What Happens in Vegas

Finally Cats. By the time you read this blog, Gretchen's Pussycat Dolls performance will have been unveiled. But let's start at the very beginning (which is a very good place to start) for this recap, shall we?

Cat of Nine Tails
And so the night opens with Gretchen in outfit and role numero uno. She must open the evening by introducing the Pussycat Dolls performance, which in itself is no small feat. And she nails this one with ease. Robin (and our good buddy choreographer from last week) loved it. And you know who else loved things -- the 'Wives and their gents! They all seemed pretty pleased with the performance (and front row view) they had of the PCD action. Particularly Tamra, who can now finally persue a career as a gynecologist

And then it's fever time. Robin Antin gives her notes up to the last second, and Gretchen worries she didn't have enough time to learn the number.

Gretchen's Fever

Here's the truth: Gretchen looked uber-foxy, and, sure her voice might not have been Christina-caliber, but did the best with what she could. And I do think she worked that crowd (and that carousel horse) to the best of her ability. So, go Gretchen!

Back at the hotel room, people were feeling the feline vibe (I say that because cats are very forgiving right?), and Sarah waltzed right up to Vicki and apologized for the bowling party incident. And it was quick, to the point, and accepted. Who can ask for more?

And in a moment of pay it forward bliss, Vicki gives kudos to Gretchen. And then Tamra gives Gretchen a present -- a picture of the two of them smiling together that was actually taken, not altered with Photoshop. Besides Vicki's presence, she also has a physical present -- and an apology! Granted she asks for one right back, but baby steps people. I guess Vegas is the city of sisterly love.

Before we leave Sin City, I want to address Vicki's knowledge of casino rules. That's right Vicki, if you're betting the drinks are free. Don't waste her time dealers! TWhere is her dirty martini with a blue cheese olive?

Driving the Bus
After Gretchen's advice (and Jim's semi-blessing), Alexis decides to go see a talent coach build her strengths. She's a great live-news-bus passenger, but she's got to move up to her role as live television bus driver now (much like Keanu Reeves). I was unaware that bus driving and journalism were so closely linked, but I guess the first seven seconds on a bus are also the most important ones.

Terry's first critique is on Alexis' wardrobe, and she's fairly scathing from then on out. But Alexis is undaunted. Journalism is hard to do, and so she's ready for all the advice she can get. Hence she's game for an exercise involving a Backdraft scenario and a missing cat. I have to hand it to Alexis, I don't think I could have held it together through such harrowing, rapid-fire exercises, and even though Terry told her the garden needed to be watered, she believed in her. Watch out highway of journalism –- Alexis will be driving down you in no time!

Don’t Worry, Bead Happy
Gretchen and Slade meet Terry and Heather for a double date dinner. Terry's packed his worry beads so he can live in the moment, which is always a great way to enter into a dinner. The gang discusses all the support that was rolling Gretchen's way in Vegas and how Gretchen decided in the interest of smoothing things over to just let the Vicki thing roll off her back. Kumbaya indeed.

But as quickly as peace spread across the valley it ended, with Terry getting a little too honest about his feelings for Alexis. . . Apparently his worry beads don't do anything towards keeping him mum on matters of the 'Wives. Gretchen does express that she's unsure of Alexis' current behavior, as well, so it seems that once one beef is settled another arises. . .much like those beavers in arcade games.

Ryan's Man Pad
Here's a miniature announcement: men of America, get furniture! You don't necessarily need couches and chandeliers and plants, but a chair besides the one in your kitchen is a good start. Tamra does manage to resist the urge to buy him a full living room set at Eddie's urging. Instead she goes with semi-tough love, which is enough toughness to help him learn how to manage him money, but not so tough that she doesn't have something to put a drink down on the next time she comes over.

Bombs Away
Back in the OC, Vicki is trying to deal with the rent house she purchased from Jenna. Brooks is doing his best to assure her that it's all going to work out, even if she has to sell the house at a lose, but Vicki sees the plan she once made falling apart around her. She's doing her best to take solace in the fact tthings are calming down. She's happy with Brooks, Briana's well, everything is serene. . .

Well it was. . .

Briana brings Ryan, her beau, to meet Vicki. Ryan's a marine, continuing Briana's streak of men in uniform, but the bombs of war (his joke!) aren't the only ones he's going to be dropping. There's also a little surprise in store for Vicki: they're married! Yup, Briana and Ryan eloped to Las Vegas.

Briana Got Married!

Thankfully the drinks arrived right as this news was being broken, giving everyone a great bit of courage to control their reactions. (Excellent long quaff from Vicki there.) Vicki is upset because she thinks Briana deserves better than a tiny Vegas chapel.

We'll see next week if Vicki can muster up the support for these nupitials, if Slade can muster up the support to propose to Gretchen, and if Briana can muster up support for Brooks. Basically next week everyone has to do some mustering.

Until then, what did you think of this Vegas madness? Can you believe while Gretchen was hitting the high notes, Briana was getting hitched? Leave your thoughts on the matter in the comments.