The awkward conversation between Noella and Heather is just heating up on this episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County. Girls’ trips always test relationships, but in the end, it’s Gina who has had enough of the BS.
Noella claims that she never meant to hurt Heather’s family and apologizes to a cool, calm Heather. Heather makes it clear that she is sorry for what Noella is going through, but she lets Noella know that her family is more important to her than anything else. Heather adamantly denies hitting anyone and calls Noella out on her lies while Gina, Shannon, and Emily scarf down some chicken salad. The juxtaposition between the scenes is hilarious, and I would definitely rather be in the kitchen than in the hot seat.
When Noella dodges an apology, Heather calls her a “liar and a thirsty girl,” and it is clear that this relationship cannot be fixed. The women are drunk and messed up from the altitude, so they call it a night knowing that things are not gonna be 100%.
The next morning, the ladies trickle in and prep for the days’ activities. Archery is the event of the day, which doesn’t sound like the best idea considering how tumultuous these “friendships” are. As Noella enjoys a bloody Mary in bed, she phones her friend and states that she is going to skip archery. She tells her friend that Heather came after *her* — screaming that she is a liar. Noella tearfully shares that Heather told her all that is going on in her life is karma paying Noella back. She further states that all the women are “terrified” of Heather… except her.
Leave it to Shannon to dress the part for archery. She looks like Robin Hood, but her skill level is subpar. Jen blurts out, “Let’s go before she [Noella] changes her mind,” and I must agree — run, girls! But, TBH, it seems a bit weird that Noella keeps crying that she wants to be part of the group, yet she chooses to stay home by herself, thus singling herself out further.
Noella states that she feels “disconnected” from the things that make her feel safe, especially after reading through the divorce papers she received just 30 minutes ago. Noella decides to become one with nature and take time out to scream through her grief — for the loss of her father, for her divorce, for all that is going on in her life.
In the meantime, the archery crew rolls up and they are ready to be “warriors.” After a bit of yoga breathing, they are off shooting arrows. Apparently, Emily does this in her spare time — she is SO good — in fact, she crushes all activities on these girls’ trips! After archery, the women decide to split up — half of the group decides to hike and the other half signed up for a mine tour (boring!).
Gina makes it clear that she is not Noella’s “f*cking therapist” and she is praying that this mine tour is not going to be all about Noella. Here’s hoping! Emily and Gina stop back home to grab Noella, and off they go to the mine. This is super awkward as Emily and Gina have no interest in small talk with Noella. It’s like strangers are hanging out in this Sprinter Van — no convo, no way. Once at the mine, things get serious fast, especially with their no-nonsense tour guide. They get educated and learn that people have, in fact, died in this mine. Could there be ghosts?
Heather, Jen, and Shannon go off on a hike, and before they can even go 10 steps, they decide to plop down and rest for a chat. Shannon explains that she feels “conflicted” and states that Emily is the master sh*t stirrer. Shannon is getting tired of her antics and does not appreciate Emily always repeating what she hears. Shannon further states that she thought her relationship with Emily had finally reached a point of friendship yet she can’t get over the drama all the time. Shannon wants to have a talk with Emily to see how things could get better for them.
Back at the house post “hike,” the girls sit down for a snack and await the arrival of Gina, Emily, and Noella. Of course, Noella wastes no time telling Shannon about her nature breakdown when she gets home, and Shannon looks like she would rather be anywhere but next to Noella. Hell, she even suggests talking with Emily over their issues.
When Shannon pulls Emily aside, she tells her she doesn’t want any negativity in her life. Emily calls Shannon out and ponders why Shannon would say that if all she does is talk negatively about her friend, Gina. Shannon doesn’t want any issues she is having with Gina to affect her friendship with Emily, and the two ladies make up with the hope of continuing the growth of this friendship. In the end, the duo decides that tonight’s the bear costume night — I am having serious déjà vu right now. What is this, RHOD?!
Noella, the loner, has a hot tub moment and talks to her mom about how sterile the divorce papers seem. Although she is nervous, she is ready to move forward as a newly divorced lady. Whereas Gina, Emily, and Heather are all piled in one bed, very much Summer House style. They sh*t talk about the day’s events, and Emily fills Gina and Heather in on her conversation with Shannon. Gina thinks Shannon has something more personal against her, and Gina fears that she may say something to Shannon that she may regret.
The dinner ensembles that these women are rocking for an in-house meal are incredible. The furs. The boots. The jewels. Noella discusses her speedy divorce, and Gina hopes that this will help her shut the f*ck up about it. They get some live music, and the ladies awkwardly dance around until Shannon and Emily excuse themselves to prep for the surprise bear costume. These costumes are terrifying, but the other women do not even flinch as they approach. #operationbearscarefail.
When they sit down for dinner, Emily decides to play another game with the group. Never a good idea. She asks how old the ladies were for their first jobs and how much they made. Noella shares that she was in a Will Smith video because she modeled, and when Gina mentions that she is like her friend Tatiana’s daughter, Noella can’t remember who “Tat” is… even after spending a long time with her only two days ago at. her. house. When Noella tells Gina, “it’s not that deep,” Gina gets all protective and claims that she should know. Seems like Gina’s been overserved. Gina’s anger right now is a bit of a reach.
Even Emily believes that Gina is overreacting, but she runs to her side, mainly to be sure she doesn’t tumble over in her drunken stupor. Shannon hugs Noella since Noella “doesn’t feel in a safe place” to talk about her feelings. Gina drunkenly tells Shannon that she needs to stop supporting Noella, but Shannon is not standing for it. She states that she is trying to get Noella to a good place, but Gina retorts, “sh*t happens.”
Shannon is trying to be nice, but Gina believes that Shannon is simply doing this so she can hold it over Noella’s head three years down the road. Ooph. Gina storms off and calls Noella’s situation a joke and yells that she has zero sympathy for this type of behavior. A drunken lady’s words are a sober lady’s thoughts. I think Gina can kiss a friendship with Noella goodbye…
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THIS EPISODE OF RHOC?