Real Housewives of New Jersey/EPISODE RECAPS/Season 4

Absolutely awesome clip from Bravo. Had me ROTFL. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

Pack Your Baggage:

Tonight’s recap is going to be short and sweet simply because I have had a personal life get in the way of blogging.

Hurricane Irene is on her way to wreak havoc as the Manzos, Lauritas, Guidices and Gorgas all leave to go to CA. Kids are left behind with aunts and family caregivers while the adults take a very long trip across the country. Due to Irene’s approach, it took them a full day to drive and take planes. Thankfully they all arrive at SF in one piece.

The RV with the Guidices and Gorgas was actually rather peaceful, much to the shock of me and, am sure, the therapist. The other RV have the Manzos and Lauritas, which is, of course, all are friendly with one another. All of them make it to their destination, which is a camping ground full of trailers.

Theresa and Melissa step out first to meet the other campers. Tre embarrasses Melissa by making comments about her desire to be in Malibu. I’d be a bit embarrassed, too, but it was minor. The men set up (or try to) the camping ground with the barbeques and women start getting the food ready.

Tre talks to Kathy about the book signing. She appreciates her support, but mentions the recipe comment by K. My guess? She’ll never live it down, however K handles it well and mentions “our moms shared recipes”. It was good K didn’t aggravate the situation and Tre accepted her comments but felt she made it clear to her that she is not “getting away with anything”. As I said, doubt she will live it down. Changing the subject, Kathy discusses her desire for everyone to make amends.

Clip from Bravo:

Finally all go to bed and by the next morning we get to see more true colors. Rich and Kathy were trying to have sex but with door open. Then we flash to the G and G’s and because of Joe Guidice, the heat was turned up to 101 degrees. Everyone is hot as hell, but for some reason Melissa jumps into bed and grab’s Tre’s boobs. Next moment, they are all up and walking around and for some reason, Joe Gorga feels a need to flash “Tarzan” to Chris Manzo. Rightfully so, Melissa is HORRIFIED. Then Rich shows his to a few of the cast members as a joke. Disgusting.

To sum it up with a clip from Bravo:

Kathy talks to the ladies about the peaceful conversation she had with Tre last night. She is happy about how it went and Jac and Caroline are happy about it. As Caroline says, it is between them and they don’t want the problems she had with Tre to interfere with their making amends.

Flash to Melissa and Teresa walking on the beach. T tells her she is not happy about the conversation and just wants K to admit it was HER mother’s recipe, not KATHY’S. OMG – get over it already. It may have been both of theirs. Melissa tells her very decorously, I might add, that Tre has a tendency to piss everyone off and maybe she needs to look at the source – herself. Tre says she “doesn’t hold grudges” and mentions the cookbook, of which she apologized a million times to her. I mean, really, how many times DOES she need to apologize? C needs to get over it!! Melissa can’t even agree about why C is still mad. They also talk about her fight with Jac and even Melissa isn’t very clear about what went wrong. Truly, they had a nice talk. The men also agree everyone seems to be getting along.

Bravo Clip:

Maturity ruled on this show for once and it was REFRESHING!
Sit Down and Man Up:

Man Up is right, men!! They do their best, even with the antics of Joe Guidice. I have to give it to Tre, she is doing her best to make amends in this show. She may not see the error of her ways, but she genuinely is feeling bad and concerned about Jac…if only life worked out for the best for those two. This episode definitely showed the beginning of the road to possible reconciliation. I really have been saddened by their falling out.

We start off with Tre and Joe driving to a vineyard. She wants to brand herself with the drink Fabellini because she doesn’t like “skinny girl” sounding kind of drinks, or their taste. I am sure that warmed the cockles of Bethenny’s heart, no doubt, and if Tre doesn’t like her drinks, fine, but announcing it to the world is not exactly showing business savvy, especially given what an empire Bethenny Frankel has built. However, Joe (who admits he lost his keys in someone’s car although he didn’t confess WHOSE car), is very much a part of Tre’s branding because as she put it, if he wasn’t a part of that he would be like “see you later”. Rumors are flying about his cheating and keys missing in some unknown person’s car sounds really weird, but as usual Tre is able to put on her best game face for the camera.

Onto Melissa and Joe meeting Soul Diggaz, a successful man in the music business who wants to move Melissa’s career forward. His recommendation is for them to start with a label and for some reason, Joe doesn’t like it. He gets jealous and is worried about all the men who would want Melissa. He would rather them begin independently and see how it goes before some MALE producer wants to work with her.

Caroline and Lauren meet at a new location for their salon. Lauren drools over it, Mama Bear Caroline is concerned about the rent, but agrees it is a great location. So far, looks like they found their new dream spot to open up their business.

Theresa and Joe meet at the winery to begin her process for mixing drinks, but when they arrive he insults her driving by saying, “You suck at driving. Look at the way you parked”. There are only so many excuses/reasons one can give this man for his abrasive behavior, but hey, she knew that when she married him. Anyway, they meet at the winery with the owners to help her learn how to mix her drinks to find the right Fabellini. Joe makes a complete ass out of himself and makes ridiculous jokes, especially stuff like “he doesn’t drink till Thursdays”, which just makes him look like an irresponsible drunk, and the owners look at him with disgust. It is not so much what he says, but how he says it. Without a doubt, Tre looks embarrassed. HMMM..does Joe want out of his contract? Or does he have that low of an IQ? I’m betting on the first theory.

We flash to Melissa having a photo shoot for her first cover as an independent music artist. Her husband Joe wants her to look like a porn star because he loves that other men want her but can’t have her. She wants to look like a regular rock star. Wonder how they will work that out. After all, Joe “owns Melissa”. The whole time her kids are watching her mom looking very sexy at the camera. Again, I wonder how that will go over in school and if somehow this will effect them when they are older. Why would she have her kids there to watch the shoot with all the “look like a sex craved cat” direction given to her by both the photographers and her husband.

Clip from Bravo of the shoot:

Next scene is Caroline talking to the camera about how Joe’s and Melissa’s life is going because, after all, she has all the inside knowledge and “never likes to cause drama”. Her comments are snarky, “Teresa put Joe in this position and she will end up leaving him, showing she is an independent woman and will write a book about it”. Who knows, maybe Caroline is right and she will show the world her true psychic powers. I just know if she REALLY didn’t care about her/them as much as she says she does, she wouldn’t spend energy talking about them so much. This interview all happens while Joe and Tre are at one of her book signings. And HELL to the no, both of them put themselves in this position. Caroline just wants to point fingers and blame.

Lauren and Jacqueline drive to a restaurant to meet with people who are successful in the beauty business in order to help her (Lauren) learn how to run a beauty store and find the right products to sell to clients. Jacqueline gets information from them for Lauren, who asks for their advice. Outside of Jac spilling a drink called “Spring Orgasm” on Lauren, the meeting did go well. Good one, Jac.

Rich and Kathy show up at the book signing. K wants to show up to show support because they are family. Kathy mentions she is having a desert tasting and wants T show up. Tre starts to showing her recipes for deserts and there was a little verbal war because both claimed it was THEIR mother’s recipe. How about this? The sisters (mothers of Tre and Kathy) shared their recipes and it was both of their recipes. Tre was not happy, neither was Kathy, but Kathy and Richie bow out gracefully and let her get back to signing her books.

Next scene is at the Kathy’s desert tasting. Richie and Kathy talk about who is coming, and he makes it clear he hopes Tre does not show up given the rest of the crew will be there, including the Lauritas and Manzos. Kathy stands up to him and tells him if he doesn’t want to be friends with her, then fine, but she is trying to make the best of it and wants things to get better and if Tre doesn’t act responsibly around the others, then that is on her, not Kathy. Richie shut up and listened. Clearly, Kathy wasn’t having the negativity. Go Kathy!

The spread of deserts looked amazing. I wished somehow they could have handed me the deserts through the TV. Teresa shows up with her girlfriend after everyone else has arrived. Jac has met Linda, T’s friend before, and calls her a soldier because after all she agrees with everything Tre says (jealous much?). This new person on the scene shows up and says she doesn’t want a cupcake, not even one, which is WHY the host is throwing the party. Kathy had a fabulous comeback as she said to the camera in her alone interview, “I’ve seen skinny girls before and they are not happy. Eat a cupcake, indulge, it won’t kill you”. Being that I live in LaLand where women pretty much starve themselves to stay rail thin, Kathy has a great point. Now, on the counter note, if you work out all the time to stay skinny that is different, but there are some women who really do develop eating disorders and eat VERY little and/or develop bulimia and/or anorexia, which is a sore point for women everywhere, especially me. But, I digress.

Linda, the very skinny friend, does reach out to Jacqueline to let her know Tre is very upset and doesn’t attack J for anything she said or did to Tre. It was a nice attempt at the two of them making up on the part of Linda. Jacqueline tells her how much she misses her. Linda responds with she should reach out to her because she is going through a lot and J’s response was pretty much, “…she tells me she is not”. I think it touched a chord in her that a female friend of T’s attempted for them to reconcile.

Kathy meets a professional named Giacomo (a friend of Richie’s) who works for “Bindi”, a high end dessert line. Giacomo is very flattering to her and loves her deserts. They agree to meet once she returns from vacation.

Teresa and Jacqueline go off to talk. Tre really apologizes to her for having hurt her and Jacqueline wants to make up as well, after all the anger and pain goes away. They actually hug and say they want to have a good time on their vacation.

The two talking, clip from Bravo:

Richie calls for a man meeting with Chris, Joe Gorga and J. Guidice. They want the wives to get along and to NOT have drama with their upcoming vacation. Also, they talk about how Joe Gorga will handle Joe G., T’s husband, before he shows up for the pow wow. In the meantime, Jacqueline mentions to the camera she is happy that Tre came up to her and apologized and cleared the air.

After they men have their initial talk, Joe Guidice arrives. Chris goes to get him at the door. The men drink some good red wine and eat some dinner. Chris makes it clear that he wants there to be peace and how they all need to get along. Joe Guidice says it has been very hard for his wife and was not open to hearing how T has played into any of it. The rest of the men really do pull the mature cards and make it clear they want the men to help make peace, including Joe Guidice with Teresa. Chris talks about the RV arrangements, which leads to the two brother-in-laws talking about what went wrong between their wives. And then old stuff comes up and Joe Guidice talks about how he feels Joe Gorga stole construction tools from him, so WTF is Joe Gorga’s reaction. It gets very petty about stealing tools and if either of them “banged ex girlfriend’s”. Lots of anger still there and massive tension. It was resolved as peacefully as it could have been, ultimately the men toasting each other to make it a great trip.

Joe V. Joe, clip from Bravo:

The Jersey Side Step:

Gia and Melissa both get to show off their moves in front of a crowd of 10,000. Who do you prefer to watch? Read this recap and feel free to post comments! Would love to get your feedback.

Chris Judd is attempting to train Melissa, who is nervous and not following all the steps. On the flip side, Gia has so much talent. I mean, that girl can dance. Maybe it is her youth that is not scared to show off; kids are fearless.

Next scene, Kathy and Richie are going to a restaurant to sell her cookies. Rich is giving her advice and Kathy feels he is too much because “it is her baby”. Rich is trying to help but as Kathy put it, “never send a man to do a woman’s job”. Rich is concerned and very hands on with helping her sell her products.

Flash to the Manzos and Lauritas, including Albert Manzo Sr. (been awhile since we’ve seen him) at a booth set up for an event to help sell BLK water, their creation. They all bicker in the way families do.

At Melissa and Joe’s house they are hanging out by the pool. Melissa is wearing a very sexy red bathing suit and Joe makes some jokes about “Tarzan” in front of the kids. He tells Melissa he can’t move because the kids are there. At least he realizes that much.

We then see Chris Laurita driving the boys and their friends (who are a part of BLK). They are very stressed because this business HAS to take off. They’ve all invested their savings, apparently, to make this work. They are promoting BLK. On the road they end up at a restaurant and they have some eating competition created by the owners. Food looked pretty good, if you like huge burgers and cheese.

Flash back to Melissa and Joe who are in the bedroom. Joe starts fooling around with her but luckily they still have their clothes on when their kid walks in. Typical family scene when a kid walks in. She is told they were wrestling.

As Chris and the boys are at the next restaurant/bar and even though he tells them to not party too hard, they all do shots. He is definitely the father figure and the boys are acting like young men. Needless to say, Chris is worried about their lack of professionalism, but the scene ends without too much air time.

At Tre’s and Joe’s house, everyone is getting ready for Gia at her show Bstock. Milania makes an annoucement that Joe is in his own room getting ready. Perfectly timed, Jac says in her alone interview there are a lot of rumors that Joe and Tre are living separate lives, but of course they don’t show that in public. He is off ironing a shirt to get ready for the big day and the Tre is getting her make up done.

We then see Joe and Melissa in their hotel room. Melissa tells the camera that this is their 7th year anniversary so what a perfect gift this is for him. Joe asks if she wants to “release something to relax”. But instead she gets texts from Caroline and Jac apologizing they can’t make it but to kick some ass, in so many words, and good luck. Sorry, Tarzan, but you are SOL.

Chris Laurita and boys are at a convention in DC to promote their water. Jacqueline does mention to the camera that Chris had to declare bankruptcy (didn’t she say earlier she doesn’t talk about these things in public?), so a lot is riding on this product. Chris is super stressed out because he is not convinced the boys are taking it as seriously as they should.

We then see the Guidices go to the BeatStock. Gia is both ready and nervous. Daddy tells her to just do what she learned and she will do fine. However, Miliana feels a need to say “Melissa stinks” regarding her singing. Kids do say how they feel, like it or not.

Back to the convention, Gregg is grabbing Albie to introduce him to Patti LaBelle. Gregg is obviously a huge fan and fawned all over her. She takes a sip of the BLK water and says it is good, but I’m not too convinced she meant it. However, she was very happy to meet a fan like Gregg and came across as someone who appreciates her fans.

Bravo clip:

Finally the Guidices and Gorgas meet before both Melissa and Gia go on. Gia went first AND I LOVED HER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She can really, really dance. I was smiling watching her. LOVE HER. Yes, one more time, LOVE HER. Her family, Joe, Melissa and Rosie were there and clearly felt the same way. It was clear they were very proud of her and even Melissa admitted she was a little nervous after seeing her perform.

Bravo Clip:

We then go back to the convention. Albie Sr. and Caroline have a booth for the Brownstone and their kids come by to say “hi”. It was all in good humor, but they admitted they were all having friendly competition.

And onto Melissa to do her performance. Her whole family was there and her sisters were emotional. She didn’t do much dancing but she did sing. The crowd loved it. And Teresa was happy for her. “Tarzan” said the more practice she has in the bedroom, the better she will be on stage.

Bravo clip:

Back to the Manzos/Lauritas, they are relaxing after a long day showing off their products. It was a quick scene. More importantly they went back to the BeatStock and how everyone was feeling, which was excitement in the air. Teresa and Melissa have a nice conversation about their upcoming trip to Napa. On the flip side, Caroline and crew talk about not wanting the Guidices coming. And so some drama is in the making…
The Sniff Test:

Wow, one episode with no insane fights. Was this RHONJ I was watching?? Guess so, and it was pleasant to see them act maturely for once.

The Gorgas are throwing a huge birthday bash for their 6 year old, Antonia, and even Joe tells her she is being too extravagant. I mean, it is quite a party and does rival Taylor’s party from RHOBH that she had for her daughter (which has been highly criticized as too much for someone so young). Makes me think of growing up in a different era altogether, AKA the 1970s, when kids played on Atari and that was considered very high class. Flash to the Guidices getting ready, or rather, T and kids. Milania watches them talk about the party with her father backing out saying “if it is just for kids I am not going”. She calls him out on it, right from the mouth of a 6 year old babe, “You never go see his kids. You are a poop!” and then starts giggling. He looks upset and walks away, knowing she is right.

Bravo clip:

Back to the Manzos and apparently they have a new storyline: Caroline and Lauren are opening up a new store, which is a spa for women and cafes. They are going to call it “CafeFace”. Lauren, rightfully so, says she doesn’t like it, but Mama Caroline who owns 51% of the store had lots to say and feels it is the right name.

Gorga time: Melissa’s mother and aunts show up and Joe immediately tells them that therapy was horrible and sums it up with what the therapist said, which is forget about the past and think about what you are going to say before each meeting. His sentiment is to never go again. And even Teresa agrees the therapist did not help, which she said as well to Joe. However, Melissa says to Joe, her husband, she wants to do the Sunday dinners again and will invite their family this coming Sunday. Good move!

Teresa and her kids show up to the party. T and Melissa talk for a few minutes and clarify they are happy to star the Sunday dinners and oh yes, Tre is in agreement – no more therapy, but yes to regular get togethers. Back to the party, Teresa plays with all the kids which is really cute.

On the side, Melissa, Kathy and Rosie are talking about the girl’s night out and lo and behold, with beer goggles no doubt, R may have found someone she likes. Ummm….yea, we’ll see…I don’t think she remembers anyone she met but if she kept in touch with one of the women good luck to her! Looking forward to seeing if this becomes anything, because in my last review I thought NO WAY she met anyone that will have any real meaning in her life. Well, I’ve been wrong before.

Then Joe and Tre are talking about the trip to Napa and they are both excited. He asks her what happened with Jacqueline, who just happens to be walking up with her kids and Joe did see her but for some strange reason, did not tell Tre. Its not clear how much Jac heard, if anything, but it was an awkward moment nonetheless. After the big birthday wishes for Antonia, Jacqueline and Tre make polite conversation and then end it pretty quickly. J is off talking to Kathy, who feels her pain, as does Melissa, who joins the conversation. However, they remain optimistic they will work it out and to just give it time. Riiigggghtttt….

Next scene: A famous singer and songwriter Corte Ellis shows up at the Gorgas to talk to Melissa about performing in BStock, which is a huge show. She says “yes” but is a little nervous because the crowd is a tough NY/NJ crowd. They are going to get her a choreographer.

Flash to the Manzo boys who are in the kitchen. Greg is cooking breakfast. Chris walks in and they talk about the strange coat in the living room, which obviously is Albie’s girlfriend, who is teased for having a girlfriend. Also, it is Gregg’s birthday but according to Chris, he doesn’t know he is having a party planned for him tonight. And Albie talks to the camera because “he is in love and is nervous about introducing her to his family at the party”. He feels they are really out there and can make up stuff to criticize about. Yea, I can imagine why he would be nervous about introducing him to his mother, in particular.

We then see Gia auditioning to dance at the same show Melissa will be performing in, which is a big deal. It sounds like one of those could make it or break it kind of talent shows.

Melissa is meeting Chris Judd who has worked with Michael Jackson. She is clearly nervous as she practices for her performance and he mentions he has worked with the King of Pop. In the meantime, Gia is kicking ass in her audition, showing lots of talent. On the flip side, Chris Judd tells Melissa “they have a long road to get her where he would like her to be”.

At the home of Kathy’s mom, they are getting ready for Rosie to bring over a new woman, Brianne. They show up to the hugs and kisses from the family and a LEERING Richie who just thinks she is HOT. Classy.

Gia is still auditioning away, which is a good sign because day has fallen into night, so that shows many hours and woohooo, she makes the cut! As I was watching her dance I just felt like saying, “You go, girl!”. Seriously she has some moves and is showing a lot of promise as a young dancer, hence making the cut. Goshdarnit, I’m proud of her. Needless to say, Tre is very proud and lets out a yelp when she hears the news her girl has passed the test.

We see Lauren, Jacqueline and Gregg in the back of a limo going to a surprise party for him. He thinks it is just the 3 of them that are going to celebrate his birthday. Lauren comments to the camera that she is nervous about meeting Lindsay, her brother’s new girlfriend, because “there are a lot of whores in NJ and she knows what one looks like”. Check, I should’ve written I understand why Albie is nervous about introducing her to her mother AND sister.

Chris, Albie and Lindsey go to the club “Boxers”, a gay bar. They wait with her along including other friends as well. Caroline shows up first. Is Albie Sr. involved in this show anymore? Is he on hiatus? Anyway, Caroline meets Lindsay for the first time and is very warm, however her review to the camera in her alone interview is mixed, “very sweet and a cheerleader”. The last part was said with some sarcasm.

Back to the dinner party at K’s house. Everyone is getting to know Brianne. She runs a restaurant in NYC. However her real love was to be a pediatric heart surgeon. Rosie’s mom was very warm. Richie makes cracks in his interview about her being happy and “muff diving”. Again, another low class joke. However, I do think he wants Ro to be happy, classless jokes aside.

At Boxers, Chris, Jacqueline’s husband, arrives, as well as Melissa and Joe Gorga. All are there to surprise the birthday boy, who was definitely caught off guard and very happy. After the initial “surprise!” Lauren is introduced to Lindsay. Albie says “everyone thinks it is his mom his girlfriends who have to go through but in reality it is his sister”. However, Caroline mentions she is “worried about this new relationship because Albie can’t afford to get married, right now his focus should be on work”. This whole time Lindsey is just very quiet, answers questions, and is just very polite to everyone. Melissa gives her tips about what to do to really land him, which is vacuum when is not there and have fruit baskets ready, which is “what a wifey would do”. Well, she did land a very machismo man and if that is what Lindsey wants, then Melissa is a very good source of information.

The party moves on to everyone dancing, including Melissa who dragged Lindsey up on the bar, then Joe has to jump up with some of the boys to show off and have fun. I am actually feeling a little for Lindsey. She was put on the spot. And Caroline says to the camera she thinks “Lindsey is sweet but she is not sure how much she is ready to let him focus on work.” HOW could she surmise that in this ONE meeting? To be continued.

Temporary Shrinkage:

One thing that the Gorgas, Guidices, Manzos and Lauritas have in common is they never do anything wrong, and help feed into this madness they’ve all experienced with one another.

We start off seeing a construction scene in the backyard of Teresa and Joes’s house with all three girls and J’s brother (he may have been an identical twin, not sure…). One of the girls storms off, not sure if it was Milania, but it was typical of two sisters to fight. Joe G makes dirty jokes with the stucco (in front of Teresa only) and only someone like him has that kind of brain. It was funny in a way a perverted way.

Rosie shows up. Gives the girls a hug/kiss, says “hello” and tells Tre she needs to get something off her chest. She is very emotional and upset about all the fighting and tabloids after saying she “…is tired of seeing her sister get bashed in them” all the time. T tells her “the tabloids are b.s…. doesn’t store things in her brain like a computer…but has seen article about Kathy bashing me”. Teresa really cleverly turns it on the tabloids and blames them for everything that has been said and done, however her point was clear, it is not just one-sided, so blame them. They reflect on their childhood, growing up together, and somehow T points out “Kathy was against her being gay”. HUH???? I can only imagine K’s reaction when she sees that – I’d like to be a fly on the wall because that is so obviously not the case (at least according to her, and that was made obvious before these two spoke about it). I’m not sure if I read this correctly, but it looks like Rosie believed that sentiment as well, and Teresa really used that heart string to manipulate the conversation in her favor. Tre does say she is glad she and Kathy are in a much better place now and is deeply saddened by what has happened with the Manzos/Lauritas. Scene ends with them both agreeing that peace needs to happen ASAP before there is a family war.

Fade to the Wakiles over at the Gorga’s having dinner. Of course, the topic is Teresa. I wonder what they talk about during their off camera time. Seriously. The best line, before Rosie shows up, is after Joe tells them they are going to therapy, he knows he has done no wrong and “…is an Angel from God”. The looks of shock on the Wakile’s faces were priceless. Melissa looked serene, as if she knew that of course her husband is an “Angel from God” — doesn’t everyone know that? Rosie shows up at that exact moment. Great timing. She made a drink and sat down to tell them she went to see Teresa. All agree they hope they see the “old Teresa” and get their family back together, no matter the reason.

Quick scene at the Lauritas: there is concern, voiced by Jacqueline, about the Guidices coming with them for the trip to Napa. Check that, she is right to be concerned. They hope the resolution is they gracefully back out.

Dinner is at Rosie’s and Kathy’s mom’s house on Sunday night. For the first time I have seen, Rosie is dressed up and wearing make up. This prompts Richie to tell her she looks great and she should be out there trying to meet someone. Somehow they all agree to Kathy going with R to a gay bar to help introduce her to people. This is all so polite how I phrased this, it was a little more than just polite introductions when they went out drinking. To be continued soon…

At the Laurita’s house for Sunday dinner, Albie makes an announcement she has a new girlfriend named Lindsay. Conversation turns to Ashlee, who has a new tattoo on her wrist of a bar she goes to and is on her way to Los Angeles, CA. They are concerned about how she is going to support herself and with very good reason. She has shown no drive or ambition. And her father is going crazy with her living with him – same old same old with the late nights and taking no responsibility on her part. Hey, sometimes people have to hit rock bottom before they see they are on a destructive path and while we have all been in our early 20′s before, all she does is live the nightlife. What I want to know is, who is giving her the money?!? If she HAS a job, it is not made clear. I suppose she made money from this series…

Back to the family scene at Kathy’s mom’s house. She ends up telling a very sad story about her childhood. She was raised by her father’s sister, who didn’t have any children, and was 5 years old when she went to go live with her aunt and long story short, she was separated by her own immediate family, including brothers and sisters. Many years passed before she “met” her mother and siblings. However, she felt nothing till she had children did it really hit her what that all meant and started to cry. Everyone is emotional. Kathy’s mom does impart some real wisdom that I believe has been passed onto her children, never hold onto a grudge.

And then back to the real drama of the show, Joe and Teresa getting ready for their first therapy appointment. I’m not sure what the hell to make of his outfit, the vest and the tie, it was weird without a blazer – just didn’t work, but that is not really the point of the story. Melissa calls and shows support by encouraging him to go and try to not get worked up, just listen to what the therapist says.

Teresa getting ready, clip from Bravo, as she talks to her daughter, Gia:

Jacqueline is at her house joining her dad for a beer in the backyard. Okay, is it just me or does she have a drink in every scene? Is Bravo trying to set something up, another story line? Or does she seem to really be drinking a lot more and that IS reality? Hard to tell, sometimes. They start off with talking about Ashlee, who spoke to her father about a week ago. Apparently, she has stars in her eyes and is moving to Hollywood. Oh god, wishing this girl some luck and hope she doesn’t completely lose it in a town that is WELL known to chew up and spit people out. Seriously, she is only in her early 20′s and very susceptible, especially because she is not self disciplined enough to hold a job and/or go to school. I do see doom in her near future. I don’t have my Tarot cards out right now, just speaking from having seen that sort of destruction and well, with age comes a little wisdom, at least one would hope! They do talk about Teresa, of course. He wisely tells her that she is going through her own stuff and doesn’t have room for much else, but then doesn’t like she has not asked much about Ashlee and feels like it is a “one way relationship right now”. This is her dad, so naturally he is upset for his daughter.

We then see a very interesting, to say the least, therapy session. Watching Bethenny interact with her therapist was much healthier because she LISTENED to what Dr. Amador had to say, but I digress for a second. Teresa and Joe wait for the therapist in the waiting room. Joe compliments his sister and says the shirt she is wearing is “sexy”. Ewww. Guess he was, in his own way, trying to break the ice.

Each one talk to him, Dr. Michael Sweeney, individually before all three of them sit down together. Ladies first, so Teresa tells her side of the story: she is right and her brother Joe needs to hear/learn about what he has done wrong. Not a good start, Teresa. But the therapist pinpoints the “beginning of the rift”, which was when Melissa was pregnant with their first child, however she had 3 small kids by then and didn’t have much time – good point. He tells her she needs to not let it all bubble up, in so many words, and when she gets emotional to walk away from a scene politely. He MUST have seen the table flipping episode.

Back to Kathy’s mom’s house, which has some real levity at this point. Rosie talks about communion and she borrowed Kathy’s dress because they were too poor to buy a new dress. Omg, that must’ve been a horrific day for her – that picture has been posted all over the internet. By now she is laughing about it and gets everyone to laugh as well.

Clip from Bravo:

Next scene is (doubt this was the same night) Kathy, her friend Heather (again) and Rosie go to the “Cubbyhole” to help R hook up. It was a bunch of drinking and literally slap happy moments. No one who will be remembered for very long came into Rosie’s life that night, if at all, but they definitely all had fun.

Switch to the therapy scene and the “Angel from God” tell His version. Joe tells him he was hurt by how she was not around when they had their first child, then she started to get competitive with his wife, Melissa.  So at least both of them see the same trigger that started this whole debacle.

Teresa, shortly thereafter, is called into the office. The therapist tells them to not bring up old rifts and to just move forward and have some good moments, which could start with Sunday dinners. Also, they need to promise to themselves about what not to do to make the situation worse each time they meet. In essence, what they need is more good times together so when it IS time to talk about what caused all of this, they will be in a healthier place. Also, they are told to not take a trip to Napa together in an RV after lots of drinking wine. For some reason, Teresa isn’t trying to hear this part of it at all and blatantly says “let’s prove him wrong” to her brother. She feels perfectly confident they can all have a good time without fighting even with wine in the mix. What has this girl been smoking? Dr. Sweeney looks immensely happy when the session is done.

And like wildcats, these two start to fight as soon as they leave the office. Way to prove a point, Tre. Joe does provoke the argument and tells her to not keep spreading lies to the tabloids, to not letting her parents move “into the shack they are building above the garage”. Then they start fighting about money and who pays for what. It only lasts for a short while and then they calm down. She does say to him, “You are the only person I have” (she MUST mean if her husband goes to jail). His response, “Remember that”.

From Bravo, the two of them after therapy: