S13.E01: Back in the Big Apple

[PrincessPurrsALot]

Quote

The New York ladies are back; Ramona visits Luann's new apartment, and learns she has a new neighbor; Leah is working on her conversion to Judaism, and invites Eboni to join Ramona and Luann for a brunch at Sonja's townhouse.

New York is back for another season of drinking and drama.  They are back in the big apple, versus being back in the Hamptons or the Berkshires or a vacation spot or . . . . 

Joining us this season is Eboni K. Williams.  Heather Thomson returns along with Luanne, Ramona, Sonja and Leah. 

Original air date 2021.05.04

[chlban]

Normally I would be looking forward to tge return of my favorite of the franchise, but since Leah will be back...not wo much. I was never a big Heather fan either, but if she goes after Leah,  my opinion of her may improve. At any rate, I don't think it can be worse than Dallas.

[lgprimes]

I CAN’T WAIT!!!!

[Straycat80]

I didn’t know Heather was back. I was ok with her. Better her than Jill Zarin. 

[Ms Blue Jay]

I think I say this every season, but Sonja was sooooo naturally gorgeous, and I thought she knew it????  Why does she give us an entirely new face every year?

[Bronzedog]

What was the reason Luann gave for giving up drinking this time?  I’m super cheap and have a fan on so I don’t have to turn on the air conditioning and missed what she said.

[pieinmyeye]

I thought Eboni said she wears mini pads professionally, hahahahaha!

[TexasGal]

Did Ramona get bigger implants or did I just forget how bad they looked on her?  

4 minutes ago, Bronzedog said:

What was the reason Luann gave for giving up drinking this time?  I’m super cheap and have a fan on so I don’t have to turn on the air conditioning and missed what she said.

Because she didn’t remember how she got home a couple times.  Because she’s “allergic” to alcohol.  Sure Lu.  I must be “allergic” to tequila.

[Ms Blue Jay]

Okay no wonder Eboni is so pretty - she's only 37.  LOL.  I love her suit it's really sexy.

I can't find WWHL here in Canada!  This sucks!

Edited May 5, 2021 by Ms Blue Jay

[OldButHappy]

4 minutes ago, TexasGal said:

Because she didn’t remember how she got home a couple times.  Because she’s “allergic” to alcohol.

Let's hope that she has some Benadryl at the house:

On WWHL after the show, she looks wasted.

IMHO.

[Ms Blue Jay]

LOL AT THE PREVIEWS INTERSPERSED .  

[Bronzedog]

5 minutes ago, TexasGal said:

Did Ramona get bigger implants or did I just forget how bad they looked on her?  

Because she didn’t remember how she got home a couple times.  Because she’s “allergic” to alcohol.  Sure Lu.  I must be “allergic” to tequila.

Thanks, TEXASGAL!

Why do I think Attorney Eboni is going to be like “I have four degrees” Wendy on Potomac?

 

[Hangin Out]

The Countess drinking again.  Not good.

[thefog]

56 minutes ago, Keywestclubkid said:

Leah is just trying soooo hard and its not coming off as genuine 

The thirst is real.  She's the Brandi Glanville of RHONY.  Trashy, vulgar.  Looks like she will have a tough 2nd season.  She was so over rated.  I think she's a terrible fit for the show.

[Hangin Out]

14 minutes ago, escape said:

The thirst is real.  She's the Brandi Glanville of RHONY.  Trashy, vulgar.  Looks like she will have a tough 2nd season.  She was so over rated.  I think she's a terrible fit for the show.

I don’t think Leah was drinking tonight.  Maybe she was warned not to scare the new girl.

[Thumper]

We will miss your commentary, @LibertarianSlut!

I’m going to wait and see with Eboni.  Happy to see some diversity.  I will miss Tinsley, though.

[Stats Queen]

I watch a lot of cable news (all varieties) because I like a lot of perspectives, but I really enjoy any show that has a diversity of opinions. I loved watching Eboni Williams on FoxNews - The Five and Outnumbered - she was bold, eloquent and had a thoughtful perspective that was much needed, and her opinion was not influenced by conservatives nor liberals.

A new FoxNews show, of which she was one of the 3 cohosts (which she really deserved) was created. Sadly that show was incredibly short lived due to the past behaviors of a co-host. I was such a fan of Eboni and I was really sad that both her and other other female co-host never got the opportunity to shine.

That being said, years ago, I remember her sharing a story about being at charity event sponsored by a real housewife. Why do I remember this? 1) I really had no personal life at the time, 2) because she mentioned supporting a charity sponsored by a real housewife, and 3) she boldly mentioned the real housewives doing good and she was a respected media personality thus having some referent power.

I have only watched the first few minutes of the show, but I am sad that her desire to be famous was more important than being a role model…. 

I makes me sad that lots of people pick fame over personal contributions.

 

[Ms Blue Jay]

I don't know if it's fame for fame's sake though.  Maybe she wants to make more money for her future and I get that.  More exposure to people ---> bigger fanbase ---> more ability to expand your "brand" (ugh I sound like Bethenny) --> more opportunity to shill products and make money.

[JAYJAY1979]

As Aviva Drescher would say....Leah is quickly frankly white trash.

If you look at pics of Leah and look in her eyes...they are pure evil.

Eboni seems cool thus far but don't pull a Drew Sidora and be too thirsty.

[njbchlover]

So happy that the ladies of NY are back, but the show was kind of underwhelming.  I don't know if the entire Housewives franchise has outlived it's appeal, or if the past 14 months of dealing with a global pandemic has changed my point of view, but I didn't feel the same sense of "fun entertainment" I've felt in the past.  

Or - is it that my whole perspective has been brought down because I really, really, really dislike Leah and all of her fake "wokeness" and faux  downtown vibe?  Converting to Judaism, but not completely committed to all aspects of the religion??  I can't believe any rabbi would allow that, especially an Orthodox rabbi.  I also thought that tattoos are not allowed?  Leah's full of them.  I don't understand this - just seems to be another cry for more attention.  In my opinion, she's making a mockery of her conversion and of Judaism and other "organized religions".  I am not Jewish, but have some basic knowledge, due to friends and other things, so please correct me if I am wrong.  I do have to say that I loved Leah's Dad and his comments to her.  I don't think her Dad is buying this new version of Leah, either. 

I don't know what Ramona does during the off seasons, aside from lots of partying in the Hamptons and Florida, but she looks friggin' fantastic!!!  During the scenes at Sonja's house, Ramona looked only slightly older than Avery - that's saying something for a 63(4) year old woman.  I'd love to know what her beauty regimen is.  She may have had a few little surgical tweaks done, but whatever she's doing, she's doing it right, and NOT overdoing it like some other Housewives.  The same goes for Luann.  Not drinking is looking amazing on her.  Her face, her toned body - even her hair looked better!!  I don't care that she can see Tom's patio from her apartment - that apartment is adorable.  I'm assuming that piece of art that she was straightening on the wall when Ramona came over was a piece done by her daughter.  But - did anyone else notice the garment moving boxes by her front door?  I wonder about this apartment, and if it is another of Luann's short term rentals that she leased just for the time of filming the show.

Sonja, on the other hand, seems to be spiraling into more craziness - I swear, I think it's that friggin' townhouse.  (Or, maybe all the exhaust fumes from the parking garage next door.)  She's looking a little rough around the edges and it looks like she may have put back on some of the weight she lost at the spa last year - but, who hasn't put on a few Covid pounds (except for Luann and Ramona)???  I get all cringe-y when we see Sonja with her "interns" - I still feel like she could be holding them hostage in the basement of the townhouse.  Do interns get credits for leaning how to draw a bubble bath from a temperamental bathtub?  

I'm witholding my opinion on Eboni - not quite sure how I feel about her just yet.  In some ways, she reminds me of the lawyer/professor from Real Housewives of Potomac (I forget her name) - kind of a lawyer only on paper - someone who got her law degree just to become a legal correspondent on TV news programs, but not to actually practice law.  Time will tell whether I like her not.

Dare I say it - I kind of missed Dorinda!!   

Edited May 5, 2021 by njbchlover

[SunnyBeBe]

2 hours ago, Bronzedog said:

Thanks, TEXASGAL!

Why do I think Attorney Eboni is going to be like “I have four degrees” Wendy on Potomac?

 

Yeah, I wondered about that.  As an attorney, I have been told more than once that we seem as if we think we are the smartest people  in the room.....not good, but I get why someone might say that. Eboni was charming though.  I thought she was very relatable.  
 

I don’t think Bethenny or Dorinda (And, I’ve always been a Dorinda fan. Probably, the last one on this site) have anything to look down on since their departure.  Their legacy on the show isn’t anything to be proud of, imo.  

Edited May 5, 2021 by SunnyBeBe

[geauxaway]

17 minutes ago, njbchlover said:

So happy that the ladies of NY are back, but the show was kind of underwhelming.

It’s weird that there are only 5 of them.  And 2 are newbies (Leah is not a veteran yet in my opinion), so we really only have history with Lu, Ramona and Sonja.  I don’t know how much story they can mine from this group.  🤷🏻‍♀️

[EtheltoTillie]

Luann may have had work done. 

Sonja has the townhouse all refreshed. It used to be all old and dark. 

[EtheltoTillie]

9 minutes ago, geauxaway said:

It’s weird that there are only 5 of them.  And 2 are newbies (Leah is not a veteran yet in my opinion), so we really only have history with Lu, Ramona and Sonja.  I don’t know how much story they can mine from this group.  🤷🏻‍♀️

Add Covid to the equation and you have more limited possibilities for activities. 

[Stats Queen]

19 minutes ago, GussieK said:

Luann may have had work done. 

Sonja has the townhouse all refreshed. It used to be all old and dark. 

But what color is the ice

[ichbin]

Leah insufferable straight out of the gate.  Now making a story line out of dabbling in Judaism...why is she here again to further spoil this franchise?  

Sonja ramping up on the quirkiness. She needed her purse next to her...at home on her terrace?  What is she now, Sophia from the Golden Girls?  

Has a season gone by without a reference to or appearance by Harry Durbin?  

Not sure what to feel about Lu's alcohol issues.  I hope this isn't just for the show.  I put nothing past anyone.  I know someone who went to AA for the opportunity to meet new people and not for a legit drinking problem.  

I'm going to reserve judgement on Eboni until I've seen a few more episodes.  So far nothing super great or egregious other than giving the side eye to her buddying up with Leah.  She has the potential to fit in well.  Time will tell.  

13 minutes ago, njbchlover said:

In my opinion, she's making a mockery of her conversion and of Judaism and other "organized religions". 

It seems like just the latest "LOOK AT ME" maneuver.  Seems to still be pushing for Keeping up with the McSweeneys of NYC.  First scene of the show and we got both her sister and her father.  

25 minutes ago, njbchlover said:

Sonja, on the other hand, seems to be spiraling into more craziness - I swear, I think it's that friggin' townhouse.  (Or, maybe all the exhaust fumes from the parking garage next door.)  She's looking a little rough around the edges and it looks like she may have put back on some of the weight she lost at the spa last year - but, who hasn't put on a few Covid pounds (except for Luann and Ramona)???  I get all cringe-y when we see Sonja with her "interns" - I still feel like she could be holding them hostage in the basement of the townhouse.  Do interns get credits for leaning how to draw a bubble bath from a temperamental bathtub?

I just watched WWHL.  There was one of those game segments where they had to raise signs indicating that they either agreed or disagreed.  One question was if they thought Ramona could be more respectful of her staff, to which all the others said yes.  I am willing to bet Ramona is not teaching any employees how to draw her a bath and have them stand there while she settles into the tub so that they can be available to position her tablet.  I'll also wager that Ramona pays her staff appropriately.  Do those interns get any monetary compensation?

 

[Marley]

So far I like Eboni but this is only her first episode so you can never be sure. It is a bit odd she’s selling that one apartment for a 1 bedroom. Is she downsizing just because or for a reason? I obv have no idea but I never trust housewives and their money situations lol.

I don’t mind Leah she seemed pretty good on this episode. You never know with her tho. She can be entertaining at times. Her dog is cute tho.

Is Sonja losing it? Maybe she needs help or is it for the show? Her intern thing is gross tho. Im sure they aren’t paid. How is that ok? I’m surprised she hasn’t been able to sell her townhouse. Is she asking too much?

Lmao Luann and her allergies. That is called blacking out Luann. I do really like her new apartment tho. 

I always like NYC so I hope this season is good. It does seem like a small cast tho.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Marley

[Ms Blue Jay]

3 minutes ago, ichbin said:

 Do those interns get any monetary compensation?

If not that is absolutely terrible.  I can't look past that in a person at all.  Also, they're not LEARNING anything from her.  What an awful set up.

3 minutes ago, Marley said:

I always like NYC so I hope this season is good. It does seem like a small cast tho.

I don't mind the small cast thing.  I'm already breathing so much easier now that Dorinda's gone.  I really never liked Heather, so we'll see how she is.  She just seems like such a mood spoiler to me.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Ms Blue Jay

[UsernameFatigue]

Like others, I was annoyed at Leah right out of the gate. Her conversion to Judaism does not seem sincere, but rather for a story line. I loved her dad's reaction. And his refusal to forgive Leah for her past behavior, just because she has asked for it. Leah is always looking for the easy way out without actually doing any of the heavy lifting. 

Not impressed with the new addition so far. She reminds me of Barb the Builder, who supposedly was very successful but actually wasn't. Not that money is everything, but I watch these shows for house porn among other things, not one bedroom apartments. I guess the fact that she admitted her financial problems right away is something, but not what I was hoping for in a new howife. And an actual wife might be a nice change. Why were Ebony and her friend sitting on her bed to visit? Does she not possess a couch at least? 

Did Lu actually buy her apartment? She never actually said that she did -or if she did I missed it. She said that as soon as she saw it that she said she would take it, which to me could just as easily mean she rented it. And would you buy a place that you have apparently not spent enough time in to know that you use to live within viewing distance of it? 

I am glad that Sonja is back in the townhouse, if for no other reason than to not have to see her filming in the shoebox. And I have always liked her townhouse, even if it is not in great shape. At least it doesn't make me claustrophobic.

Edited May 5, 2021 by UsernameFatigue

[hoodooznoodooz]

Avery is looking more and more like Mario, and I don’t think that’s a good thing.

[gingerella]

I’ve been barely watching the last few seasons because Lu is unbearable, Sonja is an alcoholic, Ramona is a psycho, Leah is an obnoxious famewhore wannabe, but I thought I’d tune in for an opening few minutes but these Ho’s can miss me with their whining about wearing masks during a global pandemic. So fuck you RHoNY, if you bitches can’t not whinge about wearing masks then I can’t be bothered to record or watch anymore. 

Edited May 5, 2021 by gingerella

[MrsWitter]

2 hours ago, njbchlover said:

I don't know what Ramona does during the off seasons, aside from lots of partying in the Hamptons and Florida, but she looks friggin' fantastic!!! 

I want to know Coco’s regimen. I know smaller dogs live longer, but that girl is 17 and has quite a lot of pep in her step! Mr. Witter (who occasionally pops in to watch) looked up at the tv and said: “I don’t know how Ramona has managed to keep a dog alive for 17 years.”
 

Go Coco!!! ❤️

[EtheltoTillie]

4 hours ago, UsernameFatigue said:

. Not impressed with the new addition so far. She reminds me of Barb the Builder, who supposedly was very successful but actually wasn't. Not that if she did I missed it. She said that as soon as she saw it that she said she  

Hey can you clarify this?  I never heard this. Thanks. 

[RedDelicious]

I was excited and hopeful but I didn’t realize there are only 5 main cast members. I thought there was going to be a 6th. 3 OGs, a sophomore and a freshman and they don’t impress me much. Working twice as hard for half as much is more like Eboni digging her way out of her own bad financial choices, and she said so herself. I know what she means in her tagline but if she had a bad fico score because she was irresponsible, she only has herself to blame. I appreciate her transparency but I think she could have done better for her first tagline. 

Sounds like Sonja is still in a bad place financially and how she manages to stay in the townhouse is a mystery. I worry for all of the OGs as far as blackout drinking is concerned. I think there’s too much of an age difference between the OGs and the newbies for this season to be as organically entertaining as it was in the first few seasons. 

That poor furry Chanel Leah was carrying was given to her for her birthday by Tinsley. And I think that was Ramona’s birthday bag from last season. I’m glad we seem to be rid of the friend-of woman from last season. 

As much as it pains me to say it, my initial reaction to the new season is what are you doin’ here without Dorinda?

[65mickey]

I am rewatching this now because I fell asleep during the show. First scene Leah walks into the gym and takes her dirty mask off and tosses it on the counter. Disgusting. She really thinks she is special. 

[65mickey]

Love Lu's apartment. So happy to see pops of color instead of everything being white. 

[weaver]

Was really disappointed in the show.  Leah and her fake conversion repulse me.   Jewish Orthdox  isn't just a game.   And she moved to Financial District, probably the cheapest place in the city.   There will be nothing special there.  She tried so hard to be edgy with that three patterned outfit and it just came out like trying to hard.   When I heard Eboni bought a one bedroom in Harlem my heart sank.  I want to see luxury apartments and glorious summer estates.   As for Lu, that apartment was not decorated to Lu's taste at all.  I'm sure it's just a rental for the time of filming.  I'd like to see Ramona's place; I read that she upgraded apartments in the same building she lived in last year.  

It was nice to see Sonia's townhouse again.   It's gorgeous,but I"m sure the innards are still decaying.   Maybe her daughter has come into her trust fund and is helping her.  Wherever would she get the money to pay property taxes and maintenance.     But anything is better than that box on Columbus Circle.  

Sorry but not surprised Lu was drinking again.   How does she look so fabulous?  

Wasn't Heather supposed to be on the show?   She is on the sidelines in the previews.

I'll keep watching, but I"m not too hopeful.    

[Chatty Cake]

I still have to finish the episode but I was underwhelmed. Leah was okay last year but I don’t think we needed a second season of her. Eboni is very pretty but I think Bravo just wanted to up the ante with social justice discussions. Let’s shove it down viewers throats on every single episode of every single show. 
Sonja, draw your own bath! 
I love Lu enjoying the view of Toms terrace.🤣
 

[janiema]

I hope that Eboni realizes that, by signing on to Real Housewives, she has given up forever the expectation of being viewed as a serious person. 

[geauxaway]

5 hours ago, hoodooznoodooz said:

Avery is looking more and more like Mario, and I don’t think that’s a good thing.

Speaking of Mario.  He was looking a little rough!  He’s usually pretty handsome and suave looking.  Quarantine got to him too?

7 hours ago, GussieK said:

Add Covid to the equation and you have more limited possibilities for activities. 

True true!  Looks like it’s going to be a lot of outdoor meals.  And that’s about it...

[geauxaway]

1 hour ago, 65mickey said:

I am rewatching this now because I fell asleep during the show. First scene Leah walks into the gym and takes her dirty mask off and tosses it on the counter. Disgusting. She really thinks she is special. 

I saw that too and thought the same thing. Remember how hard she went at Ramona at the reunion over masking and COVID.  She’s such a hypocrite.  She had 2 elective surgeries within the past year and also traveled and ran around socially quite a bit.  

[Chit Chat]

1 hour ago, 65mickey said:

First scene Leah walks into the gym and takes her dirty mask off and tosses it on the counter. Disgusting. She really thinks she is special. 

I was just signing in to comment on this very thing!  She has a lot of nerve to have criticized Ramona for leaving NYC and going to Florida last year, but she walks her ass around town and casually throws her mask wherever she pleases?  Yuk! 

I'm not impressed with colleges that allow students to have this kind of internship.  What a joke!

[65mickey]

Oh Sonja telling your intern that if she is getting a masters she needs to learn how to do things like turn on a tub faucet. Is she studying to be a master plumber? If so that would be a step up from whatever Sonja is teaching.  And then to follow it up with there's something magical about her interns. There are things that she knows that you just can't learn in a classromm. I bet there are Sonja, I bet there are. 

[JenE4]

Sonja’s intern is getting a master’s degree from Wharton!! It’s bad enough to think it’s just some random college junior looking for an easy way to get some college credit and maybe get on TV, but this woman is highly educated and could potentially have a real job! How is this going to help her resume? I have an MBA from an Ivy League and killer bubble bath-drawing skills, plus exposure to a mentor who fumbled and failed every business opportunity she was ever given! Oh, honey, maybe the intern should be giving Sonja some life lessons and business advice.

Suuuuuure. Lu had no idea she could see Tom’s apartment, as she specifically scouted out an apartment directly facing his building.

We all believe you. Really.

Absolutely loved the ending with the love fest of compliments and overtures of friendship interspersed with “one week later” and everyone absolutely tearing each other apart! Glad to see the veneer of politeness coming out of quarantine is quickly shaken off, and we’re back to the old shenanigans that makes this the best Housewives franchise!

[geauxaway]

5 hours ago, gingerella said:

I’ve been barely watching the last few seasons because Lu is unbearable, Sonja is an alcoholic, Ramona is a psycho, Leah is an obnoxious famewhore wannabe, but I thought I’d tune in for an opening few minutes but these Ho’s can miss me with their whining about wearing masks during a global pandemic. So fuck you RHoNY, if you bitches can’t not whinge about wearing masks then I can’t be bothered to record or watch anymore. 

Eh, Countess flat out said she doesn’t like wearing a mask but she does wear one.  I’m the same.  I can’t say I enjoy it, I actually hate it, but it is what it is.  I’m not gonna act like oh ya ya wearing a mask is a good time, because it’s not.  Now that it’s getting hot out again, I’m a sweaty mess and my chin is breaking out.  I also don’t like wearing a bra or a winter jacket, but I do wear them.  But I find all of these things to be uncomfortable and constricting.

They all wore masks as required, I don’t care that they bitch about it because as long as they follow the rules, they don’t have to like it (I sure don’t)!

[Chit Chat]

5 minutes ago, 65mickey said:

Oh Sonja telling your intern that if she is getting a masters she needs to learn how to do things like turn on a tub faucet.

Any young person who can't draw a bath by the time they go to college is doomed anyway!  I could see having an intern if you were an actual business woman doing business-type of work, but this?  It's just plain ridiculous.  

[EtheltoTillie]

What has Eboni been doing for the last three years?  She was fired from Fox News in 2017.  Apparently, she was doing a digital talk show.

They wanted to get a Black housewife to increase diversity.  So they got someone who is not a housewife and worked on Fox News and is financially desperate.

She can't be blamed for being fired, however, as that can be attributed to her male co-star's sex scandal.

Edited May 5, 2021 by GussieK

[geauxaway]

23 minutes ago, 65mickey said:

Oh Sonja telling your intern that if she is getting a masters she needs to learn how to do things like turn on a tub faucet. Is she studying to be a master plumber? If so that would be a step up from whatever Sonja is teaching.  And then to follow it up with there's something magical about her interns. There are things that she knows that you just can't learn in a classromm. I bet there are Sonja, I bet there are. 

Don’t forget loading the dishwasher!  Which we all know what Sonja puts in her dishwasher 🙄

[Chit Chat]

9 minutes ago, GussieK said:

She can't be blamed for being fired, however, as that can be attributed to her male co-star's sex scandal.

In fairness to her, she said that she chose to leave Fox News.  She wasn't fired.

[Vanderboom]

25 minutes ago, JenE4 said:

Absolutely loved the ending with the love fest of compliments and overtures of friendship interspersed with “one week later” and everyone absolutely tearing each other apart! Glad to see the veneer of politeness coming out of quarantine is quickly shaken off, and we’re back to the old shenanigans that makes this the best Housewives franchise!

As always, the Bravo editing team is the real hero of this franchise.

I'm giving Eboni three episodes before deciding what to think about her. I liked that she's upfront about the issues that matter to her without the Carole-like sanctimoniousness (so far). I think I might like Leah better this season if she remains alcohol-free. She never going to be my favorite housewife, but she's completely intolerable when she drinks.

I hope that Sonja's intern is completing a Masters thesis in which Sonja is symbolic of the American economy or something--a seemingly unlimited supply of wealth in the early 2000s that imploded because of its shaky and unethical underpinnings, and once the decline happened, a desperate yet futile scramble to regain or at least slow down the losses. Or maybe Wharton's giving out credit for filling bathtubs.

Edited May 5, 2021 by Vanderboom