| “ | Where's Little Ben? |
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Double Decker Drama is the fifteenth episode in the eighteenth season of The Real Housewives of Orange County.
Official Synopsis[]
On Bravotv.com: "Shannon’s 60th birthday extravaganza continues, but the mood is anything but celebratory when Tamra and Shannon continue their friendship war. The ladies hop on a double-decker bus tour where Gina questions Heather about another issue in their friendship and Jenn finds out there is gossip surrounding her financial decisions. When secret texts are exposed that allege Tamra dug up dirt on Ryan, Jenn confronts Tamra in an explosive showdown."[1]
Summary[]
Shannon (left), Heather (middle), and Emily (right) having breakfast
Emily and Shannon have breakfast, Shannon is uneasy about spending the day with the ladies on a bus tour after what transpired at dinner previous night. Shannon is resolute on not engaging with Tamra regarding her lawsuits. Heather joins and expresses not liking how things went at dinner to Shannon. Shannon is hurt and mentions she told Heather explicitly to not tell the other ladies while confiding with her, supported by flashback. Heather states Tamra had already told her the same story months ago, insinuating Shannon had already told Tamra the story. They argue, Heather brings up Jeff Lewis' radio show again and suggests Shannon to just pay John to make it go away. Shannon is fed up and leaves to bring in a wad of handwritten paper receipts detailing the transactions of "the first six months" of her and John's relationship. Heather and Emily cannot keep a straight face and crack up at Shannon's eccentric methods.
Tamra (left) and Katie (right) at the spa
Tamra and Katie visit the spa and they talk about dinner. Katie doesn't understand why Shannon was being emotional when the lawsuit (brought on by Shannon's ex-boyfriend and has been tormenting her for months) is brought up. Tamra thinks Shannon can't take "accountability" of her actions. Katie wonders why Shannon undergoes plastic surgery procedures when she's struggling financially, Tamra states Shannon is living "beyond her means". Katie relates to Shannon on the financial situation post divorce, Tamra tells Katie she's not 60 like Shannon. Tamra reiterates her belief of Shannon playing the victim, stating she warned Heather Shannon will twist the truth. Tamra tells Katie about Jenn's Dolce and Gabbana dress (see next paragraph). Katie states Jenn thought the dress is too expensive and she should return it, however, Ryan talked her into keeping it. Katie thinks Ryan paid for the dress, Tamra is worried for Jenn as a single mom depending on Ryan, and Ryan might have entanglement in shady business. Tamra explains Ryan has a friend that is a professional bookie, Ryan and Jenn have frequented the Bahamas and Vegas on casino sponsored private jets. Katie also expresses concerns based on her similar experience post divorce.
Gina (left) and Jenn (right) at the spa
Gina and Jenn visit a different spa, Gina feels home in London as it has a similar vibe to New York. Gina tells Jenn about Shannon showing her the texts Alexis sent her in 2018 that contradicts her saying she was not involved in Jim Bellino's defamation suit toward Shannon and Tamra. And Shannon had informed Tamra about the texts, Gina is incredulous that Tamra continued to attack Shannon at dinner while possessing such information. Jenn thinks Tamra is befriending Alexis solely for the purpose of taking down Shannon. Gina feels Tamra and Heather are hyper-examining every single move made by Shannon. They don't understand how Heather turned Shannon confiding with her into about her, they are also confused by Heather's upset over mammograms, as she informed the ladies over text to not mention it on camera due to her family history. Gina tells Jenn her Dolce and Gabbana at Shannon's 60th Birthday Tea Party became a topic of contention, as Heather saw the same dress at Neiman Marcus and called Tamra to inform her the price tag of $2,000. Flashback shows Heather, Tamra, and Emily discussing it on the Sprinter Van and stating they would not be spending $2,000 on a dress while in financial trouble. Jenn thinks Heather is two faced and is fed up with Tamra's antics.
The ladies boarding the double decker bus
Shannon gifts the ladies capes and tiaras before boarding the double decker bus tour. Gina confronts Heather regarding the mammogram situation, expressing confusion on Heather's gag order group text. Heather states she does not wish her family history to be discussed on camera but wants her own health to be inquired. Shannon states the ladies assumed everything was fine (it was) after hearing the cheers coming from the examination room. Argument ensued, Gina doesn't understand why Heather held it in for so long and wonders how she can be a good friend to Heather as the rules seem confusing. Heather brings up the Katie situation, Gina brings up Heather not defending her on Watch What Happens Live when Andy Cohen insinuated Gina is the least wealthy in the group (may not be true with Jenn in the group). Heather defends herself, stating she had commented on Gina's posts, and this has not come up for many months until this argument. The argument ended with no resolution when Tamra commented on the back and forth is exhausting. Gina is disappointed and feels Heather is not as good as a friend as she thought.
(Left to right) Jenn, Shannon, Emily, and Gina's Tudors photo shoot
Shannon, Jenn, Emily, and Gina leave the bus. Both and Gina and Heather are still fuming and complain about each other to their respective groups. The ladies stroll through Camden Market, getting chips (fries), bubble waffles, shaving supplies (for Travis) and discuss Travis' ball size. The ladies arrive at a photography studio to take old timey Tudor pictures in costume. Emily is the sexy tudor, Gina is the maidan, Shannon is the queen, and Jenn is the king. Roles assigned by Jenn. Jenn inquires Gina on how she feels after the blowout on the bus, the ladies agree Heather and Tamra are a harsh combination. Gina feels gaslit by Heather and is only allowed to have feelings when said so by Heather. After the photo shoot, Gina inquires Shannon on her breakfast with Heather and refreshes Shannon on Jenn's Dolce and Gabbana dress situation. Heather, Tamra, and Katie visit Charbonnnel et Walker, where "the Queen gets her chocolate". The ladies then embark on a luxury shopping spree with a sprinkle of shade from Heather and Tamra toward the ladies not present.
(Left to right) Heather, Tamra, and Emily cheering Shannon's 60th at dinner
The ladies arrive at dinner and cheer to Shannon's 60th birthday. Tamra asks Shannon about her daughters, Shannon is meeting up with them the next day. Jenn confronts Heather about her dress, Heather admits the accusation but spins it as concern for Jenn, to Gina's disbelief. Tamra defends Heather, argument ensues. Shannon defends Jenn, Emily pities Jenn, and Heather apologizes to Jenn. Jenn accepts the apology and confronts Tamra next, especially about her going after Ryan. Tamra apologizes and Jenn seemingly accepts. Shannon confronts Tamra about Alexis' texts, Tamra thinks its between Shannon and Alexis. Emily defends Shannon, stating if everything Shannon does is put under the microscope, the same should apply to Alexis. Argument ensued between Shannon and Tamra, escalating to Tamra putting her hand in Shannon's face. Shannon storms off to the restroom with Heather and Emily following. Both Shannon and Tamra and exhausted with each other, the ladies agree they need a breather.
The ladies head to the hotel bar and had fun reviewing the responds from texting their spouses "I'm naked, how quickly can you get here". Shannon leaves for bed because she has to meet her daughters early the next day, the ladies are afraid of being insensitive as Shannon is the only single person in the group. The rest of the ladies head back to the suites to continue partying, with Tamra and Emily running down the hallway ringing all the doorbells.
Jenn (left) confronting Tamra (right)
The next day, Heather and Tamra talk bad about Shannon over breakfast. Emily has moved out of Katie and Jenn's in the middle of the night and into Gina and Shannon's. Emily and Tamra talk about last night's dinner while getting juice. Emily doesn't understand Tamra's persistent anger toward Shannon, and encourages Tamra to be the bigger person. Gina and Shannon visit Jenn and they talk about dinner previous night. Shannon tells Jenn Tamra did a background check on Ryan and has receipt in the form of text from September 2022. Jenn is outraged and charges into Tamra and Heather's room, unleashing on Tamra. Tamra "swears on my (her) kids' life" immediately to reject Jenn's accusation. Argument ensued with Heather spectating, and impressed at Jenn fighting back against Tamra valiantly. Tamra attempts to explain no private investigators were hired but rather a real estate person who tried to dig up stuff on Ryan, due to their similar profession. Argument continued and ended with Jenn storming off.
Text Transcripts[]
Heather's Group Text Regarding Mammogram[]
- Hi ladies - just wanted to make sure you're all set for mammograms tomorrow. This is so important for our health and what a great thing you are all doing by putting this on TV - you will be helping so many people that are scared to go. I have told some of you ( not saying on camer [blurred out] don't want it out there 🤷🏻♀️) [blurred out] Early detection (is) the best way to beat these things. Anyway - just wanted to say we are all in this together- love you all and praying for the best outcome for all of us ❤️
Heather's Comments On Gina's Instagram Post[]
- Heather: Amen Gina! You're incredible!
- Gina: @Heather ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Tamra's Texts Getting A Background Check On Ryan[]
- I'm asking my friends husband if he can do a background check
- Two photos with Ryan and his company's information [blurred out]
Starring[]
Main Housewives[]
- Tamra Judge
- Heather Dubrow
- Shannon Beador
- Emily Simpson
- Gina Kirschenheiter
- Jennifer Pedranti
- Katie Ginella
Friends[]
- Alexis Bellino (mention only)
Guests[]
Husbands[]
- Travis Mullen (mention and picture only)
- Matt Ginella (facetime only)
- Ryan Boyajian (facetime only)
Family[]
- Archie Beador (mention only)
- Stella Beador (mention and picture only)
- Adeline Beador (mention and picture only)
- Bandon Ginella (facetime only)
Continuity[]
TBA
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- This is the second Housewives franchise the involves Jeff Lewis' radio show as the source of drama that is airing at the same time. The other franchise being New York City. (See Season 15 Episode 1: Apple Of My Lie)
- Reddit user WhatLikeItsHardVV noticed the ladies likely did not all stay in the same hotel. The May Fair is the only hotel with its logo displayed throughout the episode, however it is likely some ladies stayed in The Londoner, approximately a 16 minute walking away.[2]
Quotes[]
- Emily: "Do you (Shannon) know what Excel is?"
- Gina: "Where's Little Ben?"
- Gina: "Everybody thinks he (Travis) has a small dick because his balls are enormous."
- Emily: "You can text Archie!"
- Jenn: "You're my queen, b*tch."
- Tamra: (holding a magnifying glass) "And where were you? January 6th!"
- Tamra's Glam: "You're adorable." Tamra: "Someone's at the door?"
- Emily: "She (Jenn) doesn't have a job, or income, and she doesn't know what her boyfriend does."
- Gina: "Bless Jenn's heart, how many times does this girl have to get walloped upside down the side of the head before she wears a f*cking helmet or something."
- Shannon: "Did I say you (Tamra) have a huge ego? You do."
- Jenn: "You have "Single White Female"-ed this f*cking sh*t.