'Real Housewives of Orange County': Marital bliss?

The holidays are over and the housewives over in Orange County are back!

When we last tuned in, the gals went to Florida for a girls weekend that felt more like a couples retreat, with guest-starring roles from an irritated Vicki and a heavily medicated Lynne. Vicki's decision to abstain from outings with the men left for frequent Vicki-bashing moments by the guys, particularly Simon, who claimed she was jealous of his and Tamra's marriage.

Oh, really? 

Thursday's episode was a lesson on just how deceiving looks can be.  

In the episode, Vicki -- the "unclingy" housewife -- and Donn head to Turks and Caicos for a romantic getaway. And they did it with no other couples. There was no flaunting. No declarations that their marriage is the poster child of perfect ... just perfect for them. If you've followed the show since its inception, it's no surprise that the marriage hasn't always been bliss. Last season, Vicki even questioned whether a divorce was imminent. But their journey to this episode -- they even renewed their vows (and Donn finally got his wedding band!) -- demonstrated how bumpy and smooth the road of marriage can be.

Meanwhile, Tamra and Simon are at odds again. Simon -- who claims to have an equal marriage and one enviable by others -- continues his rampage on Vicki, one of Tamra's closest friends, saying she's controlling, rude and has "changed" his wife. And he disapproves of Tamra mending her relationship with Gretchen. There doesn't seem to be much room for discussion when Tamra tries to voice her opinion; Simon already has his mind made up.

And that's the problem. As viewers of the show, is that really a surprise? It's easy to see the disconnect. But the facade of marital bliss or, at least trying to portray it, has finally caught up with Tamra. Over lunch with her mom, we see Tamra break down in tears, saying that Simon treats her like property and acts like he hates her. She even predicts that they're on the road to divorce. And if reports are true, she was right. Five months after wrapping the season, it was reported that Simon filed divorce papers contending that Tamra has been "verbally abusive and has committed acts of disloyalty and infidelity."

Tamra is expected to share her story on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Show" hosted by Andy Cohen next week, which will air next Thursday at midnight.

So what did you think of the episode, Show Trackers? 

-- Yvonne Villarreal

Photo: Donn and Vicki Gunvalson. Credit: Bravo

Comments

[swissmiss]

It's gotten to the point where I read a book while I'm watching this show. That should tell you something.

[Nathan]

I have only seen a couple of episodes. Simon is a douchebag (this coming from a straight male).

[Erica Stephens]

Although Vickie was way out of line last season in her treatment of Don,she obviously married the right man,she was the aggreser in the marriage,hewas passive.Fortunately she came to her senses in time.I loved this episode.As for Tamara she married the aggresser she was a passive,then she starts listening to Vickie,now she is unhappy.He married the trophy,now she wants to be her own person,well Ok she gets a divorce and then must quickly find another man to take care of her.The religeous couple won,t last five more years.

[MR.C]

my wife & I have a mobile at Havasu and Vicky has become a huge ass , this show has went to her head , its very sad...almost seen some of the show last night good thing we had new batts in the remote , turned the channel real fast...lol...

[BettyDraper]

I've always thought Don was the coolest person on the show. My theory is that he is banging 20 yr old chicks while Vicki is out spending her money... hence his true happiness.

[k kennedy]

The Orange Co. housewives are just boring. I think that this show has run its course and should not be revewed for another season. New York and Atlanta are much more interesting

[LAJimm]

could we care less? I don't think so

[who-really-cares]

Hey, I just saw Tamara and Simon @ the movies Christmas day with the two younger children - and they seemed to be okay. So maybe this "marital strife" is contrived to add to the drama - I mean really, what's so interesting about these two as a couple-she's obsessed with only looks and he's a car salesman - I think it's just a bunch of whoie created to add fake controversy - isn't this the way they more face time?

[Kev Kotight]

I love how Don wrote this awesome speech that was truly from the heart and all Vickie could do was present him with a new ring. Totally superficial. Her speech was really cheap, while the ring, the material, was expensive. Totally shines a light into her soul.

[Emily]

I just want to say that one housewife with the new facelift, should have had her fake chin takin out!!! It looks so fake and awful!! Nice

[ExCalGuy]

A perfect example of why I left Cali. Self centered "keep up with the Jones'" mentality. Look at me! Don'tcha want to be like me?

They need to take Miss Piggy and friends off the air!

[Janey]

Vicki and Donn were heart-warming last night. :)

Simon is a douche, didn't like him from the first. he has a real mean streak. i do like Tamra very much and i think she'd be a lot better off without him. but too bad for the kids.

[LAME]

Nothing attractive about these buffoons ever.

[Michelle]

Congratulations Simon, I'm happy for the guy!

[Tracey]

I think that It's really sad that the relationships between every one on these "Housewife shows" is so damaged and superficial. It just goes to show that money is such a distraction from what is really important in life. It makes me glade that I don,t have so much of it, that it is a priority over my husband, children and friends. People seem so desperate for respect that they are willing to give up love. I think that these people need to put themselves on the shelf for a minute and put someone before themselves for a change. Respect does not come from how you can out do , and have more , it comes when you are willing to give up some of yourself for others. It does'nt help to point the finger and focus on others problems when you have your own to take car of. So much jealousy.

[Evil twin Carlata]

This series of shows is my deeply kept secret pleasure. I live nearby in the OC and am ashamed to admit that I keep a few friends that make these women look like Mother Teresa. I think they add perspective and comic relief to my day to day life. I'm a thinkin' Tamara is headin' out with three kids and NOOOOOO job??...Slades doing Gretchen to be included in this season (and hopefully earn some $$$$ to pay his child support)...Vicky is so wounded by her cold fish mother, she simply doesn't know better...Loved loved love Don last episode. He came off as honestly touched by Vicky's attempt at rekindling their relationship. Do we think Lynn will have that facelift paid for before she needs the next? Remember not a word about this to anyone!!!!!!

[evil twin carlotta]

Almosssssssst forgot dear sweet sweet Alexis...and her... count 'um two nannys...I'm inclined to think her fall from that ivory tower is going to land her in the smack dab in the mud face first. I'd keep a close (hired P.I.) watch on that "man of God" hubby...and I surely mean that in the nicest way possible!

[Sarah]

I love this show. I can't wait to watch it, I tivo it. I am glad Simon dumped Tamara because she is so jealous of Gretchen. So she turned out to be having an affair? That explains why Vicki decided to renew her vows with Don. She knew Tamara was no longer going to be around and she didn't really have anyone else on the show she was friends with, so she turned back to good, old loyal Don. She better keep treating him well because she treated him like sh*t for too long and he's been around for her kids and they barely give him the time of day. Now we know why Simon was controlling of Tamara, he was on to something that turned out to be true, she was cheating on him. Good move Tamara. I hope Gretchen laughs about your divorce on TV!

[cluegirl]

Maybe IF (and that is IF) Tamra had an affair, maybe it just happened in the last week or 2, on her way out the door anyway. and maybe she didn't lie about it (full disclosure). Maybe she had already planned to take the kids and leave. oh, and btw, i don't think she's going anywhere...so i think Vicki will still be seeing plenty of her on the show.

Like above commenters, loved Donn on this show. Alexis and hubby are the worst. Even starting to make the wretched Gretchen look relatively normal. and yeah, hanger-on Slade is just in it with her to be on the show (and for $$$).

[SJ Garofano]

I just wanted to say I much I enjoyed tonights episode with Don and Vickie. I loved what Don said to Vickie on the beach. It was straight from his heart. Don't let him ever go Vickie! I would realy like to know where Vickies' beautiful necklace came from that she wore on the beach while renewing her vows with Don. It was so beautiful and I would love to know where I could get one.

Thanks
Shawn J. Garofano