Andrew Eccles/BRAVOWelcome back to Real Housewife of New York Bethenny Frankel's exclusive blog about The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Bethenny's blogging exclusively for E! Online every Wednesday, dishing about the craziness that goes down with these Jersey girls each week. Here's her new installment, for episode four.
Take it away, Bethenny...
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New Jersey is doing well. The ratings say so. I won't compare it to New York because people will say I cannot be objective.
However, I can compare it to Atlanta and Orange County. There is equal, if not way more, drama in this Jersey version, somehow I just don't feel it. When Tamra from the O.C. got Gretchen wasted, I was holding my hand over my mouth, and that wasn't even a massive scandal. When Kim from Atlanta ashed a cigarette on her own lawn, I just couldn't get over it. So why am I bored at a massive catfight between Danielle and Dina particularly when this one includes a tell-all book as scandalous as the Monica Lewinsky moments.
The reason being...
The content here is way spicier and incredulous, but the people aren't as fascinating to watch. I like Dina and her nurturing maternal side, just as I still love Caroline. Jacqueline and Teresa are total and complete nonevents. Jacqueline should stay friendly with Danielle because that is her most interesting storyline.
Truth be told, I like most of them! I'm just not that intrigued. When I met that nut job Kim from Atlanta, I was wildly entertained, which is also the case with the O.C.'s Gretchen and Tamra (the entertaining part, not the nut-job part.) I even got to meet Jersey's Teresa and Danielle yesterday on The Morning Show With Mike and Juliet. Nothing against them, they just don't have that for-better-or-for-worse star quality.
As for specifics, I love Lexi, and I love the neurotic scene with her mother not being able to handle a two-week trip to Greece. I need to take back a portion of the stage mom moment because Gia is simply a born entertainer, and she seems to be the one who wants to perform regardless of her mother's feelings. In fact, Teresa asked Gia if she wanted to do Gossip Girl. Frankly, I think I was more excited about the phone call. Perhaps I was wrong. When she carried her suitcase, said gracias and answered her phone, I realized a star was born. She uttered, "a lot of people want me these days," which is probably true. I'd bet the phone is ringing off the hook.
Why was I not that appalled by the dancing theme? The drama seemed forced and catty. Danielle obviously knows how to dance and took a free lesson from a famous dancer seriously. If I were there, I would take it seriously as well. She wasn't exactly grinding Albie. Honestly, what was the big deal? As for Teresa's husband, I can see why she wasn't grinding him. Gaylord? I mean really? Seriously? I have definitely referenced the tern "f-g hag" in my day, and maybe someone gay will take offense, but no one takes me for prejudiced whatsoever. This comment from this man was so ignorant, so vile, and Danielle's response was admirable. This family will soon realize who the Bravo audience is. The blogs will go crazy tomorrow.
Look, families gossip. Danielle is alone on a show with virtually all relatives. She is set up to fail. I'm not giving her a humanitarian award, but I'm not going to hate her yet. I understand why Jacqueline can't pick this fight. She'll never hold up in that storm.
Now, down to the Danielle controversy. First of all, she's a moron for not bringing it up in the beginning, or for not knowing this would get out on a reality show. Other than that she's on a television show, I don't think it's her place to make an announcement to the town. Everyone has a past! Granted, this is a crazy past, and I have no idea if she's trustworthy, but I would have no issue or concern about leaving children with her.
Twenty-four years ago, I was dancing on a speaker at the Palladium nightclub in Manhattan. That's the least of many things that I have done in my life that I am not proud of. But that was literally a lifetime ago. I have no clue what Danielle has done since then, much less since last week, but I don't think she should be tarred and feathered for something two and a half decades ago.
Someone prove to me that neither Dina nor Danielle nor any of Caroline's children has ever done anything they could have been arrested for and then I'll crucify Danielle. Again, not that interested, shocked or bowled over. But there is certainly more to come here.
We finally got a good look at Jacqueline's cute husband, Chris. I think I heard that she finally got pregnant, which is a blessing. And I will admit these scenes get me thinking about my own egg situation.
Finally, I loved the pizza scene with the girls. Danielle has great, seemingly unspoiled girls, and that says a lot to me. Her makeup artist, Tom, happens to be the guy who does all of the Bravo TV shoots. He's a very nice guy and a great person, so that says something good about her.
Until next week, when the Jersey boobie drama ensues yet again.
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Check back here, same time, same place, for a recap of next week's The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Bethenny Frankel is the inventor of the Skinnygirl Margarita and author of the New York Times best-seller Naturally Thin, available everywhere books are sold. Information, updates and recipes can be found at www.bethenny.com and www.skinnygirlcocktails.com.