Real Houseparty Guests Get Paid

TV

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – This show has turned into a display of odd personal rituals (psychics, cleanses, life coaches) and dinner parties from hell. In seasons past, there were only a few events horrific enough to be considered hellish. (The episode with Camille Grammer's dinner party was officially titled "Dinner Party From Hell.") But this year it seems that every event featuring more than three cast members is automatically destined to become an explosive fight. Call me uninspired, but if I knew there was a good chance I'd be verbally attacked at a party, I'm pretty sure I'd stay home. Which begs the question: why do the Housewives keep showing up? 

The obvious answer that my reality-show-dulled brain finally hit upon is this: it's their job. The cast members are paid for their participation, both in money and publicity. I don't know what they are contractually obligated to do, but their status on the show won't last if they sit out from the dinner parties, garden parties, and psychic parties to which they are constantly inviting one another. Brandi Glanville, the source of much of the fighting this season, continues to diligently attend every event, despite the fact that she is likely to get verbally attacked and demeaned each time. It's telling that Brandi is the least wealthy of these women, having no family fortune, successful business, or rich husband. And so, this single mom and jilted ex-wife of Eddie Cibrian will likely continue to show up to party after party so that she can stay relevant and earn enough money to remain in this zip code. 

As for me, perhaps I shouldn't speak so quickly about the likelihood of me attending such events. After all, the money is a big reason why I show up for meetings at work...especially the unpleasant ones. And even if my meetings have snacks, they are nothing compared to the cuisine and wine (lots of wine) that the Housewives enjoy during their shouting matches. So maybe I would be willing to attend events featuring vicious personal attacks if I am then rewarded with a large paycheck and fancy cheeses. I'd do nearly anything for a good cheese.