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October 11, 2011 | 8:22 am

Real Housewives of New Jersey: Finale is Slow but Reunion Will Explode

Posted by Ilana Angel

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Joe and Melissa Gorga

No big bombshells on the final hour with the girls from New Jersey. With all the trash talk going on with twitter, I figured it would be mellow in anticipation of the reunion next week.  The housewife formula is working less and less, yet new women are lining up to be a part of a show that has a 50/50 chance of breaking up your marriage or showing your financial ruin to the world.  I don’t get it, but I’m watching, so God Bless them all.

We start off with Teresa and Melissa prepping for a family portrait with all the kids.  Tensions are high as everyone gets ready, but they are all hopeful it can be done.  Over at Jacqueline’s, Jaime, brother of Chris, is invited over to talk to Ashley.  He’s fun so I’m not sure if it’s an introduction to his being a part of next season, or just someone to fill time in a slow moving finale.  In his talking to Ashley, we discover that she has gotten tattoos.

Sidebar:  Ashley has officially changed her name to Ashlee.  Totally lame. She has a “swallow” on her forearm, which is hideous.  It’s not dainty and pretty, but rather sailor-ish and not cute.  She also has a feather on her foot, with a bird for each of her brothers.  When you show your tattoo to someone and start with “it’s supposed to be”, then chances are the tattoo sucks.  It’s ugly and looks like an inkblot on her foot that needs washing.

Ashley is explaining that she is going to move to LA and get a job.  Jaime is asking her how the move will work and she starts crying and walks out.  This kid is a mess and having met her, she is also really sweet, but the pressure of the world watching is killing this kid.  Jacqueline is harsh with her, and Chris is way too lenient.  This kid is a screw up and a lot of the blame falls to Jac and Chris who are divided and messing her up.  It’s boring.

Over with Caroline, she is on the radio show and while I like her a lot, I don’t really get it.  How is she qualified to give advice to people and why would anyone care?  She is telling the mother of a disabled child how to motivate her kid and I think it’s weird.  Christopher and Lauren stop by to surprise her.  By surprise of course I mean get some airtime.  Give the Manzo’s their own show and get these kids off of the housewives already.

Kathy is getting her daughter Victoria ready for prom and I freaking love her.  Kathy and her family are fabulous.  I love how she loves her kids, and I think she and Rich have done a great job raising them.  I hope the show does not ruin their lives.  Rich is talking to Victoria’s date Paulie and it’s hilarious.  He is making the poor kid nervous and it’s entertaining. This is a very sweet couple and has been a touch of sunshine in a gloomy season.

It’s picture day and Teresa makes me sad.  She is painfully aware of the cameras.  It’s a shame really. Joe and Melissa arrive and let me just say that I LOVE Melissa and Joe Gorga.  Joe is a doll and I want good things for him.  Listening to him talk about his dad is brutal.  The troubles in this family are crushing and one can’t help but point a finger at Juicy.  We don’t know what happened to get them to this point, but blaming Juicy seems okay.

Teresa and Melissa are getting the baby ready and Teresa is sucking up, which is lame, and poor Melissa is trying to believe but she is guarded and it’s hard.  Teresa does everything for the camera and it’s stupid.  The baby wants to be with Melissa not her mom, and it’s sweet but sad.  We are watching the crumbling of a family, which is uncomfortable but fascinating. The pictures are taken and look truly fabulous.  It’s a nice memory for them.

Kathy taking pictures with Victoria made me cry, and Richie telling Kathy she did a good job raising their kids, made me cry too.  I love how Kathy talks about her kids and when she said she would celebrate opening a can of tuna, if it meant being with the kids, I cried.  Again.  Kathy is a good egg and I love her.  Let’s hope that next season we get some more Kathy and some Rosie too.  Rosie should, be the new non-housewife, housewife.

At minute 42 we finally get to the cookbook.  Teresa has decided to trash all the other housewives in her book, then backtracks and says it was a joke. Right.  I feel bad for Teresa that she is married to a drunk ape, but instead of taking the high road and enjoying her success, she is crawling through the gutter.  She slams Caroline’s cooking and heritage, then slams Kathy, without naming any names, and does not acknowledge her in any way.

She also says that Melissa copies everything she does.  She keeps pushing Melissa up against a wall and it’s not fair.  She tells the camera that the book is a huge success, then 2 seconds later she talks to her publicist and asks why it’s not doing well.  The truth is the book tanked and Teresa is falling from grace very quickly.  I’m guessing the reunion will finally seal her fate and we’ll be done with her.  Hopefully so will Bravo.

Jacqueline goes to Teresa and she is putting make-up on and whining about her life and claims that her bad complexion is because of Ashley.  It’s sad to see her give up on her kid.  I get it’s hard, but she is unwilling to take any responsibility for her role in Ashley’s life.  Ashley is a lost kid well on her way to screwing up her life, and Jac is responsible for part of it.  ‘When Ashley watches and hears her mom talking about her, it must really hurt.

Cookbook-Gate begins and everyone is talking about Teresa’s book and how she bashes everyone in it.  All the ladies are pissed off, but Teresa is insisting that it was a joke and all in good fun.  Sidebar:  Teresa’s hairline starts in the middle of her forehead, which I find very distracting. Very distracting.  The season ends with Teresa defending her book, and everyone else talking about how she crossed the line and is not funny.

The only part of this episode that was interesting was Kathy and Richie with Victoria for her prom.  Everything else was simply a teaser for next week’s reunion, which will be killer!  The teasers look like we will get some clarity on all the tweets that have been sent back and forth lately.  These women are falling apart and it’s sad.  I mean it’s sad if it’s real, but it’s not it is scripted reality televisions and they knew what they were getting into.

Teresa tweeted that her Lucille Ball quote was from two years ago, and they put it in now.  It’s all a bunch of crap, but I love it.  On What Happens Live with Andy, Melissa and Joe Gorga were guests and I seriously like them.  I think they are entertaining and fun.  Whether on the show, or live with Andy, they are good television and when RHONJ is cancelled, and it will be eventually, they should get their own show.  Kathy can be on it too.

The reunion looks like it will be fabulous, it’s just a shame that Jacqueline did not go.  Maybe she will turn up part way?  It seems to me there must be some kind of contractual obligation for her to go, and if she was willing to do a reunion with Danielle, then certainly sitting with Teresa wouldn‘t be any harder.  I’m guessing she turns up, people cry, punches are thrown, Jesus is thanked, and Andy struggles to have control and keep it real.

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Completely agree with you about Kathy and Teresa, but REALLY disagree with your opinion on Jacqueline and Ashley.
From my perspective, Jacqueline has been far too easy on Ashley, and frankly, I can’t stand Ashley.  She’s a spoiled brat with a sense of entitlement that is disgusting.  Jacqueline has been a great mom…..it’s Ashley that’s a big fail as a daughter.  If Ashley fails in life, it’s her own damn fault…..she’s been given far more in her life then the great majority of kids her age, so no more excuses….make something of yourself already.  Quit blaming the parents!

Comment by Brooke on 10/11/11 at 10:47 am

I agree—-bring on a REAL woman—-Rosie.  She works, obviously helps out with her aging Mom, and takes her responsibilities seriously.  Kathy and Rich do also.  They are great parents and should be very proud of their 2 gret kids. Caroline also raised nice kids.  That’s where it begins and ends.  Teresa is a trashy, loudmouth Guidette married to an over steroided drunk.  Ax her ASAP!  Jacqueline has allowed her daughter to get away with murder, but she is an enabler—-a new car after the way she treated her? Just start a new season with some new blood—-and pleaase don’t feature Teresa and Juicy’s “wedding” that they couldn’t afford.  I think I want to hurl!!

Comment by Bob on 10/11/11 at 11:08 am

Love, love, love Melissa and Joe. Yeah they’re a little trashy but they really love each other and I think Melissa has come a long way from the beginning of the season. I like Caroline, her advice is just mom stuff anyway and I think she’s gone through a rough time redefining herself after kids. I can totally relate. Teresa is a freaking mess. She is so into the cameras this year it’s painful to watch. Joe Guidice is an idiot. I can see him going to jail pretty soon. Teresa is so jealous of her brother and his life I just do not get it. Why is she so down on Kathy and Melissa. So far I think they’ve been pretty decent to her considering. By the way WTF, Teresa and Joe are supposedly broke why is she wearing a new outfit every 5 seconds?

Comment by Renee on 10/11/11 at 1:04 pm

I agree with your assessment of Kathy and Rich and their marriage and how they raised their kids.  They are obviously a loving, caring family.  I disagree with your assessment of their part in the show, however.  Kathy gets her digs in, she perpetuates the rift between Teresa and Melissa.  I am tired tired tired of Melissa and Joey.  They wanted to get face time on Teresa’s show, and they have been willing to do whatever is necessary to accomplish that.  They’re both good looking, and that’s their luck.  If anything happened to tarnish either’s looks, they’d be nothing but shells walking around.  (I think he’s bi, too—way too out there with sex talk to feel secure about it)  Teresa is a wreck and should run, not walk, with her kids, as far away from Joe as possible.  (by the way, melissa’s hairline starts in the middle of her head, too!)  If you look at pictures from 2 years ago, you can see the toll life has taken on Teresa.  I don’t pity her—much of her mess is self made, but she is very insecure, and I’d bet that “joey” has always gotten all the attention in the family, and Teresa has spent her life trying to be someone.  Unfortunately, she goes about it all wrong.  This is taking a toll on her kids, too.  The 3rd oldest (don’t remember her name) is a very violent little girl, and she’s going to have issues if something isn’t done soon.  Caroline can leave.  I don’t know who gave her the title of saint, but they shouldn’t have.  She needs to acknowledge that Albie is gay.  That poor guy will NEVER be happy until mommy can accept who he is.  Ashley is a loser.  Jac isn’t perfect, but has truly tried to be a good parent.  Ashley needs to see the other side of life—the hard way.  She needs to be broke and homeless for a couple years.  If she lives thru that, then maybe she can be redeemed.  I often wonder why Juicy’s family isn’t more a part of the show.  Lots of theories—- maybe they’re just smart.

Comment by Me too on 10/11/11 at 1:16 pm

I’ve met people like Teresa.  They say terrible things about other people and then smile and say, “It’s a joke.”  She’s very dishonest about her intentions and can never take responsibility for the harm she does.  Her daughter is developing severe emotional issues (how sad was that song she wrote?), but her pain doesn’t stop Teresa and her caveman husband from carrying on in their usual way.  Selfish beyond belief.  As to AshleE, let’s remember that she’s young.  I don’t know about you, but I did some real dumb stuff at that age and thought I was right.  But I don’t excuse her cruel behavior toward her mom.  At heart, Jacqueline seems like a really wonderful person, but she did spoil her daughter - probably because she felt guilty about her divorce.  Now she wants this self-absorbed girl to suddenly develop a sense of responsibility?  It doesn’t happen that way.  AshleE will grow up when she is forced to make her way in the world without relying upon others to carry her.  Caroline has always bored me.  It’s just a lot of chicken soup philosophy.  Personally, I think the best cast member left a while ago: Dina Manzo.  She’s got more guts, heart and brains than any of them.  Which is why she left.

Comment by iturner on 10/11/11 at 1:43 pm

I don’t understand why everyone thinks Caroline has been such a great mom. I don’t think any of her kids are financially self sufficient, two didn’t go to college and the boys behavior this year with the two Joes has been juvenile. They were all in a fight in the Dominican Republic which Bravo can’t talk about because they are being sued. This whole group is a mess. Bravo should stick to the Housewives and leave the men out of the show.

Comment by Jewels on 10/11/11 at 2:26 pm

omggg, melissa and joe are relly getting annoying, shes just all about the camera and wanting to be all inocent:s and joes going on my nerves with his sexuality, all they wana do is show eachother off, and btw. melissa is not a good singer, like what is she trying to do? Teresa’s stuck between the 2 joes, her husband needs to go, hes an asshole, unfaithfull loser, her kids are a mess, never listen… and i feel like teresa has some serious issues she needs therapy, and i feel bad for her. caroline is boring, and just dsnt fit in at all. thinks shes the boss of everyone. and her daughter complains about her weight all the time, like do something about it then.. stop complaining. i really like jaqueline, she has spoiled ashlee and ashlee is so rude, and disrespectful, she needs to be on her own and realize all the things jaquelines done for her, chris is so good to jaq. Kathy and rich are really good parents, i love them. Richy is so funny… although i do think that kathy likes to stir up stuff with teresa… like as soon as melissa and teresa were trying to work things out kathy jumps in and wants to do the same :s like really? uve had other oportunities before, and u ddnt want to… why now all of a suden? :s i dnt understand.

Comment by ab on 10/11/11 at 2:56 pm

Who put Caroline in charge, she and her husband and kids think they are so smart and perfect. She is not smart she’s critical and her daughter has developed her way’s, did you see the look on Caroline’s face when Teresa and Kathy went outside to talk on the finale, she claims she’s all about family but she means is her family she has tried the whole season to keep Teresa Joe, Melissa, Richie and Kathy to make amends. I just don’t like Caroline she thinks she can say what she wants but if someone say’s anything about her or her family she gets crazy.  Dina was the best one of them all.  I don’t think Teresa is a bad person, they are all constnatly talking behind her back then smile in her face, she finally had a chance to watch the shows and saw it for herself. Jac is very messy and has no control over Ashley, personally I think she provoke Ashley and she is alway’s in the middle of some kinda drama, she’s sneaky. Joe Gorga will soon find out that Melissa is a big part of why he and his sister can’t get along she is so jealous of Teresa she’s try to look like her, walk like her and talk like her.  Can’t wait to see the reunion show, just hope Teresa holds her own.

Comment by Pjay on 10/11/11 at 3:14 pm

Wow.. lots of strong opinions.  I think if they took Caroline off the show.. it would lose a lot of viewers.  She may not be the most entertaining but her kids kids make up for it.  I appreciate the relationship her and Kathy have with their family (although I do think without the feud between Teresa and Kathy, Kathy would be boring to watch as well, but Richie keeps her interesting).  It’s nice to see being you don’t get a lot of that with many of the other housewives in the franchise period.  Jacqueline is NOT an enabler, a fool yes, but her husband Chris is the enabler.  Although no one really liked Danielle, she made the show. She left on her own and Bravo brought in family drama which is a little low in my book.  Clearly from last years reunion show Teresa didn’t want it brought up. I love Melissa and Joe and I love Teresa and Joe..but we really don’t need another Teresa (Melissa) and another Caroline (Kathy).  How about bringing someone on the show who’s Asian or Indian????  Not all people from NJ are Italian.. I should know.

Comment by DeathofaDame on 10/11/11 at 4:02 pm

I completely disagree with you on Jac and Ashley’s relationship. Are you kidding me?! She is 20! I’m 21, and if I acted that way I’d be out the door in a heartbeat. Don’t be a lazy-child enabler.

Comment by YUP! on 10/11/11 at 4:44 pm

I think that the Gorgas have really brought this show down.  Seeing him naked, the constant sex remarks.  Melissa is the an instigator who acts like butter wouldnt melt in her mouth. Some religion I believe but I feel that she is the biggest phoney.  Caroline has changed this year. She use to be loyal but she has turned on Teresa who has also changed this year. What happened to these people. The Gorgas have ruined this show.  I am tired of all the kids. Get rid of the Gorgas

Comment by whatever on 10/11/11 at 11:52 pm

what happened to Teresa this year did she go crazy or did Danielle overtake her body? I think she needs to get rid of that low life thing she calls a husband he is so gross, not very smart either. Got to admit kind of sick of all the wives this year, yes even Caroline.  I have to say that I do like kathy and rich maybe they should have their own show..

montykitty

Comment by Robin on 10/12/11 at 5:00 am

why does Melissa have the same stylists as Teresa?
Why does she use the same photographer as Teresa?
Why did she decorate her house similar to Teresa?
Why does Melissa act animated like Teresa?
Why does she wear the same hats as Teresa?
Why is she on the same show as Teresa?

Why do Caroline’s kids hang out with her friends?
Why is Caroline always telling others how to deal with their problems… and expects them to listen to her?
What have Caroline’s kids accomplished on their own in life?
What is the difference between Ashely and Caroline’s kids in regards to accomplishments?
What have Caroline gone through in life that makes her such an expert?

Where is Danielle?

Why does Kathy whine so much?
Dont Kathy and Ritchie look like they could belong to some exotic frog family? No I’m kidding that was mean…

Why does Jaqueline complain so much about having a child young?

Comment by viewer100 on 10/12/11 at 5:57 am

this is the first season I have watched this show in the franchise, and I think “Tree” is completely delusional!  the stuff she says and the way she acts has no basis in reality, her husband is a jerky loser, her kids are having their lives trashed..sad family all around. Melissa was on my nerves in the beginning, but I think she loves her family and wants to heal the problems (never gonna happen, Teresa is too insecure and jealous)...Jacqueline has a great husband, but her daughter is a spoiled, selfish brat..I LOVE Kathy and her family, they are the only ones who seem to live a “normal” family life, Caroline is a nice, level headed woman but she is overly proud of her boys who have accomplised very little so far, and that gets old.

Comment by tracy on 10/12/11 at 6:36 am

I completely disagree with the majority of what you said.  I like Teresa, she isn’t perfect but she isn’t fake!  Who does Caroline think she is?  She and her kids act as though they are better than everyone else.  I wouldn’t stop watching if they got rid of the whole Manzo clan!  I don’t like Melissa at all, she is completely fake and all about the cameras and doing as much Teresa bashing as possible, I think that is the only reason she came on the show.  Jac gets on my nerves with Ashley…hello she gets her behavior from watching you!  All these women have bashed Teresa all season (and the Manzo boys and their friend the leech, Greg) but now they are acting like she had no right to say anything!  Whatever, you dish it out…learn to take it!

Comment by Michelle on 10/12/11 at 10:07 am

Reply: ME TO on 10/11/11

Melissa and Joey are adorable. Teresa never acknowledged having a brother, yet Teresa made time for chasing Danielle around the Brownstone. Teresa made time to kiss Dina’s a** by making Dina her childs god-mother. Teresa made time to fight Jaqualines battles all season. I believe teresa really envies Melissa. Melissa is by far the hottest housewife now. After Dina left Teresa got alot of publicity because she was the best looking at that time. Now that Melissa is there let’s see who’s the fan favorite.

Comment by Beyoncca on 10/12/11 at 8:23 pm

Beyoncca,  You are entitled to your opinion as I am to mine.  I do not find Melissa attractive and her husband is crude. I find them both phoney. He does everything for the camera. I, too, loved Dina and watch her on her new show. Caroline is a big disappointment. She has problems with Teresa but that doesnt mean you switch to new best friends.

Comment by whatever on 10/12/11 at 10:53 pm

again another housewives blog with no sarah or even petra for that matter hmmmmm strange indeed and here i was so lookig forward to her unbiased attacks against anyone who posts different opinions from hers. seems shes the only one allowed to carry on such activity…

Comment by strange that on 10/13/11 at 9:27 am

Michelle,  I got a message that you disagreed with me but I dont get it. YOu are saying what I said. I dont like Melissa, she is a phoney. Caroline has been disloyal & I am sick of her kids. Jac loves herself more than Ashley.  The worse to me is Joe Gorga.  He is crude, coarse & common.  Him & his wife have turned this show into smut. I use to love this show but no more.  We will see how it goes

Comment by whatever on 10/13/11 at 5:46 pm

Surprised to see the comments comparing the Manzo kids to Ashley.  When Al Manzo’s dad was murdered he was young (he and Caroline were engaged - but not married yet).  There are pictures showing Caroline working in the kitchen of the Brownstone in the early days of their marriage.  There are pictures of both sons working as bus boys when they were young.  We’ve seen Chris parking cars and setting up tables on this show.  It’s clear everyone in the family was expected to work with dad and mom, to keep the business going.  They have been honest about the fact that they have not always had money. Not every small business owner raises kids who go to college and become doctors.  Many of them eventually start their own small business, or take over the family business.  I vote we give all these kids a break, and leave them out of this..

Comment by Terry on 10/15/11 at 6:23 pm

Disagree with you, I like Teresa, I feel so sorry for her being married to a man who has no financial responsibility and no respect for his wife or kids. She is my favorite. Melissa and Joe are very annoying, and she does want to be like Teresa.  EVERYTHING Teresa has, does, and says she wants..(Except for the Singer Career).

Comment by Valencia on 10/15/11 at 9:44 pm

Terry, again I dont understand why you responded to me. I didnt say the Manzo kids were like Ashley. I am tired of seeing them. Caroline said that her kids & Billy Joels daughter had the same upbringing and that was the first time I thought she was delusional. I am disappointed in Caroline & cant stand the gorgos.

Comment by whynot on 10/16/11 at 12:26 am

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