This season marked the only regular appearance of Peggy Tanous.
Production and crew
In January 2011, it was revealed that The Real Housewives of Orange County would return for a sixth season and was slated to air in March later that year.[2] The season premiere "Amped Blondes and Evil Eyes" was aired on March 6, 2011, while the fifteenth episode "Girl Fight" served as the season finale, and was aired on June 5, 2011.[3][4][5][6][7] It was followed by a two-part reunion that aired on June 12 and June 13, 2011[8][9][10][11] and a "Lost Footage" special on June 20, 2011, which marked the conclusion of the season.[12][13][14] Adam Karpel, Alex Baskin, Douglas Ross, Gregory Stewart, Scott Dunlop, Stephanie Boyriven and Andy Cohen are recognized as the series' executive producers; it is produced and distributed by Evolution Media.[14]
Cast and synopsis
Four of the six housewives featured on the fifth season of The Real Housewives of Orange County returned for the sixth instalment.[15] Despite Jeana Keough's mid-season departure in the fifth season, Keough returned to season six in a recurring capacity.[16][17][18] The season also saw Lynne Curtin departing the series but continued to make guest appearances throughout the series.[19][20] During an episode of Watch What Happens Live!, Curtin has since revealed she is open to a return to the series as a full-time cast member saying, "I would love to come back." During that same episode, former wives Keough and Lauri Peterson revealed they weren't open to a return as a full-time cast member. Keough's departure as a full-time cast member left Gunvalson as the last remaining original cast member on the franchise, a title which she held until her demotion to friend of in season 14.
Two new women were introduced to the series in season six, Peggy Tanous as a full-time cast member and who is described as a "stay-at-home mom with poster girl good looks", and Fernanda Rocha in a recurring capacity, a friend to Tamra Barney who is described as a "hot Brazilian lesbian fitness instructor."[21]
Barney files for divorce from Simon and celebrates her new life with her younger boyfriend Eddie Judge.[3][22][23][24] She is stressed by her worsening problems with Rossi and another feud with Keough.[25] Barney's feud with Keough escalates, despite attempts of reconciliation, to the point of a physical altercation involving a restraining order and wine being thrown.[4] Alexis Bellino expresses her eagerness for independence from Jim, Bellino launches a fashion collection of dresses as well as changing the rules in her marriage.[25][26] Bellino finds herself competing with long-time friend and new housewife Tanous through the season and causes a divide between the two.[22][24][27] Vicki Gunvalson continues to thrive in the workplace however her many years of balancing her professional and personal life seems to no prevail due to her relationship with Donn becoming increasingly distant and unsalvageable.[3][22][28][27] Gunvalson looks to leaving the neighborhood and want to sell the house, Donn is happy to stay put.[29] Gunvalson suffers some health issues that leaves some of the ladies questioning her.[26][4] By the end of the season, it is revealed that Gunvalson and Donn are getting a divorce.[12] Gretchen Rossi hopes for marriage become clouded by speculation that her boyfriend Smiley is a deadbeat parent and knowledge of his previous relationships with housewives.[26] Gretchen encourages the men in her life to be healthier, they include Smiley and their two dogs.[30] Rossi expands her business with a handbag line.[3] Tanous explores the possibility of revitalizing her modelling career.[31] She also reveals her struggle of Postpartum depression and her suicidal thoughts.[32]
Episodes
The Real Housewives of Orange County season 6 episodes
Season 6 begins with Tamra organizing a shopping party. She invites all the ladies in an effort to be more social, but the drama heightens when a boozy Gretchen misbehaves and calls Tamra an Evil Bitch.
Peggy consults a nip-tuck surgeon. Meanwhile, Vicki has trouble balancing her workload demands with family time. Fernanda throws a party to celebrate her citizenship, but tensions run high when Tamra can't attend.
Tamra and her boyfriend depart for Spain, for an amorous getaway. Elsewhere, Gretchen organizes a surprise vow-renewal ceremony for her parents. Peggy undergoes breast-implant surgery, and Vicki arranges a family vacation in a bid to be a better mother and wife.
Whispers spread about the Bellinos' possible home foreclosure, as Vicki and Tamra dish about the development. Meanwhile, Gretchen gripes that all the males in her life are growing plus-size, including Slade and her dogs, and quality time between Vicki and Donn turns tense.
Slade celebrates Gretchen's birthday. But with the surprise celebration's inexpensive take-out food comes a shock-and-awe gift. Meanwhile, Peggy and Tamra model at a fashion show, but a surprise awaits Tamra, and a stunning secret is disclosed when former cast member Lynne Curtin works out at Fernanda's gym.
Peggy hosts her annual dinner party, and enlists famed foodies Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken to cater the event. The tasty supper turns super testy, as Alexis stirs the pot and storms off. Meanwhile, Vicki serves up a shocking comment, and the ladies meet Tamra's new boyfriend.
Peggy and Alexis discuss their ever-fraying relationship, but their conversation only creates more tension. Meanwhile, Slade's mother arrives and corners him about his job status. Vicki and Peggy gather for some wine and whine.
Antics and dramas accent a getaway to San Antonio, during which Alexis cuts loose and candidly discusses her home life. In the OC, Tamra's court case against her ex-husband reaches a fever pitch with former housewife Jeana Keough upping the drama by opining to the press.
Peggy orchestrates a surprise trip to Las Vegas with her husband. Also there to spin giddy in Sin City: Tamra and Eddie. Meanwhile, Gretchen corners Slade about the debt-related problems of their relationship. A fashion show is held, but a medical emergency causes a no-show and mounting drama.
In the Season 6 finale, Vicki leaves the hospital and continues to deal with her personal problems. Despite all this, she still hosts her annual fall party. Drama lets loose at the bash, especially when ex-cast member Jeana Keough reenters the picture.
Andy Cohen hosts the conclusion of a two-part reunion, a chatty and catty affair featuring the Orange County ladies recounting the wives' tales of Season 6.
It's a soapy-saga swirl when the Orange County ladies are featured in previously unseen footage. An eating disorder, gay marriage, and divorce are some of the issues that take center stage.
References
^"Episode Guide". Bravo. December 3, 2008. Retrieved August 23, 2016.
