Season 2: Episode 1

Episode 1: Best Frenemies

Introduction:

This week we will be covering episode 1 of season 2 of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. I

have not seen this season so we will be going through these drama-filled episodes one by one together.

Just to preface, this season does take place at the end of 2021, into 2022, so I’ll be discussing it as if I

am not aware of what happens in the later seasons.

Let's Begin…

This episode starts off intense, giving a preview of what's to come later in the season. It opens with

one of the housewives, Jen Shah, being tracked down by federal agents due to fraud and money

laundering charges against her (I know, crazy, but stick with me). This is the wildest opening I've

seen to a Housewives season. Then the episode flashes back to where the story really begins, two months earlier….

Now I’ll be breaking down the housewives and sharing my opinions on each of them:

Jen Shah

In her new downsized house, Jen has Lisa Barlow over and opens up to her about her marital problems

with her husband Sharrieff. Jen’s MANY outbursts from season 1 played a major role in the starting

of couples therapy. Then Lisa expresses her concerns for Jen’s friendship with Merideth.

My take: Jen had very volatile behavior in season 1. She was explosive and reactive to anything that came her way and in most situations, she was in the wrong. I would like to see her grow from last season and take accountability for the hurt she has caused Merideth’s family.

Meredith Marks

After having problems with her marriage in season 1, Meredith and her husband Seth seem to be

going strong. Meredith has lunch with Mary, Heather, and Whitney. She reveals the absurd behavior

of Jen Shah, who has reposted and liked homophobic and straight-up mean comments on social

media about Meridith’s teenage son Brooks. Meredith also shares that her father had passed away

the day before. 

My take: I’m happy to see Merideth and Seth back on good terms (He is one of my favorite husbands on any of the shows). Meredith seems very calm and grounded in this episode for what is taking place. I hope that her and her family get a heartfelt apology from Jen, however, after watching Jen in season 1, that might be difficult. If you have watched any Housewives show, you know that going after someone's kids is basically an act of war and I want Merideth to stand her ground because someone needs to stick up to Jen Shah. 

Lisa Barlow

Lisa has her meet-up with Jen and talks about their friendship with Merideth (the same meeting that

was brought up earlier). She also talks with her son, Jack, about college. He comes as off very

uninterested in the idea and believes he will just make money from his company (which Lisa and

her husband started for him). Later, Lisa has dinner at Merideth’s house and tries to convince her to

hear Jen out.

My take: I have very little understanding of why Lisa is defending Jen. In season 1, Lisa and Merideth are best friends. Meredith so gracefully told Lisa that she does not understand or support why Lisa is doing what she is doing but does know that Jen needs a friend right now (because no one likes her). The point is also brought up to Lisa that if Jen came after her son Jack, and Merideth then was buddy-buddy with Jen, how would she feel? Lisa then avoids the question and continues to back Jen. Why? I have no idea. To me, Lisa is consistently in the wrong and most of the time, only thinks about herself.

Heather Gay

In this episode, Heather is shown to be a supportive mother. Her oldest daughter is applying to colleges

and Heather shares that when she was younger, she grew up Mormon and her only option was to go

to BYU and get married so she wants a different life for her children. Heather also shares at the lunch

with Merideth, Whitney, and Mary, that Jen is very nice and loving to her face and then bashes her on

social media.

My take: I love Heather. In my opinion, she is the realest one on this show. I hope she stands up

to Jen and shares how she is truly feeling. I feel like this will be hard for her to do so I’m just hoping for the best.

Whitney Rose

Whitney has her step-sons over to celebrate one of their birthdays (Her step-sons are closer to her

age than her husband is). She shares about wanting to expand her skincare brand and grow from the

Mormon ideology that the men are the breadwinners of the households.

My take: I like Whitney from last season but other than that she didn’t do much in this episode.

Mary Crosby:

Mary shares that she was lonely at the beginning of the pandemic because her husband (also her

former step-grandfather) was stuck in Florida for the first six months of lockdown. She also decided

to start a new podcast. 

My take: Mary mentioned something about how if she was Heather and Jen were treating her this way,

she would not be friends with her. Mary is also currently not friends with Jen (Mary has common sense).

Jennie Nguyen

Jennie is a new housewife this season and comes on as a friend of Lisa's. We learn a little about

her but not much.

My take: I love when new people join the cast so I am very excited to see what Jennie brings to the table. 

Final thoughts

• I do not like Jen Shah and am looking forward to her arrest later in the season

• Lisa always claims to care about her friendships but never acts like it - actions speak louder than words

• Very confused as to why Mary started a podcast