The thought of any “Real Housewives” city remaining on the air for seven seasons may not have been believable a few years ago. For Orange County, however, it’s becoming reality as the cast concludes with part 2 of their season finale Tuesday night on Bravo.

Sure the wives have changed (Vicki Gunvalson is the only original wife still regularly featured) and the cities they live in may be vast (Everywhere from Newport Beach to Coto de Caza is represented). Nonetheless, the seventh season of the Bravo show has seen record ratings…for good reasons.

Before an epic finale Tuesday night where previews show one time BFFs Tamra Barney and Gunvalson fighting it out, here are five reasons why this season and show continues to work.

1. Tamra Barney And Gretchen Rossi Are Friends

For far too long, Barney and Rossi simply couldn’t get along. Whether it was allegations of cheating or getting one “naked wasted,” the tension was palpable in many episodes. After a couple seasons, the arguments weren’t going anywhere and they were about issues from long ago that didn't matter. Thankfully, the two put aside their differences in this season’s premiere and are now inseparable. This time around, we believe this friendship is the real deal.

2. Costa Rica Trip

No “Real Housewives” season isn’t complete without an over-the-top trip. This season, the ladies headed to Costa Rica for some R&R. For one housewife, it was time for an intervention. The ladies told Alexis Bellino she sometimes comes off as “phony” and “pretentious.” Sure enough, Bellino didn’t take it well and drama followed.

3. Vicki Gunvalson’s Crazy Reality

Love her or hate it, there is always something going on in Gunvalson’s life. This season, Gunvalson found out her daughter, Briana, got married in Las Vegas without her permission. Gunvalson is also moving on from her divorce by dating a southern man named Brooks. Problem is some of the wives along with her daughter are worried he isn’t the best choice. Some accusse him of being a deadbeat dad or an “opportunist.” It’s a lot to handle for any woman. Lucky for the viewers, we can watch it all on our TV screens.

4. New Housewife Heather Dubrow

She has a nice husband, adorable young kids and a gigantic, beautiful home with a view of the ocean. Sounds like the perfect housewife to us. With Dubrow, the former actress added a slice of class to the mix. Even when she disagreed with Bellino, Dubrow was firm, to the point and fair. Plus, so far, she is hosting one heck of a finale party based on last week’s episode.

5. 80’s Bunco Party

Barney’s bunco party was filled with good ideas. Poker at a Mexican restaurant in 80’s clothes sounds like a good time. Unfortunately, it was a night Gunvalson and Rossi may never forget. The two had a full on screaming match that left both women in tears. They managed to recover their relationship and apologize during the group’s Las Vegas trip. Something tells me this fight isn’t over just yet.

 “The Real Housewives of Orange County” airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Bravo.

Reach writer Mike Vulpo here