The Real Housewives Spark Unlikely Obsession with ‘Top Gun’ Film

One of life’s simple pleasures is indulging in “trash”television, and for me, Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise fits that bill perfectly. It’s a delightful escape when I seek some light-hearted entertainment without the burden of deep thinking. However, an intriguing trend has caught my attention as I indulge in this guilty pleasure.

While watching this season of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, I chuckled at a clever nod to popular culture with a “Top Wives” joke. The group had gathered to celebrate Bronwyn Newport’s anniversary with her husband, Todd Newport, and decided to engage in some volleyball on their trip to Palm Springs, creating a casual and fun atmosphere.

The episode’s editing featured a playful tribute styled after Top Gun, complete with a title card that read “Top Wives.” This whimsical touch was not just a standalone reference; it highlighted a peculiar pattern of Top Gun tributes appearing on the show.

In a recent episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Kathy Hilton whisked her fellow housewives away to Oceanside, California. This particular location is significant not just for its proximity to Los Angeles, but also as a filming site for the original Top Gun and its sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. The area boasts several iconic sequences that fans will recognize easily.

A highlight of Hilton’s excursion was the visit to the famed “Top Gun House.” This house features in the film and is the site of the memorable piano scene where Maverick and Goose perform “Great Balls of Fire.”Upon arrival, the housewives were greeted by a man dressed as Tom Cruise, which raises a curious question: is he a fixture at this location, or does he just participate when the cameras are rolling?

What’s the Deal with the Top Gun References?

The coincidence of these references piqued my curiosity. Both episodes aired within a month of each other, prompting me to wonder about the timing. Are the producers hinting at something, or is this merely a random occurrence? It would have made sense had these nods aligned with the summer 2022 release of Top Gun: Maverick, but that’s not the case.

As an ardent fan of the Real Housewives and both Top Gun films, it’s hard for me to overlook such coincidental promotions. I’m amused by the possibility of a Bravo show dedicated entirely to Top Gun humor or, at the very least, more playful references sprinkled throughout the franchise. I found the puns engaging enough to keep my attention!

One lingering question remains: What’s the story behind the faux-Tom Cruise? Is he a permanent resident of the porch outside the Top Gun House, or does he only make appearances for tourist groups? Regardless, his presence added an entertaining layer to an already captivating scene.

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