On this next-to-last episode of The Hills Season 3, the air was thick with tension for just about everyone. As preparations were made for Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge’s Halloween party (the first gathering I’ve ever seen at their apartment), it seemed that Brody Jenner was on everyone’s mind. Throughout the episode, from Whitney to Audrina to Lo, Lauren divulged her hope for a legit relationship with Brody, if only he would retire his player status. Could it happen? In the parallel universe of The Hills on MTV, I suppose anything is possible…

But not on Halloween night! What I did find notable was the costume run-down, as follows: Lauren: 1920’s flapper, Audrina: Huh?, Brody and Frankie: Batman/Robin, Jen Bunney: Huh???, Whitney: applied the “Mean Girls” Halloween rule to ladybug costume (come on Whit, you’re better than that!), and the other guests: more of the same rule with different critters. In my opinion, the male costume of the night goes to Corey, Audrina’s new guy who arrived in sailor attire (and who, it is later noted, bathes and is a keeper, in addition to being an “Aussie”). It looked like a pretty good party (complete with an out of control fog machine) until Lauren’s hopes for a Halloween hook-up were dashed, and  Brody took off.

( Lauren glams it up, but it wasn’t enough to reel in Brody on All Hallow’s Eve. )

Meanwhile, it was same-old-same-old for Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, with a little help from Reality TV’s newest supervillain, sister Stephanie She-Pratt. The big climax before next week’s season finale was yet another wedding fight, ending in yet another Spencer walk-out (where he goes each time this happens is anybody’s guess. If anyone wants to take a stab at it, I’m listening). Finally, Lauren and Brody dined at Off Vine in Hollywood, where talks of becoming exclusive didn’t go very far (but we did get to hear the respectful nicknames that Brody gives to girls on his speed dial). Let’s hope for a more climactic finale next week!

~ Brook

Photo Credits: www.MTV.com