Just as Audrina considers letting her boyfriend Justin go, and begins to date another guy, Justin turns up the heat in their relationship, leaving her torn. Whitney rises up the ranks at People’s Revolution much faster than she expected and meets a -model in New York who could possibly sweep her off her feet.

And as Heidi is dealing with the consequences of putting her job at risk to move in with Spencer again, she invites her sister from Colorado to come in for an indefinite visit, putting even more pressure on their renewed relationship.

Life in Los Angeles only gets more complicated as friendships, relationships and loyalties are tested live never before.

CRITIQUE

Let’s get one obvious fact out of the way: The Hills season 4 is no television production masterpiece.

In fact, many aspects of the season are likely to annoy the casual fan:

Justin and Audrina’s relationship goes through the same cycle throughout the season; he treats her badly, he talks to her, and they make up.

Spencer’s sister seems just as shady as her brother by dating Lauren’s ex and trying to deny it.

Furthermore, viewers will undoubtedly ask themselves just how it is possible for Doug, a minor league baseball player who no one has ever heard of, to own his own jet.

On the positive side, one of the most dramatic moments of the season occurs when Audrina accuses Lauren of hooking up with her boyfriend Justin. The season finale teases a reunion between Lauren and Heidi.  

We should all know by now that The Hills isn’t a true “reality” show, but it is further evident in season 4. I’m pretty sure Whitney has only been promoted so quickly at her job and so often because of the show and the promotion it gives that company.

One a final note, I’m also pretty sure the show’s producers had a hand in Heidi’s sister staying with Lauren after being kicked out of Spencer and Heidi’s place. Again, viewers will likely ask themselves, was this coincidence or manufactured for ratings?

In the end, fans of the The Hills will like what they see in these 18 episodes, but previous seasons have been better.

THE VIDEO

The Hills is presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen. The picture quality varies from average to solid. Night time scenes look the worst due to the absence of light while day time scenes are clear and bright as they should be.

THE AUDIO

The Hills is presented in English Stereo Surround.

THE EXTRAS

Deleted Scenes: Includes a scene with Jen Bunney sounding moronic and Lauren and friends discussing the Lauren-Justin accusation.

Interviews: One on one interviews with the female cast.

Lessons in Love: Love tips the female cast members mainly done to promote their book of the same name.

After Show Remixes: Montages and clips from season 4.

Season 4 Photo Shoot: What you shoot is what you get.

Rolling Stone Photo Shoot: More shooting… of photos.

Virtual Hills: An ad for Virtual Hills on MTV.COM

FINAL THOUGHT

A lot of things happen in Season 4, one of which is fattening the cast’s pockets, with Lauren reportedly earning $75,000 per episode and Spencer a cool $65,000. This season also predictably sets up an expected fifth season.