Erika Girardi/Erika Jayne: Let them eat cake

[WireWrap]

Erica reminds me of an ancient U list local Los Angeles "celebrity" Angelyne. I've seen her in her pink ride on the freeway and on billboards back when I was a kid (didn't know who she was then).  She released a couple albums, sang in clubs, was on TV here and there and she ran for governor of the state with Arnold in 2003.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angelyne

 

 

 

 

 

Now:

 

 

Erica this is your future.

OUCH!  LOL

[Petunia13]

Wasn't Angelyne also on Rock Of Love with Bret Michaels?

[jinjer]

Does Erika mind Tom's treatment?  Will seeing it on TV bother her?  Hearing others criticize it strike a chord with her?  I don't know.  Maybe she is doing this show as an escape route - maybe she wants out.  I think if she returns, then either she wants out or Tom isn't as controlling as we think.  Or if she doesn't, then Tom put down his foot and made her back out.

Edited March 11, 2016 by jinjer

[Lady Grump]

I'm sick in bed today and decided to binge watch RHOB. So, I've been watching and reading this forum simultaneously. (God, I really need to a cure for RH addiction! But when one is sick in bed, it's soooooooo satisfying! Oh well, I am a terrible person.....anyway.....)

 

I really, really, really like Erika. I read ahead of the episodes, and was bracing myself for some horrible interaction between Erika and her husband Tom -- and then when it came, I was all, "That's it?"

 

I mean, was he perfect at the dinner with the  Vanderpump-Todds? No. But it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. And it seemed edited, to me. Sometimes, when people interrupt, it IS annoying -- and the guy is 76. My father is 76, and I've noticed lately that he sounds sterner than normal, especially in a conversation where lots of people are talking -- but I realized its because he has to concentrate more on what he is saying, and interruptions are becoming more and more frustrating to him -- so I wasn't really taken aback by Tom in that instance.

 

The only thing I don't like about Erika is her support of Yolanda. Yolanda is depressed about getting older (probably heightened because of her daughter's success) and probably going through menopause, which is no joke. I wish Erika could be a little smarter and realize this.

 

But otherwise, really liking this woman.

[WireWrap]

Erika's blog is up and naturally she is critiquing Katheryn about the dinner. I find it odd that she, Erika, is really upset or more so upset, because Kathryn did this in front of Tom, she even goes so far as to say she, Erika, would never do this in front of Donnie! So, I guess she feels she really does need to act differently around MEN than how she acts around WOMEN!?

 

Then she says this....

"That’s twice now that you have come into my house with bad intentions. I wonder why, what, or perhaps who inspired you to act that way. Whatever the reason, it’s not OK."

 

Followed by this

 

 

"I must say I was quite blown away by Lisa Rinna and Eileen’s conversation on the beach. WOW. If what Lisa Rinna is saying is true about LVP encouraging her to engage further in the Munchausen conversation, that really sucks."

 

I think she really is reaching and trying to blame LisaV for the damage she, herself, has done. Wow, are these women THAT weak intellectually AND emotionally that LisaV can get them to do/say what she wants without ever asking them to?

Edited March 10, 2016 by WireWrap

[Lady Grump]

 

I think she really is reaching and trying to blame LisaV for the damage she, herself, has done. Wow, are these women THAT weak intellectually AND emotionally that LisaV can get them to do/say what she wants without ever asking them to?

IDK. I mean, I know what you're saying -- it seems silly that one grown woman could let another grown woman manipulate them -- but Lisa (in the RH "position" she holds) is different.

 

Perhaps I am biased, because I have had Lisa's number since Episode 1, Season 1 -- but yeah, she is one of those master manipulators, who can wrap people in a web without them even realizing it. I mean, look at her popularity still! (It boggles my mind, personally, because its so obvious to me that she is an evil, greedy, bs-ing manipulator).

 

I think Erika knows this too. I really hope that Erika stays one more season and is the one to expose LVP for who she really is.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Lady Grump

[rho]

I don't care for Erika but I see where she's coming from. Tom's a partner at his law firm and it's probably rare that he even makes it home for dinner with Erika. It looks like they don't spend much time together and it sucks that she introduces him to her "friends" only for it to turn into a dog fights. On the other hand, I'm not sure that translates to Kathryn and Donnie. They're both retired. They probably spend too much time together, so much that he even goes to her doctor's appointments. Dinner probably doesn't hold the same reverence at the Edwards home. Still, Kathryn's behavior was atrocious. I would be embarrassed to have her in my home too.

[WireWrap]

IDK. I mean, I know what you're saying -- it seems silly that one grown woman could let another grown woman manipulate them -- but Lisa (in the RH "position" she holds) is different.

 

Perhaps I am biased, because I have had Lisa's number since Episode 1, Season 1 -- but yeah, she is one of those master manipulators, who can wrap people in a web without them even realizing it. I mean, look at her popularity still! (It boggles my mind, personally, because its so obvious to me that she is an evil, greedy, bs-ing manipulator).

 

I think Erika knows this too. I really hope that Erika stays one more season and is the one to expose LVP for who she really is.

Well, LOL I like Lisa and don't think she manipulates anyone more than the rest do. They all play that game, every single one of them. I find it suspect that none of them can say she has ever asked them to say/do any 1 thing for her yet they blame her for their actions/words. Do I think Lisa says, talk about it (on camera) when they ask her about doing it, yes, but they asked for her opinion in the first place and they then make the decision to do it on camera themselves. Especially LisaR, who refuses to drop whatever bone she is gnawing on at the time and I highly doubt that even if LisaV said , "NO keep that to yourself",  that she, LisaR, would have listened to her. LisaV holds no power over these women, she has no power on the show (production wise) that they fear from her, it is all about blame and not accepting responsibility and that they don't want to do so it is easier to blame LisaV. LisaV isn't perfect in any way shape or form but she doesn't blame the others for what she says/does on the show.

 

I don't think Erika knows anything about LisaV other than what she has been spoon fed by Yolanda, Brandi, Kim and now Eileen and I believe that Yolanda covets Lisa's fan base and her success on the show and wants it all for herself. Brandi blames Lisa/Kyle for getting fired, Kim has never liked Lisa and is jealous that Lisa prefers Kyle's company to hers and Eileen follows Yolanda because she has replaced her feeling of helplessness surrounding her late sisters illness/death onto Yolanda. Of course, that is just how I feel and the way I see it but everyone sees things differently and that is why I love this site, exchanging opinions/ideas and most of all, laughter with each other!

Edited March 10, 2016 by WireWrap

[nexxie]

IDK. I mean, I know what you're saying -- it seems silly that one grown woman could let another grown woman manipulate them -- but Lisa (in the RH "position" she holds) is different.

 

Perhaps I am biased, because I have had Lisa's number since Episode 1, Season 1 -- but yeah, she is one of those master manipulators, who can wrap people in a web without them even realizing it. I mean, look at her popularity still! (It boggles my mind, personally, because its so obvious to me that she is an evil, greedy, bs-ing manipulator).

 

I think Erika knows this too. I really hope that Erika stays one more season and is the one to expose LVP for who she really is.

I agree, Lisa V is good at what she does but still obvious to me - check out Rinna's latest blog entry if you haven't already; she gives a "history lesson" about how a "broken" Lisa V drafted her as soon as she arrived.

[Satchels of gold]

I wonder if Erika is going to make a big deal about Yo missing the dinner like Yo did when Lisa didn't paint tiles. I doubt it.

[WireWrap]

I don't care for Erika but I see where she's coming from. Tom's a partner at his law firm and it's probably rare that he even makes it home for dinner with Erika. It looks like they don't spend much time together and it sucks that she introduces him to her "friends" only for it to turn into a dog fights. On the other hand, I'm not sure that translates to Kathryn and Donnie. They're both retired. They probably spend too much time together, so much that he even goes to her doctor's appointments. Dinner probably doesn't hold the same reverence at the Edwards home. Still, Kathryn's behavior was atrocious. I would be embarrassed to have her in my home too.

 

I agree that Kathryn was out of control but I do find it funny that Erika said she would never behave that way in front of Donnie because she already has. Donnie, was at Erika's BBQ and saw her go nutsO on LisaR and she witnessed her own husband, Tom, throw a dig at LisaV at their couples dinner. Sorry, I don't consider being compared to a reptile that lies on the beach watching for prey to kill and eat a compliment in any way shape or form. LOL

 

Erika has said that she only gets to eat with Tom once or twice a week. That Kathryn and Donnie spend so much time together doesn't make that time any less important to them that Erika/Tom, both couples knew what they were getting into when they got married.

 

Oh, 1 more thing, my husband works full time but he goes with me to any Specialist/Dr. and I him. I don't find that odd at all.

[Lady Grump]

Well, LOL I like Lisa and don't think she manipulates anyone more than the rest do. They all play that game, every single one of them. I find it suspect that none of them can say she has ever asked them to say/do any 1 thing for her yet they blame her for their actions/words. Do I think Lisa says, talk about it (on camera) when they ask her about doing it, yes, but they asked for her opinion in the first place and they then make the decision to do it on camera themselves. Especially LisaR, who refuses to drop whatever bone she is gnawing on at the time and I highly doubt that even if LisaV said , "NO keep that to yourself",  that she, LisaR, would have listened to her. LisaV holds no power over these women, she has no power on the show (production wise) that they fear from her, it is all about blame and not accepting responsibility and that they don't want to do so it is easier to blame LisaV. LisaV isn't perfect in any way shape or form but she doesn't blame the others for what she says/does on the show.

 

I don't think Erika knows anything about LisaV other than what she has been spoon fed by Yolanda, Brandi, Kim and now Eileen and I believe that Yolanda covets Lisa's fan base and her success on the show and wants it all for herself. Brandi blames Lisa/Kyle for getting fired, Kim has never liked Lisa and is jealous that Lisa prefers Kyle's company to hers and Eileen follows Yolanda because she has replaced her feeling of helplessness surrounding her late sisters illness/death onto Yolanda. Of course, that is just how I feel and the way I see it but everyone sees things differently and that is why I love this site, exchanging opinions/ideas and most of all, laughter with each other!

 

It is FUN debating these nightmares! :-)

 

Yeah, we have totally different reads on LVP. I, personally, think she does have sway -- production wise -- because she is an Andy favorite and a fan favorite. The more people keep buying her BS, the more "power" she has behind the scenes.

 

Plus, IMO, she is a master manipulator -- and she picks her subjects wisely. She latches onto people pleasers and folks going through emotional hard times and has them do her dirty work. Look, I am no fan of Brandi's, but she totally played that girl because she knew she was a mess. Same with Kyle. Notice how she's all nicey, nice with Kyle again? Its because she needs her again. Most people don't think they can be played like that -- but so many people can be, without even realizing it.

 

And anytime someone tries to call her on it, she's all, "Oh, I work so much! How could I possibly be anything but fabulous, darling!?" If she really worked 19 hour days, consistently, she wouldn't have time for this show or eating or being with her zoo. Lisa is as phony as life is complicated. (Sorry, I just can't STAND the woman; I truly think she is a terrible person -- and I loathe her obnoxious, snobby, awful husband. I'm sooo convinced they have an over-sized skeleton in their over-sized closet that will one day be brought back to life by Maester Qyburn! )

 

That's why I like Erika so much, because she has KILLER instincts, IMO. Lisa is not to be trusted. Sure, everyone on this show manipulates to some degree -- but there is something evil about the way Lisa does it that sends a chill up my spine -- because it's so covert. Shudders.

 

Anyway, just good gossip fun and debate! At the end of the day, this ain't serious at all. :-)

[Umbelina]

Someone mentioned Tom's children.  Any idea about his previous marriage(s) and kids, how old they are, anything?  I can't find anything personal about his past on line anywhere.  TIA!

[motorcitymom65]

I agree that Kathryn was out of control but I do find it funny that Erika said she would never behave that way in front of Donnie because she already has. Donnie, was at Erika's BBQ and saw her go nutsO on LisaR and she witnessed her own husband, Tom, throw a dig at LisaV at their couples dinner. Sorry, I don't consider being compared to a reptile that lies on the beach watching for prey to kill and eat a compliment in any way shape or form. LOL

 

Erika has said that she only gets to eat with Tom once or twice a week. That Kathryn and Donnie spend so much time together doesn't make that time any less important to them that Erika/Tom, both couples knew what they were getting into when they got married.

 

Oh, 1 more thing, my husband works full time but he goes with me to any Specialist/Dr. and I him. I don't find that odd at all.

I think the behavior was much, much different. Kathryn was a guest in Erika's home and meeting her husband for the first time. She actually shushed him. Shushed him in his own home - incredible. Kathryn's venom wasn't for anyone at the table except the hostess. I thought Erika was ridiculous when she demanded to know who had spilled the beans to Lisar at her BBQ about the "m" comment, but it was a completely different situation. Lisar brought up the topic, and it was Erika's home. She wasn't going after anyone's husband and talking only to the person directly involved in the issue.

[Lura]

I have adored LVP since the beginning, and I still like her.  She is witty and warm to people, and she's definitely been a leader in this crowd.  I will say, though, that I don't understand the edit she's getting this year, which makes her seem old and meddling.  That is so far from the Lisa who knows her etiquette and usually practices it.

It is so unlike LVP to grill someone about their background and their marriage(s) on first meeting them.  I've suspected for some time that the writers have asked Lisa to play this role just to drum up interest in a pretty strange season with two new HWs.  I've always felt that Lisa loves her role and would gladly play the witch if asked.  There seems to be absolutely no connection between the LVP when the show began and the one we're seeing now.

 

Erika is really high camp!  It sounds like the lawyers thoroughly enjoyed Tom's 41/2 minute video!!!  Erika's complexion makes me envious every time I see her.  She is outspoken, yes, but she also knows how to behave.  I also think she's one of the smartest women on the show.  I don't think Tom would stick himself with a dummy.  Katherine really did ruin the dinner party, and I don't blame Erika for being upset, especially because the party was in honor of her husband, and she wanted him to like her friends.

[KFC]

Well, LOL I like Lisa and don't think she manipulates anyone more than the rest do. They all play that game, every single one of them. I find it suspect that none of them can say she has ever asked them to say/do any 1 thing for her yet they blame her for their actions/words. 

 

I don't think Erika knows anything about LisaV other than what she has been spoon fed by Yolanda, Brandi, Kim and now Eileen and I believe that Yolanda covets Lisa's fan base and her success on the show and wants it all for herself. Brandi blames Lisa/Kyle for getting fired, Kim has never liked Lisa and is jealous that Lisa prefers Kyle's company to hers and Eileen follows Yolanda because she has replaced her feeling of helplessness surrounding her late sisters illness/death onto Yolanda. Of course, that is just how I feel and the way I see it but everyone sees things differently and that is why I love this site, exchanging opinions/ideas and most of all, laughter with each other!

 

I think Lisa IS more manipulative than the others because she's better at it than them. In that way, she actually reminds me a lot of Bethenny. They're both the ringleaders of their prospective shows, both are witty but crass (or crass but witty, YMMV), both are perfect for reality television, and both have been targets of the other women. But in both cases, I think it's unfair to say the other women have issues with them due strictly to jealousy.

 

That just seems so reductive to me that the only reason women can dislike each other is jealousy. Plenty of people have called out Lisa as being cold and calculating and downright rude and unkind when the cameras are off, and I certainly see the strategizing on screen (in addition to some truly low digs she's gotten in at the other women), so it's not a leap for me to understand why people who have to interact with her on a daily basis dislike her for reasons other than being envious about her popularity.

 

So looping this back to Erika, while I'm sure they all talk and exchange gossip to each other, it seems perfectly plausible to me that Erika has decided on her own that she dislikes things about Lisa's personality, and no I don't think it's just jealousy or even that she's basing her opinions off the gossiping of the other HWs. (More than likely I think she's just lying about never having seen the show, and simply came to the same conclusion that a lot of us did about LVP. That she's a smart, formidable woman with a calculating, manipulative streak and a stubbornness about owning up to it.)

Edited March 11, 2016 by KFC

[Found A Peanut]

I don't care for Erika but I see where she's coming from. Tom's a partner at his law firm and it's probably rare that he even makes it home for dinner with Erika. It looks like they don't spend much time together and it sucks that she introduces him to her "friends" only for it to turn into a dog fights. On the other hand, I'm not sure that translates to Kathryn and Donnie. They're both retired. They probably spend too much time together, so much that he even goes to her doctor's appointments. Dinner probably doesn't hold the same reverence at the Edwards home. Still, Kathryn's behavior was atrocious. I would be embarrassed to have her in my home too.

These people aren't actual friends, though. They all know the deal. Has any dinner party ever made onscreen without drama? So, they all take a chance on riding the tiger.

[WireWrap]

I think Lisa IS more manipulative than the others because she's better at it than them. In that way, she actually reminds me a lot of Bethenny. They're both the ringleaders of their prospective shows, both are witty but crass (or crass but witty, YMMV), both are perfect for reality television, and both have been targets of the other women. But in both cases, I think it's unfair to say the other women have issues with them due strictly to jealousy.

 

That just seems so reductive to me that the only reason women can dislike each other is jealousy. Plenty of people have called out Lisa as being cold and calculating and downright rude and unkind when the cameras are off, and I certainly see the strategizing on screen (in addition to some truly low digs she's gotten in at the other women), so it's not a leap for me to understand why people who have to interact with her on a daily basis dislike her for reasons other than being envious about her popularity.

 

So looping this back to Erika, while I'm sure they all talk and exchange gossip to each other, it seems perfectly plausible to me that Erika has decided on her own that she dislikes things about Lisa's personality, and no I don't think it's just jealousy or even that she's basing her opinions off the gossiping of the other HWs. (More than likely I think she's just lying about never having seen the show, and simply came to the same conclusion that a lot of us did about LVP. That she's a smart, formidable woman with a calculating, manipulative streak and a stubbornness about owning up to it.)

I didn't say that Erika was "jealous", I don't think I used that word in the post you quoted at all except in relation to why Kim dislikes her. And I do think Kim is jealous of anyone that gets close to Kyle, not just LisaV.

 

As for Yolanda "coveting" Lisa's fan base and her success on the show, I believe that because her initial intent on coming on the show in the first place was to get her own spin off "Lifestyle" show according to then husband David Foster. Lisa has the spin off and has the larger fan base which is part of the reason she got the second show to begin with. She, Lisa, has what Yolanda wants and she thinks she deserves it more than Lisa because she is better than Lisa, at least in her own mind.

 

Erika came on the show with her mind already made up about Lisa and I suspect she got that way because of what Yolanda and Brandi told her and because she watched the show beforehand, not because she personally saw something as she really wasn't around Lisa all that much before her mind was made up. And it is ridiculous for Erika to blame Kathryn that she hasn't gotten the chance to "know/become friends" with Lisa, that is just an excuse to deflect blame away from herself and what she said.

[editorgrrl]

Re Tom shushing Erika—no argument from me that it was rude, but if Erika had responded that would have made things even more uncomfortable for everyone. I don't fault her for letting it slide—at the dinner table. I just hope she addressed it later.

Tom may have thought Erika was rude for talking over him. Maybe the dinner parties he usually attends are different—people take turns speaking, like Downton Abbey? That's something I'd like to see—Erika in Tom's milieu.

Unfortunately, Tom Girardi's friends &/or colleagues would never agree to appear on this show.

[biakbiak]

Unfortunately, Tom Girardi's friends &/or colleagues would never agree to appear on this show.

You would think that would be the case for LA's Chief of Police.

[Lura]

I'm just crazy about watching Erika and Tom together!  As I noted quite a ways back, they almost remind me of Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle in "My Fair Lady."  I think Tom tries to take care of Erika, including seeing that she minds her manners.  When he said her name at the table, meant to shush her, it amused me!  She stopped immediately and later explained, without complaint, that Tom didn't like her behavior.  I think he's a daddy/husband and relishes the role.  :)  She, in turn, seems to accept it and appreciates the help. If they love each other, and if they have the respect for each other that they seem to have, I'd say they have a pretty good thing going.

[notnowimbusy]

Someone mentioned Tom's children.  Any idea about his previous marriage(s) and kids, how old they are, anything?  I can't find anything personal about his past on line anywhere.  TIA!

Tom has two ex-wives.  Karen Weitzul who I assume he met at Loyola (she was up for homecoming queen in 1959).  She's 75 and lives in Pasadena.  They marred in 1964.   His second wife is Kathy Risner, 62 and they married in 1993.    There is a son - Vincent, 44, not sure which one is his mother, but I assume Karen.   He lives in Malibu. 

 

From what we've seen of him, I can only imagine he tolerates Erika's alter ego, as long as it doesn't come in contact with his professional life.   Although at an LA Bar Association Xmas party, he decided it would be great to show a clip of a video of Erika's show.   Here are the quotes from the article

 

During the bash at L.A.’s Biltmore Hotel, Girardi wanted to screen a music video that was shot that day featuring his wife, and told prominent lawyers and judges present about it. However, party-goers were unfolded and horrified when they saw the future RHOBH star. A columnist for the Metropolitan News Enterprise wrote at the time:

    Scantily clad, gyrating. One person who was present says she was wearing ‘too-short pants and a too-brief top.’ Another person in attendance describes the video as ‘rock and soft porn.’

According to reports, the four and a half minute clip, showed Jayne licking alcohol off of a man’s bare chest while “provocatively gyrating.” During a Los Angeles County Bar Association executive committee meeting, the video later came under scrutiny. The columnist said:

    The inappropriateness was appalling… Even Tom Girardi should have known better than to display a raunchy video at a meeting at which members of the state’s highest court were present. Of course, good judgment would have precluded showing it at any bar meeting. Or, for that matter, anywhere!

 

Which makes me realize that she is on a very short leash.   His colleagues and their spouses were not impressed.  By showing that video, at that venue, made him seem nothing more than a dirty old man.   Sure, she may satisfy his ego, but he's very conscious of his public image and does not want to be pictures as a fool.  

[Umbelina]

Oh, I think he loves her raunchy side.  Further, the old coot probably showed that video to his colleagues as a form of bragging about what he was banging.

[MatildaMoody]

This episode gave me a new dimension to explore the Lisa V./Ericka relationship. I think that Lisa, even with what she heard from Kathryn, was still trying to get to know Ericka on her own terms. Mainly, I think Lisa liked Tom and was enjoying Ericka and she didn't want to just allow what Kathryn told her to automatically put her on the defensive.

I know there are a lot of people who think that Lisa's verbal sparring/joking are deliberate jabs, and sometimes they probably are. But, I think that this episode showed that Lisa was looking to see if she and Ericka still had a spark. If Kathryn hadn't said anything, Lisa may not have been angry when she heard Ericka's description in real time. I think that Lisa was working with that during filming.

Lisa knows that what she is being told by the cast is probably slightly different from what has actually been said. So, I think she still wanted to see if Ericka was the fun woman she had been been getting to know. I think that is why she immediately asked Ericka about what Kathryn told her. I think that is why she was still open to the dinner party - she walked in asking where the sly old fox is for pete's sake. She was still open to the Girardi's.

And this is where Ithink that Ericka has no sense of humor. Tom got Lisa's Perry Mason joke, but Ericka was quick to defend Tom's legal credentials. Lisa, for once, was being obvious about making a joke about the spinning webs thing at the HFH event, and instead of going with it, like everyone else, Ericka got offended. Lisa tells everyone that Ericak is not digging the jokes.

It's weird. I think that Ericka did herself a disservice by coming at Lisa wth opinions she got from Yolanada. I think Ericka and Lisa were trying to make a friendship work outside of what the other Housewives were telling them, but only to a certain point. Ericka was never going to stop backing Yolanda, and I think Lisa was ok with that. Lisa was offended by what she heard Ericka said about her, but she was still ok with her, because she asked her about it and heard Erickas side. I think the spinning webs jokes were actually jokes, and Lisa was hoping Ericka would join in or at least see and acknowledge the humor.

But Ericka is humorless. She is stone cold serious about both of her personas. She is stone cod serious about not trusting women. She is stone cold serious about the things she said coming back to her, even if it is in a joking way. Ericka IS Lisa VanerPump 2.0. They could have - and possibly can have - a great friendship. The problem is that now Ericka is paranoid that Lisa is coming for her and Lisa doesn't know (at the time of filming at least) if what Kathryn told her was as bad as the way it was presented.

In short, I see both women fortifying their walls, but Lisa seems to still be trying to reach out to Ericka in a guarded way.

ETA: I forgot about how Lisa was point blank saying that she and Ericka both come across as emotionless to people. I thought she was really trying to befriend Ericka this entire episode because of that.

Edited March 11, 2016 by MatildaMoody

[WireWrap]

This episode gave me a new dimension to explore the Lisa V./Ericka relationship. I think that Lisa, even with what she heard from Kathryn, was still trying to get to know Ericka on her own terms. Mainly, I think Lisa liked Tom and was enjoying Ericka and she didn't want to just allow what Kathryn told her to automatically put her on the defensive.

I know there are a lot of people who think that Lisa's verbal sparring/joking are deliberate jabs, and sometimes they probably are. But, I think that this episode showed that Lisa was looking to see if she and Ericka still had a spark. If Kathryn hadn't said anything, Lisa may not have been angry when she heard Ericka's description in real time. I think that Lisa was working with that during filming.

Lisa knows that what she is being told by the cast is probably slightly different from what has actually been said. So, I think she still wanted to see if Ericka was the fun woman she had been been getting to know. I think that is why she immediately asked Ericka about what Kathryn told her. I think that is why she was still open to the dinner party - she walked in asking where the sly old fox is for pete's sake. She was still open to the Girardi's.

And this is where Ithink that Ericka has no sense of humor. Tom got Lisa's Perry Mason joke, but Ericka was quick to defend Tom's legal credentials. Lisa, for once, was being obvious about making a joke about the spinning webs thing at the HFH event, and instead of going with it, like everyone else, Ericka got offended. Lisa tells everyone that Ericak is not digging the jokes.

It's weird. I think that Ericka did herself a disservice by coming at Lisa wth opinions she got from Yolanada. I think Ericka and Lisa were trying to make a friendship work outside of what the other Housewives were telling them, but only to a certain point. Ericka was never going to stop backing Yolanda, and I think Lisa was ok with that. Lisa was offended by what she heard Ericka said about her, but she was still ok with her, because she asked her about it and heard Erickas side. I think the spinning webs jokes were actually jokes, and Lisa was hoping Ericka would join in or at least see and acknowledge the humor.

But Ericka is humorless. She is stone cold serious about both of her personas. She is stone cod serious about not trusting women. She is stone cold serious about the things she said coming back to her, even if it is in a joking way. Ericka IS Lisa VanerPump 2.0. They could have - and possibly can have - a great friendship. The problem is that now Ericka is paranoid that Lisa is coming for her and Lisa doesn't know (at the time of filming at least) if what Kathryn told her was as bad as the way it was presented.

In short, I see both women fortifying their walls, but Lisa seems to still be trying to reach out to Ericka in a guarded way.

I do agree that they are similar in some ways and I especially agree that Erika lacks a sense of humor which is a huge difference. She is unable to laugh at herself and takes herself way too seriously all the time and in that way, she is more like Yolanda. LOL

 

I also think guilt is driving her discomfort with LisaV, she does feel guilty of the "sniper from the side" comment and suspects she knows that she may have followed the wrong info to begin with. And, as much as Erika wants us all to believe that she is comfortable in her own skin, she really isn't and that is why she has to have 2 very different and very separate "personalities" that can never be out at the same time.

 

I think Lisa is a very "controlled" (self controlled) woman and tries to keep her emotions in check but that is very much a British thing, "stiff upper lip and all" type of attitude. BUT, Lisa does have a sense of humor, she does love to joke around and does not take everything seriously. She likes to say/hear I apologize followed by a joke or some light hearted teasing be from her or to her. She does not like to analyze things to death, going over every little detail like others, lets say like Eileen seems to love doing.  Erika, on the other hand, seems to love lecturing people on what they should and should not do, again, much like Yolanda.

 

I think Erika is a combo of both LisaV and Yolanda. She has the smarts and the quickness of Lisa but then spoils it by having the need to lecture others on proper behavior and has a "superior/arrogant" attitude like Yolanda. LOL AND I am not sure if that is a good combo or not at this point because I am not sure which traits are Erika's dominate traits yet. LOL

Edited March 11, 2016 by WireWrap

[Vicky8675309]

I do agree that they are similar in some ways and I especially agree that Erika lacks a sense of humor which is a huge difference. She is unable to laugh at herself and takes herself way too seriously all the time and in that way, she is more like Yolanda. LOL

 

I also think guilt is driving her discomfort with LisaV, she does feel guilty of the "sniper from the side" comment and suspects she knows that she may have followed the wrong info to begin with. And, as much as Erika wants us all to believe that she is comfortable in her own skin, she really isn't and that is why she has to have 2 very different and very separate "personalities" that can never be out at the same time.

 

I think Lisa is a very "controlled" (self controlled) woman and tries to keep her emotions in check but that is very much a British thing, "stiff upper lip and all" type of attitude. BUT, Lisa does have a sense of humor, she does love to joke around and does not take everything seriously. She likes to say/hear I apologize followed by a joke or some light hearted teasing be from her or to her. She does not like to analyze things to death, going over every little detail like others, lets say like Eileen seems to love doing.  Erika, on the other hand, seems to love lecturing people on what they should and should not do, again, much like Yolanda.

 

I think Erika is a combo of both LisaV and Yolanda. She has the smarts and the quickness of Lisa but then spoils it by having the need to lecture others on proper behavior and has a "superior/arrogant" attitude like Yolanda. LOL AND I am not sure if that is a good combo or not at this point because I am not sure which traits are Erika's dominate traits yet. LOL

 

She doesn't have the charisma and sense of humor of LVP therefore Erika doesn't entertain me.

[LIMOM]

Ericka was on the Maria Menounos radio show and as I wrote before she came across unlikable.

Menounos asked her if she has any female friends(irl) and ericka replied that her friends were rich older broads, who will never appear on the show.

I felt that it was really Tom's friends. Also Erika tone of voice was dismissive, elitist and frankly pretentious.

She also spewed some new agey bullshit about life.

As far as Tom, I can see why he would shut her up as she is a bit vulgar.

Regardless, of how Tom treats Ericka, it is her choice to stay with the"Boss" and she is a carbon copy of Yolanda, she plans to be the last one standing....

IMHO, it is not a marriage of equals, but if they like it, I love it....

[Vivigirl10]

So happy that people are describing Erika as humorless.  I think that's exactly what I've been trying to put my finger on as one of the reasons I don't care for her.  

 

 

Also Erika tone of voice was dismissive, elitist and frankly pretentious.

This is the other part that confuses me.  She is a class A snob and the description above is perfect.  But at the same time she is low class, vulgar and trashy.  It rubs me the wrong way.  Own your classlessness (is that a word?!) and revel in it!  Or believe wholeheartedly that you are better than everyone around you!  But you can't really play both sides at the same time.  

[zoeysmom]

Unfortunately, Tom Girardi's friends &/or colleagues would never agree to appear on this show.

I don't know Editorgirl......lawyers and cameras are pretty comfortable bedfellows.  :-)  Especially plaintiff attorneys.

 

 

 

She doesn't have the charisma and sense of humor of LVP therefore Erika doesn't entertain me.

I was watching the dinner party again, I can see why Kathryn had a hard time taking Erika seriously.  She looked absolutely ridiculous with her 30 lbs. of hair extensions, and enough make-up for a clown posse from Ringling Bros..  I personally would have a hard time keeping a straight face looking across at that get up.  Erika is always in costume.  Boring.  What I found even odder was Lisar, people pleaser, going in on Kathryn.  Last time I checked Erika, Miss Manners of her house, was screaming at Lisar . I think I have said this before but Lisar interruptions and "halle fucking-luia" was just base.  How was her behavior any better than Kathryn's? She brought up the LVP v Erika comments.   

 

As to Tom Girardi, he doesn't like to be interrupted and Kathryn, to me, was simply following his rules of court by asking (well telling) she would finish.  I am not sure what Erika expects of her female guests when they meet her husband, but Christ on a cracker, it is not an audience with the Pope or the Queen.  Good hosts make their guests feel comfortable they don't call a time  limit.  Kathryn was circuitous or there was some major editing but much of it did not make sense.  I think Kathryn was honestly trying to get Erika to make one of her ignorant I don't have a lot of woman friends comments. 

 

Erika also ticked me off when she "these women" supposedly her beef was with Kathryn at the time.  She is much like Yolanda and constantly elevates herself above the others.

[Wings]

Tom has two ex-wives.  Karen Weitzul who I assume he met at Loyola (she was up for homecoming queen in 1959).  She's 75 and lives in Pasadena.  They marred in 1964.   His second wife is Kathy Risner, 62 and they married in 1993.    There is a son - Vincent, 44, not sure which one is his mother, but I assume Karen.   He lives in Malibu. 

 

From what we've seen of him, I can only imagine he tolerates Erika's alter ego, as long as it doesn't come in contact with his professional life.   Although at an LA Bar Association Xmas party, he decided it would be great to show a clip of a video of Erika's show.   Here are the quotes from the article

 

During the bash at L.A.’s Biltmore Hotel, Girardi wanted to screen a music video that was shot that day featuring his wife, and told prominent lawyers and judges present about it. However, party-goers were unfolded and horrified when they saw the future RHOBH star. A columnist for the Metropolitan News Enterprise wrote at the time:

    Scantily clad, gyrating. One person who was present says she was wearing ‘too-short pants and a too-brief top.’ Another person in attendance describes the video as ‘rock and soft porn.’

According to reports, the four and a half minute clip, showed Jayne licking alcohol off of a man’s bare chest while “provocatively gyrating.” During a Los Angeles County Bar Association executive committee meeting, the video later came under scrutiny. The columnist said:

    The inappropriateness was appalling… Even Tom Girardi should have known better than to display a raunchy video at a meeting at which members of the state’s highest court were present. Of course, good judgment would have precluded showing it at any bar meeting. Or, for that matter, anywhere!

 

Which makes me realize that she is on a very short leash.   His colleagues and their spouses were not impressed.  By showing that video, at that venue, made him seem nothing more than a dirty old man.   Sure, she may satisfy his ego, but he's very conscious of his public image and does not want to be pictures as a fool.  

 

 

Did rumors of him being gay, within this group, prompt this showing?  I have not heard any and don't want to start anything.  A poster here, ElDosEquis tossed out the notion in jest with an "hmmmmmm" implied!   I thought it funny but had that "hmmmmmmmm." 

 

Learning this happened makes you wonder what his motivation was.  Surely he knew it would create a strong reaction!  Is he just  proud and impressed with his wife and wanted to show off?  

[Lura]

Well, LOL I like Lisa and don't think she manipulates anyone more than the rest do. They all play that game, every single one of them.

 

WireWrap, I believe in every single word in your post.  Lisa had one season in particular in which she was given the bad edit.  The cast went to Puerto Rico, and Brandi attempted to blame Lisa for a rumor that Mauricio had a lover.  It became so mean-spirited that Lisa went home, heartbroken.  Now Brandi is working against Lisa again, filling the new girls' ears with the word "manipulating," and they're sucking it up as if it were a warning that World War III is about to start.

 

Lisa can be wrong, but she can also apologize when she's been wrong.  She is no more manipulating than anyone else on the show.  She's busy keeping her own head above water, and the last thing she has to do it spend time trying to influence the new members.

 

The mistake that Lisa has made, IMHO, is going after so many personal issues with the newbies in an almost nosy way.  When Eileen encountered her with it, Lisa apologized.  Now, LisaR, who loves trouble, is trying to change Eileen's mind again.  That's how the show works.  It isn't Lisa -- it's the show.

[rho]

For those of you who want the inside scoop from her makeup artists Scott Barnes, he's hiring. Just hit him up on Facebook!

 

https://www.facebook.com/scott.barnes.779/posts/1316071265086307

https://www.facebook.com/scott.barnes.779/posts/1316071615086272

[zoeysmom]

Erika and Yolanda post Reunion.  They both look so stupid.  Erika has way too much porno hair and the ripped pants.  I guess Yolanda hasn't had time to restock her white jean collection so she has to wear the worn out ones.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BCzQ71UTYNh/?taken-by=theprettymess&hl=en  Yolanda looks good from the neck up-but the outfit.

 

ETA:  I guess Kim could not join them-it appears they are at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Poor Kim banned.

Edited March 12, 2016 by zoeysmom

[Vicky8675309]

I think the ripped knee is the style some kids/young adults are wearing.....recycled fashion (in one year and out the next then back in....)

[jaync]

It looks like Yolanda and Erika are wearing the same pants, just in different colors.

 

I lost that initial loving feeling for Erika (except for her flawless skin/makeup), but was still curious about her son. He's way cute, and looks a lot like her.

 

 

[CrinkleCutCat]

(With apologies to whomever named this thread) I think this thread should be called:

Erika Girardi/Erika Jayne: Shush, now pat the pussy!

[Lura]

It would not surprise me to learn that Erika Girardi has the highest IQ of anyone on the show.  She speaks intelligently, is super observant, quick on the comeback, and always, IMHO, makes sense.  That is not to say that I always agree with her because I don't, but she backs up her opinions with some pretty sound reasoning most of the time, I think.

 

I would LOVE to know more about Erika's life.  I get the feeling that it hasn't always been an easy one.  She seems to mask any conversation about her background, or else the writers haven't given her the opportunity.  Erika is a complete mystery to me, which makes me want to know even more about her.  It isn't every day that a woman her age marries a man Tom's age, and I suspect there's a good reason for it.  And what about her son?  All we know is his age and his occupation ... and now his picture.  So far, I like her husband, Tom, very much and think he's not the type to marry anyone who isn't interesting.  I think he would bore too easily married to someone without a good brain.

 

Does anyone know anything more about her or have any ideas about how to find something?  And what's your feeling about Erika?            

[PumpkinPK]

Erika comes across as extremely studied to me. I think she has the intelligence to have observed her husband and his colleagues, but I don't believe that many of her thoughts are her own.

Just like her Erika Jane persona, the Erika Girardi personality seems fake to me and like another character. She can parrot well, but her arguments and statements are learned, not organic.

EJ/EG and her paid posse of sycophants can kick rocks. Hope she's gone next season.

Edited March 14, 2016 by PumpkinPK

[WireWrap]

Erika comes across as extremely studied to me. I think she has the intelligence to have observed her husband and his colleagues, but I don't believe that many of her thoughts are her own.

Just like her Erika Jane persona, the Erika Girardi personality seems fake to me and like another character. She can parrot well, but her arguments and statements are learned, not organic.

EJ/EG and her paid posse of sycophants can kick rocks. Hope she's gone next season.

In addition to what you mentioned, most of Erika's more "witty" comments have been made in her TH segments that are filmed months later. She is not fast on her feet, she really doesn't say much face to face to any of the women, just short little quips that really don't say much at all. LOL

[CrinkleCutCat]

Erika is too earnest. A sense of humour and self deprecation can go a long way. This earnestness just keeps a wall up that no one can penetrate. Eg Lisa tried to joke with Eika about the spider web whilst painting the house. Erika was having NOTHING of that joking around. Sad. If she DID join in a bond would have begun to form. Sad. Earnest. Erika. I SEE you.

[kokapetl]

Some half decent social skills when it comes to interacting with other women would help, too.

[Lura]

The L.A. Times has done an interesting interview with Erika.  I really enjoyed it and hope you do, too.

 

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-erika-girardi-interview-20160308-story.html

[Lura]

Erika is too earnest. A sense of humour and self deprecation can go a long way.

 

I couldn't disagree more.  Erika's entire act is a sense of humor, and she admits it.  I think she has a beautiful smile and a quick laugh when something strikes her funny.

 

Erika seems to have the ability to know when something is funny and when it's not.  When, such as at the dinner table, when polite conversation is expected, she knows how to behave like a lady.  On other occasions, such as when she's with her two gay "dressers," she makes fun of herself and giggles.  When someone reveals something that she meant to be kept in confidence, like LisaR did, you can't expect her to laugh her way through it.  There's a time and a place for everything, and I feel that Erika knows very well when the situation calls for laughter and when it doesn't.

 

Erika's reaction when the girls were painting was, I thought, disgust over what they were saying and how they were acting.  I didn't think it had anything to do with her sense of humor or lack of one.

[jaync]

Erika is too earnest. A sense of humour and self deprecation can go a long way.

​Yeah, besides the time she was told that the ladies had looked up her videos, I'm having a hard time recalling her genuinely laughing or being lighthearted.

[jinjer]

The L.A. Times has done an interesting interview with Erika.  I really enjoyed it and hope you do, too.

 

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-erika-girardi-interview-20160308-story.html

You what I liked in that article?  That she doesn't feel like she was misrepresented on the show.  She doesn't blame anyone for anything that happened either. 

[KFC]

I agree with those who think she's intelligent but in an observant, very studied way. I think she did do enough to secure a place next season, if she wants, however.

 

(Whether the husband lets her return is another thing, but I do think she's left enough of a mark for the producers to have use for her coming back.)

[PumpkinPK]

I am astounded by the self-serving ego of this woman who commissioned a 162-page book of herself as a "special gift" for people she has worked with (translated: paid).

No doubt she paid for the painting(s?)of herself as well. While an effigy may be flattering, a self-effigy is embarrassing.

As far as her music, in the scene where she was performing at a club, it didn't really seem like the crowd was interested in her.

She seems so desperate and needy to me. So much so, that she will pay anyone, and act in different ways around different people (her "gays," her husband, Yolonda, etc.) To earn their approval. But she also tries to play both sides, like she's super-cool and doesn't care what anyone thinks. This leaves her seeming aloof and unfriendly, and nobody gets to know the real her. Sadly, she's been playing roles in her life (dating back to her cocktail waitress, rich husband landing days) for so long that I suspect whoever she was, or could have been, vanished long ago and there is no real Erika anymore.

[PumpkinPK]

Tom got Lisa's Perry Mason joke, but Ericka was quick to defend Tom's legal credentials.

What was Lisa's Perry Mason joke? I didn't hear it, or didn't get it either. But I'd like to know what it was!

[MatildaMoody]

What was Lisa's Perry Mason joke? I didn't hear it, or didn't get it either. But I'd like to know what it was!

 

Tom was telling the table that he wanted to be a lawyer because he loved watching Perrry Mason growing up. Lisa asked if he actually went to law school or if he got all of his legal expertise from watching Perry Mason. It was a quick little joke and Tom seemed to get it, but Ericka was immediately "Of Course he went to law school." Like there was  a single person at that tablet who actually thought that Tom wasn't a real lawyer. 

[Lura]

Sadly, she's been playing roles in her life (dating back to her cocktail waitress, rich husband landing days) for so long that I suspect whoever she was, or could have been, vanished long ago and there is no real Erika anymore.

 

It may be me, but I don't recall Erika saying anything about landing a rich husband.  Have I forgotten?  I think it's so easy for all of us to assume things like that when we hear about one of those May-December couples.  We presume that she chased him, when it could have been exactly the opposite.  It's  just as possible that Tom may have met someone that he knew he needed in his older years and convinced her to marry him.  We don't know at this point.  I merely hope  that they're happy.