Season 5 Finale of the Real Housewives of Orange County: Salty and Sweet

Tonight Bravo saw the season finale for the Real Housewives of Orange County. Tonight marks the fifth season for the show and there are no signs of waning popularity. Up until the final moments the show carried through on its rich tradition of cattiness, tears and irresponsibility.

We saw the Ladies preparing for and attending the wrap party for the show, which was held at The Regis. As usual, the women proceeded to sparkle and shine as the sun set on another beautiful Orange County summer. However, the Ladies couldn't let us leave without a little drama on our plates to hold us over until next season.

The moment we knew was approaching for the Barneys finally unfolded before our eyes. While dressing for the event, Tamra and Simon couldn't agree on what she should wear. It was interesting that while most would agree Tamra has a body most 20 year olds would envy, Simon couldn't resist scolding her about a dress she wanted to wear, telling her that "it didn't seem like a dress that a 40 year old would wear." Every remark from his lips was made to tear his wife apart. Previously Simon forgot exactly how old his wife was on her birthday-and announced the incorrect age in a toast. Its funny he can remember her age when its convenient. When Tamra finally told Simon she wanted a divorce, it was almost visible the weight that was lifted off her shoulders. I realize that in the end, it was actually Simon who followed through with divorce proceedings, but either way those two needed to go their own ways.

The more pressing issue for me which has no sign of being resolved is Lynne Curtin's family situation. The family has already been rattled by eviction earlier in the season. The transient nature of the family has left their daughters emotionally damaged and upset with their parents for not providing a stable household for their children. In response to this instability, the Curtin children are jumping off a cliff with a blindfold.

We watched the oldest daughter Raquel struggle to "find herself" and deal with persistent unemployment after coasting through high school under her parents lenient thumb. It was only after consulting with a family counselor that Raquel decided to pursue her budding talents as a painter (which still makes her no income) and the series saw her distance herself from the show. Her sister Alexa however has become her own force of nature within the show. We have seen Alexa ignore her parents as they discuss her the constant rebellion and disrespect. During the wrap party, both of the girls showed up drunk and their parents didn't even bother to discipline them even after their behavior was commented on by the staff at the event.

With the note season 5 ended on for The Real Housewives of Orange County, one can only wonder about the future shenanigans that this show holds.