REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS – 2/13/12

When asked why she reacts so strongly to Taylor’s claims, Brandi states that nothing makes sense to her, that she is uncomfortable about the fact that Russell cannot defend himself and therefore she is “in the group” freaked out by all this. Camille is also “freaked out”, but it’s not clear whether she is in “the group”, who apparently doubt the claims. When asked a viewer question, Taylor insists she ultimately left Russell because of the eye injury, not because she was going to lose her place on the show. In the end, she feels remorse for dragging her friends through and exposing Kennedy to this unhealthy environment and Russell’s suicide. And that’s enough of that.

Let’s talk about Pam! She’s sitting in a separate chair on the Right side of the set. Does this mean she is loosely affiliated with the Ladies of the Right? Probably, because I am still not sure she’s ever met Lisa, and she and Brandi are On The Outs. Dana’s wearing something nondescript up top, and a pair of klassy wedges sporting “f**k you” and a bedazzled finger flashing the bird – f**k you shoes, as it were. After a montage of the sunglasses, the Valentino hot pants, the lollipop holder, her proposals that they all go on a “healthy, safe vacay”, and her profession of love to Kyle that they are “together forever – it’s what we do”, I have to say I feel my palate cleansed. Thank God for Pam!

How does Pam explain her silliness? For one, she was hammered and blathering most of the time, and proud of it. For another, when in Rome… these are, in her assessment, impractical, high-key, not-humble chicks, and being flashy is what she does in such company. Pam shares her sad life story (which no one knew – they are such good real-life friends) that she was raised by her poor mother until age 15, when her mom died in a car accident. At that time Pam moved to New York City to live with her wealthy father and attend the Nightingale-Bamford School, which is #3 in Manhattan and impresses Mr. Andy. Said school was a veritable fiesta of Benetton, and all Pam wanted was to fit in. I think we can all relate a bit. Dana’s self-made and proud of it.

A viewer acknowledges Dana’s career as “party planner” but questions her aptitude as a hostess after piling on to The Glands at Game Night. Dana’s got her own take on events of the evening; she felt that Kyle had been looking out for Kim from the moment she arrived, and that The Glands was poking at delicate issues she should have left alone, and finally Kyle snapped. She also feels The Glands was lucky to be invited after joking that Dana’s fiancé was cheating on her. Sounds like a fair assessment to me. Does Dana kiss up? Hell yes! She feels it’s a compliment to want to be someone’s friend, and at least when you are part of the unofficial cast everyone can feel safe we’re on the right side of that fine line that separates aspirational friendship from stalking. Dana’s fun to have around, says Mr. Andy, and I agree. More Dana in Season 3!