Bravo is defined as an exclamation or cry out when a performance is done well. When said in a string of three, it is also defined, as breaking the fourth wall and ending filming. The word is now synonymous with the self-named channel that aligns itself with our desire to watch housewives that bring their best lives, to the next level, for viewers that need an escape. It is entertainment based on some sort of reality. Just not 99% of us. Nope, sipping champagne on yachts is not reality for the masses, nor is the level of attire and handbags strolling fancy streets in a variety of continents. Nope. I do not see this in Walmart. But, I love it! I am a fan of this disproportionate showing of all of this excess in a reality world gone wild. Sadly, it is no longer the best experience by any performance. It is, however, a modern day soap opera with a newer twist that might be the death of the “real” experience. Politics, race, and questionable housewives.

Politics. We all have our right to believe in whatever ideology we desire. But it is getting obvious that a certain political party creates a less popular housewife. It should stop. Did we know what party ideology of Erika on AMC. Nope. We were happy and ran to our sets everyday to see what was in store for her next. I arranged my ASU classes around AMC and watched everyday in our sorority chapter room. We all needed a break. Politics never entered our fantasy worlds, in our original soapy escapes, why should they now? Your viewers do not care who pulled the lever for who. We don’t. We want to see the trips, the bags, the petty fighting, and follow the pot-stirer and all their naughtiness. Thank you. If we want politics we would not be watching Bravo. Truly.

Race. This has been a mess. May the casting be open and wide and choose who you may…but please do not cast based on a particular race and then hammer that poor gal all season. RHOD. Enough said.

Housewives in perile. Ok, we have had a few that have done their time. We have. But, in style and taking ownership, for their mis-deeds. Ok, it was all wrong. But you brought the fantasy into their severe reality enough to balance the show. It worked. But currently, there is a very fancy member who is surpassing the masses believability that this was all an oops or a rehab moment a la RHONY or the sacrifical lamb going down with the hubs RHONJ. This one is special and with every show her grasp on reality is slipping, as is yours. Now, of course I base this on a documentary, hearsay, and gossip. The obvious mainstays to how your fans gain the news. This situation has a special smell to it, as the lifestyle that she lived and bragged about, is far more excessive than the others who have a more substantial net worth. Why showcase her? A story? Ratings? I hope she saves her salary. She is going to need every dime.

So, while I will always be a fan, I find myself turning to the past shows more than the present. The hair, makeup, and noses are dated. But the trips, pettiness, and the pot stirrers are front and center. These were the initial reasons the franchise became a success. We could turn for escape not political banter or race blunders, just escape and in 2021 we could all use a bit of that. Our plates are rather full.