
So after last night's season finale of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, I'm wondering if sales
of Cop Without a Badge are going to go up. The Real Housewives of New Jersey almost did battle Tuesday night over that now infamous book.
Backing up a bit (before the explosive dinner scene), we saw Dina and her 12 year old daughter doing some stuffed animal/Halloween candy clearing out from Lexie's bedrooom. Yawn. Dina then proceeded to visit sister-in-law Teresa at Teresa's huuuuge new palace (No way can you call that place a house!). What EXACTLY does her hubby do anyway--anyone know??
That's where we hear of the plans for a dinner party being made by Teresa. And of course, Danielle's name is mentioned as a potential guest. Because, you know, Teresa is a forgiving soul with a huge heart (and now huge..you know whats).
We watch Dina eating dinner out with her daughter Lexie and Dina's big sister, Caroline. We get to hear Dina whine and lament how her "big" career as an interior designer interfering with her being a good mommy to Lexie. Not to mention how her career is keeping her from cooking and cleaning the house for the hubby. And so the decision is made...Dina will retire and become a full time mom and housekeeper for the hubbs.
Quickly moving on... the scene with the adorable Jacqueline and her parents is cute. I like Jacqueline. I do feel bad for her being mom to the obnoxious Ashley. And the decision is finally made to "give" Ashley the brand new SUV (gorgeous!) with conditions she maintain her grades and keep on trak. Yea. I doubt that's going to happen...but we'll see.
Then we see Danielle sharing "pictures" of her past with her daughters, and filling them in on the infamous book that has been "somehow" brought to public light. I like Danielle (ducking fast), but not so much her parenting style. It's tough with kids, and I know she is trying to be open and honest, but maybe some of those pictures should have stayed in the box? And some stories left unshared? I think Danielle truly feels the need for someone to be on her side and love her, and so she treats her daughters more like girlfriends than her children.
Then what we've been waiting for--the dinner!
All went well and the housewives were having fun until Danielle pulls out a copy of the book, Cop Without a Badge, and then all hell breaks loose.
Now I want to say that I thought Danielle handled herself pretty well. She wanted to get redemption and maybe an apology. She quite correctly pointed out that the other housewives did not know Danielle well enough to know about what happened in her past 24 years ago. But what I really give Danielle kudos for is her owning what she did do back then, and trying to explain what was true and what was not true in the book.
And she wanted Dina to own up to bringing the book out into the spotlight to begin with. But with mafioso big sis Caroline in the mix, that was never going to happen. In fact, Caroline covered for Dina and took the blame for the revelation of said book.
Most amazing part of the explosive dinner...well, besides Ms, Jersey Girl herself, Teresa, turning shriekish and lifting the table up, was Jacqueline standing up for her friend Danielle. Well done Jacqueline!
Loved the look on Dina's face when Jacqueline defended Danielle.
Also loved the arms on Teresa's hubby when he restrained his gangsta wife. Hehe.
The housewives did end things all in one piece, with Dina promising to pray for the wayward Danielle. Okay. Caroline triumphant in defending her little sister and warning Danielle that Blood is Thicker than Water (did you all hear the Godfather music in the background? Kidding.), and Jacqueline hotly standing her ground against the family.
Next week will be a repeat of last night's finale, but with added scenes left in that were cut out of Tuesday night's show. Also, the reunion show will be on right after that. I am not sure if the New Jersey housewives are returning for a second season.... Bravo has not said just yet. But I am hoping the girls will be back. Bubbies, gangsta and all!