Weekly Bravo Cocktail Party: February 26th

The final Salt Lake City reunion was upon us and we’re starting to get really into the drama of Summer House and Real Housewives of New Jersey this week. On all of the shows, there’s a single person at the epicenter of all the drama, which I guess you need to keep the shows exciting, but it’s also a little exhausting, right? I’m so over Hannah and Teresa, but I have to say that I had more sympathy for Jen Shah this week because I feel like she can be fun and sweet when she wants to be.

I also really felt for her when she was trying to explain to the ladies that telling a woman of color that she’s aggressive or that she needs to be quiet is very different than saying the exact same thing to a white woman. The women were all ganging up on her and defending each other and speaking over her while she was trying to explain that, pretty much exemplifying the bias that she was trying to help them understand. Everyone was very happy to acknowledge the general idea of white privilege, but they didn’t want to face the possibility that they were taking part in it. She got so upset that she wasn’t able to make them hear that, but after a pep talk with Coach Shah, she was able to come back and more calmly voice her thoughts and I hope that she got through to them a little, although it seemed to me like Heather was determined to have the last word and wasn’t really listening.

Overall though, this was a good week for the guest list of my cocktail party-maybe it’s the warm weather in the middle of winter, but I’m feeling very friendly towards most of Summer House and New Jersey this week, and most of those cast would get an invite to my imaginary party. Especially Marge and Carl, who are basically perfection in my book this season. And I’m expecting all the ladies of New Jersey to show up in the most terrible outfits ever-seriously, what is happening with the wardrobes on that show???

Photo by Bravo. Teresa is still determined to dominate the group with volume but not smarts

Who Didn’t Make the Guest List:

Hannah: I think this might be a permanent spot for Hannah this season. I can’t take any more of her chasing after Luke or criticizing Amanda. I thought it was so interesting that after the fight with Kyle and Amanda, the only person who would comfort her was Ciara, who’s too new to the house to realize that Hannah is constantly in dramatic victim mode.

Heather: This might be controversial, but I did not love Heather during the reunion. She seemed to be crying constantly during other people’s stories as a way to bring attention to herself. She also seemed to refuse to give Jen a break. I agree with her that Jen wasn’t a great friend to her, but Jen basically had everyone yelling at her for the entire reunion, so I feel like Heather would have come off better if she had shown a little grace rather constantly harping at Jen and at Lisa.

Teresa: Guys, this woman is such a dingleberry. I was dying during the confessionals when Marge and Melissa were talking about Teresa is too dumb to argue with because she doesn’t understand. I think we were all praying the Gia would be able to talk some sense into her, but even though that gorgeous 18 year old was full of wise words, Teresa seemed to not be able to fully absorb them. I can’t take a season that’s dominated by Teresa trying to show how she’s the HBIC by attacking Jackie over nonsense, so I hope that they’re able to shove this under the rug and move on soon, but with Teresa famous grudge holding and determination to dominate the group, that seems unlikely.

Photo by Bravo. I want to move in with Summer House and perfect my flip cup skills

Who Made the Guest List:

Marge: We really need Marge’s sense of humor on New Jersey. She gives the best confessionals and has the worst sense of fashion, and I love both. She consciously avoiding directly confronting Teresa because she knows that will get her nowhere, but you can see her trying to drop bread crumbs of common sense and hoping that they’ll lead Tre in the right direction. I can’t wait to hear what happens when Teresa sees Marge telling the world that she basically has dust bunnies for brains.

Melissa: Who thinks Melissa has done something to her face since last season? I can’t put my finger on what it is, but I definitely sense a shift. Even though Melissa can be terrible, I wanted to give her props for doing something that is traditionally very difficult for Housewives-learning from past mistakes! She has learned that it’s very painful to openly disagree with her sister in law, so she’s mastered the art of saying vague things like “OH my gawd!” which Teresa can interpret anyway she wants and then bashing Teresa for being an idiot behind her back. Family peace and harmony forever!

The Fashion of RHONJ: Seriously, what were these women wearing in Lake George?? It was insane and terrible and I was there for every denim look, every exposed nipple, and every excessive ruffle that would have been at home on an 80’s prom dress.

Carl: Mostly sober Carl and his predilection for cleaning, cooking and lifting weights, all while wearing tight shorts is the stuff that dreams are made of.

Amanda: I know that not everyone loves Amanda, but I think she has a good head on her shoulders, is clearly doing a great job with the merch at Loverboy and keeps the house running smoothly and people having fun. I’m totally a fan of hers and the way that Hannah was so rude to her had me all upset. I really loved it when Amanda threw a glass at Hannah and upped the drama on her own terms.

The Mullet Party on Summer House: Yes, please! I loved this party and will be revisiting the clip when we’re allowed to have parties again.

Mary: Was Mary falling asleep and then trying to cover it up the best moment of the entire season? I also loved it when was bickering with the floating head of Robert Sr. She really had a great reunion and managed to be very kooky while also frequently being the voice of reason. And she was able to move forward with Jen and let things go, which should be a lesson to Heather.

Whitney: I’m so worried about Whitney’s dad and I feel so badly for her that he’s cut her out, either because he relapsed or because he’s upset with her. Whitney seems like a genuinely kind person and I want the best for her and her family.

Lisa’s Husband: I think the same person who did Lisa’s self tanner must have attacked his head as well because he was looking a little toasty, but he seemed so sweet and I loved his inability to confirm or deny.