The 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' show must go on -- or should it?
I've been on the fence about blogging about the latest "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" scandal because it will hit home with some locals who know Tulsa native Taylor Armstrong, who graduated from Union High School as Shana Hughes.
Her husband and "Housewives" cast mate, Russell Armstrong, committed suicide a couple of weeks ago and media coverage has been relentless, culminating in the sad 911-call that was released yesterday on entertainment sites, such as E! Online.
It turns out the pair were in financial dire straights, and their once-impending divorce was to be a major plot line on the show's second season, set to air Tuesday.
Now, Bravo reps are confirming that the show will indeed go on. Network officials released this
statement today:
"Given that these episodes were filmed months ago, the producers of the show taped a brief interview this week with several of the cast members to introduce the premiere. Re-editing of the episodes is still under way.”
And throughout the season, the show will air public service announcements about suicide prevention. Read into that what you will.
Last season, real-life drama drew millions of viewers as we literally watched Camille Grammer's marriage to “Frasier” star Kelsey Grammer, fall apart before our very eyes. That coupled with the dynamic, sparring sister act – Kyle and Kim Richards, aunts of Paris Hilton – made the show an instant hit.
Now we have real drama. I’ll gladly admit it, I've watched many – make that most - "Housewives" shows, and have laughed in faux shock when these women acted horribly to each other. Haven't they have become our modern soap operas?
So far, I’ve watched without shame - it's mindless fun, right?
But it's starting to feel more voyeuristic. While Taylor is far from a victim of media scandal – she signed up for a reality show, after all, and has publicly claimed her late husband allegedly abused her – it’s still going to be awkward to watch the pair go to couples counseling all season. Surely they edit those scenes out - or will they?
Will you tune in on Tuesday to see the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills?”
