What is there to say about the one and only Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville other than you either love her or hate her (there is no in between with her, a Danielle Staub — of RHONJ — reference). Season 5 of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills has almost seemed like The Witch Hunt Of Brandi Glanville for those of us — me — who don't think Brandi is nearly as bad as some of the women on the show make her out to be. Sure, Brandi has a temper, and sure Brandi says things that are often out of line, but is she really as bad as everyone says? I don't think so.
Being a Brandi Glanville fan is something I shouldn't be ashamed of, but I know she is definitely a point of contention for RHOBH fans, so I tread lightly. Sometimes, it's not easy defending Brandi because she is often wrong in the things she says or does. I will be the first to admit Brandi is not perfect — actually, Brandi will probably be the first to admit she isn't perfect, because she's real like that — but that doesn't mean she deserves to be the scapegoat for everyone's issues on the show.
Here are the emotional, complicated, and often bittersweet stages of defending Brandi Glanville on RHOBH:
1. "Brandi's Hilarious And People Are Just Jealous"
Brandi just gets me. And sorry, but some of the other women think they're a lot funnier than they really are. Brandi doesn't need to try as hard as some of the others — cough, Kyle.
2. "She Just Doesn't Have A Filter, Which Is Refreshing"
What Brandi says, I think. She doesn't have that mesh part of her brain strainer that filters through the things that she is going to say on national TV. And yes, that means certain things slip out that aren't exactly nice.
3. "Argh, That Offends Me"
*Cringes* Don't make this harder than it needs to be, Brandi.
4. "But She's Just Biting Back"
Brandi doesn't need someone to make excuses for her, but she is often provoked on the show, which leads to her outbursts. I'm not saying that makes it OK, but the women know that Brandi isn't going to just sit there and take even the slightest bit of criticism.
5. "This Is Probably Her TV Persona"
Plus, I bet if I met Brandi, she wouldn't be so aggressive in real life. I bet she adds to her persona for TV, because who doesn't like drama?
6. "She's More Entertaining Than Any Of The Other Women"
Who would you rather watch? Brandi say or do something outrageous, or Eileen Davidson walk a "red carpet" at a shopping center?
7. "Lisa Vanderpump, I Think You're Great, But You Turned Your Back On Us"
Because when Brandi feels betrayed, I feel betrayed. Same to you Ken. And Giggy. Don't you turn your back to me. Don't you walk out of this room.
8. "Don't Say That, Brandi"
It's not easy to defend you when you ask to play a game complimenting people and you only compliment their physical features.
9. "Don't Hit People, Brandi"
AHHH, why are you doing this to me! I want to support you so much. Put the hand away.
10. "We Don't See All Of Brandi On The Show"
But we don't get to see the full package that is Brandi Glanville. Her ex (he who shall not be named) doesn't want their children on the show, so the only environment we see Brandi in is that surrounded by Drama — with a capital "D." If we saw Brandi at home with her two boys, we'd know that there's more to her.
11. "Brandi Is Everyone's Excuse For Not Getting Along"
Kyle and Kim, your issues are a lot deeper than Brandi (see Season 1: "You stole my GD house"), so don't blame things entirely on her friendship with Kim. Brandi is an easy scapegoat because she was identified as the anomaly in the group early on. She stands out, so why not take that and run with it and blame her for everyone's personal issues. Now I'm not saying she doesn't fuel things, but this is a TV show.
12. "She Needs To Come Back For Another Season"
If I can make it through Season 5 defending Brandi, I think I can make it through another season. I just hope Brandi agrees.
Images: Evans Vestal Ward/Bravo; Giphy (12)
