This season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is more chaotic than any season I've ever seen before. Between Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley’s ugly feud, and Sutton Strake continuing to fly off the handle, this season has been packed with non-stop action. However, one "friend of" has prevailed from the shadows of the drama, and lightened the blow of all the friendship fall out this season — and that's Jennifer Tilly. Unfortunately, we may be at risk of losing her next season.
After reports came out that Kyle was trying to get Dorit off the show, another recent report is now alleging that the RHOBH cast is trying to get Jennifer off the show next season. An insider told Life & Style that the actress has been ostracized by most of the group, saying “Jennifer is the least popular of the group and the ladies can’t stand her and have been giving her the cold shoulder, except Sutton [Stracke], who’s been her friend for over a decade and people wonder why.” The insider says that one of the ladies' major issues with Jennifer was her divorce settlement. As part of her settlement with her late ex-husband Sam Simon, Jennifer got 30 percent of his royalties from The Simpsons. The source says that “Jennifer tends to pass herself off as this American socialite … when everyone knows she took her ex-hubby to the cleaners and walked away with a huge divorce settlement, and she still gets royalties from The Simpsons, which HE created.” If these reports are true — I couldn’t disagree with the RHOBH cast more.
Jennifer Tilly Is the Comedic Relief We All Need on 'RHOBH'
This season would simply be unwatchable if it weren't for Jennifer. She is the breath of fresh air, the positivity, and the comedic relief we need among all the fighting. Jennifer never gets involved in the drama, yet she always has something hilarious to say. When the ladies go to Oceanside and Kyle and Dorit get into a spat with each other at the dinner table, Jennifer, who is sitting right beside Dorit, is only concerned about her food. In her confessional, she says "I am just hoping it'll die down soon so I can have my dinner." The confessional cuts to Jennifer at the table, who says "food tastes better when you eat it with your hands." It was probably the most out-of-pocket and random comment she could've made, but it made for a good laugh as a viewer.
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Another example is at Bozoma’s Saint John's spa day. Kyle dramatically storms off set after showing the ladies her texts with Dorit's husband, PK Kemlsey. After Kyle leaves, the ladies discuss what just happened. Jennifer doesn't really have much to contribute to the conversation, so instead she hilariously blurts out, “I wonder if there’s any delicious coffee in the kitchen.” That was just what viewers needed to break up the tension. She is so out of the loop with the drama that's surrounding her, which is a good thing because we need someone who can bring fun, positive energy to the cast.
Jennifer Tilly Is Just the Friend Sutton Strake Needs
Sutton needed a "friend of" this season more than anybody — and Jennifer was the perfect person to cast. Throughout her time on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Sutton has been notoriously hot and cold. One minute she's putting her Southern charm to good use. She's funny, endearing, and your best friend. The next minute she's like a viper ready to bite.
We saw Sutton's inconsistency this season with Dorit. In Oceanside, Sutton has an emotional conversation with Dorit, who is struggling to navigate her separation. Sutton tells Dorit that she will always be a shoulder for her to lean on, and that she understands what she's going through. She holds a ritual for the group on the last night of the trip, in an attempt to bond them as "sisters for life." The next day, the ladies head home in a sprinter van, and Sutton decides that's the moment to call out Erika Jayne for whispering to Kyle at dinner instead of saying it front of the whole group. Somehow, Dorit took it as a critique of her friendship with Teddi Mellencamp, and the two get into a screaming match. Things go from bad to worse between the two at Kyle's cowboy party, when Sutton tells Dorit "You're angry, and you're not angry at me, you're angry at your life." That was definitely not the words that come out of a "sister for life."
Sutton very easily flies off the handle. She's super-sensitive, and takes everything personally. That's exactly why she needs someone like Jennifer by her side. She's a loyal friend who will always be on her side, someone she can confide in, but who will also tell her like is. Jennifer grounds Sutton, and although she's still acting out this season, I hope if she gets a permanent place on the show, she will chill out.
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Jennifer Tilly Is Unlike Any Housewife I've Ever Seen
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Jennifer is different from any other cast member we’ve seen before. She is a professional high-stakes poker player, and an award-winning comedic actress. Like Boz, she has climbed up the ladder herself, unlike many of the other cast members who don’t really do all that much. We need to keep the girl bosses on the show! Her eccentric taste in fashion also makes her stand out. I always look forward to seeing what Jennifer is going to pull out of her closet.
I know I love Jennifer, but clearly the fans also agree. The ratings this season are on Jennifer’s side — RHOBH viewership has been up since she joined the show. Ultimately, it’s the producers' decision, but I think they should decide with the ratings and not let the RHOBH cast members' jealousy get in the way. She's exactly the breath of fresh air we all need on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
