RHOC Fans Wonder if ‘Entertaining’ Alexis Bellino Has Made Shannon Beador More Relatable After Her DUI Incident

The Real Housewives of Orange County found its rhythm again in Season 17, and Season 18 has largely maintained that momentum, delivering its fair share of drama. Yet, some of the conflicts this season have felt lopsided, leaving fans wondering if certain storylines might have been better left off-screen.

One of the most talked-about events of Season 18 is Alexis Bellino’s return. After years away from the series, Alexis reappeared in a supporting role—just in time to stir up old tensions. Her comeback couldn’t have been more perfectly timed, as she’s now in a relationship with Shannon Beador’s ex-boyfriend, John Janssen. With the season nearing its conclusion, viewers are evaluating whether Alexis’s return was a hit or a miss.

Missing Footage and One-Sided Storylines

Notably, much of Alexis’s on-screen time seems to have been left on the cutting room floor. The footage that has aired largely revolves around her attempts to restore John’s reputation while painting Shannon in a negative light. Fans have been vocal about this on the Real Housewives subreddit, expressing mixed feelings about Alexis’s role this season.

One fan commented, “I don’t require housewives or friends to be likable. Alexis is entertaining and, honestly, she’s humanizing Shannon a lot. Had she not returned on Johnny J’s arm, we would only be talking about her DUI.” It’s a valid observation—without Alexis, the focus might have shifted more heavily onto Shannon’s DUI incident, potentially changing public sympathy towards her.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

While some viewers appreciate Alexis’s presence, others remain unimpressed. One fan shared, “I don’t like Alexis, but out of all the egregious housewives, she doesn’t bother me. She’s a dimwit with serious self-esteem issues who needs ‘a man’ to feel relevant, as evidenced by her past and current situations.” They felt that Alexis’s involvement in the John and Shannon drama seemed like a bid for relevance, making her appear “emotionally stunted.”

Another viewer added that Alexis “feels like she’s a gift to the show and no matter what she does, we’re supposed to like her. She’s completely oblivious to how badly she comes off.” This critique highlights a perception that Alexis fails to recognize the negative impression her behavior might leave on the audience, suggesting a lack of self-awareness and growth.

Yet, some speculate that the unaired footage might have shown a more complex side of Alexis. As one fan noted, “She’s exactly who she was when we first saw her on TV,” suggesting that her character hasn’t evolved much since her earlier seasons on the show.

Over the Top or True to Herself?

Alexis has faced criticism for her larger-than-life declarations of love, whether it’s for her past partners, her current relationship with John, or her time on Below Deck. Her dramatic gestures, both on and off RHOC, have drawn mixed reactions from viewers, with some finding her sincerity questionable.

Despite the criticism, Alexis’s time on RHOC might not be coming to an end just yet. Tamra Judge, one of her co-stars, has even hinted that she’d support Alexis returning full-time for Season 19. Tamra’s support suggests that Alexis’s story could delve deeper into her personal life, including her relationship and a potential wedding, offering a chance for more well-rounded storytelling.

This is a notable shift from the same Tamra who previously accused Shannon of playing the victim to gain sympathy from viewers—proof that alliances on RHOC can be as unpredictable as the drama itself.

Looking Ahead: Will Alexis Stay or Go?

As The Real Housewives of Orange County continues to air on Bravo every Thursday at 9/8c, fans can catch up on Seasons 1-18 streaming on Peacock. Whether Alexis Bellino’s return will lead to a more substantial role or fade into the background remains to be seen. For now, her presence has certainly added a layer of complexity to an already dynamic season, leaving viewers eager to see what’s next.