Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 episode 1: Recap and more details explored

Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 premiered on Thursday, July 11, 2024, on Bravo. The first episode, Exes and OCs, featured exciting things and was more focused on Shannon and her issues. Cast members for the show include Tamra Judge, Shannon Storms Beador, Vicki Gunvalson, Gina Kirschenheiter, Jennifer Pedranti, Emily Simpson, and Heather Dubrow.

Returning cast members Alexis Bellino and Shannon had a heated discussion in the first episode of Real Housewives of Orange County. Shannon also apologized to Gina, which Gina could not believe. Shannon’s meeting with her lawyer was also featured in the premiere episode.

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What happened on Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 episode 1

Shannon troubles

After the season 17 reunion, Shannon was involved in a DUI hit and run after her accident near her ex-boyfriend John Janssen’s house. All the ladies on the show have been quite unsure of what they should do regarding Shannon. Shannon spent the premiere of the Real Housewives of Orange County episode discussing the embarrassment and guilt of her actions. Being a mother of three daughters, she felt guilty throughout the episode.

All of the fellow females on the show explained their side of the story about continuing to be friends with Shannon after her DUI. Tamra shared in the confessional that she has decided to pull back from Shannon. On the other hand, Tammy Sue also said that, after Shannon’s DUI, she canceled her appearance at a comedy show. She said that after her friend got arrested, it would not have been a good look.

Gina shared how Shannon has been about Gina’s previous DUI. Seeing her behavior over the years, Gina is undoubtedly not at all empathetic about the same. She said:

"Shannon spiraled. Right into a house."

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Alexis’ return on Real Housewives of Orange County

Heather brought Alexis back to the group. After Alexis’ mother passed away earlier this year, she needed the support. Right after she got back, Alexis shared that story:

"November 18, John Janssen walked into my life. I met John at The Quiet Woman. Shannon does not own The Quiet Woman. I’ve been going there for over a decade. But anywho, John walks in and ends up sitting in my booth. We tried to fight the feelings. Unfortunately, the heart wants what it wants."

While the ladies were on lunch, Alexis shared more details about her new relationship with Johnny J.

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Shannon meeting her lawyer

After meeting her lawyer regarding her probation and more, she also went on apologizing to Gina and told her:

"I apologize for anything and everything I did to hurt you."

Gina’s reaction was:

"I have no idea what version of Shannon we are on at this point- 2.0, 3.0, 10.0. 12.0, but whichever version this is, I hope it sticks."

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Shannon and Alexis’ conversation

Shannon started the conversation calmly and casually and talked about her lawsuit with Jim. Alexis listened to her but only nodded; no words were exchanged. Later, Shannon finally said she was new, and Alexis was the ex, and she asked Alexis about a check for $300,000.

To which, Alexis’ reply was:

"You’re never going to get a dollar from me. If you don’t like it, there is the door, Shannon Beador."

For fans, who don’t already know, Alexis Bellino is currently in a relationship with Shannon’s ex-boyfriend. Moreover, Alexis’s ex-husband Jim Bellino has sued Shannon and Tamra for their previous comments on the show.

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Fans can stream Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 on Bravo on Thursdays.