by Gina Scarpa

Now that The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has come to an end, we're driving an hour on I-5S to see the ladies of Orange County. Oh, how we've missed them and a lot has changed since last season. New cast member Lydia McLaughlin has joined the bunch but you'll have to wait another week to get to know her. Let's kick things off with Vicki. Don and Michael have both moved out, she recently ended things with Brooks, and is now anxiously awaiting the birth of her first grandchild. She also had some work done to her face. Yes, the same woman who preached that her parents always found her beautiful, no matter what other people said. That Miss Piggy comment by Slade definitely cut deep.

Tamra and the kids have moved in with Eddie, and she's anxious to redecorate the place so that it no longer resembles a man cave. Things with her gym are progressing and she owns 51%, while he controls 49%. She's all too happy to be the boss and get the final say and considering it's her business, why shouldn't she? Slade has finally gotten a (fairly) respectable job, working as a DJ at a radio station but that means he can't be Gretchen's personal assistant. She misses having him serve her breakfast or make her coffee just the way she likes it and now has to fend for herself. The horror!

Alexis and Jim have purchased a new home and she says their marriage is better than ever. Yeah, it's better because she stopped doing all of the things she wanted and made him her top priority again. Over at the Dubrow residence, Heather and Terry decide to invite all of the women over for a clambake... well, except Alexis. She doesn't seem too offended by the snub, and is still waiting for an apology over everything that happened in Costa Rica. Alexis is convinced she's been bullied, but the other women say they were just being honest. I guess it depends on how you look at it.

Heather's clambake is the first time Tamra and Vicki will see each other since their blowup at her party and the reunion last season. It's more than clear their friendship is over, even if temporarily, because Vicki didn't even call her when Briana gave birth to baby Troy. Tamra and Gretchen, who have become quite close, do not believe at all that Vicki and Brooks have ended things and the lines have clearly been drawn between the women. Just as Vicki shows up to the party, the episode ends and next Monday, we'll find out if they're ready to be civil or not. My guess is a big fat no.

The Real Housewives of Orange County airs Mondays at 8/7c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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