The Real Housewives of Atlanta: In Memory of AJ Jewell

Tonight's episode of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" was the first after the recent death of Kandi's fiancé, Ashley "AJ" Jewell. The episode was dedicated to AJ and there were certain moments, including the preview for next week's episode, which brought a twinge. It is a tragedy and I think everyone's prayers are with Kandi.

On with the show. After her no-show at Kandi's gig last week, Kim invites Kandi to go shopping in an attempt to kiss and make up. Kandi was pretty ticked that Kimberlocks missed her performance and went through the laundry list of times Kim has flaked. Kim claims her daughter was sick and she couldn't make it. Here's my question: what is it with these Housewives and their broken fingers when it comes time to text or call one of the other Housewives to let them know they won't be attending an event? They never seem to have a problem reaching out and touching someone when it comes time to cuss each other out. Just saying. Kandi reveals she, her mom and AJ are going to counseling in order to sort out their tangled relationship. Kim whips out her black AMEX and makes a point of saying she got it on her own without assistance from Big Papa. As Kandi said, where did Kim get the minimum $250,000 needed to qualify for a black AMEX? My guess is it was courtesy of whatever married man Kim was dating before Big Papa came into the picture.

A "twinge" moment came when Kim mentioned in her confessional that she and Sheree were planning a surprise engagement party for Kandi and AJ.

Lisa and Kandi get together later for one of those fake Real Housewives get-togethers to discuss men and business. After the stories this summer about Lisa being evicted, listening to her talk about taking the financial burden if Ed doesn't get back into the NFL raised my eyebrow. Lisa continues to come across as phony to me and Kandi kind of called her on it. Lisa claims she can downsize and Kandi mentions the bowling alley Lisa has in her house. That's like when Lisa said she wanted her fashion line Closet Freak to be affordable for the everyday women - at a cost of $300. Whatever, Lisa.

Dueling Divas Dwight and Sheree battle for control of the She by Sheree fashion show. They do a walk- through of the venue and Dwight takes over on planning the logistics. He turns his nose up at the promo video she shot and she says Dwight needs to be reminded she's the "Head Diva in Charge." I don't think Dwight got that memo. Sheree also takes another swipe at Lisa's Closet Freak fashion show as not being classy according to gossip she's heard around town (which just reconfirms my view that Atlanta is one big high school.)

Kandi reminisces about her days with 90's girl group, Xscape, as she prepares to head to L.A. to close a deal with Capitol Records. During her meeting with the label, she talks about the inspiration behind her record being all the negativity on the blogs about her relationship with AJ. Capitol decides Kandi's got the goods and signs her to its roster.

Real Housewives of Orange County gay husband candidate, Michael, returned this week in all his drag glory to participate in Nene's Heel to Soul marathon. Dwight was in his element, Gregg was decked out in Nene's wedges (I've said it before, I'll say it again, love Gregg) and of course a gay man won the whole thing. I will say this; Nene does come up with some creative events (Season One's Big Hat Luncheon) and it looks like everyone had a good time.

In other tidbits, on the heels of Ed's decision to give up the NFL, Lisa's pregnancy test comes back negative; Kim gets her wig trimmed and enlightens us once again about how good looking she is and Nene talks to her uncle about possibly meeting her biological father.

Next week's episode seems like it will be an uncomfortable one to watch. Kandi, her mother and AJ go to counseling and Kandi's mom makes it clear his four baby mamas is a problem for her as Kandi cries. I couldn't help but think of the upcoming "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion show and how emotional it is going to be when it comes time for Kandi to talk about AJ. Rough stuff.