Real Hosuewives of Beverly Hills Season 5 Episode 01 [Review]

Look at me, actually following through on a promise to review a show for once! This show is very near and dear to me, and I've grown to love each of the girls over the course of the past four years, so this seemed like the most logical next step. I am a human being, and I obviously will be biased on some occasions, but I hope that won't deter you from reading. Without any further ramblings, let's get started on season five, episode one.

The episode started out pretty slow, mostly focusing around Kyle planning her White Party, and Yolanda showing off her awkwardly perfect family. Things seem to be picked up pretty much where they were left off last year, with the groups hating on Lisa V (which by the way is Lisa V now because we have a Lisa R). The only real alliance right now seems to be Brandi and Yolanda, both of whom are "newer" housewives and came into an already established hierarchy.

Lisa V really seemed to be able to tell that she was falling in the polls, so she decided to agree to meet Kyle to try and solve some of the problems they had last year. Unfortunately, Lisa V is Lisa V, and she always refuses to take the blame for anything. They finally looked like they were going to be headed in the right direction, and then she starts in with her old antagonistic ways saying things like "No you missed me" and telling her to stop bringing up drama. Kyle took the high road here and let it slip. At least with this franchise we are seeing friendships mended a bit instead of just introducing new friends for the 'villains'.

Speaking of new housewives, we get to meet our first new lady this season, Lisa R. She's quite the handful and reminds me a lot of Willam Belli from Drag Race, listing every show she's ever been on. I guess it was kind of necessary. She has two daughters, 13 and 16, who seem to be typical teenagers who have little interest in their parents. When her husband shows up things lighten up considerably, and her family dynamic of her husband being the 'king' was pretty funny and relatable, which is something that this show rarely accomplishes.

Before long the episode shifts to the annual White Party at Kyle's. It was really interesting to see all the past cast members who have moved on from the show reunite as a group. I had missed seeing Taylor on a regular basis, and Camille always had such grace and presence that I feel the show lacks a bit now. As the group gathers we sort of start to realize that there is one original housewife missing... and awkwardly enough she's still supposedly on the show. Who is it, now?

Yes, Kim. She finally shows up, late as per usual. At least she looks healthy.

So the next big drama point is all centered around Brandi. With Yolanda feeling ok with Lisa V, she feels isolated. She gets nothing but shrugs and eye rolls from Lisa V, but Adrienne seems more cordial, so that's who she sets her sights on. Showing up like some kind of ninja, she snatches her away to talk to her in private. They both agree that this isn't the place to hash out their problems, but they both seemed very at ease with one another, so they agreed to do coffee and discuss their relationship. At least one duo is moving in the right direction this week.

It looks like RHBH is pulling an Atlanta by not introducing all the new cast in the first episode. All we know about Eileen is what we gathered from the trailer, and even there she's very much overshadowed by Lisa R. From the looks of the season trailer things will get crazy later on, but for now it seems pretty tame. Everyone is picking up the pieces of past alliances and friendships from the massive cast dismantling at the previous reunion special. I'd say in a couple of episodes, everything will be back to it's usual crazy blow up fights we're used to.