In this week’s Belle Collective, the OWN reality series swaps Mississippi for the Big Easy, ostensibly for a relaxing getaway. But let’s be clear: relaxation is about as likely on this trip as a sober Mardi Gras. The entire cast, plus their often bewildered husbands, descend upon New Orleans, and as any seasoned reality TV viewer knows, packing a group of strong personalities into a new environment is a recipe for prime drama.
Lateshia attempts to foster camaraderie with a co-ed brunch. While mimosas and beignets might sound charming, the brunch seems destined to devolve into a passive-aggressive free-for-all. With existing relationship tensions simmering beneath the surface, this boozy brunch could ignite some serious fireworks.
Meanwhile, on the men’s side of the equation, Willie takes on the unenviable task of mediating between Cliff and Glen. Considering their history, this attempt at male bonding has “epic fail” written all over it. One can only imagine the forced smiles and thinly veiled barbs exchanged over plates of gumbo.
Adding fuel to the fire, Marie apparently develops a strong sense of suspicion over some unspecified wrongdoing. Her distrust implies that someone within the group might be stirring the pot – or perhaps hiding something. What could possibly go wrong in a city known for secrets and shadowed alleyways?
But the real kicker? A surprise guest shows up, throwing Sophia and JJ into a family drama spiral. Just what this trip needed: unresolved personal issues aired out amid the revelry of New Orleans. It’s like adding Tabasco to an already spicy jambalaya.
This New Orleans trip marks a shift for Belle Collective, taking the action outside the usual comfort zones of Jackson, Mississippi. Will this change of scenery offer genuine growth, or simply amplify existing conflicts? Given this cast’s track record, my money’s on the latter.
Belle Collective airs Fridays at 8:00 PM on OWN.
