do, lol!
Who puts $400-$600 shoes in bubble warp? That is so … ghetto.
When I have friends over to watch tv, we just wear comfy clothes. Who wants to wear a gown to a tv screening? I know Kyle feels the same way, lol.
I love how Jackpot the dog is now the unofficial Palms Casino spokesperson. Spare me Adrienne. How dare Jackpot trot on Giggy’s turf? Then again, at least Jackpot wasn’t eating at the dinner table with them.
I saw Kim Richards in this suit and starting to immediately hum, He’s a Rhinestone Cowboy from the film Electric Cowboy.
Does anyone else find it ironic that Camille is on a reality show, watching herself on another reality show, based on a book that was published based on successful Tweets?
The bickerson’s look like their headed for divorce, after this episode. It looks like they are the new reality show marriage casualty.
I spent a part of last night checking out all the housewives (and Andy Cohen & Bravo’s Twitter profiles. I was further sickened that no one mentioned Russell’s death. Taylor hasn’t even been online since August 15, so I didn’t expect her to say anything, but at least Bravo could have addressed it. Nope, it was business as usual, with several ladies now promoting their new products. Shame on you Lisa and Adrienne, I mean, aren’t you rich enough already? Not everyone has to be Betheny Frankel, you know. That was why TRHOBH was my favorite Housewives show–no one was overly promoting themself and their business.
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