We start this week with Jennifer and Teresa at a trampoline class. Jennifer is a bit self-conscious doing a class with Melissa and her prison body on steroids. It would be easy to make fun of Jennifer’s uncoordinated efforts here, but it would also be hypocritical as my fat ass would have fallen off that teeny tiny trampoline in one bounce. I’ll hold all my Jennifer vitriol for when we get to her tacky monstrosity of a house. If it is who has the tackiest house in Jersey contest , I feel like Jennifer has a good shot at winning.
Melissa has managed to get her sisters on the show. Have we seen them before? Apparently she has two that she knows of and she has called them to the house to let them know there may be a fourth sister. According to some medium that Melissa visited, her daddy has a love child that they don’t know about. The sisters knew that their father cheated on their mother, but the possibility that he had a baby out there they don’t know about is something they never considered. The fact that the medium says it is a sister makes me think it could be true because he did seem to be a guy, much like Joe Giudice, who fathered only girls. I mean dawtuhs.
Over at Marge’s house, Danielle arrives with green smoothies for herself and the two Marges. She apparently stopped by with one while everyone else was in Oklahoma but that footage landed on the cutting room floor. Once again this season, Danielle struggles to get face time. When Marge thanks Danielle for checking in on Marge Sr. While she was in Oklahoma, Danielle responds with, “Well, why should she suffer because you’re a bitch?” Really, Danielle? It’s not Marge’s fault you are not allowed to play all the reindeer games? That’s totally on you. Marge plans to stick up for Danielle around Dolores in order to appease her. I don’t see this détente lasting.
Giacinto has had cataract surgery so Joe is dropping by to check on him . Nono wants to do a quick shot with Joe. And that is pretty much all they do. Joe has to go back to work. No one is quite sure where Joe works, but he seems to do it a lot. So of course Teresa is pissed. It looks to me like it was time for Nono to lay down anyway. After Melissa gets him to his room, Joe takes her out to the garage to try to talk to his sister. It ends with Joe telling Melissa to shove it up his ass and him screeching out of the driveway. That went well. Joe is much better at his angry scenes than Melissa is at her crying scenes at least.
Jennifer sums up her parenting strategy thusly, “It’s easier to just give in than make them follow rules.” People like this remind me of a man I saw in the airport when I was working as a gate agent. He had a small child with him who was throwing a flinging fit. He was exasperated and everyone was staring at him. Near tears himself he took at his wallet and offered the kid who was about two one hundred dollars if she would just stop crying. It was sad and funny all at once.
I have to say, Jennifer’s enormous house is really pretty. Everything is very white. How does that work with five kids? Teresa only brings Milania to the party. Gia is too old for the group, and the other two are not particularly down for the cameras anymore.
This entire episode has been rehashing Oklahoma and so it all comes to a head at dinner. Teresa accuses Melissa of getting Joe all worked up. She apparently thinks Melissa is not allowed to recount the discussions in Oklahoma about Joe to Joe. Dolores and being the mouthpiece for Teresa.
Jennifer, who has to beg permission of her husband to go away for the show for a weekend decides to for the second time this episode to use the old saying, “The husband is the head of the family, but the wife is the neck that turns the head.” Teresa apparently heard this for the first time at the gym. It’s like these people live under rocks. Then Dolores tells Jackie that this is an old-school way of thinking and she doesn’t have the capacity to understand it. Really Dolores? I think Dolores secretly wanted to be on Mob Wives.
Jackie steps in to point out to Teresa that if she thinks Melissa should be able to control Joe’s behavior, then why didn’t Teresa stop Joe from committing dozens and dozens of crimes?
Milania was eavesdropping on this entire conversation and comes in to stop it. She tells her mom she needs to go. Teresa gets up to take her home, because Teresa might be the head of the family at the moment, but Milania is the neck.
I like the Melissa, Jackie and possibly Marge trio this season. Teresa, Dolores and Jennifer can kick rocks and all need to be gone next season. If there is a next season.
Next week: There will be way too many Danielle scenes.
Sorry, I am not watching any HW’s at the moment but enjoying all the recaps. Just want to say get.a.rebounder (mini-trampoline) … hard at first but so easy on the joints and elevates your white blood cell count (mine is VERY low). I do it to the radio and just make stuff up and can do 6 songs in a row now. Amazing!!
Rebounders are awesome!! I have had one for more than 30 years. For me, it is the easiest and fastest way to lose body fat. You can get your heart rate up rather quickly and it’s fun to use to music. I love mine! And you’re spot on about it being easy on the joints. It’s tough in the beginning but the results are well worth it.
Louise Gittleman claims it activates your lymph system and that’s why pounds drop.
Until my fat ass falls off and gets a massive concussion and dies, still fat as fuck.
I’m just saying
Sometimes it’s like you read my mind, woman. 😉
Jennifer’skidsmust be a joy to teach…not! I’m sorryTT, but Ihave to respectfully disagree with you on this decor. It is gaudy, gauche and impractical. And it’s still in Paramus.
I live in Jersey too- Montclair but I know Paramus well. The house is horrendous monstrosity. I knew the furniture would be even worse. Who goes to Chinatown to buy their furniture? Wtf? Then she decides a trip to China would be cheaper? New York has the most incredible furniture stores or if you want to save money then you go to North Carolina not China!
I’m amazed people still watch this show.
A ha! I feel like I know the answer to a blind item after reading this.
Joe Gorga is a big phony. What “plans” was he looking at? His home improvement license in NJ is expired. There is no reason that he cannot call his father every day just for a few minutes and he should be bringing his children to see their grandfather every week, even for a short visit. I don’t know about the rest of the country but in the Northeast the first anniversary of a parent’s death is a big deal. Usually a Mass is said for the deceased and the family attends. Going away on vacation and not telling his sister would cause major issues among the families I know. And why can’t he or Melissa ever repeat a conversation accurately? I can’t stand either of them.
A mass for everyone in the church a year after their death? That must be a whole lot of church. The Gorgas don’t even go to Mass on Christmas. I think getting out of town during that sad time would be a healthy thing to do.
Ditto. I do .
This just be either a northern or Italian thing. I was raised Catholic and we have never gathered for a family member’s one year death anniversary.
I am Catholic, go to church every Sunday and have attended mass in Germany, Australia and Michigan. Very, very elderly Europeans (I mean octogenarian- not in their 60’s like Nono) may ask for a mass to be said in memoriam, but I would say it happens a handful of times a year at most these days.
Perhaps if Nono had paid the priest to dedicate a service and invited them all, I could see the insult, but Teresa is just a fair weather Christian who makes up the rules as she goes along.
I don’t care how people worship, I just get sick of Teresa (and sometimes Melissa’s) ignorant portrayal of any faith.
I will get off my soapbox now and resume lurking.
I am Hindu; specially West Indian (more than 100 years ago East Indians were brought to the Caribbean as indutured servants).
We do a shard work, which is a religious ceremony on the one year anniversary of a loved one’s death. It is to honor their memory, to be with other family and friends who are still suffering from the loss. And for me personally, I would have made it a point to be with Joe Sr.
I don’t think Teresa can spell Catholic, let alone know how church works.
As a NY resident, I (respectfully) disagree about it being a Northeast thing. I imagine if you were to look at the demographics of those that attend mass on the first anniversary, religious beliefs would be a bigger factor than geographic location. Additionally, it varies situation to situation, family to family. I lost my dad and sister when I was young, and I remember my family receiving Mass cards for anniversaries of passing, birthdays and other important dates. While I can think of several situations of people attending mass on the anniversary (including once myself), I can think of far more that haven’t.
Jackie is not a good addition!!
You’re right! She’ the best addition RHONJ has ever had. Sadly, it is probably not enough to save this crapfest of a franchise.
I like Jackie. At first I wasn’t sure how she’d fit in but she seems fun, rational, and nice so you’re probably right about your hunch.
Absolutely agree. Thank you for the recap.
Do you mean Jackie or Jennifer? Jackie is amazing so far.
I agree. She annoys me with her anorexia drama and know-it-all attitude. She isn’t housewife material imho. Housewives must have some level of delusion and Jackie is lacking in that department haha.
That anorexia, so very dramatic.
It is when it’s the first thing you share about yourself to a group of women while EVERYONE is eating. Makes everyone uncomfortable, so yeah annoying and dramatic.
Tre is going to make Jackie G’s life hell. After she resolves things with Melissa & Joe for the sake of the fambily. I know I am in the minority but Tre is alot smarter than people give her credit for. She is not book smart but no housewife has more street smarts than Tre Guidice. All that $ stock piled somewhere is not any easy accomplishment. If she were as stupid as people believe her to be she would not be sitting pretty on wads of ill gotten gains. Alledgedly. Finished Christmas shopping today. Wrapping all weekend. Huge storm neaded this way. Must do the Masshole waltz for bread milk & eggs. Great recap as usual. Hope all is well
She is definitely not book smart that is for sure. Bitch didn’t even know what most was.
Didn’t know what a moat was. Damn auto-correct!
She’s dumb as a pile of rocks.
Jennifer has a grand, spacious house – the decor looks contemporary, with some exceptions like the dining room furniture (e.g. the crown/thrown chairs) – perhaps that type of furniture is what makes the house seem tacky ?
In this whole saga of Teresa vs the Gorga’s – has everyone forgotten that Mr Gorga (Sr) is kicking up the most stink ? Yes, Teresa is adding fuel to the fire by acting like her father’s (aggressive) mouthpiece but why don’t Melissa and Joey mediate with Mr Gorga (Sr) directly ?
ITA about the father being very vocal about Joe not calling. Seems clear that the father is bitching a lot to Teresa, and she’s tired of hearing it. A healthy person would stay out of it and tell Dad to take it up directly with Joe, but this whole family is about enmeshment and they also seem to purposely play it up as a storyline.
I was on the fence about Jackie but after her quick fire home truths to Teresa I’ve decided I like her. Marge too. Finally women with a bit of common sense. I just hope Jackie doesn’t go along the Sigalit “I’m a genius!!!” Flicker route and turn into an asshole after we’ve started to warm up to her.
Jennifer’s ginormous house was much less tacky than I thought it’d be. The furniture and some other random interior design stuff was a off but I love the giant kid play area that’s easily visible. Very good idea for an area that isn’t hospitable to year round outdoor play. Could I handle that much house and a thousand bathrooms? Hell no! But she’s got the means to have other ppl handle it so good for her.
I think Jennifer is… ok. She just comes off a bit of a try hard. If she just relaxed a little and was her authentic self instead of being all “like me for what I have, not who I am” she’d be a good fit.
I like Jennifer. She was absolutely obnoxious in Oklahoma but I find her funny. I could probably have fun hanging out with her
ROFLMAO. I’m trying to picture in my head someone who would purposely hang out with her.
Jacqueline Laurita.
Ha!! Danielle also
Yeah, Jennifer at least looked like she would be a fun drinking buddy! Haha, Melissa enjoyed that aspect of her personality in Oklahoma. She would be like the friend that always says inappropriate things while drinking meanwhile I would be so embarrassed but enjoying it at the same time!
Anyone else hear Milania call Antonia a beetch and snatching the phone? Lol. Future RHONJ
I am loving Jackie so far. Anyone that puts Teresa in her place is okay in my book. God that woman is beyond stupid.
Yes Yes Yes. It’s way beyond time for Teresa to be called out on her ignorance. Joe is In jail, not “away”. Both he and Teresa committed crimes. Why do people let her get away with this stuff? I really hope we finally have someone in Jackie who will stand up to Teresa.
AND Deloris. What a bitch.
I am glad Jacki put them both in their place.
That house looked like a nouveau riche drug lord’s idea of classy.
Hated it! Very cold looking and gaudy. White and gold everywhere is not my idea of a home
If you are determined to have a ginormous house, Newport should be an inspiration, not Tony Montana.
Well said! Ha!
I hate hate hate white. So cold and sterile and lifeless. I especially hate it in a kitchen, which should be warm and inviting and relaxing.
Danielle Staub and Melissa are probably sisters. Didn’t Danielle say she was looking for her dad that was dead?
Omg hahahaha !
Could you imagine….
This is the most ridiculous comment ever…..
BUT OH MY GOD.
That would be priceless. Please let this be true somehow. ROFLMAO.
Ohmmgee. I’ve rewatched with captions. I crack myself up in the wee hours. It’s like a sketch comedy show. Seeing Jennifer’s home I got total Scarface vibes. Minus the sex and drugs. Just a whole lot of new money.
I don’t get why no one tells Tre to slag off.
Is there some weird ass written code that you have to take it up the arse from Tre? Is a Bravo check pay enough to take it line a champ?
I get the sisterinlaw is a grifter but I’d get so fkn tired making nice for the sake of fambily.
I luuurve Jackie. She has zero fucks to give.
When you have a solid financial life and kids and a hubby mildly amused by your reality dreams you can just be your snarky self. Her bills are paid. Many other folks in many franchises of RHW are not. Maybe that’s why so many debase themselves. A meager check for a brief shot on tv makes ppl super sketch.
I’ll watch…I still line Marge jr. Danielle makes me want to brush my teeth and douche for the first time in my life ever. Doodoooloorus is sad.
I’m not into dig fighting but that is one bitch I’d keep slightly starving to keep her on her toes while she patrols my junkyard.
Teresa will never ever change. She is the spit of my birth mother. I got out and was raised lovingly by a strong beautiful woman. Never ever tho she could’ve bragged about life and image. I feel for Teresa’s kids. The cycle didn’t end. They will go on in the world demanding labels and vacays because they breathe. I’m gonna keep watching it can only go up from here right? right!!?
I totally agree Gina – with every word.
Jennifer is Queen of the Hill on Shit Mountain.
Those big monstrosities scream nouveau riche insecurity. Compare the RHNJ homes and interiors to those that Jen does on Sweet Home and they pale. Jen’s are so elegant AND livable. The dining room she did for the millennials who didn’t want to be on TV was exquisite. Makes Jennifer’s game of thrones look so gauche.
I do like the large kid’s area. With all the pedophiles out there and with inclement weather, if you can afford it, it makes sense. And why not have a bounce house all the time? Costs less than one of those bathrooms.
The house I really loved on this show was the one they visited in Oklahoma. The stone exterior was gorgeous. The interior was inviting and warm. Amazing.
I really thought Delores was like Marge – down to Earth and sensible – I guess not this season!
Oh no, Delores is in league with Vinnie Spinoza
You can read more about that here. https://www.irontroll.com/2018/12/siggy-flickers-publicist-asks-for.html please be sure to turn off your adblocker and make a small donation if possible.
These are are real shit people. We got rid of siggy and Thomas Ravenel, Dolores needs to go next.
Danielle also!! Cannot stomach her and she pisses Margaret off? I do kinda like Delores and Margaret together-they’re funny. Margaret seems very lighthearted. Refreshing.
“The husband is the head of the family, but the wife is the neck that turns the head.” I hate this saying so much, and what I hate even more is the kind of bullshit where a wife can only exercise influence through manipulation. That kind of thinking needs to go.
AAAHHHHH!!!
Jennifer’s house.
My biggest design pet peeve is furniture shoved up against the walls, parameter of the room.
My second biggest pet peeve is no area rugs.
My third pet peeve are no lamps.
She’s hit a hat trick with me and then went and bought the cheesiest, tackiest, hair and nail salon furniture on the planet.
Now THAT is a READ! Agree with your comments about furniture pushed up against the walls, and no rugs or lamps. For someone who likes to brag like that girl did, it is funny. She has no idea that most rich people hire an interior decorator.
I get Teresa’s point, she just can’t articulate it to her brother and Melissa!! No, a wife can’t “control” her husband! But can she say “Why don’t you go eat tacos with your Dad and the girls and we’ll be waiting to put the boys to bed? ABSOLUTELY! Would Joe care? No! Most men just want dinner and his Dad just wants to see him!
Teresa has 4 kids AND her dad alone. Melissa could absolutely encourage him or invite him to eat with them one weekend a month. Melissa DEFINITELY has Joe whipped. (In a good way). I’d hate to see this set them back. I see Nono has been in the hospital for WEEKS.
That was a LOW BLOW about Juicy Joe….Teresa didn’t know what Joe was doing, I’m my opinion. I don’t think they are smart enough to understand what all laws were broken. Regardless, it was a nasty comparison and it won’t be forgotten. It’s clear the old guy drives the girls nuts about Joe Jr not being there for him. Teresa is carrying a lot.
I agree with you completely. I think that exactly what Teresa means. Encourage your husband to spend time with his Dad or arrange something yourself. If it really is that big of an issue I don’t think Melissa is trying at all.
Tamara, laughed out loud at your line about Teresa being the head and Milania being the neck! Even giggled a few times since then just thinking about it.
Late to the season so I binge watched several eps. Almost wish I’d waited longer so there’d be more to watch.
I’m really enjoying everything-the interactions, the fashion, the decor, the sights, the recaps, the comments. Not that I approve or agree with everything, but both good and bad have been very entertaining.
Happy Holidays to All!