I know this is probably unpopular (even here), but I think Crystal deserved a good portion of her dragging last night. These women don't care about her, yes, and none of them are paragons of virtue. And in particular, I think that she has been actively harmed by several things they've done, especially Sutton's 1970s anti-racism racism, and the entire group's glib discourse about her ED. That was glossed over way too quickly.

But I also think Crystal herself is not above criticism. Kyle is not totally wrong when saying that Crystal is a frustrating communicator who synonymizes the value of "MY truth" with the value of "the truth" as a way of never having to be challenged, in the same way that she demands validation of her feelings even without ensuring that others understand them (for then others could potentially counter her in disagreement).

Even now, when she's caught in a lie -- and, yes, insisting that there were WORSE things Sutton said, and then finally denying that there's anything when pressed is dishonest; it doesn't discount her feelings about the conversation overall, but it again reiterates her unwillingness to be challenged, for -- she again clings to "my truth" as a way of not having to admit any error or deliberateness with hyperbole. As if she's entitled to publicly express opinions about others without rebuttal from said others. And then no expectations that she'll ever change her mind.

I think she's a great Housewife because of these flaws, so I'm glad the show/cast can call them out, as it would with any relatively new wife. Now, I would agree that Andy's cosigning of the cast's perspective was surprisingly forceful -- I like him more neutral. But I think we have to stop pretending that Crystal can't be engaged the same way as everyone else. That heightened sensitivity is part of her curated reputation -- which she uses to be above reproach when, like all of these women, she isn't. In fact, I think the more engaged she is next year, the better wife she'll be.