In the latest installment of "The Kardashians," Kim Kardashian embodies her newest moniker of "momager" with unwavering commitment. She not only stands as a pillar of support for her daughter North West amidst the buzz surrounding her Hollywood Bowl performance, but also navigates the delicate dynamics with her ex-husband Kanye "Ye" West, who makes a stunning debut on the family's Hulu reality series.
The episode, aptly titled "I Just Can't Wait to Be King," unfolds with Kardashian grappling with the decision to allow North, then a spirited 10-year-old, to seize the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Disney's "The Lion King." Ultimately, the Skims founder succumbs to her eldest daughter's aspirations, acutely aware of the public scrutiny that awaits. Acknowledging North's rap prowess, inherited from her father, rather than vocal talent, Kardashian quips, "I'm already anticipating the backlash – 'She's no Whitney Houston.' Of course, I'm privy to the fact that her parents paved the way. But North is the attraction. She commands attention on TikTok and beyond, simply because she's a magnetic personality, a born performer. And to anyone harboring malice towards a child living her best life, well, f*** you."
Yet, more astonishing than North's landing such a significant role despite her limited musical theater background is the fleeting appearance of her dad, Kanye, marking his reality TV comeback since the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" finale in 2021. With a casual, "Hey, what's up guys?" Kanye strides into North's dressing room, stirring up a ripple of surprise.
Kardashian, who initiated divorce proceedings against the polarizing rapper in 2021, reflects on this unexpected cameo in her confessional. "[North's] dad has been actively involved," she confides to the cameras. "He showed up for the rehearsal and suggested tweaking the graphics to align with 'The Lion King.' I instantly agreed, thinking it would enhance the production." She further elaborates, "Kanye and I share a common goal: the wellbeing of our children. Whenever we're present to cheer our kid on, it's always a positive vibe."
Post-performance, the estranged couple exchanges a brief conversation, with Kanye inquiring about Kardashian's thoughts. "I was just sobbing off to the side. I don't even know," the beaming mother replies, before gently directing her other children to join their father.
Kanye's reentrance into the "The Kardashians" sphere coincides with a tumultuous phase in his personal life. Recently, he caused a stir on the Grammy Awards red carpet when his wife Bianca Censori stripped off a fur coat to reveal a completely see-through gown, leaving little to the imagination. This was followed by a three-day social media rampage laden with racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic remarks, ultimately leading to the deactivation of his X (formerly Twitter) account by Elon Musk.
New episodes of "The Kardashians" premiere every Wednesday at 9 p.m. PT and Thursday at midnight ET on Hulu.
