In December 2023, Bravo made the decision not to invite Vicki Gunvalson back to the Real Housewives of Orange County. Even though the insurance kingpin had her ups and downs, she was an OG. Vicki often liked to pride herself in telling anyone who would listen that the franchise was born because of her. For the most part, she played a huge part in making the franchise a success. Since 2006, Vicki has been a steadfast member of the show. But even though Season 18 is doing extremely well, it might be wise to allow Vicki one more chance at the center orange.
Vicki Gunvalson always delivered the perfect TV moments
When I reflect on the Real Housewives of Orange County, I think about Vicki a lot. She was fun, uptight, and, at times, completely out of her mind. In the early years, a lot of her scenes revolved around her children, who, for the most part, just wanted their mother to leave them alone. But Vicki would wake them up for a cruise with a pillow fight or, worse, show up at her son’s frat house and party with him. There was something about Vicki that resonated with viewers. As a young adult, she reminded me of my own helicopter mother. But there were other more out-of-control Vicki moments, like when she would “Whoop it up” in Mexico. Who could ever forget her yelling about a minivan coming to take her to the airport?
There was always something about Vicki that made you want to tune in to the Real Housewives of Orange County. Perhaps it was her 2000s mean-girl attitude toward any new girl that dared to cross her path. There was never a dull moment with Vick, and I want that back on the franchise.
Vicki Gunvalson wouldn’t deal with the BS
At times, Vicki is delusional, but she doesn’t deal with the petty bullsh*t as well as the others. That is another reason I like her so much. For example, I don’t think for one second she would have allowed Alexis Bellino to get into her season premiere monologue with Shannon Beador. Knowing Vicki, she would have shut Alexis down so fast her head would have spun. I think Vicki would have seen Alexis as the new Gretchen Rossi, and they would have butted heads. It would have been nice to see Alexis be told that she was being inconsiderate to Shannon, too.
I also believe that Vicki wouldn’t have let anyone have a pity party. Obviously, it was sad to see Emily Simpson so upset after the dress debacle at Heather Dubrow’s fashion show, but the OG would have nipped that outburst in the bud. Emily lamented about the dress for far too long, and it just became annoying. Vicki had to deal with Slade Smiley comparing her to Miss. Piggyback in the day. So, I imagine the mother of two would have talked Emily off the ledge.
Vicki Gunvalson was still iconic even as a friend of
Even though Vicki has only made a quick appearance in Season 18, she still stole the show. She came in hot, making sure to defend Shannon and her drinking. She tried to drag the Tres Amigas tour along even without Tamra Judge. And she quietly, under her breath, mocked Teddi Mellencamp during the Traitors game night. Frankly, Vicki has never lost her touch when it comes to delivering Grade-A reality TV.
I know some would argue that the Real Housewives of Orange County might not need her, but she could be an asset. And yes, she did take part in the cancer hoax with Brooks Ayers, but Bravo has brought back other naughty Real Housewives. Brandi Glanville has been given multiple chances. And Phaedra Parks has also been welcomed back to the Real Housewives of Atlanta after spreading horrible rumors. I’d put Vicki in for Katie Ginella if it were up to me. I like the newbie, but I think since Vicki has a longer history with the women and is willing to play ball. It’s just my opinion, but maybe, just maybe Vicki deserves one more chance.
Real Housewives of Orange County is streaming on Peacock.
TELL US – SHOULD VICKI BE GIVEN HER RHOC ORANGE BACK?
