Before we start the episode, I’d like to address the drama that has everyone so up in arms and choosing sides between Jeff and Jenni. With regard to what happened between the two of them, we have only heard one side of the story. That is a deliberate action by Jeff who feels like he needed to “get out in front of the story.” That is called spinning the story before you hear the story to try and save face. I suggest we all calm down until the whole story comes out before spewing venom about either party.
Next, with regard to Jenni no working for Jeff anymore, that is not exactly true. I am sure we will see Jenni working for Jeff tonight and I haven’t even hit play yet. Why does it matter that Jeff got Bravo to pay Jenni and she only works for him when the camera’s are rolling? It makes no sense to feel mislead. What we see is what we see and Jeff and Jenni’s on camera relationship is exactly the same as their off camera relationship which was until recently year round and always a bit contentious just like all of Jeff’s relationships are. With that in mind, let’s watch the premiere of what could be the last season and have some fun.
We start with a montage of Jeff screaming at pretty much everyone and going on a firing spree. So it’s business as usual at the office. Monroe is talking! She still seems to have a lot of Jeff in her. As I am typing this, Gage says the same thing. When Jeff was feeding her she started choking and Jeff had to call Gage to deal with it.
Tyler is Jeff’s new assistant he was hired to replace Jenni while she was on maternity leave. Since filming has started Jenni has come back. Jeff says she has Wednesdays off and works three and a half to four days a week. Jenni says Georgia Grace was an easy delivery. She really is a miracle baby. Jenni is torn about leaving her to work. Jenni feels replaced.
Good Lord, Valley Vista is no way near being completed. It’s on year three. Jeff is being even more picky about the house because he will be stuck there throughout all of Monroe’s primary school years at least.
Jeff tells Jenni that Tyler is his new fulltime assistant and that she will have a whole new job. They seem rather pissy with each other from the very beginning. I’ve never heard Jeff call her Jennifer in that snotty voice.
The trio make it to the Heather Madden house where a huge amount of workers are working. Jeff said the budget doubled because she completely changed the style of the house inside and out. They go out to lunch with Heather to finalize some plans. Jeff tells Heather that Jenni is getting promoted. It sounds like her new position will be with clients and therefore away from Jeff. The plot thickens.
Back at the house the employees gather around the work table. Cat is back from Atlanta. Translation, Cat, who lives in Atlanta, is there to work as long as the cameras are rolling. This isn’t new behavior.
Jeff wants a mandatory dinner with “awards.” This always goes well. He loves stirring the pot.
There is a lot of time being spent on Jeff nitpicking Valley Vista. It seems to be taking a lot of his time. Jeff is trying to finish up with all of his design clients and move back into flipping exclusively now that the market is back. Jeff has a 50/50 partner on one of his flips but they disagree on the plans. Jeff has been arguing about a fountain that has been screwed up at least twice. I don’t know why he gives the same guy a chance to fix it. All of this Mexican food they keep stopping to eat is making me starving. I really need some enchiladas. The group actually laughs together over these enchiladas, so that is nice.
I should point out that Tyler does not speak until spoken to and he is rarely spoken to.
Jeff is requiring the nanny to come to the mandatory dinner. Even Tyler speaks out about having to sit with two particular guys at dinner. Jeff says it is an employee appreciation dinner. Oh I know who Frankie is now. I’d prefer to sit by him over most of these people.
At the awards ceremony Jenni presented employee of the month to some new person. Is it the housekeeper? Anyway, she got a thousand dollars. Tyler got second place and $500. Third place went to the nanny -$300. In confessional Jeff says there are people at this dinner who are not going to last.
Well, that was kind of weird.
I don’t know about you all, but I was getting some serious “not happy at all” vibes from Jenni. She was NOT liking Tyler AT ALL. But what did she expect? Bottom line – show or not, Jeff is going to need a full time person next to him. Maternity leave (or family medical leave) doesn’t usually mean you leave for 6 months and then only come back part time compared to a full time job, and the company doesn’t hire someone to pick up the time you aren’t working.
Also a pet peeve – women who could clearly afford to stay home with their kids bitching about leaving their kids like she did, about how they can’t bear missing a moment. I’m all for choice – a friend with three amazing kids was honest about her career ambitions from the get go. Hubster got a job that was also flexible, and with some carefully selected day care, they made it work. But she NEVER bitched about how she “couldn’t stand leaving the kids”. (with some budgeting, they could easily have afforded a stay at home parent)
My cousin was a nanny for a good number of years. I remember one position, the woman bemoaned in front of me that she wished with all her heart she could spend as much time with her kids as my cousin did… here is the thing, she was a wealthy widow WHO DIDN’T HAVE A JOB. She did some volunteer work, and filled her days with other social stuff – all shit she could have easily given up to spend more time with her children. I remember one time those kids ended up coming with my cousin on a family holiday gathering (that we postponed because she was needed as nanny on the actual holiday) but the woman needed her “spa weekend” with her friends.
Nothing about this comment is logical in the slightest.
Yes, Jenni was unhappy with Jeff. Tyler had nothing to do with it. Jeff was giving her nothing to do on camera. Clearly they started off the season pissed off at each other.
There was not MATERNITY LEAVE. She is an independent contractor for Bravo and they don’t qualify for maternity leave, you work or you quit. Even if she worked for Jeff he is not required to give her maternity leave. It was simply time for her filming job to start. Parents miss their kids when they send them to Kindergarten for the first time. Do you accuse them of “bitching about being away from their kid?” Just because Jenni chose to work the five month job that pays her a six figure salary while the show is still on the air doesn’t make her worthy of your derision as some rich bitch who should be home with her kid.
Rich women are allowed to work and miss their child without people like you telling them they are bad parents. Jenni is a great parent. There are plenty of shitty parents out there but Jenni Pulos is not one and you look like a real cuntsatchel with this post.
Exactly, TT, well said. I’m a SAHM, not out of luxury but out of inability to afford child care. I’m with my kids 24/7 while husband is off working 60 hours a week, and they drive me batshit, but the minute I’m away from them, I miss them. It’s a twisted relationship and good for Jenni working and getting that huge salary FOR HER FAMILY.
Thank-you for this post, TT. <3
Bravo TT (pun not originally intended…but it certainly fits). I love that you speak your mind when needed. No pandering to your readers when they are VERY WRONG, like this one was! I totally agree!
The comment section here is like when the entire extended family gets together for Thanksgiving after everyone is too drunk to drive home.
My apologies – I think that is exactly what happened… I passed out on the proverbial couch.
Sorry if I offended. I didn’t explain myself AT ALL. Messed up enough where I’m not even gonna try to reexplain. Insomnia, stress, and wine got the best of me.
Lol, Erica! I get it. Would have loved to be a “stay at home Mom” but . . . . WE liked to eat! Pretty much raised my children under my desk at work. It’s amazing they survived and have done so well on their own. Sometimes, when I hear complaints from people who have choices, I want to remind them how lucky they are and want to shake my finger at them too. :/
I like to draw on Erica’s face with Sharpie when she passes out on the couch. 🙂
DAMMIT TAMARA.. I HAD A MEETING TO LEAD THIS MORNING!!!!
I am sure they didn’t notice. 🙂
Are you a mom? Do you know what “mom guilt” feels like?
I’m in the same boat you are, now that I’m home all the time I wished that I worked not because I want to miss out on my kids life or don’t love them but feel like the separation sometimes is healthy.
Maybe Erica was talking about more so moms who choose to deliberately put they’re social calendar ahead of their kids and just projecting that on jenni.
This! Maybe she’s putting the money she makes from the show into a college fund for her child. Maybe she just needs something else in her life outside of family time in her home. Either way, she shouldn’t be bitched at or called a bad mum for missing her kid when she’s out doing her job, regardless of whether she can afford to quit. A healthy balance is definitely needed with anything and this could be hers.
I live in NYC, I know some women like the widow your cousin nannied for. It’s sad and bizarre, and the children typically don’t end up unscathed
I expected Jenni to say that she loved being able to work and have her girls, you know be a working mom, but she did seem to be struggling with some guilt. I personally think if you aren’t feeling great about leaving your kids and if you are in a financial position to stay at home, then err on the side of your kids, but to each her own. There will always be a job; your kids are only small once. This goes for moms and dads.
Jenni is a unique situation because she has a singular opportunity with Bravo to build her brand, but I am just not sure why she didn’t seem more content with filming again as a working mom of two girls. But her situation is also unique bc her husband doesn’t just make regular money, he likely clears 800k at minimum a year (but probably more like over 1mm), being a top orthopedic surgeon in a HCOL area. Just speculation, but I highly doubt Jenni pulls in anywhere near that. So if she isn’t all that happy and content with her current situation, and is dealing with lingering mom guilt, is the Bravo gig even worth it?
I used to feel hungry last season when they were eating takeout from Chin Chin. Best tofu & veg in black bean sauce ever! Used to live for takeout at end of long day when I lived in LA area.
I was trying to figure why I like his radio program so much more than the tv show. He is not able to really rage to the extent that he does on the show because the program has established clear boundaries with precise limits as to how far he can go. Although, from time to time he test the waters to some degree. He has his Bravo Marshall watching and sitting right there, whistle in hand, Andy on standby with his phone ready to call him and give him hell. But he always seem to be laughing, mostly lighthearted, and quite happy in that role. It did seem to me watching tonight that there was tension already building between both of them. I am wondering how long this all has been brewing.
Maybe the radio show is not his career or his livelihood. He just have fun with his radio show. What I like about his TV show is that he is a real designer like Million dollar listing boys are real brokers. I am sure his real money comes from designing. Jeff is smart and knows all those reality shows don’t last forever. Maybe he just got tired of pretending that Jenni worked for him. You can tell that they are sick and tired of each other, and I am here for the mess.
Personally, I think Andy calling in & chastising is schtick. Conspiracy theory: this was already going to be the last season & this is a stunt for publicity. He’s transitioning from tv & clients to flipping & radio.
It’s amazing the things people on the Internet will choose to believe and not to believe and to be OUTRAGED about when the facts are readily available.
Wow! Valley Vista is taking about as long as Chateau No show.
I love this show because Jeff is just a great personality and I love the decorating and renovation. His private life is also very interesting. I think Jeff is honest about who he is and that is refreshing on a reality show. I hope this isn’t the last season. This is my favorite Bravo show.
I love Jeff, he’s one of my favorites because I can totally relate to him, we have a few similar personality traits, It’s a bit problematic with relationships… I will say though it is sad seeing such a relationship after so many years come to an end regardless of whose fault it is.
TT – I thought the exact same thing as you when Jeff kept calling Jenni “Jennifer” in that weird voice! What in the world was that? I don’t think I ever even heard him call her that before ever…so weird…..
and it is only 10 am but, since reading your recap, I want some Mexican food….!! : )
Jeff is trying to run a business and Jenni is there just to collect a paycheck and promote her career. She’s been checked out for years. Must be frustrating and added work to fit her in when she has no interest being an assistant anymore. He is tired of playing the game and said he was very appreciative to Bravo for the opportunity he has been given.
OT: Godspeed to all in the path of Hurricane Florence. Such beautiful areas. I wonder if Southern Charm can even film? Hope Jenelle got off The Land.
THIS!
I heard Jennelle is refusing to leave The Land. I hope her kids are off with Barbara, Nathan–anywhere but on The Land.
If Florence is any where close to Harvey–get out!
Valley Vista was finally brought when I stopped watching FO. Time has flew past me.
Ques 1, isn’t that the woman who always posts something wierd?
Ques 2. Without even watching I can imagine what voice Jeff is using his I’m trying to be smooth voice, right?
Ques 3. Who cares if a MOM missed her NEW BABY? That’s just downright stupid to even question, so zip it!
Comment, Tamara, I also love in Georgia, and by some of your descriptions, we may be neighbors. We can be crazy and depressed together LOL. I’ll feed you I’ve cream, you supply the dog newtons. ? email me hahaha
Damn auto correct FIG NEWTONS!!!
Thanks for the correction. I thought perhaps “dog newtons” was some southern food item that we didn’t have up here in New England. And with a name like that, I was happy we didn’t!
PIG NEWTONS! (Louis C.K.)
There definitely was some tense energy between Jeff & Jenni.
Between him getting ahead of the story and the editing, I was amped up inwithin the first 5 minutes when he said that Jenni left him….. to go on maternity leave. This makes me wonder if their dispute is genuine & not just made up to attract viewers and to generate higher ratings. I predict a reconciliation by the end of the season.
I like Jeff. Despite his tantrums and at times sophomoric sense head of humor, he seems to value his people and takes good care of them, especially if they’re loyal. I don’t dislike Jenni and I enjoyed watching her interactions with Jeff. Based on what I saw in the premiere I don’t think Flipping Out needs her to go on. If the dispute is real, I hope this is not the last season.
I love jeff and I know I’m going to side with Jenny. We’ve seen how mean he can be, even to the people.closest to him like his ex boyfriend from the 1st 1 or 2 seasons. Zoila, and even Gage at times. He let’s his rage get the best of him and says things he cant take back. Jenny has taken her fair share of shit over the years so I’m not surprised that now thatbshe has kids and a healthy marriage, she doesn’t want to stick around in a friendship where she’s not retreated well. It’s sad to see their friendship end, but he can’t fully blame her. He needs to hold himself accountable for his actions and words. With that said, this is my favorite bravo show and I hope they keep it around even without Jenny.
I don’t think I can watch this show any more. Jeff’s snarky personality and general unpleasantness have spoiled it for me. His relationship with Gage seems to be lacking in closeness and his attitude towards his employees is often downright cruel. I don’t know what the story is with him and Jenni, and I don’t really care. I frankly thought she was a saint for putting up with him all those years. Now we find out that she’s actually a Bravo employee. I’m sick of shows where things aren’t as we are led to believe, and why watch something that makes you feel uncomfortable and manipulated?
Jeff tries to really push this whole JENNI WORKS FOR BRAVO crap when JEFF WORKS FOR BRAVO in the exact same manner. I don’t believe that anyone ever thought this was simply a fly on the wall look at Jeff Lewis Designs. Just like any other show on Bravo it’s amped up for drama. GUESS WHAT? The servers at Vanderpump Rules DON’T ACTUALLY WORK FOR SUR EITHER! THEY WORK FOR BRAVO!
Seriously! You’ve really popped my bubble, Tamara.
This, this is what I’m saying.
I find it odd people somehow feel “betrayed” by this.
Oh, and it’s disgusting what people feel it’s ok to say to any of these reality show folks on social media. You feel justified doing that? It’s fucked up. They’re still people. They’re somehow the most terrible thing since mint Oreos? Ok, who’s stalking them on Twitter?
I still remember what happened here a couple of years ago. It was flat out scary.
I do think Jeff is by far the most “real.” That’s what made this show good. He’s nasty? I’d kill to work for him. I once worked for a dude that told me his goal was to make me cry. And he never handed me a Prada bag. Ha.
Forgot to say this, to all of you living in the potential path of Hurricane Florence, it sounds like a nightmare and I hope you all get through this with no loss of life or property. We once had 75 mph winds where I live in CA and they were horrendous – blew down fences and ruined roofs, but that’s nothing compared to what you’re facing. I’ll keep you all in my prayers and hope it moves through quickly. God bless.
I don’t think Jeff is ever going to finish Valley Vista. At some point they may move in but, it’ll never be finished because it will never be perfect. He will always find a flaw, that goes for his projects and relationships alike. It’s just who he is. I often disagree with him. That said I have a big soft spot for him and Jenni too. I’ll watch anything that either of them is in. She was a special guest at the wwhl taping I went to last year. She was very pregnant and absolutely adorable.
People seem to believe these shows are “real.” They’re not. Only tangentially does it touch any form of reality.
I think that this was a calculated PR move, timed to coincide perfectly with the beginning of the new season.
This is a new marketing technique, courtesy of social media. People sat around in meetings (virtually) and figured this out. I’m no tinfoil hat wearing moron (shuttie). All you have to do is open your eyes.
Flipping Out is different from most reality shows because Jeff’s business is real. Jeff’s relationships with Gage, his former partner, ZOILA, and JENNI are real relationships in existence LONG before the show, Jenni pitched the original concept of the show (with her as “the star”) around this group of people working in an existing business. Her long friendship with Jeff IS REAL. Her husband divorcing her in the process WAS REAL, her IVF was real, Her arguments with JEFF were real. Jeff’s relationship with ZOILA and GAGE was real.
It’s not like this was THE HILLS. You guys are FLIPPING OUT over the wrong things.
That’s not what I’m saying. I’m saying Bravo shows are just that, shows.
I’m not flipping out over OH MY GOD JENNI DOESN’T WORK FOR JEFF.
I’m saying you’re seeing a very curated version of “reality.”
My main point being, the whole “Jeff getting out in front of it” thing was a calculated move to stir controversy, albeit seeded in reality, but played up and out for the cameras. Sort of reality, sort of hey, this works! Let’s do that!
This was my last Bravo favorite. Bummer.
I miss Zoila.
I usually love this show.
Last night’s episode was joyless and painful to watch. I don’t know..
Flip and flop. Summer’s fluke will soon flonder. The sole of the matter tells me there’s something fishy here.
Why did spell check fuck u? It took time and effort to peck that out.
I have a relative whose wife went to Catholic High School with Jeff here in Orange County. She claims Jeff has not changed one bit. I have two brothers who both have similar personalities to Jeff and I never would have survived if I didn’t just shrug them off. There must be something in the water in the OC. Andy claims he has not spoken with Jeff , does like him, likes Gage more.. but that he is too mad at him right now.
Don’t I know that feeling! I have a sister that I’ve cut all contact with because she’s completely abrasive. The last time we spoke I was a week away from handing in my dissertation and she decided it was the perfect time to start a drama over an argument we had when we were 11 lol. My family think I’m an arse for cutting all contact but sometimes with people like that it’s good for the soul.
If Jeff’s radio show is not on Friday, that will be very telling.
When did Andy say this?
Wednesday on his radio show.
@Ericka, YOU HAD ONE JOB.
Watch every season. My favorite was the inappropriate assistant . Still laugh recalling the runaway bin. No way I could work for Jeff, but he’s talented and as messy as real life gets.
Andrew! Lord, he was always hitting on the subcontractors. He was an HR nightmare but so entertaining. I rewatched Seasons 1-5 on Hulu and couldn’t help myself & bought the rest of the seasons on Apple ITunes in the last month or so. I started watching Flipping Out for the home porn and design ideas. But he won me over.
I take this recent drama with Jenni as either a “relationship ender” like with his prior business partner, Ryan (problem, no resolution) or it could be like the major fight they had over Cabogate (big fight, but all forgiven by both.) I hold out hope their long history will bring them back together again.
She’s always known he burns people to the ground, so to speak, over things, like her book he sued her over years ago. It’s his personality. I’m sure he’s not on a 10 all the time. But Jenni/Jeff came back together after that. So I have high hopes…
Will be interesting to see if we even get Jenni’s side of the story on social media or . . . . if she saves it for the courtroom.
I feel duped.
I love Jeff. I will never not love Jeff. Gage is growing on me. And Monroe… I could eat that baby up with a spoon! A little firecracker! I love Jenni, too, and I know how she feels. I had two of my children later in life, too, and you really feel that you have your last chance with them. So be there to go volunteer for Kindergarten Clay Day! Go be with them if you possibly can! Jeff, this is advice for you, too, as an older dad! Don’t miss these things! Make up with Jenni! Your friends are very precious as you get older. Alright, enough from the Overly Emotional Old Lady! Super recap, TT!
One edit I’d like to make to your comment:
Overly Emotional WISE Old Lady.
Aw, bless you, Rabicate! What a lovely compliment! I will try to be worthy of it. 🙂
Is anyone else troubled by the scene where Jeff is sitting *right in front of Monroe*, feeding her, and when she starts to choke, all he can do is passively call for Gage to report, “I think she’s choking.”??
Gage has to rush in to help Monroe while Jeff sits even farther away, to helpfully report, “I told you so! She’s choking.”
What the holy hell????
THIS is parenting?!?!
Yes. I felt…..concerned. Weirded out. Could hardly believe. Gage was sooo fast pulling the high chair tray off. I thought we were going to see the Heimlich. That was revealing, disturbing. A what the h— ….quick do something instant. I just don’t know….
I wasn’t surprised to see that, Jeff admitted on the radio show that he defers to Gage for all things Monroe. They even share stories about Jeff asking Gage if he should go to her when she cries during the night. A few funny stories we’ve heard so far.
Perhaps Jenni DiD miss an opportunity as an actress. Because rewatching old episodes leading up to the season opener, she looks happy to be there. On screen. Maybe better at ACTING than I thought.
I DO like Jenni and Jeff is difficult, but she was in her 30s when the show came out. And we KNOW what that means for women in Hollywood. Sad, but true.
This show was her best opportunity to chase that sidewalk star. She could show some gratitude.
I AM NOT SAYING SHE IS THESE WOMEN, but this is nothing new. It goes back to the Golden Age of Hollywood — a man died in the Marion Davies-William Randolf Hearst affair. Michelle Triola Marvin and Bonnie Blakley latched on to Lee Marvin and Robert Blake, then claimed they gave up their “careers.” My LEAST favorite, Sondra Locke, entered a relationship with Clint Eastwood when he was married, starred in several films with Eastwood (likely she, and her little rat eyes, would have fallen by the Hollywood wayside without him). After he dumped her, she sued him for “sabotaging her career.” Again, this is nothing new. But I thought more of Jenni. I would love to hear her side.
Tamara,
what have you heard regarding Jeff Lewis allegedly posting a picture with Gage, Jeff, & Jenni, with a Red X over Jenni’s image? and Bravo execs canceling his WWHL appearance because of it?
It is, allegedly, the same pic you have posted at the top of this thread.
It’s online now with PEOPLE articles. TT scooped the other media. The story about Jenni & what happened is online. Thanks TT. Talk about enlightening. I didn’t know about Jenni actually pitching the show. I really thought she worked for JL Design. Your info about the real relationships rings true to me. I have loved this show. All the relationships. The dynamic of Jeff’s & Jenni’s relationship over the years has been something to watch. I want to keep watching FO. I love the different projects & flips too. I must be a latent building & design industry wannabe….
Jenni DID work for JL Designs. For YEARS. But once the Bravo check started rolling in she didn’t need to work there full time anymore. So eventually, Jeff hired other people and Jenni worked part time and was paid by Bravo.
It’s not some nefarious thing.It’s the exact same thing as SUR. Those people don’t work at SUR anymore, they work for Bravo. They come in and film and work a few nights but most of them do not work there during the off season.
I just never knew. I wonder if the SURvers are paid well. This inside info…thanks!!
The SURvers were not paid much to start with (by Bravo) because they did not want them to make a lot of money since the show was about waiting tables and trying to find acting jobs and such. But once it was such a breakout success the cast wise up and go lawyers to negotiate their contracts and now they are very well paid.
Some of them are still on the schedule at SUR quite a bit. Brittany picked up all the shifts she could her first season because that is actually good money too. The bartenders make good tips and working behind the bar keeps the fans coming in and tuning in Stassi got fired as storyline and didn’t really want to wait tables anymore. LVP doesn’t like Kristen for real. Obviously, Lala doesn’t need to work there anymore but you will still see her hotessing on the show.
The Shahs pretended to still be selling real estate even though all of them quite their day jobs except for Asa who created more businesses.
It’s the same with all the Bravo shows. Once the checks get big, they don’t do their old menial jobs anymore. Jeff was just the first person to announce it to the public.
I know I’m super late to this party, but I didn’t have a chance to watch this episode until tonight. I’m sad if Jenni and Jeff’s friendship ends–but really, Jeff is impossible. I am always struck by how cruel he is. Also, I would go crazy with their desk arrangement–how they all sit at one long table/desk so close together. If one person is talking on the phone, everyone can’t help but hear it. I would find that so distracting–like I could never concentrate without being distracted.
I was so looking forward to FO returning as Jeff’s crazy behaviour does make me laugh and I need a laugh here in hospital. But I felt something darker and sinister than before. I am worried and don’t think the show will survive without some light hearted ness
I think Lea Black could do a fine job on the show instead of Jenni being there since she adds so much humor to his radio show ( if she wanted to be on). She certainly is on their radio show a lot as their “legal advisor” also. she is a neighbor and spends a lot of time with both Jeff and Gage having cocktail hours. Roy has been helpful to Jeff too as far as giving him some legal advice when he asks him.
First time commenting.Enjoyed TT for years now. Despite the show becoming slightly more calm, it is still my favorite Bravo series. I just love Jeff. He’s like the Simon Cowell of Bravo. Just very sad watching him and Jenny slowly drifting apart. One hundred percent agree with Tamera, you can already see a shift happening.
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