RHOC Season 18 Episode 2 Recap: The Ladies’ Reputations Are at Stake

If you thought the premiere of Real Housewives of Orange County last week was epic, wait until you dive into Episode 2. This time, our favorite housewives are back in an episode entitled “Rent and Reputations.”

RHOC Season 18 star Gina Kirschenheiter yelling at someone.

Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Cue Taylor Swift’s “Ready for It,” obviously, we are unprepared! Tamra and Shannon finally come face-to-face in a pretty heated war of words. Jesus Jugs, Alexis finally gets to show off her promise ring from Johnny J, which is by no means an engagement ring, even though I secretly think she wanted it to be. We finally see Jen on the screen as she hosts her parents and helps her kids adjust to their new home, aka Ryan’s home because she was evicted.

The Real Housewives of Orange County party drama continues

RHOC Season 18 stars Emily Simpson and Gina Kirschenheiter.
Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

After what can only be considered the best fourth wall break to date, Shannon is left to sip her cocktail as Alexis storms back inside in a literal huff. Heather, the hostess with the mostess, is dead set on not having drama at her event. She tries to calm Alexis down and directs her to the craft table in the corner. Shannon seems relatively calm, but 30 seconds in, viewers have already learned that she and Tamra are not okay. I dare say that they aren’t on the best of terms. In a quick juxtaposition, producers cut to Tammy Sue, revealing that she felt bad for Shannon, who had to come face to face with John’s new girlfriend.

Texts flashed onto the screen, showing Tamra reaching out to her former friend after pictures of Alexis and John had been released. Tamra sent a nice text noting, “I know things aren’t good between us. But I wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you. I know how hurtful this must be for you, and I’m sorry.” Yet, all Shannon could slap together was a generic response that ended with “Happy Holidays.” I’m pretty sure Shannon did not want Tamra to have a happy holiday season.

Cameras spun back to Shannon in her confessional, sharing that she was annoyed that Tamra liked the photos of John and Alexis. But what got her goat was that the former CUT Fitness owner added applause emojis to the comment. Not the dreaded applause emojis! In response, Shannon texted, “WTF? What are you doing? “You would never see me post applause emojis.” According to the text, Tamra’s response back was to “Grow the f*ck up.”

The ring didn’t mean a thing

RHOC stars Tamra Judge and Alexis Bellino filming Season 18.
Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

At every one of Heather’s parties, there is always a game to play. This kitsch fanfare paid homage to the money booth, but instead of Benjamins flying all around, it was pre-written questions. Heather was asked what her favorite piece of jewelry was and why. To which she answered her original engagement ring. Cute right? Cameras then focused on Alexis’ rather large promise ring. The band sat comfortably on her ring finger, but she insisted it was not an engagement ring. Instead, it was a “Sign of love.”

Emily began to poke at the hashtag she used with the word “promised,” asking what we all wanted to know. But Alexis was quick to steer the word’s definition toward a religious connotation, noting it could mean “Promised in the eyes of the Lord.” The new girl, Katie, almost choked on her amuse-bouche, asking if she was really that religious. Oh, you have no idea, Katie. “There’s no difference between a promise ring and a promised ring. It’s just a D. I guess that’s what she’s getting.” I am going to like her.

Dos Amigas face off on Real Housewives of Orange County

Gina Kirschenheiter, Heather Dubrow, and Tamra Judge at a RHOC Season 18 party.
Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Understandably, Shannon excuses herself from the table, and to her surprise, Tamra follows her. But instead of finding comfort, Shannon and Tamra start hurling insults at one another. Tammy Sue is tired of Shannon talking behind her back, especially regarding her “big ego.” But the Real for Real founder denies she has said such things. Shannon tried to extend an olive branch, but Tamra shut her down in the hotel hallway, saying, “No. You’re not a good person. You’ve done horrible things to me.”

Don’t come for Gina’s livelihood

Jen Pedranti filming for RHOC Season 18.
Photo Credit: Nicole Weingart/Bravo

Gina is new to real estate. But she did Jen a solid when she vouched for her, claiming the mother of five didn’t need a credit check. Umm, the yogi definitely should have had a credit check since she is now being evicted. Naturally, Gina feels dumb and used. Not a great combination. However, fans are starting to get a glimpse of who the real Ryan is.

While explaining her current living situation to Katie and Shannon, Jen noted, “I feel like he just sits around and plays in the sunshine.” As most viewers know, Ryan was recently linked to the MLB $16 million gambling and theft scheme. So basically, everything between Ryan and Jen feels fishy.

In a Road House/Coffee House meet-up, Gina literally could not hide her Long Island attitude. Jen wasn’t willing to see how her inability to pay rent hurt Gina. And that was a problem. Directly before throwing her buttery croissant and walking out, Gina snapped, shrieking, “You need to grow up. You need to figure out how to take care of yourself and your children. It’s not your ex-husband’s responsibility. And it’s not your boyfriend’s responsibility.”

If Gina didn’t know Jen was dumb before, she does now after she responded with, “Just cause my life is falling apart doesn’t mean my hair needs to fall apart like yours did.” And there you have it—the logic of a 16-year-old 46-year-old.

Real Housewives of Orange County continues on Thursdays at 9/8c on Bravo.

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