S07.E02: New House, Old Grudges

[ryebread]

Dang, Scoobs.  It's not even 8 o'clock in the morning.  What kind of coffee you got over there in NYC?  ;-)

 

After trolling Adam's website, I concur with Carole that he's kind of hot. He's actually more suited to Beth as he's a chef, snowboarder, clean eater.  And he works.  He's actually a hard worker for some good causes.  Impressive.

 

I agree with you about not caring who she dates and how she should not dumb herself down for anybody.  That kind of aggravates me, too. 

 

Here he is with Lu's niece, Nicole.  He's got a type he's attracted to.  Doesn't she look like Carole??

 

Edited April 16, 2015 by ryebread

[SistaLadybug]

Hey look, if Carole & the chef want to date each other, I don't give a rat's ass.  20 or 30 or 50 year age diff -- whatevs.  That's their business, not mine.  Er, I do kinda wonder if she's throwing hundred dollar bills and/or Gucci wallets at him, as Satan Andy supposedly does with his 20-somethings.  But her chasing after barely legal dudes ain't what's bugging me about her this season.  It's her shitty-ass sense of humor & these various idiotic personas she's throwing at us.  It's not cute.  She's smart.  Be smart, hun.  Don't fucking fake being a ditz.   I don't like it.

 

 And we know Lu made sure Noel had his own place so Mama can get some regular dick action without being disturbed.  And no, Lu ain't Moaner.  Sounds like Lu is gettin' plenty & I say good for her.  

Two points that deserve a thumbs-up.  That's the issue with Carol for me - not that she likes young dudes because hey ... I ain't against 'em myself.  But playing stupid chaps my ass.  Don't do that.  You don't have to do that to be attractive and you're old enough and accomplished enough to know that.  Stop that shit.

 

And that was exactly what I thought when I saw that Noel had his own cottage.  Not "Oh, LuAnn is such a good mom for giving him his own space".  I side-eyed that thing and was like, "I see you, Lu.  You plan on having plenty dick coming all up and through that house and you don't want Noel cock-blocking.  Game recognize game, mama."

[Sage47]

That's crazy, that really does look like a young Carole! And that chef is indeed quite hot.

 

Sonja is definitely secretly enjoying Ramona's separation from Mario. She keeps making passive-aggressive digs, like mentioning, "that's why Mario has a six pack!" and then talking about Ramona being Italian...oh wait, that's Mario..., just rubbing more salt in Ramona's wounds by mentioning him again and again. She is not a true friend, more of a frenemy.

 

Bethenny is just way too harsh. I don't think Jason Hoppy is a great guy but compared to Bethenny he is a damn saint.  I can't imagine living with her, she must have put him through hell. I'm sure she emasculated him quite a bit.

 

Bethenny came in guns blazing, out to get Ramona in particular. Ramona was proud of her new, youthful look and says, "hey, I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks". Bethenny has to jump all over that, "I can't believe you just called yourself an old dog! You said it, not me!" WTF??! Fuck off Bethenny.

The niece even has super low-set eyebrows that are as thin as a pencil line, just like Carole. Carole's eyebrows drive me nuts.

[Crikey]

Ok, that one misfired. ;)

Nah, I read it, laughed and woke the dog.  Love me some Alex.

[Duke2801]

I didn't think Bethanny was bragging about living in her room, she was complaining.

 

Did you mean her car? If so, I agree.  I didn't see where she was bragging about living in the car?  But maybe I missed something.

 

I have never heard someone say that they were "keeping the company of men" and not mean it in a sexual way or to jokingly say that they're dating a lot of guys.

 

 

Yeah I always thought of that as a phrase to describe a Blanche Devereaux-type of lady (Golden Girls shout out!) who receives a fair number of gentleman callers. She's not necessarily sleeping with them- but she might be. Like, maybe a woman who is a little older, a divorcee or widow who has no problem getting her flirt on and throwing out sexual innuendos in mixed company.  Somebody who "depends on the kindness of strangers" and would utter Mae West type phrases like "Come on up and see me sometime." 

 

In other words, much more like a Sonja than a Ramona!

 

Two points that deserve a thumbs-up.  That's the issue with Carol for me - not that she likes young dudes because hey ... I ain't against 'em myself.  But playing stupid chaps my ass.  Don't do that.

 

 

Agreed. She was driving me nuts in that scene with her editor. Stop acting like a 17 year old who got caught skipping class and called into the guidance counselor's office. And is rolling their eyes while s/he talks about you living up to your potential or whatever.   Like, you're a fully functioning adult who made a commitment to write a book.  Suck it up and do it.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Duke2801

[QuinnM]

 

Obviously I have a teenaged boy.

 

So you've stopped serving a tossed salad?

[ryebread]

Whenever Carole flirts, to me she feels like the "Don't" example in a chick mag article ( "How To Power Flirt In Ten Easy Steps! Make eye contact, but look away first! Pick an oddball thing about yourself and SELL IT!  Mention the most obscure literary book you know, but then talk about your favorite sex position! Smile like the Cheshire Cat, only BIGGER!")

 

And to make it even more amusing, she actually wrote a Guide to Dating.

[QuinnM]

 

About the brunch issue...I don't know really what the etiquette is, but if I wanted to host a brunch, I would invite everyone from both houses, especially the hosts. It just seems right. Bethennys inviting only Sonja seemed deeply wrong.

 

I was obligated to watch this again yesterday because I thought I had imagined things so I know how this came down:

 

Lu - Hey guys what about brunch tomorrow?  Do we have ideas?

Ra - There is a place near my house garble garble.

Chorus - yakkity yakkity

Lu - No, because I'm in a boat.

Be - Boat?  What the?

Lu - I just planned for my guests to all take a boat ride tomorrow. (cuz I got a really nice boat too)

Chorus - Oh boat yakkity yakkity

Be - Do we want to go out?  I can do brunch at my house if you want. (it feels like her house is boat accessible)

Chorus - yakkity yakkity

So - (sitting next to Be and to Be as opposed to the room) Your house?  We've not seen your house yet.

Be - (to So alone and not the room) Why don't you just come over in the morning and then we'll go do brunch wherever that turns out to be.

Chorus - yakkity yakkity

Ra - WTF?

 

I those are my notes on the replay.  I have a notebook now that I'm using to follow the characters in this drama.  It sounds and looks like Bethenny was fine letting Sonja know that she would love for her to see the house and they could do that and then have brunch with everyone at Bethenny's or the two of them could leave from Bethenny's to brunch but either way Sonja was welcome to come see the house.  Remember these Hampton things are weekend only so it might be months before Sonja had a chance to see Bethenny's place again.  And FYI, visiting the Hamptons is all about house porn and brunch so this was a very serious discussion.  If Ramona really did send out invites to a restaurant then she already had reservations someplace for all of them.  Because you don't call in the morning for reservations for 10.

[ryebread]

So you've stopped serving a tossed salad?

 

LOL.  Forgot about that one. 

At a wedding with a family style meal.  I asked someone to pass the salad.  My 44 yo old cousin asked if I wanted it tossed.  People laughed.  At the time I had no idea what it meant but because I'd been drinking and wanting to be a cool kid I laughed, too.  My DH later asked me on the dance floor if I knew what it meant.  I do now.

 

Also, in honor of Lu's new house on the bay, 'motorboat' is another word that can no longer be spoken at our house without a guffaw.

[QuinnM]

 

Also, in honor of Lu's new house on the bay, 'motorboat' is another word that can no longer be spoken at our house without a guffaw.

One of the men that I've kept company with was a shrink that specialized in, ummm, difficult sexual stuff.  So I've had a very broad education. I'm at a big family gathering, most of us in the kitchen, young boys over at the bar set up being young boys.  One of them said something.  The word was for a very all male activity.  I was so surprised by the word suddenly in the conversation of the room about casseroles and curtains that my head spun.  I made eye contact with young boys.  We all suddenly realize that I know what the word means and they know I know what the word means.  We all turn red.  ENTIRE kitchen now involved.  Oh man, they still talk about it.  So sometimes being in the dark is better.

[ryebread]

One of the men that I've kept company with was a shrink that specialized in, ummm, difficult sexual stuff.  So I've had a very broad education. I'm at a big family gathering, most of us in the kitchen, young boys over at the bar set up being young boys.  One of them said something.  The word was for a very all male activity.  I was so surprised by the word suddenly in the conversation of the room about casseroles and curtains that my head spun.  I made eye contact with young boys.  We all suddenly realize that I know what the word means and they know I know what the word means.  We all turn red.  ENTIRE kitchen now involved.  Oh man, they still talk about it.  So sometimes being in the dark is better.

Classic.  Can't pull one over on Old Auntie QuinnM.  LOL.  Next time you're at a family gathering with those young bucks, ask them to bring you a pot of hot water and a tea bag.

[What Fresh Hell]

It's going to take me a while to catch up reading here but my thoughts so far

I like Bethenny, always have, but she's getting on my nerves so far this season. She's only 2 episodes in, so I'm sure she'll calm the down later in the season, I hope.

I'm seeing glimpses of old Luann here and there and don't like it. She never was one of my favorites and I always thought she and Ramona had equal grievances with each other. I never got why people thought Ramona had so much to apologize to Lu for. Lu was one nasty piece of work for a season or two. I'll never, ever forget her treatment of Alex. I did enjoy her last season, though.

I'm a staunch Ramona fan. Seriously, I don't care what she does, I'll still adore her.

The rest, I'll wait and see.

[racked]

wow ryebread Lu's niece really is like a young Carol, minus the chompers. 

 

That kitten should be dating Kingsley.

 

 

Oh man, Kingsley would eat that poor little kitten. 

Edited April 16, 2015 by racked

[QuinnM]

 

I'm a staunch Ramona fan. Seriously, I don't care what she does, I'll still adore her.

 

You know that is why I think every one of these franchises need OGs.  OGs just are who they are.  There isn't that getting comfortable phase.  Alex never got comfortable.  In fact, I think Alex was more comfortable the first year.  It might be what Bethenny is struggling with right now.  She does seem a little manic even for Bethenny.  She might as well be a newbie because she isn't the same person she was on the show.  She is now one of the big money people.   I think I like Kristen more this year.  She seems more comfortable.  And she has the only kids we'll see so that's good. Sonja is just Sonja dammit.  Don't be making her someone else because she has a beer in her purse.  Carole is struggling and Heather hasn't been able to talk yet.  Time will tell.  I'm really enjoying this season so far.  Man I needed it after that shit show that was RHOBH.

[islandgal140]

 "In the company of men" was beaten to death because that's what Bethenny does to her relationships with men. I would say to Bethenny that she doesn't "get it" but her verbal splatter is scary and I avoid beastly arguments with shrews like her.

 

I really don't know where Bethanny was going with that one. It seemed odd coming from someone who proudly proclaimed to have put the cock in cocktails to beat the shit out of such an old fashioned statement. Where once Beth was the one who flew over the cuckoo's nest, the sane Jack Nicholson character surrounded by insanity, after witnessing her level of crazy on her own spinoff, she will never be that to me anymore.  She had been picking imaginary bugs off her skin the whole time during her original run on the show, it is just that I was too blinded by the ape shit slinging crazy of Kelly, Ramona's 7 shades of Sybil and Buffalo Jill - she'll skin and wear you if you don't pay proper homage for me to see it.  

 

 

As I understand it, Jim Beam bought the Skinnygirl liquor end of the business, but Skinnygirl the brand has a number of other products and entities that Bethenny manages. Plus, I think I remember reading that she's still involved with the liquor brand, at least in a nominal way, and gets royalties based on future sales, so she's still invested in a financial way.

 

That is the way I understand it too.  Bethanny runs and owns the rest of the brand including the non-alcoholic drinks. Just to let you all know she done went down to the trademark office and got rights to market that shit for everything. EVERYTHING!!!  I'm talking potholders, paninis, yoga pants, hummus,dutch ovens, soda and carbonated beverage making machines (which explains soda stream). Its smart. I saw Skinnygirl popcorn at Walmart about 2 weeks ago.

 

Some of the trademarks are dead and abandoned though. Like Skinnygirl luggage. So some of you that were looking forward to strolling through the airport with your skinnygirl rollbag or carry-on are just gonna have to be disappointed. LOL! 

 

Surprisingly, I noticed that even the Skinnygirl girls and women clothing line trademarks is dead and abandoned. Strange.

[TomGirl]

Favorite quote of the night: "You had me at merlot."

[Higgins]

I won't know 'til I get there. LOL.  Parenting has changed my mind about a lot of things.  I can't help it.  It just has.  But for what it's worth, I hope I evolve enough to be okay with it when he's 30. 

 

Carole wasn't acting as weird as she did on the double date but I feel like some of Sonja is rubbing off on her.

 

 

If only is to illustrate my opinion on how I have come to feel about 20 year age gaps since my 16yo son became attractive to older women.  Again, ew. LOL.  

If your 30 year old son is living with a 51 year old woman, you won't like it, at least I wouldn't.

[Almost 3000]

I'm really having a hard time remembering what the problem is between Beth and Ramona. I thought they were on good terms when she left the show before? And she was at the wedding on the other show. What happened?

Yes! Ramona and Alex attended the wedding. I always thought it was just because tptb wanted the tie in to RHW and those were the only two B was not on the outs with at the time. Alex said that she and B never really spoke after that and I got the same vibe with Ramona.

[Mozelle]

Favorite quote of the night: "You had me at merlot."

 

In one of Carole's instagram posts, she's wearing a sweatshirt that has this greeting on it. I showed it to my friend, eager to purchase it for her (she's a merlot gal; I'm a Cabernet chick), but I've yet to see it for sale anywhere.

[archer1267]

She does seem a little manic even for Bethenny.

 

 

Last night at the gym I flipped through the latest People magazine (Garth Brooks on the cover). There was an interview with Bethenny in there. She was happy over her Soho digs, so obviously her homeless stint won't continue for much longer. She mostly talked about dating and said "I'm not good with small talk," or "I'm not into small talk." And I thought, then why did you come back on the show? Why did you do a talk show, for God's sake? I mean, these HW shows are all about kaffeeklatsching. If they tried to go too deep, no one would watch.

 

What would Bethenny prefer to be talking about? Politics? Religion? Stieg Larsson novels (since Kelly was unequipped to discuss those)?

[ryebread]

You know that is why I think every one of these franchises need OGs.  

 

What's OG?

[QuinnM]

 

What's OG?

 

In the rap world OG is Old Gangster and means one of the originals, been there before you was born, etc.  Andy used it to describe Vicki once and it just stuck.  So Ramona is the OG (along with Bethenny now that she is back but I don't know if you can count her since she took a LOA)

[ryebread]

Last night at the gym I flipped through the latest People magazine (Garth Brooks on the cover). There was an interview with Bethenny in there. She was happy over her Soho digs, so obviously her homeless stint won't continue for much longer. She mostly talked about dating and said "I'm not good with small talk," or "I'm not into small talk." And I thought, then why did you come back on the show? Why did you do a talk show, for God's sake? I mean, these HW shows are all about kaffeeklatsching. If they tried to go too deep, no one would watch.

 

I think Bethenny considers 'small talk' to be any kind of conversation where she's not doing the majority of the talking.  So if she has to keep her sentences short/small because there is another person trying to get a word in edgewise, that is considered 'small talk' to Beth.  And she isn't into that. 

 

Case in point, her talk show.  That's one reason I think she failed. She had a hard time letting the guests speak.  I caught one of her last shows and she had improved vastly from the first ones I'd seen but she was still fast and almost non-stop.  Pretty much what we've seen these last 2 episodes.

[DrSparkles]

Loved seeing Lu's new house. I liked the old one, but it was a bit dark. The new one is to die for. And Noel has his own cottage? How cool is that? I was wondering why she was selling the actual house fixtures of the old one, but I think someone said the buyer was going to tear down the old one. These people and their money!

 

Sonja is insanely jealous of Lu. While Lu's divorce was not happy, the Count settled with her and she is now independent, so she can buy and sell her house if she pleases. Sonja is still fighting with Old Man Morgan about I know not what, she has had to sell assets because of need, she has a judgement she has to pay. I wonder if she also has creditors chasing her. LuAnn also gets to forever be a Countess, which I know bugs the crap outta Sonja. Sonja loves to talk about rubbing elbows with royalty, but LuAnn is royalty. So what's the problem with Sag Harbor? Sonja certainly had her nose in the air about it. 

 

Ramona goes from zero to 10 in a millisecond. When she was with Dorinda and before Bethany walked in, she was acting all sane, but as soon as B walked in, kaboom. I do think she was sincere when she apologized to LuAnn, but LuAnn is right about being cautious. You never know what sets Ramona off. Ramona never sent an email, for sure, I guess in Ramona's mind, if you are staying with her, you are a prisoner, you can only do activities perscribed by Ramona. What an ass. I also didn't get it when B kept saying that "in the company of men" meant sleeping around. It doesn't mean that to me, it means she is hanging out, but not really dating men. What's the big deal?

 

Oh Carole, you do think you are 22. Skinny doesn't equal young, girlfriend. 

Yes yes & yes. IMO, Ramona’s apology to Lu was so genuine, karma is indeed a hurtful bitch. And Sonja: bitch, do NOT side-eye downsizing when we ALL know your broke-ass business.

Ramona had NOT planned (or at least invited anyone to) lunch/brunch at her house the next day.

“Then Sonja offers her hand to shake.” I almost passed out! What was that??? She is completely insane.

[KFC]

I'm seeing glimpses of old Luann here and there and don't like it. She never was one of my favorites and I always thought she and Ramona had equal grievances with each other. I never got why people thought Ramona had so much to apologize to Lu for. Lu was one nasty piece of work for a season or two. I'll never, ever forget her treatment of Alex. I did enjoy her last season, though.

 

I wouldn't quite call myself a Ramona fan, but she's so integral to RHONY at this point, it would be a loss for the show if she left. Nor am I a Luann fan, but I'm glad they've re-upped her to actual HW, and I did enjoy her last season. Like you said, I think she has plenty of nastiness in her to match Ramona, which might be why it's so fun having them both on the show. They're great foils for each other, and yet it's less exhausting to watch their back-and-forth when you compare it to the Ramona/Jill relationship.

[SCS]

It's going to take me a while to catch up reading here but my thoughts so far

I like Bethenny, always have, but she's getting on my nerves so far this season. She's only 2 episodes in, so I'm sure she'll calm the down later in the season, I hope.

I'm seeing glimpses of old Luann here and there and don't like it. She never was one of my favorites and I always thought she and Ramona had equal grievances with each other. I never got why people thought Ramona had so much to apologize to Lu for. Lu was one nasty piece of work for a season or two. I'll never, ever forget her treatment of Alex. I did enjoy her last season, though.

I'm a staunch Ramona fan. Seriously, I don't care what she does, I'll still adore her.

The rest, I'll wait and see.

I agree about Lu -- I was never that impressed with her and her nastiness with Alex as time went on (compounded by the Morocco trip and follow up) just done . Didn't she snot something like, "I've been nothing but kind and gracious to you!" at Alex after the trip? Ramona started losing me with her weirdness first with Heather and then Kristen. I figured she was threatened by H for her business acumen and K because she is young and blonde and Mario was, by this point, openly straying.

Yes! Ramona and Alex attended the wedding. I always thought it was just because tptb wanted the tie in to RHW and those were the only two B was not on the outs with at the time. Alex said that she and B never really spoke after that and I got the same vibe with Ramona.

Wasn't it right after the wedding that Bethy made a comment to the press that A&S would crawl through an air vent to get into a party or something? I remember Alex touched on the rift very briefly on one of her Webcasts: she said Beth's peeps had asked her to come on as a guest but were offering scale and she earned more doing her own show.

What's OG?

I didn't know what "tossed salad" meant (I am exceedingly unhip!) so I looked it up on my phone. If it is true that web searches are forever saved by prying eyes* somewhere in the world, that search is now part of my permanent record. I am appalled.

*Not a conspiracy theorist. Not.

[archer1267]

I am appalled.

 

 

"Tossed salad" has also ruined the Frasier theme song forever. When I hear Kelsey Grammer singing "tossed salad and scrambled eggs," I can't help but laugh.

 

And then feel dirty afterwards.

[Pop Tart]

IMO both Bethenny and Ramona came into that scene edgy and ready to spar, but for different reasons.

Ramona is definitely feeling threatened in her alpha position and was going to find something to go at it with Beth no matter what.

The same goes for Bethenny, she too was looking for a way to start with Ramona. I think she's not happy to be back on the show. And I'm betting she took the gig for the money and more exposure, but is feeling like its a step back and that she's just so beyond these people. So having to do these group things is not high on her list. She was considerably later then everyone else and as soon as the argument got going she was up and ready to go, because she wasn't going to do this with Ramona. Got her out of the event pretty quickly. And I won't be surprised if something similar doesn't happen at the Luann event next week. "Oh my god, Kelly BS is here, I'm not going to do this and out the door". She's fulfilling her obligation to the show by attending, but doesn't have to linger.

Edited April 16, 2015 by Pop Tart

[TV Diva Queen]

I really don't know where Bethanny was going with that one. It seemed odd coming from someone who proudly proclaimed to have put the cock in cocktails to beat the shit out of such an old fashioned statement. Where once Beth was the one who flew over the cuckoo's nest, the sane Jack Nicholson character surrounded by insanity, after witnessing her level of crazy on her own spinoff, she will never be that to me anymore.  She had been picking imaginary bugs off her skin the whole time during her original run on the show, it is just that I was too blinded by the ape shit slinging crazy of Kelly, Ramona's 7 shades of Sybil and Buffalo Jill - she'll skin and wear you if you don't pay proper homage for me to see it.  

 

 

 

That is the way I understand it too.  Bethanny runs and owns the rest of the brand including the non-alcoholic drinks. Just to let you all know she done went down to the trademark office and got rights to market that shit for everything. EVERYTHING!!!  I'm talking potholders, paninis, yoga pants, hummus,dutch ovens, soda and carbonated beverage making machines (which explains soda stream). Its smart. I saw Skinnygirl popcorn at Walmart about 2 weeks ago.

 

Some of the trademarks are dead and abandoned though. Like Skinnygirl luggage. So some of you that were looking forward to strolling through the airport with your skinnygirl rollbag or carry-on are just gonna have to be disappointed. LOL! 

 

Surprisingly, I noticed that even the Skinnygirl girls and women clothing line trademarks is dead and abandoned. Strange.

When B was leaving the argument with R outside of Luanne's house....did you happen to notice Bethany's blinged out Skinny Girl phone case?  I did, and it made me think of Alex McCord.  Did Alex design that, or were all her ideas trashed (trash)

[LilaFowler]

I think Ramona is on edge because her personal life was/is in shambles and she's waiting for someone to throw it in her face on camera.  I suspect someone reminded her of her incredibly insensitive remarks toward Luann back in the day over cheating and whatnot, and pre-emptively apologized for them before Luann could use that against her. 

 

Bethenny, IDK why she came blazing out the way that she did.  According to Ramona, the two haven't really spoken since Ramona appeared on Bethenny's show.  So, I really don't understand the immediate hostility that Bethenny had for Ramona.  Honestly, they disagreed over a tiny thing and it sent Bethenny flying out the room.  Her little "Ramona, I just DON'T WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU" was really a bit dramatic for this early in the season.

 

Another thing, I'm feeling a bit sympathetic towards Ramona this season.  She behaved atrociously last season, especially towards Kristen, and getting cheated on publicly and going through a divorce does not excuse any of it.  However, enough time has passed since last season that I personally am over all of that, and I really feel bad for her.  If Bethenny is melodramatically mean to her this season, then she can count on at least one viewer (me) thinking that she's the biggest villain bitch ever. 

[ghoulina]

Just to let you all know she done went down to the trademark office and got rights to market that shit for everything. EVERYTHING!!!  I'm talking potholders, paninis, yoga pants, hummus,dutch ovens, soda and carbonated beverage making machines (which explains soda stream). Its smart. I saw Skinnygirl popcorn at Walmart about 2 weeks ago.

 

But what about toaster ovens?

Bethenny, IDK why she came blazing out the way that she did.  According to Ramona, the two haven't really spoken since Ramona appeared on Bethenny's show.  So, I really don't understand the immediate hostility that Bethenny had for Ramona.  Honestly, they disagreed over a tiny thing and it sent Bethenny flying out the room.  Her little "Ramona, I just DON'T WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU" was really a bit dramatic for this early in the season.

 

Agreed. It's one thing to say, "This discussion is getting out of hand, and I just don't have the energy for it. I'm out". But to be all, "I never want to hang out with you!" - why? I didn't get it. It seemed very over the top, especially considering last time they were on the show together they seemed to be pretty good friends. What has happened since then that has caused such animosity?

[Cheetosandchoc]

        I felt like Bethany was very calculated toward Ramona. She seemed to be looking for a way to get her riled up. She knows Ramona well. She was turning and turning the crank and let go, Ramona took the bait hook line and sinker and went all batshit crazy. It was cruel. I was willing to be open minded toward Beth too. I think Ramona's gas lighting at the end was her typical reaction.

 

     I got teary eyed at Ramona's apology myself. I had an estate sale for my mom's things when we moved her into an assisted living place. It is the weirdest thing in he world to have strangers rifle through everything so callously. Was a bit sad for the countess. Her new place is gorgeous. I was trying to look at her furnishings and decorating, just hoping to absorb her fabulousness.

 

     I just really dislike Carole, seeing her flirt was ick to me. It had nothing to do with the guys age. Agreed with Film Noir's assessment completely. I also dislike when people get in my way in the kitchen so....... Noel sitting and rolling meatballs is fine, Carol butchering that tomato.....nope. She was all over the place. I was very nervous about the avocado myself. The way that knife cut the tomato shows how very sharp it was.

[archer1267]

They're great foils for each other, and yet it's less exhausting to watch their back-and-forth when you compare it to the Ramona/Jill relationship.

 

 

 

Yes! They're great frenemies. I think their back-and-forth works because LuAnn knows when to step away from Ramona and manages to keep her cool, whereas Jill would just get as unhinged and shout-y as Ramona. LuAnn also doesn't bring up a litany of grievances when she sees Ramona…she doesn't forget them, but we don't have to keep rehashing them whenever the two are unscreen together. (Jill and Ramona's big dust-up in S4 was over the Bethenny thing in S3!)

 

Ramona goes batshit crazy at the drop of a hat, but LuAnn takes her time and knows exactly when and where to put the knife. They both have their own ways of getting their digs in. 

[film noire]

   I got teary eyed at Ramona's apology myself. I had an estate sale for my mom's things when we moved her into an assisted living place. It is the weirdest thing in he world to have strangers rifle through everything so callously. 

 

 

That sounds hard -- hope your Mom is doing well.

 

I didn't get teary-eyed at Ramona's apology, but damned if my jaw dropped as I felt a kind of...liking -- LIKING? -- arise in me, which I found fascinating (in a "My emotions serve as a lab rat for this show" kind of way).  She looks great, too -- casual clothing, no shiny fabrics (so far) -- the divorce agrees with her, at least from a style perspective. 

[KFC]

Calculated is the perfect word to describe how Bethenny seemed to be acting at the party. She definitely was on edge the whole time, and that's probably because she wanted to unleash Ramona's lunacy. I don't really mind though, because Ramona deserves to be needled every now and then, plus these shows are never as organic as they pretend anyway, and in the end Bethenny set the stage for an entertaining throwdown with the Ramonacoaster.

 

It was interesting to see Heather attempt to needle Bethenny and fall short. It actually made me think of when Heather (successfully) riled up Ramona in their first season together. Maybe Ramona's just an easier target, period.

 

Yes! They're great frenemies. I think their back-and-forth works because LuAnn knows when to step away from Ramona and manages to keep her cool, whereas Jill would just get as unhinged and shout-y as Ramona. LuAnn also doesn't bring up a litany of grievances when she sees Ramona…she doesn't forget them, but we don't have to keep rehashing them whenever the two are unscreen together. (Jill and Ramona's big dust-up in S4 was over the Bethenny thing in S3!)

 

Which is sort of the essence of NY vs. BH to me. With the exception of Jill, I feel like the NY ladies tend to move on quicker, which makes things less draining to watch. BH is all about keeping a list of slights and waiting to trot out those grievances for maximum damage.

 

Lu and Ramona are also a fun pairing because they're both quite similar in their need to maintain a certain facade for appearances, but they diverge in that Ramona is blunt to the point of A.D.D. whereas Luann is much more planned out in her barbs. So while they have a lot of similarities (which is probably why they come to blows so often), they have very different methods of doing battle, so it's an entertaining contrast in styles.

Edited April 16, 2015 by KFC

[Vanderboom]

I had to rewind Bethenny's "pretty bird" talking head a few times because it was so hilarious with the hair pat and the creepy voice.

As irritating as I've found Bethenny to be this season, her impression of Ramona's "soothing" voice cracked me up. I'm hoping the strained and awkward social interactions get a little more natural. The weird stagy confrontations about calling oneself a dog and brunch were just puzzling to me.

As for Carole, I kind of felt bad for her. She's repeatedly awkward in dating situations. It seems that the more attracted she is (to attractive men--you're so kinky, Carole!), the less natural she acts. Remember last season's excruciating double date with Luann?

Edited April 16, 2015 by Vanderboom

[sleekandchic]

I think Bethenny is both happy and extremely miserable to be back as a HW.

She's happy because she's an attention-seeker who REQUIRES the spotlight and adulation. Plus, the show gives her invaluable publicity and exposure for her product line. Imagine the numbers of people buying her stuff because they've heard about it on the show. She should be paying BRAVO, rather than the other way around.

However, B is also miserable because she had moved way past RHNYC (in her head). She was no longer an ensemble player, but rather a STAR. Returning to RH is like a thousand steps back.

Lu Ann's son is adorbs! Cute and sweet. Do Lu Ann's kids have an ongoing relationship with their dad? I hope so.

Carole is just damn weird. What's going on with her anyway? Is her former mother in law deceased? I will Google that. I feel sorry for both of them and wish they could have forged a genuine friendship.

Ramona is nuts. I did not buy her apology to Lu ann. R looked away from L as she apologized. Insincere. Also, I don't care for people who refuse to empathize unless they themselves have lived through a similar experience. Narcissistic, selfish, tacky. Yuck.

[jaync]

She [bethenney] seems hard, brittle and angry. 

Brittle is exactly the word I was thinking. Such a pill, and her harping on Ramona's innocuous comment totally changed up the lighthearted vibe the other ladies had going. I'm really having a hard time finding anything appealing or entertaining about her.

On the other hand, I'm digging Dorinda.

 

And I'm betting she took the gig for the money and more exposure, but is feeling like its a step back and that she's just so beyond these people.

She pretty much said she's above the other HWs on WWHL. Being a non-factor on the talk show circuit must have really bit.

 

Regarding the flashback, how was the ordered skinny margarita different from a classic margarita?

 

LuAnn's house is sweet. Love the knotty pine floors.

 

I wasn't sure if Heather was being completely serious about the buying of a car/watch, and suspect she was feeding off something LuAnn may have said (given how hard Heather plays for her buddies).

 

Carole getting her flirt on in the kitchen - the game ain't lame if you score.

 

Sonja is ridiculous as always, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

 

[car54]

I think that the difference in Bethenny is because before, she was the youngest, poorest one--so she was the one being taken along, invited, and she put up with some things to be part of the group, that was part of why she was funny--she really was NOT a NY Housewife at all--she was a hustling single-girl. 

Now, I think given her money and career path, she is at a place where she doesn't have to put up with anyone giving her any crap.   I think that's part of why having to give up and give in to some of Jason's demands in the divorce/custody galls her so much.   She's come so far, I think she feels like she should not have to anymore.

I think because we won't see her with anyone in her real life except her "girls" we won't have the opportunity to see any kind of softer side.  I'm sure she's much softer and nicer when she's with Bryn...but we won't see that.   

[ThomasAAnderson]

Sonja probably looked at Luann's place and asked herself why she hadn't sold the townhouse and bought a getaway on Sag Harbor. Her self answered back.."there's beer in your purse".

[Cheetosandchoc]

      I was scratching my head at Sonja's dark brown tweedish blazer, with what I think was a black turtleneck under it and a gold necklace over that. My family did not go to church much (or ever) as a kid but that is exactly how I picture old Lutheran women dressing nice for church. The other ladies looked fresh and casual and lovely. Is black and brown even acceptable? Funny story about my poor mom. She has dementia, and I picked her up yesterday for a doctor's appointment. She gets in my car and looks down at herself and does this big facepalm. I asked her what the matter was and she told me she couldn't believe she wore black pants with a blue top. I know that a lot of Sonja's clothes are old and dated but I have seen her look lovely and fresh. She isn't cougaring in that outfit.

[LilaFowler]

 I'm sure she's much softer and nicer when she's with Bryn...but we won't see that.   

Nah.  IMO, if we were to revisit the H-wives in 20 years, Bryn won't be speaking to Bethenny.  Bethenny will alienate her just like she's alienated everyone else in her life.  Bryn will hate her, just like Bethenny hates and disparages her own mother. 

[Sage47]

Honestly, it's sad but I thought the same thing. That it's very likely that Bryn will end up being at total odds with Bethenny when she's older. Bethenny is going to be a tough mom to have later on.

 

Sonja's outfit WAS strange! She looked very schoolmarm. .

[candall]

Oh, that was jolly!

 

"You mean she's sleeping in MY guestroom??"  "She can't go to your house in the morning--she's staying with ME."  "We have plenty of beer here, darling."  Hahahahaha

 

I was thoroughly amused watching these aging divas trying to one-up each other.

 

 

 

 

[Persnickety1]

I think Ramona is on edge because her personal life was/is in shambles and she's waiting for someone to throw it in her face on camera.  I suspect someone reminded her of her incredibly insensitive remarks toward Luann back in the day over cheating and whatnot, and pre-emptively apologized for them before Luann could use that against her. 

 

Bethenny, IDK why she came blazing out the way that she did.  According to Ramona, the two haven't really spoken since Ramona appeared on Bethenny's show.  So, I really don't understand the immediate hostility that Bethenny had for Ramona.  Honestly, they disagreed over a tiny thing and it sent Bethenny flying out the room.  Her little "Ramona, I just DON'T WANT TO HANG OUT WITH YOU" was really a bit dramatic for this early in the season.

 

Another thing, I'm feeling a bit sympathetic towards Ramona this season.  She behaved atrociously last season, especially towards Kristen, and getting cheated on publicly and going through a divorce does not excuse any of it.  However, enough time has passed since last season that I personally am over all of that, and I really feel bad for her.  If Bethenny is melodramatically mean to her this season, then she can count on at least one viewer (me) thinking that she's the biggest villain bitch ever. 

 

I had a fleeting moment of sympathy for Ramona, too.

 

Then I remembered her "perfect Trifecta" bullshit she was spewing to LuAnn while at the same time denigrating LuAnn's marriage to the count.

 

Killed that sympathy pretty damned effectively.

[archer1267]

But LuAnn had a great reply. "And how IS your...trifecta?" with just enough of a pause that said that she didn't buy it. (Which Ramona might have caught IF she was attuned more to what others said.) If I remember correctly, this was after Morocco, and after the fortune teller saying that there was another woman in Mario's life. I think the HWs all knew something was up with the Singer marriage at that point, which is why Ramona's comment didn't bug LuAnn as much as it could have.

[ancslove]

I think Bethenny came to LuAnn's all defensive, because she knew she'd be fair game.  She's the (returning) new girl appearing with her tail between her legs, she doesn't really know any of them - not even Ramona, whom she hasn't seen in a couple of years, and she's coming in with a complicated reputation.  Heather's immediate needling probably confirmed in Bethenny's mind that this party was going to be a hazing, if she let it get too far.  So Bethenny cuts out at the first sign of real conflict.  She probably won't be able to get away with that too many more times.

[maggiemae]

Seems like Bethenny is used to yes people in her life...hence not being able to get along with Jason or the women on this show. 

 

Nothing charming, warm or fuzzy about B, let alone fun or shows interest in others.

[link417]

In the rap world OG is Old Gangster 

 

Doesn't really matter, but it stands for "Original Gangster."  :)

[wheresmypizza]

OG= Original Gangstah.

Link beat me to it.