BravoBriana Culberson, Vicki Gunvalson's daughter, is the breath of fresh air needed on The Real Housewives of Orange County. She comes in every few episodes, with her cute kids and real-world problems and down-to-earth outlook and reminds viewers (and the ladies) that there are normal people in Orange County. This week she was on hand to help celebrate her mom's birthday (and her own), at the Merv Griffin estate, a gigantic home that had the task of housing the larger-than-life personalities of Vicki, Tamra Judge and Kelly Dodd.
"I don't know who Merv Griffin is, but I hope he's single," Kelly said.
For those not in the know, Merv Griffin was a TV host and media mogul. He's credited with creating Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! and hosted The Merv Griffin Show from 1965-1986.
While basking in the fruits of his fortune, the ladies rehashed drama and prepared for their next large group outing. But that's not important. What's important is the moment Vicki surprised Briana with a visit from her husband, Ryan. The two are living apart while Briana gets their new home ready in the OC and gets her health in order and Ryan finishes out his service in the Marines. The look on her face when her kids ran up to Ryan was priceless. Vicki did good. More of this, please. Michael, Vicki's son, was also there and just as uncomfortable around the cameras as ever.
Meanwhile, Heather Dubrow and Dr. Terry Dubrow talked more about his absence from family events. Their daughter has been trolling Terry with pictures of empty chairs from events he's missed. Then there was Shannon Beador and husband David. David frolicked around Mexico nude. He's been keeping it tight, in case you were wondering. "The last time we were in Mexico was one of the worst times in my life," Shannon said in a confessional. "But to being on a second honeymoon in Cabo after renewing our vows That to me absolutely affirms fighting for my family was the perfect and right thing to do." Also Meghan King Edmonds was around the desert or something.
The drama finally reached a high point when Heather, Tamra and Kelly met to discuss their fears over the upcoming large group gathering. Heather didn't want another outburst like the "dumb f-k" dinner and Kelly was pissed her integrity was being questioned. And it was Tamra who got the stories wrong and made things slightly even worse between everybody…but it looks like they've patched things up. Kelly acknowledged her problem with anger and noted the alcohol probably contributed to her outbursts at the 1970s party and "dumb f-k" dinner. So…off to the desert they go. Again.
By the way, this is something she said about Heather earlier in the episode: "First of all, you don't act like you're a hierarchy than me. You don't do that."
The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Mondays, 9 p.m. on Bravo.
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