As always with reality-based shows, the line between actual and staged events is blurred. When Kim decides to hire another manager in the second episode, "Managing Mom," it is impossible to say whether there was ever a real intent to fire her mother. In the third episode, "Brody In the House," it's hard to know if Bruce truly wasn't aware of the real purpose of his wife and daughter's trip to Mexico (i.e. business instead of pleasure). The fifth episode, "Remembering Dad," even includes a disclaimer admitting certain events have been recreated (though it isn't clear which ones). As with any guilty pleasure, it's probably best not to invest too much thought in such matters. The point is simply to enjoy watching people indulging in the extravagances only the wealthy can afford.
The real star of Keeping Up With the Kardashians is Khloe. She comes across, by far, as the most interesting of the family. While Kim and Kourtney are fairly stunning in their natural beauty, Khloe wasn't as blessed in the physical appearance department. That's not to say she is unattractive, but her unusually large stature leaves her looking like the "odd man out" in this extremely photogenic family. I think maybe growing up in the shadow of two very easy-on-the-eyes sisters contributed to her outspoken brashness. Far from the "bitch" she apparently regards herself as, Khloe appears far wiser and more mature than her older sisters. She provides the funniest, and most cutting, remarks and observations throughout the eight-episode season. Kim often seems too self-absorbed to inspire a huge amount of sympathy. Kourtney has a rather flat, disaffected quality that is hard to warm up to. Again, as I've said, they are difficult to dislike, but they aren't all that interesting. Khloe, a tad envious of the perks attained by her prettier sisters, manages to add more depth to the frothy proceedings.
Less impressive is the degree to which Kendall and Kylie are utilized, ages 12 and 10 respectively. I honestly don't think Kris or Bruce intended any harmful exploitation, but these girls simply aren't old enough to know the possible ramifications of having their lives (albeit heavily edited) broadcast for the world to see. It is worth questioning whether or not children should play such a role in reality-based television. When they are seen imitating the drunken co-eds of Girls Gone Wild, it should be remembered that there are degenerates in our society who get off on that sort of thing. As innocent as it all is in the context of this show, perhaps more caution ought to be exercised. Making these very young girls vulnerable to the obsessions of the lowest of the low, all for a laugh, is reckless and not worth the risks involved. At least Bruce seems to recognize this in his very authentic-sounding displeasure at the sight of his daughter hanging upside-down on a stripper pole.
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