 | The Real Housewives Of New Jersey: Showdown?posted by RF Club, Group AdministratorSaturday, June 25th 2011 @ 8:43 AM (not yet rated) |
The Real Housewives of New Jersey! The Showdown!!
The episode opens with the viewers being informed that Caroline Manzo got the radio job. Did anyone think she wouldn't get the job? How many empty nesters get to run out and get a radio spot dishing out advice? Listen, I think 'Caroline Rules' is a cute idea and I love that her family backs her 100% but if Caroline was totally honest with herself she would have to tell herself that BRAVO got her that job or at least helped with securing it. Yes, Caroline is quick on her feet but we all knew that from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, right?
Anyway, the opening scene is all about Caroline being nervous and practicing with a friend. Obviously, the friend knows that Teresa Giudice is fighting with her brother because that is who she pretends to be in order to help Caroline practice. How convenient for Bravo! This helps the producers cut away to Caroline talking about the fact that Teresa has a lot of problems in her life at the moment and Caroline explains that Teresa doesn't like to discuss them. WHO DOES? Do you? I get it. Unfortunately for Teresa her embarrassing financial issues are all over the tabloids but again, I ask, aren't most people proud? It is only natural to say, "Things are fine." In addition, don't we assume when people are asking, "How are you?" They really want the generic, "Good, things are good."
Listen, Teresa and Joe got themselves into a financial mess. I think many Americans can sympathize, at least from all the foreclosures, short sells, credit card debt and bankruptcies filings I do believe that MANY AMERICANS are going down the same road and they should be able to sympathize. But, it is funny, how it seems most of the viewers have turned on Teresa. The Real Housewives of New Jersey has millions of viewers and I find it funny that viewers have not been sympathetic? This baffles me? I think we all like to cast stones. The Giudice's were living the dream that too MANY AMERICANS were living and many are digging their ways out of the same HOLE the Giudice's are climbing out of. I hope AMERICANS dig themselves out of their holes AND STAY out of the HOLE. It is not the end of the world to make a mistake. It is BAD TO KEEP making the same mistake.
Now, the question, "Is TERESA saving face or really ignoring her financial problems?" Only time will tell. Is Teresa trying to SAVE what she has or is she continuing to build debt and does she continue to spend lavishly? Like many of you, Teresa's outlandish spending drove me insane. Now, I have no problem giving a person a second chance and hoping they learn from their mistakes. I had moments and still have moments where I overspend. I even got into huge credit card debt early in life and it took years to get out of that mess. I learned from that lesson and never have gone down that road again but like I said, I still have weak moments of overspending. For Teresa and for her family's sake I hope she has learned her lesson.
Teresa and Joe Gorga's meeting. This meeting was enlightening. Between the two of them talking and the Bravo interviews we learned a lot. Teresa and Joe have had problems brewing for years and Melissa has added to the mess. Teresa clearly adores her little brother and his monetary accomplishments. It is obvious that she threw her little brother's accomplishments in her husband's face which started to create a wedge. A wife needs to be careful with her husband's ego.
Unfortunately, for Melissa she is seen by Teresa and Teresa's mom (Joe's mom too) as a gold digger. I have to admit Melissa has said some things that doesn't go over well with the in-laws that make her look bad. She might have been joking but you have to be careful what you say in front of your in-laws. "I'm not stupid, do you think I am going to let all this go" Are not things you say! It doesn't help that Joe Gorga was engaged before Melissa and then quickly married Melissa. Teresa and her mother see Melissa as a 're-bound' girl. The girl who swept in when Joe was hurting and took advantage of him. RIGHT OR WRONG it is how they feel. Jacqueline tried to say, "Okay, Teresa, I understand feeling that way early on but 6 years later maybe you can cut Melissa some slack?"
The problem for me, Listen to Joe and Melissa talk and listen carefully. Joe describes Melissa's outside beauty and the fact that he 'rescued' her. Melissa talks about living the dream! These two people talk about very superficial stuff. It makes me wonder if everything came crashing down tomorrow on them if they would stay together?? When I talk about my husband I don't talk about his accomplishments and he doesn't talk about my beauty, well first, that is second LOL.
Now, I still think Teresa is wrong. You can't talk about your brother's wife. Sorry. This is one time I say, find a trust worthy friend that won't spill the beans or just gossip with your mom or sister but don't let your brother or his wife know how you feel. That breaks a family apart. Joe should stick up for his wife and Melissa should not take shit from Teresa. Now, that being said, if Melissa is going to throw the shit then she needs to expect the cold shoulder and the distance but Teresa still needs to be quiet. Teresa is not going to win by putting down Joe's wife.
The dinner at the accountant's house was great! Joe Gorga was willing to complain about his sister but when the 'outsiders' started to join in the 'bitch about Teresa session' Joe naturally defended Teresa. The old saying, "I can bitch about my family with family but an outsider needs to keep their mouth shut" Pretty much is how it works! One thing really bothered me at that dinner. As,they began to talk about Teresa's financial problems you could tell The Accountant clearly enjoyed the fact that Teresa was having trouble and him and his wife made it clear they did not like her. Teresa was and is correct that Joe seems to be hanging out with people who dislike her. As a sister that would hurt. Melissa seems to be making an effort to hang with Teresa haters. First it was the two Kim's, now the Accountant and his wife. This is not the way to build a bridge, in my opinion. It seems like Melissa is trying to prove to Joe that Teresa is a bitch, just saying!
Anyway, Back to the financial woes of Teresa and how Joe played it! Joe said he would help his sister and Melissa played it well too. "Of course, we would help, Teresa needs to realize she needs family." Kathy's husband claimed they would help if asked. At this point a lightbulb went off for me. They can't stand Teresa. They watched her for two seasons be all flashy and spend money she didn't have and now they want her to gravel. Worse, Joe has been hurt by Teresa's claim that the Manzo's are like 'family'.
Here is my thought, Kathy is being a typical cousin. I have my moments with my cousins and many have come to me for assistance. I would never embarrass them and go to them to see if they needed anything UNLESS I heard through the grapevine they were desperate. So, I guess I understand Kathy not approaching Teresa directly but hey, I guess it is okay to throw daggers in her back on National Television, way to be a good cousin!
Joe and Melissa are different. Joe is Teresa's brother. In my family we don't screw around. When people are hurting and going through hell we put our differences aside and offer help, especially when we have nieces and nephews in the mix. My sister was going through hell a few years ago and like most people to embarrassed and proud to ASK for help. My brother and I just DID IT!! We gave the assistance. In the end,Joe and Melissa are punishing Teresa and worse, now they have joined the show and have brought more embarrassment to the family. Why? To get back at Teresa and to launch Melissa's singing career. I mean, honestly, if Melissa thinks this is going to endear her to her mother in-law well, then, Melissa is on crack!
At this point The Real Housewives of New Jersey has centered on Teresa. I wonder if Caroline and Jacqueline are feeling a bit left out of the season? I mean Jacqueline had very little to do with this episode except to offer her home. Gosh, Jacqueline looked great in her outfit!!
Caroline did great with the Radio show but really do you guys listen to those type of shows? I mean she didn't really offer any sound advice. In two minutes she seems to tell everyone to 'deal with it'. I think people need more advice than that, don't you? I mean telling the daughter to love the mother for who she is and accept her for the way she is?? Not sure that is going to fix the problem but it sounded great! The radio station is smart. They know people are calling in to talk to Caroline Manzo and this means advertising dollars. Everyone is happy and Caroline feels useful. On a side note, What was Lauren doing there? I mean, it would be like Caroline going to work with Lauren. C'mon, cut the chord.
Okay, are any of you feeling a little sorry for Teresa? Or do you think Teresa is just a cold bitch? Do you think Melissa is innocent and being blamed for everything? Or do you think Melissa has some motives of her own? Oh, and where do you think Kathy really fits into all of this mess? Do you really think she would be happy with peace? Lastly, Do you want more Jacqueline and Caroline?
Lucy
