Real Houseswives of New Jersey: The Reunion Part 1

Let me first say that I really shouldn't watch these shows because they are such train wrecks, but I can't help it.  And the commentary I am going to make is based on the characters these people portray on TV.  I really don't know if what we see on TV is really how these people are since reality TV shows often blur the line between "reality" and produced/scripted programming.

I know that editing can be an extremely powerful and manipulative tool, but as I watched the show this season, Teresa and her husband did not come across in a very favorable light, and I am not talking about their financial or legal issues.  Teresa in the past 3 seasons has certainly not been known as the smartest housewife on the show, but she now looks like the most self-absorbed and alienating one, for sure.  Oh, and I can't forget, everyone is out to get her.  But don't forget that she is still prettier and nicer and in better shape.  (Or at least that is what she contended in many of her confessions throughout the season.)

When she came into this season on RHONJ, Teresa's relationships with family members were on shaky ground, but at least she had her friends on the show.  The she decided to write a cookbook and include "jokes" about her friends and family that basically come across as insults.  Now she doesn't have those friends anymore.  She contends that her cousin and sister-in-law are trying to ride her coat tails, but at the same time she loves them.  Hmmm, I'm not really sure if saying something like that is loving, but since she lives in her own world, she can just go with it.

Jacqueline didn't even show up to the reunion show because she didn't want to fight with Teresa.  So, as I watched the other 3 women attempt to stay calm and respectful, I also watched them fight a losing battle.  You can't argue with someone who is always telling the truth when everyone else is lying.  You also can't argue with someone who when told she is acting like the devil by her sister-in-law- responds, "You're the devil. You're the one wearing red."  With comments like that, perhaps Teresa should find her new calling in screen writing.

During the season, Teresa had said many negative things about all of her cast mates, with the exception of Jacqueline, and yet, "that is not what she meant."  When asked what she did mean, she couldn't formulate a good answer, and everyone at home was forced to just assume she is an idiot, if they didn't already think that. 

I know Teresa makes for good TV, but I really would prefer for her train wreck to get cancelled.  On some shows, like The Bachelor, at times I have liked the villain.  But on RHONJ,  Teresa is on my last nerve. And yet, everything I have written is about her.  Ugh! All I can say is I don't know how their husbands put up with all this stuff. 

It will be interesting to see how the second half of the reunion plays out, especially with Teresa making comments about Caroline and her relationship with her sister, Dina, being on the rocks.  Perhaps Caroline isn't as perfect as she seems.  I'm not sure if I can handle the stupidity of the Reunion Part 2, but luckily I will have a week to forget about it!