Season 18 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” kicks off with a bang, centering around a dramatic feud involving Shannon Storms Beador. The season opener sets the stage for what promises to be a tumultuous journey, with Shannon at the heart of the conflict.
The episode begins with a reminder of Shannon’s recent troubles. Just ten days after the Season 17 reunion, where she denied having issues with alcohol, Shannon was involved in a DUI hit-and-run near her ex-boyfriend John Janssen’s home. The incident, which saw Shannon driving her vehicle into the side of an apartment building before fleeing the scene, casts a long shadow over the premiere. Shannon spends much of the episode grappling with the guilt and embarrassment of her actions, setting the tone for the season.
While the consequences of the car accident dominate the early part of the episode, it’s clear that Shannon’s troubles are far from over. Her friends are increasingly concerned about her relationship with alcohol, and this concern fuels much of the drama. Shannon’s attempts to maintain her composure are further tested by the return of Alexis Bellino, a former cast member with a complicated history with Shannon.
Alexis’s return is particularly fraught because of her relationship with Shannon’s ex-boyfriend. Alexis’s ex-husband, Jim Bellino, previously sued Shannon and her co-star Tamra Judge for comments made during his time on the show. Now, Alexis is dating Shannon’s ex, adding another layer of tension to an already volatile situation. John, Shannon’s ex, was known for seeking camera time, often in unflattering ways, and his new relationship with Alexis seems suspiciously timed with her return to the show.
As the episode progresses, Shannon’s ongoing feud with Gina Kirschenheiter takes center stage. The two have a heated confrontation, with Gina accusing Shannon of only liking their friendship when she feels superior. The argument escalates until Gina walks away, leaving Shannon fuming. This fight spills over into the rest of the group, with Shannon and Gina each venting to their respective allies.
Heather Dubrow, another returning cast member, tries to mediate but ends up revisiting her own past conflicts with Shannon. Their exchange is a throwback to their iconic Season 9 feud, complete with Shannon’s trademark outbursts. The tension between Shannon and Heather adds another layer of complexity to the group dynamics.
Meanwhile, Gina seeks to rid herself of the negativity from a previous trip to Cabo. She invites Emily Simpson and a psychic medium to her home for some supernatural healing. The scene is both bizarre and entertaining, with the psychic attempting to expel a supposed demon from Gina. This quirky subplot provides a brief respite from the heavier drama but also underscores the lengths to which the cast will go for a bit of screen time.
Noella Bergener, another cast member, has her own emotional journey. She opens up about her childhood trauma and the impact it has had on her relationships. Noella’s vulnerability is touching, but it also highlights her isolation within the group. None of the other cast members seem eager to film with her outside of group events, adding to her sense of alienation.
The episode also features the planning of a cast trip to Aspen, spearheaded by Emily. The trip promises to be a high point of the season, with the teaser hinting at explosive drama. Emily’s meticulous planning, including finding a house with a perfect table for group arguments, sets the stage for what is sure to be a memorable getaway.
The episode culminates in the launch party for Gina’s skincare brand, Cara Gala. Despite the tragic news of her father’s death, Noella makes an appearance, adding a somber note to the event. The party itself is a mixed bag, with Shannon going out of her way to prove her friendship to Gina, despite their unresolved issues. The other cast members rally around Noella, offering support in her time of need.
However, the party lacks the pizzazz of events thrown by other cast members, like Heather Dubrow. Gina’s parents make a heartfelt appearance, and the cast exchanges gifts and pleasantries, but the drama is minimal. The episode ends on a relatively calm note, but the teaser for the Aspen trip promises that the peace won’t last long.
Season 18 of “The Real Housewives of Orange County” is shaping up to be all about Shannon Storms Beador. With her DUI incident, ongoing feuds, and complicated relationships, Shannon is at the center of the storm. As the season progresses, viewers can expect more explosive confrontations, emotional revelations, and, of course, plenty of drama.
Source: Bravo
