S02.E04: One Royal Hangover

[beesknees]

Sugar Grove, IL (or whatever the name of Julie's hometown is) is not looking so bad now.  As to Julie maybe being bamboozled into the marriage?  Yeah, I could definitely see that.  She grew up in a small farming community in the Midwest.  Julie didn't even know how to pronounce "Viscount" correctly when she met her future husband.  She probably wasn't sure what a "Viscount" was.  Heck, I live a few hours north of Julie's hometown and I even know how to pronounce Viscount correctly.  I know what a Viscount is, as well, without ever meeting one.

 

So I can absolutely see Julie being swept off her feet by the aura of the whole lifestyle.  Now comes the reality ...  I am sure it is not what she signed up for.

Edited September 29, 2015 by beesknees

[ScoobieDoobs]

This show has taken such a rapid downhill trajectory this season.  I'm still watching for the London background scenery, but in my opinion the over the top "drama" screams to me of manufacture and manipulation. If it is all real the fights are making them look pathetic. I hope the salaries they're earning were worth it because few, if any, are coming off very well at all. I wish they would just follow these women around while dining, shopping, attending events, etc. and leave out the nonsensical squabbles. 

 

Yeah, I could live without these dumb squabbles over trivial nonsense.  But that ain't gonna happen as long as Juliet & Caroline S are on here.  Well, we know Juliet is gonna throw a tantrum over some/any kind of nonsense cuz that's just who she is.  Btw, Gregor, (or is it GregorY?), oh my goodness, you could have done so much better than Juliet.  Mismatch much?  And we know Caroline S is gonna snark/insult someone/anyone cuz that's just who she is.

 

Look, if they just take these broads & have them walk around some nice neighborhood like Kensington or Nodding Hill, they can yell & scream at each other & throw tantrums.  I don't really care, cuz I'll just enjoy looking at the background.  That scene with the Carolines?  I don't even know or remember what they said.  Oh yeah, they were laughing at bleh Marissa's smiling hot dog ad.  Whatever.  Could care less about that.  I was just gazing happily at the background of gorgeous townhouses they were passing by.

[RCharter]

Sugar Grove, IL (or whatever the name of Julie's hometown is) is not looking so bad now.

 LOL - I know, right!

[Feline Queen]

Julie and Luke don't have the authority to sell Mapperton because he hasn't inherited it yet. His father is still the Earl of Sandwich and Mapperton is his property.  

[RCharter]

Yeah, I could live without these dumb squabbles over trivial nonsense.  But that ain't gonna happen as long as Juliet & Caroline S are on here.  Well, we know Juliet is gonna throw a tantrum over some/any kind of nonsense cuz that's just who she is.  Btw, Gregor, (or is it GregorY?), oh my goodness, you could have done so much better than Juliet.  Mismatch much?  And we know Caroline S is gonna snark/insult someone/anyone cuz that's just who she is.

 

Look, if they just take these broads & have them walk around some nice neighborhood like Kensington or Nodding Hill, they can yell & scream at each other & throw tantrums.  I don't really care, cuz I'll just enjoy looking at the background.  That scene with the Carolines?  I don't even know or remember what they said.  Oh yeah, they were laughing at bleh Marissa's smiling hot dog ad.  Whatever.  Could care less about that.  I was just gazing happily at the background of gorgeous townhouses they were passing by.

 

I feel like when Gregor met Juliet he found her high strung, obnoxious nature amusing, refreshing and "honest."  Fast Forward a couple of years and its probably getting old having her constantly getting in fights with people and being loud, screechy and whiny all in the name of "keeping it real."  I wonder how much he begged to get the job that required constant travel so he could escape her shenanigans?  I can envision him staying away much longer than he needs to and telling her its "absolutely required" for work.  I don't even think he is cheating per se, I just think he enjoys the peace and quiet of being away from her near constant whining.

 

LMAO @ the bolded portion though!

[beesknees]

Julie and Luke don't have the authority to sell Mapperton because he hasn't inherited it yet. His father is still the Earl of Sandwich and Mapperton is his property.  

 

I giggle every time I hear Earl of Sandwich because it reminds me of the old SNL "Royalty" sketch (with Bill Murray, Garret Morris, and Buck Henry) where they announce "the Earl of Sandwich".  He and his spouse walk into the party.  Then they follow up with announcing "Lord and Lady Douchebag" and they walk in.  OMG so funny.

Edited September 29, 2015 by beesknees

[ScoobieDoobs]

Random thoughts - I didn't think Caroline S.  humping Juliet's husband was a big deal but I guess it drums up drama so there's that.  Agree with other posters - make Caroline S's SIL go away (I am too lazy to remember her name but she is obnoxious).

 

As to Julie's low-rent hair color, she'll fix it for next season after all the viewer complaints.  She is probably mortified when she sees her hair in HD like the rest of us.  I know Julie's pinching pennies but can't she get some hair stylist a few mins. of free air time/advertising in exchange for a few comped dye jobs?   Caroline S. must do that with her make-up artist.  Take notes Julie!

 

I think having Julie's life would be positively exhausting and not fun EVER ...  I realize Julie's husband has to be at Mapperton all time but am I the only one giving a little side-eye there?

 

On the fence about Annabelle this season.  I hated her last season but I am warming up a tad regarding her.   She seems a little more humbled this season - maybe due to her accident?  I dunno.  Then I started hating Annabelle again last night when I watched WWHL because Andy mentioned she's doing a book about Alexander McQueen.  Enough with the fucking McQueen angle already.  We got it.  I was tortured enough with that crap last season and now Annabelle's milking this again with a BOOK?  Oy.  I.just.can't.

 

Marissa's hot dog ad was fine, I thought.  I mean it wasn't like she was eating the hot dog or anything - it just looked like a smile.  Caroline S. was snarking due to a little jealousy, perhaps?

 

Hadn't even thought of it, but you can be sure sly Caroline S has.  Give your gay accessory some cam time on this thing & he'll color your hair nicely, cut & style it & make sure your makeup is always flawless.  Gotta give it to Caroline S.  She is a clever gal to keep her gay accessory around.  And she can use him to snark with too.  Seems like win-win to me.  I just don't see Julie with a gay accessory tho.  Oh, the poor, poor, poor thing always looks like too much of a mess.  Oh man, that McQueen dress looked sooooo terrible on her, a few eps back.  Poor, poor, poor Julie.

 

Don't expect Annabelle to give up on shilling the McQueen connection -- er, ever.  That's her shtick.  I still think her nice routine won't last.  Or maybe it will till her next round of meds.

[Writing Wrongs]

Can't they give Mapperton to the National Trust or something to take over? 

[ScoobieDoobs]

Hey, btw, anyone believe Caroline S -- that her humping Gregor was so innocent?  Uh, sorry, but I'm giving this one quite a side-eye.  I mean, after all, why him?  To piss off Juliet & poke at her & get a tantrum outta her?  Yeah, I can believe that.  But it doesn't hurt that he's very nice-looking, does it?  I'm telling ya, that Caroline S is a sly one.  She pisses off Juliet & snuggles up to a cute guy, all at once.  Win-win!

[RCharter]

Hadn't even thought of it, but you can be sure sly Caroline S has.  Give your gay accessory some cam time on this thing & he'll color your hair nicely, cut & style it & make sure your makeup is always flawless.  Gotta give it to Caroline S.  She is a clever gal to keep her gay accessory around.  And she can use him to snark with too.  Seems like win-win to me.  I just don't see Julie with a gay accessory tho.  Oh, the poor, poor, poor thing always looks like too much of a mess.  Oh man, that McQueen dress looked sooooo terrible on her, a few eps back.  Poor, poor, poor Julie.

 

Don't expect Annabelle to give up on shilling the McQueen connection -- er, ever.  That's her shtick.  I still think her nice routine won't last.  Or maybe it will till her next round of meds.

Julie just doesn't have that image of glamour that Caroline S or Annabelle have.  Although Julie is in the perfect situation to have a constant male companion on the show since her husband and his father and his mother ALL need to be at Mapperton all day every day or the place will fall apart.

 

But I'm hoping someone just offers out of the kindness of their heart.  Or her in-laws are kind enough to allow her to keep enough of her earnings to afford a decent cut and style.  

 

I always just wondered if there wasn't a part of Annabelle that wasn't simply uncomfortable with the idea of reality TV and sharing so much of who she is with the camera.  Maybe I'm a softie, but I felt really bad for her when she was explaining her chlidrens books.

[Feline Queen]

Can't they give Mapperton to the National Trust or something to take over? 

The way it's been promoted, as if Mapperton has been in the family for centuries, when in fact it was purchased by the Montagu's in 1955. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapperton#Mapperton_House

 

The manor was owned from the 11th century by only four families (Brett, Morgan, Brodrepp, Compton), all linked by the female line, until it was sold to Ethel Labouchere in 1919. When she died in 1955 it was acquired by Victor Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke. When he died in 1995 it passed to his son, the Earl of Sandwich.[4]

 

From the 17th century until the 1960s, the family also owned Hinchingbrooke House in Huntingdonshire, from which the title Viscount Hinchingbrooke was derived.

Edited September 29, 2015 by Feline Goddess

[izabella]

The way it's been promoted, as if Mapperton has been in the family for centuries, when in fact it was purchased by the Montagu's in 1955. 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mapperton#Mapperton_House

 

The manor was owned from the 11th century by only four families (Brett, Morgan, Brodrepp, Compton), all linked by the female line, until it was sold to Ethel Labouchere in 1919. When she died in 1955 it was acquired by Victor Montagu, Viscount Hinchingbrooke. When he died in 1995 it passed to his son, the Earl of Sandwich.[4]

 

What the fuckety-fuck?   They need to unload that white elephant, then.

 

And Julie needs to stop trying to save it.  She shouldn't be killing herself to make more money to dump on a losing investment.  But where is her husband to tell her so?!

Edited September 29, 2015 by izabella

[Feline Queen]

What the fuckety-fuck?   They need to unload that white elephant, then.

 

And Julie needs to stop trying to save it.  She shouldn't be killing herself to make more money to dump on a losing investment.  But where is her husband to tell her so?!

According to this article, the family down-sized when they moved from Hinchingbrook House to Mapperton.

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/open-gardens/10349354/MappertonDorsetEarl-of-SandwichHarold-PetoarboretumCaroline-SandwichMagnoliabuddleia.html

 

‘My father [Victor Montagu, the MP for South Dorset] owned the estate nearby, and was looking to move from our main family home, Hinchingbrooke in Cambridgeshire, to something smaller,’ Lord Sandwich, 70, told me. ‘He thought this house was magical. Of course, the garden was then completely run down, the walls covered in ivy and the pools covered in slime, because it belonged to a 90-year-old lady who had retired to bed 15 years earlier, looked after by a drunken butler.’

Edited September 29, 2015 by Feline Goddess

[izabella]

Then maybe they need to move all the Sandwiches to a tiny hovel like the one that Julie and her 4 little Sandwiches live in.  They're just pouring money into a house they can't afford, so they need to do what other people do who can't afford the homes they live in - sell.  Welcome to the real world, hold the mayo.

[RCharter]

Then maybe they need to move all the Sandwiches to a tiny hovel like the one that Julie and her 4 little Sandwiches live in.  They're just pouring money into a house they can't afford, so they need to do what other people do who can't afford the homes they live in - sell.  Welcome to the real world, hold the mayo.

I just don't understand why Julie seems to be the only one that has to actually take a job to save this rambling estate?  IIRC her in-laws are there full time to "manage" it, and now so is her husband.  So there are three people that are "managing the estate" but the only one working to make money to maintain the estate is the one who teaches yoga and makes balls.  Oh and by way, its not even her family home!  Why is she the only one that can get a job to save a home that isn't even connected to her family?

[Feline Queen]

Mapperton is barely connected to anyone in that family. It's not an ancestral home like some of the other great estates in England that have been passed down for hundreds of years and through many generations.

 

Maybe Luke should've married an American heiress - like Lord Grantham in Downtown Abbey -instead of a poor girl from the Chicago suburbs.  

[RCharter]

Mapperton is barely connected to anyone in that family. It's not an ancestral home like some of the other great estates in England that have been passed down for hundreds of years and through many generations.

 

Maybe Luke should've married an American heiress - like Lord Grantham in Downtown Abbey -instead of a poor girl from the Chicago suburbs.  

 

Yes!  Isn't that always what poor titled people used to do?  Marry a rich American.  I know I wasn't the only one who knew that was a thing.

 

But -- a title isn't what it once was, and Luke.....well, it sounds like Luke may not be catnip for the ladies.  I think Julie got bamboozled, she said when she met him he pulled out a Black Amex and so she may have gotten the wrong idea....

[Surrealist]

 

Poor girl, I almost feel like she was bamboozled into the marriage.

 

As I've said before, I think Julie got more than she bargained for by marrying a titled man.

[izabella]

Yes!  Isn't that always what poor titled people used to do?  Marry a rich American.  I know I wasn't the only one who knew that was a thing.

 

But -- a title isn't what it once was, and Luke.....well, it sounds like Luke may not be catnip for the ladies.  I think Julie got bamboozled, she said when she met him he pulled out a Black Amex and so she may have gotten the wrong idea....

 

If he's pulling out black Amex cards, then Julie does not need to work her fingers to the bone to save Mapperton.  Why is he living high on the Black Amex when Julie has to bicycle and sell balls?

[yourmomiseasy]

Do we really know for sure that the Sandwiches are all destitute and barely hanging on to Mapperton and it's not just an angle to give Julie a reverse Cinderella storyline for the show?  Given Julie's husband's medical problems, it make sense they wouldn't necessarily be living the high life, but is it a known fact that Mapperton also drained the coffers?  The husband did get a malpractice settlement from a doctor -- I think it was ~£1.5M.  That wouldn't be enough to live an opulent lifestyle, but Julie should be able to at least get her hair done.

 

I liked Caroline and hated Annabell last season.  This episode had me reversing my stance and I just can't deal with my world being turned on end like that. 

 

I really liked Sophie, mainly due to her pretty hair, before she opened her mouth.  Now not so much.  I wonder if she's always such a shit stirring bitch or if the booze just brought it out of her.

[howiveaddict]

Maybe if the Montagus  are broke, they should retrench to bath like the Elliots did in Persuasion.  They Can rent the estate out to an Admiral and his wife.

I think Julie needs some marketing advise from Betheney Frankel.  That would make a good cross over episode.

My friend on FB, recently posted pictures of her and her niece trying on those animal robes, like Carolyn gave everyone, at Walmart!

[Texasmom1970]

I too am in this show just for the scenery porn! I so want to go to London! I feel sorry for Gregor, being married to Juliette must be exhausting. She is always so wound up about everything, like a crazed chihuahua.

I have issue with them saying she was stradling and humping Gregor. Caroline was looming over him bobbing, or drunk dancing. Not saying it was appropriate. But the wording makes it seem like she walked in Caroline and him doing reverse cowgirl or something really x-rated.

I can't help but giggle everytime they say his name Gregor. Reminds me of the "Black and Tan" episode if Psych. His name just sounds made up.

I know many business men have to travel for work, does anyone else fInd it odd that I think it's only Marissa's husband that isn't away all the time. Guess the secret to a happly marriage to the people is not being within 100 miles of your spouse!

[breezy424]

Sophie is just too full of herself and is a shit stirrer.  The only reason she's on the show is because she's Caroline's sister in law.  I can't stand her - I'll even take Juliet over her.  She's not the least bit interesting or entertaining.

[biakbiak]

We have seen Julie drive a car twice this season, driving Annabelle to Mapperton and than in the city when she was meeting Annabelle for tea. I think she likes to bike because it's often quicker than driving in London traffic and No parking issues not because they can't afford a car.

[ScoobieDoobs]

Sophie is just too full of herself and is a shit stirrer.  The only reason she's on the show is because she's Caroline's sister in law.  I can't stand her - I'll even take Juliet over her.  She's not the least bit interesting or entertaining.

 

For me, it was that remark she said to Juliet -- that Gregor said Caroline "humping" him was the best time he had all night, which said everything I need to know about who Sophie is.  Ugh, what a juvenile & nasty thing to say -- and not one bit funny.  Now, was it worth to say, just to get Juliet to throw a tantrum?  Nah, not to me.  It was hateful & mean.  I know nothing else about Sophie & don't need to.  She's horrible.  Be gone.

Edited September 30, 2015 by ScoobieDoobs

[Alonzo Mosely FBI]

Sophie is vile. And rough looking this ep. Caked make up and code red eye bags!

Caroline S. Also vile.

Julie's hair color and eyebrows are not OK . On any level!

[breezy424]

We have seen Julie drive a car twice this season, driving Annabelle to Mapperton and than in the city when she was meeting Annabelle for tea. I think she likes to bike because it's often quicker than driving in London traffic and No parking issues not because they can't afford a car.

She has an Audi SUV.  I think a Q7 or maybe a Q5.

[telemachus2]

London is teeming with successful, attractive ex-pat Yanks - why can Bravo only lure such relatively "weak sisters" as Juliet (especially) = no REAL career nor glam + obnoxious personality, apparently cast as shit stirrer + she's not even attractive physically imo (but might be if she'd address her HAIR & wardrobe;) Marissa = try hard, never missed when absent, nice but boring; & Julie = insecure nervous wreck (but isn't yoga so calming??) + weird (headstands in evening wear - at a dinner party - WHY??) + just overall in no emotional shape for RHo'wifery (TEARS at MeanCaroline's clearly joking comment = ridic overreaction.)  I do cut Julie tremendous slack, however, as her spouse is, & has been, apparently so mentally impaired for yrs (due to incorrectly prescribed psychotropic drugs) that he's been unable to work & must be cared for to some degree by Julie & her in-laws.  (See "How Antidepressants Ruined My Life" Luke Montague, The Times (London) & Mad in America - Mapperton.)

OOPS!  My apologies - I'm behind in reading & didn't realize much of this was already (better) covered in Episode 2's postings.  I also didn't catch that Juliet is a STYLIST - NEVER wouda guessed!

 

 

So, Bravo, where are the intimidatingly rich, frighteningly competent & disgustingly gorgeous American (a)broads? Betcha Lisa Vanderpump knows a few! 

Edited October 1, 2015 by telemachus2

[UsernameFatigue]

Hey, btw, anyone believe Caroline S -- that her humping Gregor was so innocent?  Uh, sorry, but I'm giving this one quite a side-eye.  I mean, after all, why him?  To piss off Juliet & poke at her & get a tantrum outta her?  Yeah, I can believe that.  But it doesn't hurt that he's very nice-looking, does it?  I'm telling ya, that Caroline S is a sly one.  She pisses off Juliet & snuggles up to a cute guy, all at once.  Win-win!

I totally agree with this. Caroline was simulating humping Gregor towards the end of her little show. Even if her body was not that close to his, the actions were the same.  Now maybe she didn't think she did anything wrong. But if that is the case why did she totally lie later on in the suite where the party was continuing? I can't remember who it was that she had lie down on the floor, but then she just stood over that person and said that is all she had done with Gregor. She is a lying liar who lies.

 

But then I don't have any sympathy for Juliet either. In her lunch with Annabelle and Julie they were trying to be supportive and she totally blew them off. She is like the loser in high school who ditches her friends whenever the mean girl throws her a crumb. Pathetic.

Edited September 30, 2015 by UsernameFatigue

[RCharter]

London is teeming with successful, attractive ex-pat Yanks - why can Bravo only lure such relatively "weak sisters" as Juliet (especially) = no career nor glam + obnoxious personality, apparently cast as shit stirrer + she's not even attractive physically imo (but might be if she'd address her HAIR & wardrobe;) Marissa = try hard, never missed when absent, nice but boring; & Julie = insecure nervous wreck (but isn't yoga so calming??) + weird (headstands in evening wear - at a dinner party - WHY??) + just overall in no emotional shape for RHo'wifery (TEARS at MeanCaroline's clearly joking comment = ridic overreaction.)  I do cut Julie tremendous slack, however, as her spouse is, & has been, apparently so mentally impaired for yrs (due to incorrectly prescribed psychotropic drugs) that he's been unable to work & must be cared for to some degree by Julie & her in-laws.  So, Bravo, where are the intimidatingly rich, frighteningly competent & disgustingly gorgeous American (a)broads? Betcha Lisa Vanderpump knows a few! 

 

I like Julie, and I want her to stay on the show because she clearly needs the money.  And ultimately I think it was a confluence of things that caused her overreaction.  Not the least of which was alcohol, which I heard makes you more likely to show people how you really feel.  I think Julie was just as hurt when Caroline decided to rescind her apology -- which was a real asshole move -- but she didn't seem to cry or act out.  So, I think she was already feeling a little hurt because Caroline picked on her professional competence....with her business plan, and than with yoga, which Julie is passionate about and she was drunk.  I don't think she would have cried and carried on if there hadn't been liquor involved.  Especially given the fact that all Julie seems to eat is salad, kale and balls.

 

ITA about Juliet though, I loathe her -- but I guess every show has to have a villain, and Juliet seems so lacking in self-awareness that she seems a good fit for the role.  I still don't understand how she is a stylist.  80% of the time she looks messy and unkempt.

[biakbiak]

I fear if there is a third season they will can Caroline F and bring Sophie on full time.

Random aside I adore Marissa' s kitchen.

I didn't watch the first season so I could easily be missing things but I like Marissa. She and her husband seem to have a great and supportive relationship both personally and professionally. Also, it is probably just because of the bullshit businesses on Bravo shows but the fact that she actually is over the course of a season going to open her hot dog spot is refreshing!

Edited September 30, 2015 by biakbiak

[RCharter]

I totally agree with this. Caroline was simulating humping Gregor towards the end of her little show. Even if her body was not that close to his, the actions were the same.  Now maybe she didn't think she did anything wrong. But if that is the case why did she totally lie later on in the suite where the party was continuing? I can't remember who it was that she had lie down on the floor, but then she just stood over that person and said that is all she had done with Gregor. She is a lying liar who lies.

 

But then I don't have any sympathy for Juliet either. In her lunch with Annabelle and Julie they were trying to be supportive and she totally blew them off. She is like the loser in high school who ditches her friends whenever the mean girl throws her a crumb. Pathetic.

 

Juliet getting upset over Caroline not taking accountability is so rich.  Did Juliet apologize for backing out of the birthday party that she asked Marisa to throw for her?  And shopping around Thanksgiving to see if she could get a better offer?  No, rather she did everything in her power to keep from apologizing, including to deflect, guilt, blame others and act defensive.  Caroline's refusal to apologize is sweet justice, especially since Caroline apparently upped the ante by threatening to run Juliet down with a car and wipe the floor with her.  

 

Let me get all Clinton-esque for a minute.  I think that maybe its all in the definition of humping.  I think of humping as genitals in close proximity -- normally touching, but at least close.  What I saw was Caroline standing over Gregor doing some sort of thrusting motion, but she was pretty far away.  It sort of reminded me of those frat pranks (in the movies) where one guy falls asleep and everyone else takes embarrassing pictures with him.

I didn't watch the first season so I could easily be missing things but I like Marissa. She and her husband seem to have a great and supportive relationship both personally and professionally. Also, it is probably just because of the bullshit businesses on Bravo shows but the fact that she actually is over the course of a season going to open her hot dog spot is refreshing!

 

I don't have a great love for Marissa, but I don't hate her either.  I've watched both seasons and I never quite got the hate for her.

[ScoobieDoobs]

But then I don't have any sympathy for Juliet either. In her lunch with Annabelle and Julie they were trying to be supportive and she totally blew them off. She is like the loser in high school who ditches her friends whenever the mean girl throws her a crumb. Pathetic.

 

Well, keep in mind that Juliet seems to be all about connecting with & impressing the Brits.  Doesn't seem like she's succeeding with that, is she?  Caroline S is snarking on her constantly.  And Marissa was throwing her some shade (and boy, was she ever right) that Juliet clearly didn't know how to handle the evil Brit sisters.

 

London is teeming with successful, attractive ex-pat Yanks - why can Bravo only lure such relatively "weak sisters" as Juliet (especially) = no career nor glam + obnoxious personality, apparently cast as shit stirrer + she's not even attractive physically imo (but might be if she'd address her HAIR & wardrobe;) Marissa = try hard, never missed when absent, nice but boring; & Julie = insecure nervous wreck (but isn't yoga so calming??) + weird (headstands in evening wear - at a dinner party - WHY??) + just overall in no emotional shape for RHo'wifery (TEARS at MeanCaroline's clearly joking comment = ridic overreaction.)  I do cut Julie tremendous slack, however, as her spouse is, & has been, apparently so mentally impaired for yrs (due to incorrectly prescribed psychotropic drugs) that he's been unable to work & must be cared for to some degree by Julie & her in-laws.  So, Bravo, where are the intimidatingly rich, frighteningly competent & disgustingly gorgeous American (a)broads? Betcha Lisa Vanderpump knows a few! 

 

You are right, this show should have gone about attracting more interesting women, but I suspect it's a prob for reality shows in general.  Women with busy careers going on don't have the time or interest.  Certain careers lend themselves to participating in a reality show.  I'm not sure what Marissa's hours are.  Or does she work at all?  They are Matt's restaurants after all & he clearly has staff running them.  She was a PR gal, so she seems fame-ho-ish.  Sounds like a good fit for reality TV.  I find her very blah.  And Matt puts me to sleep.  The restaurants look nice.  But she's just so blah, she's of little interest to me.  

 

And Juliet?  I figure they hired her cuz she'll throw tantrums.  And that's about it.  I was really surprised nasty Sophie's nasty remark didn't inspire her to throw a tantrum.  I mean seriously, what gives in this ep?  Annabelle was nice & Juliet actually didn't throw a tantrum.  What the what?  Are worlds colliding?

 

Oh wow, I didn't know anything about Julie's husband's situation.  That is really sad.  And she has the sad look of being really desperate for cash.  She can't be making much from teaching yoga classes all over town & selling a few of her ball-balls.  No, I don't think Bethenny would have any useful advice for her.  She just slaps the SkinnyGirl name on various weird stuff these days & partners up with established companies.  That's far, far, far from what Julie has to do for the ball-balls.  Sounds like a ton of effort with little chance for a big (or any) payoff.  

 

Sheesh, Julie  has it rough.  If Caroline S was a decent gal she would throw her gay accessory over to her for a makeover.  Sigh, but we know she's not, so that'll never happen.  Too bad cuz the poor thing could use it.

Edited September 30, 2015 by ScoobieDoobs

[Pollock]

Sleuthing a little bit this morning, I understand falling in love with a property like Mapperton.  It's beautiful.

http://mapperton.com/

 

It seems the husband running the estate isn't limited to what I thought he was doing (basically ordering the help around while cashing in on investments made by his ancestors and taxes from the public -being french and keen on choping heads off, I have a poor opinion of nobility).

The house is open to visits, the gardens too, weddings, coffee shop, events... So he works I think. But still, I agree, if this isn't working, just go and take a job as a banker or something.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Montagu,_11th_Earl_of_Sandwich 

Sandwich licensed use of his title for a sandwich shop, Earl of Sandwich such as at Disney Springs Marketplace in Walt Disney World Resort, an agreement chiefly with Robert Earl, founder of the Planet Hollywood chain.

I wonder if they are still getting money for the licensing of the family name.

 

Julie is, or at least was, vegan : http://famous-vegans.blogspot.fr/2011/06/julie-montagu-nee-fisher.html

https://radiancecleanse.com/blog/julie-montagus-7-word-food-philosophy/

She has books : http://www.amazon.co.uk/Julie-Montagu/e/B00T9S6HUQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1but in the intro of Superfoods, she says it's not about cutting all animal products. Maybe it's just to not cut herself from the meat eaters.

 

And kale seems to be her thing: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-3000591/All-hail-Lady-Kale-meet-superfood-guru-Ladies-London-star-Julie-Montagu.html

Quote from it:

Does Julie ever just give in and order a cheeseburger? ‘Never, but then that’s because I don’t eat meat, it doesn’t agree with me. But I don’t want to be a bore – the other day I was having lunch with a girlfriend; I ordered kale, she ordered fries, but of course we ended up sharing.’ Would she ever order the fries herself? ‘I would.’ Thank goodness. ‘But if there is the sweet potato option you should always go for that.’

[pasdetrois]

I don't think anyone is expecting Julie to save the family pile. I think she and her husband have mentioned the need for money as a way to draw attention to Mapperton, which apparently has commercial offerings. I don't know why Julie made that crazed statement that the development and sale of JUB would help Mapperton - there has to be more to that back story. I think her stress and emotional instability are making a lot of people assume she's being asked to "save Mapperton." I think she bikes and teaches yoga because she's a fitness fiend and that it's her own nature to worry and be anxious.

 

 

This show has taken such a rapid downhill trajectory this season.  I'm still watching for the London background scenery, but in my opinion the over the top "drama" screams to me of manufacture and manipulation. If it is all real the fights are making them look pathetic.

 

I'm with you. This most recent episode was a messy bore. I wonder if the ratings are in the tank.

 

How many times have we seen Caroline getting her makeup done? The lack of production creativity is mind-boggling.

 

Bravo's tired old formula of privileged women getting drunk and screeching at each other needs to change.

Edited September 30, 2015 by pasdetrois

[RCharter]

I don't think anyone is expecting Julie to save the family pile. I think she and her husband have mentioned the need for money as a way to draw attention to Mapperton, which apparently has commercial offerings. I don't know why Julie made that crazed statement that the development and sale of JUB would help Mapperton - there has to be more to that back story. I think her stress and emotional instability are making a lot of people assume she's being asked to "save Mapperton." I think she bikes and teaches yoga because she's a fitness fiend and that it's her own nature to worry and be anxious.

 

 

I'm with you. This most recent episode was a messy bore. I wonder if the ratings are in the tank.

 

How many times have we seen Caroline getting her makeup done? The lack of production creativity is mind-boggling.

 

Bravo's tired old formula of privileged women getting drunk and screeching at each other needs to change.

 

I normally accept what people say when it makes sense.  In this case, I think what Julie has said makes sense.  It takes 200k a year to just maintain Mapperton with no profit.  Its a beautiful estate, no doubt, but IIRC there are a number of estates that offer the same services (weddings, events, tours, visits) so they are competing with those.  I think you would have to put in a lot of effort to even hit the break even.  And it sounds like its 200k just for maintenance, thats not accounting for something major going wrong with the house.

 

So on top of having to earn a base of 200k a year just for the house, you also have to support 8 people from the earnings of the house.  Julie + Luke + in laws + 4 kids.  You have to pay the rent on a small London flat.  Private school (I imagine) for 4 children.  And just the basics like food, clothing, etc.

 

I can't imagine Mapperton....on its own, earns 200k.  I can't begin to envision Mapperton earning a substantial profit over 200k to support 8 people.

 

So to me, it makes sense that Julie is in this terrible financial situation.  Those old homes are beautiful money pits from what I understand.

[MollyBrown]

I had to chuckle at the other Caroline commenting on the guests being kicked out of the suite at the end of the night. She should recognize that tactic.

Did I miss that Caroline's sister in law is a cast member? I hope not. She is ugly on the inside and you can see it ooze out. I groaned when I saw she had a talking head.

[RCharter]

Seems like Juliet didn't want to discuss on camera Caroline's mean comments to her but Caroline didn't have a problem with it over dinner with her husband. Caroline is ugly inside and out.

 

Well, I think Juliet sat back and took stock of things.  Juliet has no problem taking a dump on people she doesn't think she needs, but I think she realizes that if she wants to advance socially in London its not a good idea to upset Caroline too much.  Which is why I think, after considering that everyone she wants to be friends with (Caroline F., Sophie) are better friends with Caroline S.  And if Caroline S. were actually to make it her mission to get Juliet ostracized it would be pretty easy, because Juliet isn't all that likable and she doesn't bring very much to the table.  People can live without her, and she doesn't seem to have a ton of friends because her behavior alienates people.

 

If she hadn't alienated Annabelle last year, she could have probably gotten to meet a lot of influential people through Annabelle.  And then she wouldn't have to rely solely on Caroline S.  If she hadn't alienated Marisa, that might have been another group of influential people she could have met through Marisa and Matt.  But she managed to alienate Marisa.  

 

So, I suspect that after the conversation where Caroline threatened to "wipe the floor" with Juliet, she figured it was more important to try to keep Caroline as a friend and sweep everything under the rug.  Except she spoke to Julie first, and Julie told Annabelle -- and now the cats out of the bag!  But boy, what I wouldn't have given to hear that conversation, it sounds like Caroline really lost her temper, which sounds like a rarity for her.

[One Tough Cookie]

I imagine that there is someone out there who just wants the pedigree of having a royal

 

 

I don't think thy are royal, but are aristocrats or nobility.

[RCharter]

I don't think thy are royal, but are aristocrats or nobility.

 

I know he is a Lord or an Earl, but isn't he like 415th in line to the throne?  I'm not sure if it makes you a royal or not.  But I'm sure some bank or financial services firm wants even a Lord or an Earl or any noble just for the access it provides.

[NewDigs]

I have to think that Julie's, Woe is me..., poor poor us, song is maybe just a way to create a narrative that might keep her on LoL.

Those old piles are expensive to maintain but I'm not buying that the wolf is at their door.

I know that Celebrity Net Worth is not always reliable but it seems to hit the target once in a while.

I have to wonder if Julie is just plain not cut out for reality tv. She seems so fragile. And she also seems, to me, to be trying too hard. And I'm surprised that Luke et al are interested in participating. But, in the end, it has to help the business. Mapperton is gorgeous!

Both Caroline S and her awful sil are becoming caricatures. Ugly ones.

Edited September 30, 2015 by NewDigs

[RCharter]

I have to think that Julie's, Woe is me..., poor poor us, song is maybe just a way to create a narrative that might keep her on LoL.

Those old piles are expensive to maintain but I'm not buying that the wolf is at their door.

I know that Celebrity Net Worth is not always reliable but it seems to hit the target once in a while.

I have to wonder if Julie is just plain not cut out for reality tv. She seems so fragile. And she also seems, to me, to be trying too hard. And I'm surprised that Luke et al are interested in participating. But, in the end, it has to help the business. Mapperton is gorgeous!

Both Caroline S and her awful sil are becoming caricatures. Ugly ones.

I sincerely hope so.  And if she is looking for pity, mission accomplished with me!  I feel terrible for her.

 

I think fragile personalities are great for reality TV.....reality TV just isn't great for them....and thats the problem.

 

I think Luke has been on camera once, and he looked absolutely uncomfortable.

 

I still like Caroline S, but it does her no favors to pick on someone like Julie, it just makes her look like a monster.

[OnceSane]

Sophie wants to be more than a "friend of" so badly. She is trying to work herself into "housewife" status with her bitchiness and above-it-all demeanor. Girl, you are second tier (maybe) on a third-rate (at best) reality show, you are not important.

[RCharter]

Sophie wants to be more than a "friend of" so badly. She is trying to work herself into "housewife" status with her bitchiness and above-it-all demeanor. Girl, you are second tier (maybe) on a third-rate (at best) reality show, you are not important.

I know -- I've never seen anyone try so hard, so fast except on Love and Hip Hop shows.

[scenicbyway]

I haven't finished the episode, but there's a whole lot of discussion here about hair.  No one's hangover hair is going to look good.  As has been also noted, Julie bikes everywhere, and wears a helmet, so her hair is never going to look runway ready, when she's got a helmet on and outside in the wind.

 

I still think the lighting is just weird on the show and that's why the blondes look a little different this year.  It's also really dark and gray in London and that's bound to make it look different too.

 

It's also not just up to Julie to "Save Mapperton."  Her husband spends time at the estate to learn how to run the estate, he also had and perhaps still does a full time job.  Julie teaches yoga, ferries the kids to school (perhaps they live within walking distance) and sells her healthy treats, basically she's a real person with real responsibilities.  As for not having a car, most don't, because the Tube and taxis provide enough transportation options. She wasn't tricked into the marriage, in fact, she was pregnant when they got married and it looks as if she had a daughter from a previous relationship before that.

[balshureen]

I find myself very perplexed by Julie.  She's been with her husband for a fairly long time.  She still acts like she fell off the hay truck from Sugar Grove yesterday.  She seems very out of her depth, and I just don't understand how she hasn't acquired even a teensy veneer of sophistication during her marriage.  I know some people marry aristocracy and stay grounded, but she just acts like an insecure country bumpkin.  

 

She should stop teaching as many yoga classes and biking all over the place and start reading some British chick lit and watching some TV shows like Monarch of the Glen in order to get some ideas on how to market a country estate and profit from it.  Her jubblies aren't going to save Mapperton.

 

It also seems like the money troubles have been in the making for a long time.  If you are Viscount Hinchingbrooke, why would you sell the estate named for you unless you had to?

 

All these ladies should go see Sophie's hairstylist, whom she names him on her instagram.  Or maybe they should just shower at her house, maybe her water is better.  Her hair is beautiful, but her sneer and demeanor make her insufferable.

 

I believe it is equally impolite to do a headstand at a formal party as it is to simulate humping your host's husband.  Ladies, behave. 

 

As far as Julie goes, I think she realized she was taking it too far and just wanted to drop it, especially when it became clear she was going to lose Caroline as a friend too.

 

Was Annabelle a model back in the day?  I don't think she was going to introduce Juliet to anyone.. can you imagine Juliet hanging out with Kate Moss or Annabelle's other friends?  Although she may have helped Juliet get styling gigs... or maybe not.

 

I love the british pop music also.  It reminds me of the halcyon days of the first few seasons of Made in Chelsea before it jumped the shark.

[RCharter]

I find myself very perplexed by Julie.  She's been with her husband for a fairly long time.  She still acts like she fell off the hay truck from Sugar Grove yesterday.  She seems very out of her depth, and I just don't understand how she hasn't acquired even a teensy veneer of sophistication during her marriage.  I know some people marry aristocracy and stay grounded, but she just acts like an insecure country bumpkin.  

 

She should stop teaching as many yoga classes and biking all over the place and start reading some British chick lit and watching some TV shows like Monarch of the Glen in order to get some ideas on how to market a country estate and profit from it.  Her jubblies aren't going to save Mapperton.

 

It also seems like the money troubles have been in the making for a long time.  If you are Viscount Hinchingbrooke, why would you sell the estate named for you unless you had to?

 

All these ladies should go see Sophie's hairstylist, whom she names him on her instagram.  Or maybe they should just shower at her house, maybe her water is better.  Her hair is beautiful, but her sneer and demeanor make her insufferable.

 

I believe it is equally impolite to do a headstand at a formal party as it is to simulate humping your host's husband.  Ladies, behave. 

 

As far as Julie goes, I think she realized she was taking it too far and just wanted to drop it, especially when it became clear she was going to lose Caroline as a friend too.

 

Was Annabelle a model back in the day?  I don't think she was going to introduce Juliet to anyone.. can you imagine Juliet hanging out with Kate Moss or Annabelle's other friends?  Although she may have helped Juliet get styling gigs... or maybe not.

 

I love the british pop music also.  It reminds me of the halcyon days of the first few seasons of Made in Chelsea before it jumped the shark.

 

I believe Annabelle comes from nobility/aristocracy as well.  She knew Luke (Julie's husband, not the makeup artist) from back in the day....rich titled people stuff.  I think its also why she felt so bad that she had some educational disabilities, because apparently its an offense to the nobility if someone has dyslexia or something.  So, I think if Juliet had stayed close Annabelle may have been a way in too.  Maybe not as good as Caroline S. because I think Annabelle may be more like Caroline F. where she doesn't really care.  But you know.....heir and the spare mentality.  Is Juliet still a stylist?

 

I know, when I read any Jane Austen book Mapperton will be all I see :)

 

I think it would be so hard to make a really good profit from any country estate.  I think that's why there was that phenomenon of titled, but poor British men marrying rich American women.  So the American could infuse capital into the estate, and in exchange get the classiness of the title.  Because the estates themselves take a lot of money to maintain.  And from what I remember there were quite a few people doing the same with their country estates.  I loved them all, but after the 4th or 5th I've had enough and I want to find where the nearest tea is!

[NewDigs]

Massive PR opportunity is absolutely correct.

But I think Mapperton is more than 3 hours away from London so that might present production difficulties.

[RCharter]

Seems like buying Mapperton was already an attempt to downsize and the family doesn't want to lose face by giving up the land. What use is a title without the fancy digs? Why isn't she using this opportunity to film at the estate and show off the wedding facilities at least? It's a massive PR opportunity. Maybe the family considers such a move to be too gauche but the JUB balls, frantic cycling around London, and Julie's demeanor (even watching her makes me feel hungry and anxious) seem pretty desperate to me.

 

True, but this is Julie's first season, maybe she doesn't have the power to ask for all of that right now.  She was a "friend of" the first season, and maybe she had been vying for the bigger paycheck of being a cast member and didn't want to make waves by asking to film there.  And IIRC Mapperton is a little out of the way so the other women would probably balk at the idea of having to travel there a lot to shoot.

[wovenloaf]

Gregor looked completely shattered on New Year's...like he seemed relatively out of it when Caroline was straddling him, but he seemed like he could barely speak or function when Juliet was trying to talk to him in their room later that night. Also, didn't their room look crappier than everyone else's? Everyone else's looked like a regular room, but I recall thinking that Juliet and Gregor's room had the type of tables and chairs you'd find in a drab office kitchen at the end of a row of a cubicles...