Straddling Party Lines

This week I'm writing you from the Island of Jamaica. I find this fitting, since our episode this week took us to the tropical coasts of Lake Lanier.

I need to do research here, but I would bet good money that Kim is never in a shot without a cigarette or wine. I'm also noticing that she's "droppin' it like it's hot" with the F-bombs. Not a surprise here, she's just getting comfortable with the camera. I did love her shades though.

Sheree's jacked. I stole that comment from my wife, Jazmin. But she is. She looks more ripped in each episode. Although her business exploits are teetering on comical, I think she's all right. She's hanging with Kim and that's a smart, calculated move on her part - because Kim could easily have her own show on VH1 soon. I can see it now crammed between Rock of Love and I Love New York. We could call it, Kim with a "K."

Now we officially have two camps on this show. Kim vs. NeNe, with DeShawn (seemingly by default) stuck with NeNe. Sheree is clearly Kim's new home girl and Lisa is straddling the party lines.

Speaking of straddling and Lisa - I have never seen a more awkward scene then when Lisa went for that swim partially clothed, swam to the end of the pool and jumped out to answer Ed's phone call. This was half Skinemax, half the scene from Fast Times at Ridgemont High and all very weird. Did anyone else notice that?

Ed's going to the Raiders (insert Chris Berman voiceover).

The Raiders are one of the most storied, hardcore franchises in the NFL. They also happen to be known as a team where old football players go to die. If Ed's smart, and he obviously is, we'll see him on Dancing With the Stars soon. I'd do anything for a Hartwell Raiders jersey. Maybe not anything, but you know what I mean. Seriously, maybe I'd even cook a meal for a couple on this show?

Food wise, we are back to that Brazilian steakhouse that NeNe loves. There are hats, tears, applause, and sighs. But the main culinary event is at DeShawn's house. A sunset barbeque - I have to say that sounded sexy, didn't it? I almost wanted to throw my family in the wagon and head on up to Deshawn's place. But it was a sad party. The mean girls didn't show up. NeNe got some fermented grape juice all up in her (that's wine by the way) and continued the campaign against Kim and Sheree. The guys rolled their eyes. Goodnight.

I also realized what this show is missing. Dating drama!

I miss Bethenny's three Lychee martini attempt at getting her boyfriend to commit. I miss all the drama from the OC women and the men in their lives - sometimes the same men in a few of their lives.

And finally, we find out that NeNe has a different father than she thought. How ironic.

During the family meeting, I find my new favorite character on the show, Bryce. Bryce, in a moment of shear adult wisdom says, "It doesn't change who you are."

Life is messy sometimes. That's life and that what this show is about.

And not to end on a super serious note - I really liked Bryce's MJ earring. Top Chef Season 5 premiere is coming this Wednesday! Look for my blog that night, and of course check out www.RichardBlais.net and www.TrailBlais.com for info on what g'won!