S13.E02: Burning Up

[PrincessPurrsALot]

Quote

To celebrate being reunited after a long quarantine, Ramona invites the ladies to the Hamptons; Luann overshares details about her new man with Sonja; Leah hosts a Burning Man party, where the group learns devastating news during a healing session.

Yes, it's Hamptons time! House porn!  Possible food porn!  Ramona Ramona-ing! Will there be tiki torches? Will there be excessive alcohol consumption?  Will Ramona pretend to be above the fray?

Meanwhile, Leah tries to pretend she's the coolest kid on the block with her Burning Man party.  Ah, Leah, you're not in the desert with a thousand of your closest "friends". (Or at least I doubt she is if she's filming for RHoNY.  Is she going to burn a cornhusk doll in her fireplace?)

Original air date 2021.05.11

[Hiyo]

Quote

Will there be excessive alcohol consumption?

It wouldn't be a HWs trip without it.

[pieinmyeye]

What is with that big, honking bow Leah is wearing?! It really screams Burning Man to me.

[Stats Queen]

7 minutes ago, pieinmyeye said:

What is with that big, honking bow Leah is wearing?! It really screams Burning Man to me.

It’s bigger than Ramona’s dog!!

I love learning new things! Tonight I learned my subconscious is in my colon. Good to know. I failed to learn that in grad school.

[Hangin Out]

Hold on a sec .. I have to get my sunglasses.  Leah’s bow is burning my eyes.

[BusyOctober]

Still watching, but did I just hear Sonja say she doesn’t live in the past??????  This just proves Sonja is definitely delusional.  

[heatherchandler]

Leah’s fake laugh is grating.  You can tell she’s trying really hard to have fun without alcohol.. it’s not working.

This episode was beyond boring.

[thefog]

BRAVO needs to stop trying to make Leah a thing.  She's is way too scripted - and boring.  It's ridiculous she calls herself a fashion designer. And it's ironic that Burning Man is supposed to be her event, yet it's at Ramona's house and she's the one who is doing all the work.    The whole "helpers" comment got blown way out of proportion. 

 

[Hangin Out]

Guess I’ll have to scream my lungs out to feel better.  The worst episode ever.

[ButterQueen]

My fave show is ruined.  

[Stats Queen]

I love learning new things! Tonight I learned my subconscious is in my colon. Good to know. I failed to learn that in grad school.

[TeeMo]

Lots of these Housewives across all the franchises amp up their personalities and put on a show to try to make a name for themselves but I can’t think of anyone else who ever came on across such an obvious try hard as Leah. I feel like I can see the wheels turning in her brain as she analyzes what she can say to sound cool and edgy and devil may care and then she actually comes across as someone deeply uncool and not at all edgy trying desperately to seem cool and edgy. Her energy just does not match the other women at all - even Eboni who is brand new seems like a better fit. Leah wants us to watch her and be jealous of her super cool life, but I watch her and just see a deeply troubled person desperate for clout and approval. It is unpleasant. And she seems to be the focus of every episode so far this season. 
 

Not a great sign for the season when Ramona and Sonja fumbling with the pool heater for 10 minutes makes the second episode edit. 

Edited May 12, 2021 by TeeMo

[charming]

Is Sonja still moaning about her "perfect" marriage? I can't take another season of her dreaming about her yacht in her past life. She should have been bumped down to friend.

[Bronzedog]

22 minutes ago, charming said:

Is Sonja still moaning about her "perfect" marriage? I can't take another season of her dreaming about her yacht in her past life. She should have been bumped down to friend.

Speaking of Sonja’s perfect marriage, because she talks about it every season, tonight she said maybe she should have stayed in the marriage for the sake of her daughter.  It’s always been my understanding that her husband divorced her after he asked her to come home from a trip when he was seriously ill and she refused.  I don’t think she ever had the option to stay in the marriage.

Edited May 12, 2021 by Bronzedog

[njbchlover]

53 minutes ago, Hangin Out said:

Guess I’ll have to scream my lungs out to feel better.  The worst episode ever.

Last year, I was hearing all this screaming and shreiking outside (there are some open fields and wooded areas near my house).  I honestly thought that someone was holding "primal scream" therapy sessions in the fields/woods (I didn't realize that it would have been a "healer").

Much to my surprise, I found out that it was foxes screaming, and it is perfectly normal for them to do this.  I hope that is what Ramona's neighhbors assumed too, and didn't call the cops thinking someone was getting murdered.

Edited May 12, 2021 by njbchlover

[heatherchandler]

Nobody told Eboni the secret to staying up drinking and shrieking all night… ADDERALL!

[RedDelicious]

She said “I get my help wrong”. She explained that she hired an event production crew to help her put on Leah’s dinner party weekend. 

ETA: I have been called the wrong name my entire life. Even at my high school graduation, the class president, who I’d known since we became friends in second grade, called me by the wrong first name when it was my turn to cross the stage. And I have a very simple, common first name. I have no idea why to this day people can’t get my name straight, but I guess people are just like that. Somebody at work just did it two weeks ago. Ramona didn’t go Hilly Holbrook on us. She’s just Ramona. Her mannerisms, like the talking over and not remembering names/faces somewhat align with ADD. 

Edited May 12, 2021 by RedDelicious

[absolutelyido]

1 hour ago, ButterQueen said:

Eboni is beautiful, but I feel like she is looking to be offended.

I agree, but I think it's a requirement for being a Real Housewife. You've got to bring the drama if you want to keep your job.

[JAYJAY1979]

Leah shouldn't be a thing..or allowed back formal a second season.

She just oozes anger and meanness.  

[Bronzedog]

I’m extremely disappointed that Luann got such a nice room.  I guess there will be no more “Good night from the lower level.”

[RedDelicious]

I’m wondering where she got the money for her Mercedes convertible. The model she has starts at $90k. Damn. After the divorce and the legal troubles, I didn’t think Luann was that well-off anymore. I also didn’t think being a cabaret star was that lucrative! Margarita from Cuba was way more entertaining than Lu’s canned jokes 😊

Edited May 12, 2021 by RedDelicious

[njbchlover]

11 minutes ago, Bronzedog said:

I’m extremely disappointed that Luann got such a nice room.  I guess there will be no more “Good night from the lower level.”

Those bedrooms are gorgeous - actually, Ramona's whole house is gorgeous - she did a great job with the remodeling.  I believe her when she said she did it all herself.  Well, not the actual work, but not using an interior designer.  Ramona has a good eye.  I think she'll do well in real estate, IF she doesn't tell all her clients that they need to completely remodel their homes before selling.

Her backyard looks stunning, and even more so with the party set-up, although it seemed pretty over-the-top and indulgent for a small party with five women.  I don't know how much input she had, but I would have loved to attend that party, minus Leah and her slutty costume, of course (oh, and I could probably do without the healer, too).  I don't understand who was actually hosting this "Burning Man" party - was it Ramona or was it Leah?  

I also noticed that Ramona had fresh flowers all over the place (even arranging them herself).  She listened when, last season, Luann gave her talking head critique of Ramona's house.  I remember Luann being catty and saying something like "not even any flower arrangements/fresh flowers anywhere". 

As annoying as she can be sometimes, Ramona listens, and in her own crazy-eyed, quirky way, she does try to improve herself from season to season.  That is why I can't give up on her.  

 

Edited May 12, 2021 by njbchlover

[njbchlover]

9 minutes ago, RedDelicious said:

I’m wondering where she got the money for her Mercedes convertible. The model she has starts at $90k. Damn. After the divorce and the legal troubles, I didn’t think Luann was that well-off anymore. I also didn’t think being a cabaret star was that lucrative! Margarita from Cuba was way more entertaining than Lu’s canned jokes 😊

Luann may have just leased/rented the car for the weekend.  There are many luxury car rental companies in New York City.  Knowing Luann, she probably didn't have to pay for it, either - Bravo/the production company probably did.  

 

[ichbin]

3 hours ago, pieinmyeye said:

What is with that big, honking bow Leah is wearing?! It really screams Burning Man to me.

LOOK AT ME!!!!  Does she then tell herself that all the looks she gets walking down the street are due to people envying her style and demeanor?  

2 hours ago, TeeMo said:

Lots of these Housewives across all the franchises amp up their personalities and put on a show to try to make a name for themselves but I can’t think of anyone else who ever came on across such an obvious try hard as Leah. I feel like I can see the wheels turning in her brain as she analyzes what she can say to sound cool and edgy and devil may care and then she actually comes across as someone deeply uncool and not at all edgy trying desperately to seem cool and edgy. Her energy just does not match the other women at all - even Eboni who is brand new seems like a better fit. Leah wants us to watch her and be jealous of her super cool life, but I watch her and just see a deeply troubled person desperate for clout and approval. It is unpleasant. And she seems to be the focus of every episode so far this season. 

She is a drag on this franchise. Her constant ragging on Ramona has gotten very old.  

1 hour ago, Bronzedog said:

Speaking of Sonja’s perfect marriage, because she talks about it every season, tonight she said maybe she should have stayed in the marriage for the sake of her daughter.  It’s always been my understanding that her husband divorced her after he asked her to come home from a trip when he was seriously ill and she refused.  I don’t think she ever had the option to stay in the marriage.

That's the story that has been going around for a long time now.  Whatever went down it seems he doesn't want anything to do with her at all now. If she acted with him anything like she does on the show I can't say I blame him.  That entire segment with Sonja and the healer had me rolling my eyes.  What a bunch of nonsense. I felt sorry for the dog.  

Which brings me to the healer at Ramona's house...I can't blame Ramona for asking questions.  Phony baloney Leah and her "well, if you have to ask" reaction.  It's all Emperor's New Clothes. 

How many times are we going to hear about Ramona referring to the people she has employed to help her as the help?  It's not like she said they are peasants who should be licking her boots. I found Leah referring to one of Ramona's kitchen staff as "your girl" far more offensive last season. 

The weirdest part of the show was the last scene when the ladies had departed and there was that stilt person still dancing around  in the yard.

 

[Ms Blue Jay]

Eboni is just so so so pretty.  

[hoodooznoodooz]

Lu spent more time than I would have, standing three inches from the crotch of the dancer on stilts.

[hoodooznoodooz]

As another poster noted, that really was a lot of preparation, expense, and physical labor (moving and lifting) for five guests. 
 

Leah’s excessive, random hand gestures and flailing arms are really irritating me.

 

[albarino]

3 hours ago, RedDelicious said:

She said “I get my help wrong”. She explained that she hired an event production crew to help her put on Leah’s dinner party weekend. 

I agree with you RD.  I do not believe she meant this as a "trigger;" Ramona is completely tone-deaf.  Perhaps she should have said she gets her caterer's names wrong?  Would that be better?  IDK.

I've had caterers in the past and have a maid service; I don't think I would refer to any of them as the "help."  I think Ramona is whacko but I credit her faux pas as ignorance, not malice.

[njbchlover]

9 hours ago, pieinmyeye said:

What is with that big, honking bow Leah is wearing?! It really screams Burning Man to me.

 

5 hours ago, ichbin said:

LOOK AT ME!!!!  Does she then tell herself that all the looks she gets walking down the street are due to people envying her style and demeanor?  

 

It's been said before, and that ridiculous outfit just confirms it - Leah imagines herself to be the Carrie Bradshaw of the group.  Everything she wears screams for attention.  While I can applaud her try-hard to be unique, it just doesn't translate well to real life (or "reality life").  Carrie Bradshaw was an original as a FICTIONAL character and just cannot be duplicated.  It's like a copy of a work of art.  There is always something just not quite right.  

 

5 hours ago, ichbin said:

 

How many times are we going to hear about Ramona referring to the people she has employed to help her as the help?  It's not like she said they are peasants who should be licking her boots. I found Leah referring to one of Ramona's kitchen staff as "your girl" far more offensive last season. 

 

I think that this is all a tempest in a teapot, and I agree that Leah's comment about "your girl" is also offensive.  Way back in the day when I was working, I HATED when my boss or clients would refer to me or their asistants (we were called executive secretaries back then) as "my girl" or "your girl".  It was condescending and rude. 

As you mentioned, Ramona didn't talk down to Michelle (or was it Diana), she didn't set up a port-a-john in her backyard for the caterers to use, she simply mixed up her name.  Ramona, being Ramona, probably just doesn't think about things like getting someone's name correct if that person is not going to be in her life for any length of time and it does come off as a level of snobbishness.  That is one of Ramona's major faults.  If, in her mind, the person will not have a lasting impression on her life in any way, it's not of interest to her to remember them. 

I do think that Ramona is wrong when she does this, as everyone deserves the same respect, but I honestly don't think she meant anything at all derogatory by her off-hand remark.  I think she was just trying to make an awkward situation better, because the faux pas happened in front of Leah and Eboni and she was embarrassed, but as usual, when Ramona tried to make things right, she made them more wrong.

Edited May 12, 2021 by njbchlover

[Momager]

Ramona referred to Michelle as the help. She’s been chastised  several times about referring to assistants/housekeepers as “servants”. And not only did she do that, but she also refused to call the woman by her name. It’s not ignorance, it’s intentional. 

[hoodooznoodooz]

Did you see the expression on Aleta’s assistant’s face as he moved to open the door for Marley/Morley?

Was there even anyone at Ramona’s Hamptons house named Diane/Diana?

 

[Vanderboom]

6 hours ago, ichbin said:

What a bunch of nonsense. I felt sorry for the dog.  

😄 I couldn't believe that Sonja YET AGAIN is making A Thing out of no longer being a bona fide member of The Morgans. I really want to know what her daughter thinks when she watches the show.

 

[Chit Chat]

9 hours ago, Stats Queen said:

I love learning new things! Tonight I learned my subconscious is in my colon. Good to know. I failed to learn that in grad school.

Gives a whole new meaning to having "your head up your ass!"  

7 hours ago, njbchlover said:

Those bedrooms are gorgeous - actually, Ramona's whole house is gorgeous - she did a great job with the remodeling.  I believe her when she said she did it all herself.

It was beautiful, but I did notice that almost everything was done in white.  There wasn't a lot of contrast.  It has a crisp, clean look though.

1 hour ago, njbchlover said:

Way back in the day when I was working, I HATED when my boss or clients would refer to me or their asistants (we were called executive secretaries back then) as "my girl" or "your girl".  It was condescending and rude. 

I've been in similar situations over the years.  Someone once said that me and the group of ladies I worked with were our bosses harem (WTH?).  I don't let things like that "trigger" me though.  I just give them my "you're an asshole look" and move on.  It's not worth getting upset over.  I've got bigger fish to fry - so to speak.  ;) 

[65mickey]

36 minutes ago, Vanderboom said:

😄 I couldn't believe that Sonja YET AGAIN is making A Thing out of no longer being a bona fide member of The Morgans. I really want to know what her daughter thinks when she watches the show.

 

She is probably thinking thank God she has a job and I don't have to use any of my trust fund money to support her, YET!

[Baltimore Betty]

7 hours ago, njbchlover said:

Luann may have just leased/rented the car for the weekend.  There are many luxury car rental companies in New York City.  Knowing Luann, she probably didn't have to pay for it, either - Bravo/the production company probably did.  

 

I would not be sure if I would be impressed that Lu bought a fancy car or she had the funds to park that car in NYC, that would be the biggest deterrent to own a car in NYC! LOL.

[Pi237]

This is now the Leah Show. Zzzzzzzz. Everyone acted like they just met that night and were trying way too hard to make a ‘moment’ happen.  Time to quit this one. 

[eleanorofaquitaine]

My feeling is that as entertaining as Ramona is, she is often snobby. So yeah, her comment about "her help" is incredibly Ramona - even if she doesn't mean anything bad by it, it's indicative of Ramona's mindset.  I don't have any problems with Eboni taking issue with it.

That being said, I was proud of Ramona's reaction to Leah's joke about inviting Elyse and her sister over.  One thing I like about Ramona is that she does try to better herself when it comes to her reactions, though she doesn't always get there.  And I also thought it was a nice moment between Leah and Ramona once Leah told her it was a joke.

All of THAT being said, I have to wonder if part of the reason they wanted to bring Heather back is to mix things up a bit because right now, everything is going a little too smoothly. 

[Baltimore Betty]

10 hours ago, Stats Queen said:

I love learning new things! Tonight I learned my subconscious is in my colon. Good to know. I failed to learn that in grad school.

I spent last week in Miami, flew down to see my daughter for a couple of days and had a lovely dinner at a Greek restaurant the first night, unfortunately I got food poisoning and an intestinal infection that lead to a 3 day stint in Jackson Memorial, (my body was doing things I will never be able to describe in polite society, think re enacting that scene in Bridesmaids at the bridal shop plus), I thought my colon is as clear as subconscious so I'm good now.  Also, I am down ten pounds!

Did we all think the party set up was a bit much for just the five HW's?  All the hair, make up and costumes, so much bother for the few minutes of non existent Burning Man experience.  I have never understood having professionals do hair and make up to only to jump in the pool after dinner. 

Eboni's apartment is nice but if it is a one bedroom and she says she won't sleep in the bedroom where is she sleeping?  I am still unclear why it would be an issue to sleep there, it's not like the ex died in that bed.

 

 

[RedDelicious]

She did not say “the help” like they were “others”. She said “my help”. She/production hired people to help her in her home. When you have a crew come in to help you do something, they are helpers. I would say that e.g., I have help or helpers coming. This is not that. 

ETA: the irony is she wasn’t talking to Leah and Eboni when she said that. She was talking to herself as she often does ☺️

Edited May 12, 2021 by RedDelicious

[Pondlass1]

10 hours ago, absolutelyido said:

I agree, but I think it's a requirement for being a Real Housewife. You've got to bring the drama if you want to keep your job.

This is how I see it too whenever there’s a new girl on the block. Leah went overboard with the stupidity and drama of course, but Eboni seems like she knows she’s got to bring it and it’s making her on edge.

I’m envious of Ramona’s toned upper arms. How’s does she do it? She’s over 60. Arms sag at 50 no matter how many weights you lift.

 

[lamujerdecente]

12 hours ago, ChitChat said:

Just tuning in, but I have to comment on Eboni's comment of "Honey, I don't fool with this many white women on a regular basis."  WTF?  I really don't appreciate that comment.  What if someone had said something similar about her race?  Heads would roll.  Why did she agree to do this show?  

Are you a person pf color? Because if you aren't, this is not something you will get. I too am careful with white women, I am sorry if that offends white women but I and other folks of color do that to protect our sanity. I am often googled in my face when I say anything a white person doesn't know, it can be about my OWN CULTURE, the book I am writing, NYC, when I am a New Yorker and the person is from Florida. Recently at my MFA writing group, when I  mentioned a spreadsheet I was complying of presses of authors that write similar themes as I do, this white chick asked me if I thought of that myself.  I sometimes wish that many who are so "offended"  by race convos who are white, can live in the shoes of a POC FOR ONE DAY. Then tell me what heads will roll. 

 

 

[Hangin Out]

12 hours ago, Keywestclubkid said:

you haven't been on the yacht since 1991 LOL 

I read Sonja loved yachting on the Med, drinking champagne and screwing other men when old man Morgan was working in New York.  She took advantage.  When he fell sick, she didn’t come back to N.Y. to nurse him, supposidely.  She was too busy living the high life.  Her mistake.  Now, he sees her stuffing food down her throat, taking food home, wearing clothes, then taking them back, etc. Not a good look.  That’s the story I read anyhow.  He must be mortified.

 

[LilaFowler]

Ramona not knowing what Sonja's dog was named was hilarious to me. She really doesn't pay attention. Unless it has something to do with her, then she's all ears.

[RedDelicious]

23 minutes ago, LilaFowler said:

Ramona not knowing what Sonja's dog was named was hilarious to me. She really doesn't pay attention. Unless it has something to do with her, then she's all ears.

She might also be face blind, like Brad Pitt. Google it - it's fascinating! I wouldn't be able to look at pictures of Marley and Milou and be able to tell them apart. I think that's where Morely came from. Ramona's dialect is part of her charm 😄

I too am horrible with faces and names. For me it's a bit of social anxiety. When I'm getting settled into a social situation with people I don't know, which I actually have no fear of doing and do so willingly, I do get caught up in assessing the situation around me and finding my place in it that I forget names and faces very easily, to my own detriment. In Ramona's case, I think she's also fluttering around and her mind is running off in 25 different places, and we saw as much in the show. She was all over the place last night. Between production and the event company, I'd be having a nervous breakdown with all of those people in my house. 

[eleanorofaquitaine]

The one thing about Eboni that gave me pause was the whole thing with the ex living in New Jersey during quarantine. I mean, I get why she feels like he made a choice that didn't include her but the fact is that last year was so extraordinary, I am not sure anyone can be judged for wanting to make sure they could interact with their kids.  I mean, she doesn't sound bitter about it and maybe it was just the fact that lockdown, etc., made her reassess her priorities. But I can't give her an ex too hard of a time for wanting to prioritize his kids over everyone else. 

[RedDelicious]

57 minutes ago, lamujerdecente said:

I am often googled in my face when I say anything a white person doesn't know

I get what you're trying to say, but to be fair, everybody does that. The other day my friend was talking about "cheugy" and I had no idea what she was talking about. While we were sitting there I looked it up on my phone to get a reference. I'm not sure what else you're supposed to do when you're confronted with something you don't know. The first thing anybody does is whip out their smartphone to look it up.

[OFDgal]

2 hours ago, Pi237 said:

This is now the Leah Show. Zzzzzzzz. Everyone acted like they just met that night and were trying way too hard to make a ‘moment’ happen.  Time to quit this one. 

I cannot stand Leah.  Her stupid "edgy" fashion sense looks ridiculous.  I have read on the forum that she is very popular on social media.  Since every comment I read here about her on RHNYC is negative, she's not that popular on this show.  I guess her interpretation of becoming an Orthodox Jew is wearing pants with her ass hanging out.  Her lack of respect for this religion is disgusting.  When my mother was dying, my whole family was at the hospital.  We had to take turns sitting with her and no one complained.  We just wanted to be there to spend even a few more minutes with her.  Leah can fuck off with her "feel sorry for me because my grandmother is dying" as she is on her way to a weekend in the Hamptons.  Sorry for the rant but she really pisses me off.  Maybe it's time for me to quit this too. 

[Hangin Out]

12 hours ago, JAYJAY1979 said:

Leah shouldn't be a thing..or allowed back formal a second season.

She just oozes anger and meanness.  

She’s Top Dog now, unfortunately.  I miss Bethenny and Dorinda, when she was nice.

 

 

[Baltimore Betty]

19 minutes ago, OFDgal said:

I cannot stand Leah.  Her stupid "edgy" fashion sense looks ridiculous.  I have read on the forum that she is very popular on social media.  Since every comment I read here about her on RHNYC is negative, she's not that popular on this show.  I guess her interpretation of becoming an Orthodox Jew is wearing pants with her ass hanging out.  Her lack of respect for this religion is disgusting.  When my mother was dying, my whole family was at the hospital.  We had to take turns sitting with her and no one complained.  We just wanted to be there to spend even a few more minutes with her.  Leah can fuck off with her "feel sorry for me because my grandmother is dying" as she is on her way to a weekend in the Hamptons.  Sorry for the rant but she really pisses me off.  Maybe it's time for me to quit this too. 

The tearless crying, even the sound effects along with the no tears...truly awful, truly fake.

Her Burning Man outfit just killed her Rabbi.

Why aren't we talking about how shocked we are that Ramona actually knew how to turn the pool heater on, I would have thought she would have gotten her "help" to do that.

 

[RedDelicious]

4 minutes ago, Baltimore Betty said:

Why aren't we talking about how shocked we are that Ramona actually knew how to turn the pool heater on, I would have thought she would have gotten her "help" to do that.

No that’s a job for her guy, her pool guy as it were. She called him while they were trying to figure it out.