REVIEWSTV

New Jersey’s ‘Real Housewives’ are back and brawling

Melissa Gorga of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" - Photo courtesy of NBCUniversal

For anyone who follows The Real Housewives of New Jersey, this season has not disappointed.

Losing Danielle Staub from the cast was bittersweet. Although I loathe her personality, she promises to stir up the drama that most of us tune in for. When Danielle was not asked back for season three there were rumors circulating that she was in the works for a spin-off. However, it seems there is no confirmation of this supposed spin-off. We will have to wait and see if any network is shameless enough to pick the show up.

Anyhow, two new housewives premiered this season. Melissa Gorga (Teresa Giudice’s sister-in-law) and Kathy Wakile (Teresa’s cousin) were introduced to us, and let me be the first to say it did not take long to be completely disgusted by their actions.

Season three has been basically hijacked by the Gorga family feud. Teresa Giudice (formerly Gorga) and her husband Joe have not kept their financial issues a secret. Teresa has finally curbed her shopping habit in season three and written a best-selling cookbook (“Skinny Italian”), which she is advertising at every venue she possibly can. It seems that since Teresa has been busy on book tours, her younger brother Joey Gorga feels left behind. Throw in a competitive sister-in-law and the scene is set for an Italian family feud of epic proportions.

Season three premiered with a christening for Melissa and Joe Gorga’s son, which ended with an all-out brawl at the after party.

Always keeping it classy New Jersey!

I am not one to get on a soapbox and preach that this show, among others, gives New Jersey a bad name. However, the frequency of physical altercations on this installation of The Real Housewives definitely beats any other cast (Atlanta might be a close second).

But, to me, it just makes it more painfully obvious that no matter how much money someone has, it does not mean that they automatically possess class and character. This group of women screams “New Money” with their offensively large mansions and their ridiculously tacky wardrobes.

After reading this, you might think I hate this show, and to be honest I do! But, it is like a slow train wreck that I cannot help but watch.

Who can make this stuff up?

Kodi Stanley / Columnist
  • The Real Housewives of New Jersey

  • Bravo, Sundays at 10 p.m.

  • Featuring Teresa Giudice, Caroline Manzo, Jacqueline Laurita, Melissa Gorga and Kathy Wakile

  • Bubble score: 2 out of 4

  • Click here for more information on The Real Housewives of New Jersey.

John Soltes

John Soltes is an award-winning journalist. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Earth Island Journal, The Hollywood Reporter, New Jersey Monthly and at Time.com, among other publications. E-mail him at john@hollywoodsoapbox.com

3 thoughts on “New Jersey’s ‘Real Housewives’ are back and brawling

  • I agree with Kodi. I am appalled and intrigued all at the same time. I don’t understand the religious undertones while they are all cursing and insulting relatives with the ferociousness of a lion. On another cast member ,I think Jacqueline really does have her hands full with ashley. She seems nice enough so far this season (no hair pulling yet) but get a grip girl . You don’t cry and carry on about getting to work on time and expect an apartment in the city paid for by your parents as a solution How about an alarm clock.?

    Reply
  • John Soltes

    Maybe I’m going to have to start watching this show.

    Reply
  • Jennifer

    I never miss this show, but this season and am embarrassed to admit it. The fighting and dramatic scenes are way over the top. I do, however, like Kathy. She and her husband seem like great parents.

    Reply

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