With RHOSLC, Andy Cohen Is the Stan Lee of Reality-TV #fightme
Why the new cast of Bravo’s latest Real Housewives franchise was more than I expected, but exactly what viewers deserve.
They had a vision: “Good Time Girls Gone Wild.”
Back in my day, reality TV served as a first glimpse into what being a future adult looked like. These people looked scary, messy, complicated, and expensive. And I couldn’t wait to be among them.
My preferred dose of reality has always needed a few diamonds sprinkled on top. I can’t help it — I grew up in Westchester County, after all. I was close enough to NYC to see the extravagance of wealthy culture vultures and the raw elegance of the struggling working class around them. There are levels to this. I was interested in the magic and glamour that only a place like NYC can provide. Fashion, music, art — everyone was like a walking museum. And I’m a nerd, so museums are cool.
And so, there comes a time in a young girl’s life when she must put aside the Saturday morning cartoons for Style with Elsa Klensch. It was Klensch who introduced me to names like Gianni, Yohji, Marc, and Vivienne — and the fabulous assortment of women who patronize them.
There’s a “Westchester” in every state in this country and every country in the world. We measure our value by how close we are to the wealthy. This is the brilliance behind Bravo. This is essentially why the RH franchise is magic and could literally be on-air 24/7 (as it actually seems to be, sometimes). Yes, cities may come and go, but the collective franchise won’t suffer the same fate as the Kardashians or other reality powerhouses nearing the end. They’ve made it their business to provide us with a steady stream of dysfunctional friendships from wealthy suburbs across the country.
But I’ll admit, half the time I’m still wondering where all the Black/Latina/Asian women are.
I’ve been particularly unsatisfied about the lack of diversity on RHOC/BH/NY. RHONYC’s case is unique because there are plenty of fabulous and interesting people of color. The problem in NY is that the cast is way too old and stuffy to be friends with any of them. And there's a rainbow folks in BH, too. There simply aren’t any that many folks who would be friends with any of those women. And honestly, OC isn’t worth mentioning in this discussion. Because this is the discussion about the great job Bravo is doing with diversity and inclusion in other areas.
First up, Jen Shah over breakfast at the chalet. We learn Jen’s background and she details her experience growing up in Utah after emigrating from Tonga. Hubby and kids are there, and the PC overlords are already in tizzy about the AIDS comment. Relax. Remember, it’s Utah. And perhaps in spite of it, there are plenty of extravagances to be had. Shah’s gots skins, stilettos, maxi-length LV-printed everything (it’s cold!), and she not only came ready to party…she christened the party in her name.
Let’s be honest, from a character standpoint all the other ladies are catching up. And I’m not talking about just in SLC. (But yes, her “good-time” girlfriends especially.) All other franchises should be put on notice, too.
And this is not just about the fashions.
If you don’t have a first and second assistant, I can’t rock with you.
Until I get a chance to check out tonight’s episode, I’m going to hold off on the rest of the crew. Mary wasn’t introduced until halfway through the episode(!). I’m getting the vibe this is more like a 5-plus-friend situation than a six member ensemble.
Yes, I wrongly assumed SLC would be more KMart than Christian Dior. I can’t believe we’re getting alternative religions and lifestyles, blended families, and…I’m just gonna say it, Brooks!
As someone who respects spirituality, it is refreshing to see women from different backgrounds discuss faith, aging, relationships, and motherhood just like the rest of us. Oh, Mormons! They’re just like us!
Well, not really, but half of this cast is excommunicated anyway.
Now, let’s get into what makes this TV magic: the leader of the pack is an Asian Pacific American woman. Jen Shah will be for Tonga what KKW is for Armenia . If there were an identity politics board game, this combo is triple points. Anytime you're from somewhere so distant to white people, they call you Black when you’re not is triple points (my game, my point system). Five minutes in, and just in time for a Tongan American LDS convert to Islam? Did I miss anything? You know this woman’s got stories for days. She’s actually from a real kingdom*. Not a pretend one like ours!
If the fans get behind her, this winter we will take witness to the beginning of ascension to the likes of Frankel, Leakes, and Vanderpump.
Until then, I assume many will not understand why her representation is a significant marker in pop culture as we travel through this next decade. Yes, this is a person of color in a predominately white space. But don't get it twisted; this is not tokenism. This is an Asian Pacific American woman in a predominately white space and she is commanding it. It’s long past time we slowly open the blackout drapes so white America can get some sun on itself. Because let’s face it, if you were from Tonga you’d be flying everybody out to come dance at your (friend’s) birthday parties, too.
And that’s just the kind of good time girl I like to watch!