Earlier this yr, I vented my frustrations about how The Actual Housewives of Salt Lake Metropolis was not Bravo’s diamond within the tough.
With the authorized woes of Jen Shah taking over all the screentime, the sequence had turn into a shell of its former self.
In one of many greatest surprises in actuality TV historical past, the sequence managed to recalibrate following Shah’s departure.
Jen thrived off being the focal point, and her presence had a halo impact by way of each storyline within the first three seasons, main many to consider the present would sink additional into oblivion.
12 episodes into The Actual Housewives of Salt Lake Metropolis Season 4, I can confidently say it is the strongest season but — and the most effective seasons of Actual Housewives. Ever.
Jen Shah, Who?
It is laborious to consider the fact TV sequence has managed this late-stage comeback, nevertheless it’s a testomony to the solid clocking in and realizing they wanted to save lots of their present.
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We have witnessed many of those reveals get the pink slip for turning into too poisonous, which in all probability explains why the returning OGs have been engaged on their friendships.
Who would have thought Lisa Barlow and Meredith Marks could be on speaking phrases after that hot-mic second and the ensuing fallout?
The most effective half?
Lisa’s conscious of her buddy’s flaws and is not afraid to level them out, including some much-needed depth to the whole lot that is occurred up to now with the unique stars.
However that does not imply the unique solid does not have beef, nevertheless it is not as darkish as among the stuff in prior seasons.
Do not Come for My Bathtub!
We have had Meredith complaining about Whitney coming for her bathtub and Mary claiming that Whitney known as her one thing pornographic, referencing feedback Whitney made previously.
The supply of that scene within the Sprinter van might have been comedic, nevertheless it highlighted that these girls are right here to placed on an ideal present that can get the followers speaking.
Monica Garcia’s Huge Influence
Including Monica Garcia as Jen’s substitute was a stroke of casting genius for a lot of causes.
From the second she arrived on the scene, Monica has proven exceptional resilience regardless of navigating meandering relationships with the ladies.
It is laborious to inform who she’s buddies with at this stage, nevertheless it’s clear that she did not come on the present to make buddies.
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Monica has a character that is good for the small display, and after serving to steer the sequence in the proper path, she deserved to be rewarded with first seat on the reunion.
It is uncommon for a first-time housewife to get that coveted seat, however her affect on the season has been simple.
She’s been part of the most important arguments, and if the teasers for the solid journey to Bermuda are to be believed, that will not change any time quickly.
We all know that Heather realized one thing about one in every of her co-stars throughout the journey, and given the Unhealthy Mormon writer’s latest feedback about not desirous to movie with Monica, this has bought to be about Monica.
When you watch The Actual Housewives of Salt Lake Metropolis on-line, you realize that Monica had shut ties to the incarcerated Jen Shah, so there is a good likelihood the fateful telephone name in Bermuda has to do with one thing about Jen’s case.
Regardless of getting a front-row seat into Monica’s life, there’s nonetheless a lot we do not know, which means that there is a excessive likelihood she’ll be with the present for a lot of seasons.
If the women refuse to movie together with her for subsequent season, it would not shock me if producers launched a buddy or two for Monica to assist hold her on the present.
She might not be everybody’s cup of tea, however she’s a pure in entrance of the digital camera and delivers good commentary in confessionals.
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The massive check for Monica will likely be how the reunion pans out as a result of there is a chance the women will come armed with loads of tales to discredit Monica.
The opposite new full-time housewife this season who has made an affect is Angie Katsanevas.
Jen’s authorized woes marred Angie’s visitor position on RHOSLC Season 3, however the producers elevating her to a full-time solid member is one other facet of the present that labored.
It is clear Angie desires to be full-time and has been placing the work in to get in entrance of the digital camera whereas concurrently delivering comical moments.
The funniest a part of all of it is how Angie launched Monica to the women, after which the pair bought into the mom of all feuds, with receipts being shared throughout social media after the episodes aired.
However Angie might also be the one that forgives Monica and movies together with her subsequent season as a result of they have a tendency to restore issues rapidly despite the fact that they’ve had their arguments.
Mary Cosby Must Go
The most important eye-roll this season has been the addition of Mary Cosby, who spent the primary two seasons as a full-fledged housewive earlier than bailing.
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Bringing her again would at all times result in wild moments, and whereas she makes for excellent TV, we have been seeing a a lot nastier facet of her character.
She hardly ever desires to have interaction with the women, and when she does, she complains about what they’re sporting, says they give the impression of being “inbred,” and even calls service workers lazy.
There is a positive line between love and hate, and one thing tells me Mary is not straddling that positive line with viewers.
She’s hopped to the “hate” facet and hasn’t regarded again.
Her random friendship with Monica is one other huge second, too, as a result of it looks like Mary is attempting to construct connections with all the girls, sans Whitney.
Is she attempting to safe a full-time return subsequent season? Her actions this season have been obnoxious, so I can not think about what she’d do if she reclaimed her snowflake.
For now, now we have a handful of episodes left, adopted by the reunion, and it guarantees to be a rollercoaster trip to the end line.
What are your ideas on the present’s comeback?
Who do you wish to be on the solid for Season 5?
Hit the feedback.
Catch new episodes Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Bravo.
Paul Dailly is the Affiliate Editor for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.