S09.E09: Two Weeks Notice

[msblossom]

Ramona and Bethenny make Jill Zarin look good.

[ElDosEquis]

12 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

I must be pretty sad, because, last night sort of reminded me of gatherings that I've had with my friends. lol I know......  We used to be quite a crew.  I just got the feeling that I would have fit right in there.  It seemed pretty real to me. Especially, compared to some of the more contrived drama where they are in hysterics about who took a magazine on the trip or gave someone a grandbaby gift.  This one just seems more authentic to me.  And, even though, it's f'd up, I can tolerate it.  And even be amused by it. 

I agree that Bethenny was funny with her blunt and graphic explanation as to why most of them would not be proper wedding guests at Luann's wedding. She makes me laugh, but, I also can't stand her.  She's one of those people, (I'm a former fan) who left a bad taste for me and I won't soon forget it.  I read a lot about her situation (even before their separation) and find her complaints of dragging out the divorce preposterous.  SHE dragged it out.  Some people REFUSE to move on after a divorce. They just can't let it go.  AND, maybe Jason did have cause to criticize her parenting.  I mean, A JUDGE had to order her to stop doing some things regarding her parenting before.  I wish the show wasn't trying to show Jason in a negative light.  For me to believe it, I'd require proper evidence with the right to cross examine the witness.     There is always something that is terrorizing Bethenny.  ALWAYS.  Something is not right with her, imo.

Dorinda was so kind.  She didn't freak out or cast blame with the fire.  I might have.  And she stayed cool as a cucumber with the stain on her chair.  She's classy in that regard.  I'm a firm believer that you can't expect to feel comfortable in a home, if you have stuff that can't be damaged.  It's a risk you take.  Now, the fire thing was pushing it.  That was either staged for drama or very dense on Carol's part.  Anyone who has lived in a house with a fireplace knows that you have to ensure proper chimney function.   

Listening to Beffy's 'life struggles' is like owning a car with a cassette player in the dash and owning ONE cassette tape to play on it.

It's the same song and dance over and over again.

[PhilMarlowe2]

13 hours ago, ButterQueen said:

OMG.....

Bethenny:  Lu, Tom's a bad guy...you need to back out.

Bethenny:  Lu, if you're happy, I'm happy for you.

Bethenny:  Lu, you have no idea how stressed I am.  SOB SOB SOB

Bethenny:  I'm sorry about last year, Lu.

Bethenny:  Lu, I don't confide in you, I'm a very private person.  I'm in the worst place in the world.  SOB SOB

Bethenny:  Lu, if you're happy, I'm happy!  BUT DON'T YOU SEE THE RED FLAGS????????

Bethenny:  WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE STOP ME???????

Lu has the patience of a saint.  OMG!!!!

I actually found this scene hilarious because Bethenny and Luann are both total over-talkers who are way more concerned with getting their own point across than having a meaningful interaction with someone. Watching them both race to cut the other one off, sticking to their talking points regardless of what the other one was saying, taking these deep gasps of air so that they can both launch into their next piece of self-serving pie was awesome. I have never seen two people listen to each other less in a conversation.

[ElDosEquis]

You know, Chicken, taters and green beans sounded good.

But a meatloaf, taters and lima beans - along with some  handmade 'powder milk biscuits' sounded just as good?

[PhilMarlowe2]

4 hours ago, Yours Truly said:

But does anyone believe that Beth isn't just as cruel?

I don't condone the mental jabs and I'm not a mean spirited person AT ALL but I have had moments where I've been equally cruel in reciprocation. It happens. I'm not proud of it but from the vitriol I see coming from Beth for women who don't even remotely affect her life to any real degree... I can imagine the verbal abuse she tossed around that marriage and after and no one's a saint. I wouldn't be surprised if Jason sunk low a time or two to get some licks in himself. I doubt I wouldn't be throwing out some cutting shit to that bitch myself. Hell I don't even know her and I've imagined the verbal beat down I would have slathered her with if she were to ever aim that bitchy waste of energy attitude my way.  Any negative thing I hear about Jason in my mind is justified. Sorry. I know that's not the "mature" assessment but after seeing just how evil Beth is over matters no where close to the importance of what they are dealing with I'm ain't mad at Jason if once in a while he loses his cool and gives her a taste of her own medicine.

Mileage obviously varies on this one. Personally, I don't see anything Bethenny has ever done as "evil." Self-obsessed, melodramatic, hyperbolic, even mean-spirited at times? Sure. But evil? It's not a word I would use to describe her. And just in the same way I would suggest to Bethenny that Jason is not responsible for how she reacts to him (i.e. at some point, she has to resolve to let this sob story go), Bethenny is not responsible for Jason's actions. Personally, I cannot buy the narrative that Jason was "pushed" to bad behavior by his nasty ex-wife. In the words of Judge Judy, "You picked him/her." It goes both ways. They both picked each other. And it says something about both of them. But that's just me.

[Ki-in]

I really liked Luann's attitude and her "hallmark card" philosophies. The count didn't treat Luann with respect the way he publicly dumped her (and by e-mail no less) but she never has a bad word to say about him (publicly anyway). I don't think she even gloated when that relationship went south. Bethenny needs to realize that this doesn't end when Brynn turns 18, there will be high school/college graduations to attend together and then when Brynn gets married they will have to deal with that (unless she elopes) and eventually there might be grandchildren and their birthdays to attend. I feel bad for Brynn being stuck in the middle with these two. Take a cue from Lu and move on.

[SunnyBeBe]

9 minutes ago, PhilMarlowe2 said:

I actually found this scene hilarious because Bethenny and Luann are both total over-talkers who are way more concerned with getting their own point across than having a meaningful interaction with someone. Watching them both race to cut the other one off, sticking to their talking points regardless of what the other one was saying, taking these deep gasps of air so that they can both launch into their next piece of self-serving pie was awesome. I have never seen two people listen to each other less in a conversation.

I'm not really a Luann fan, though, I've never despised her either, but, at least she's not a whiner.  She has gone through a lot and held her head high. (Maybe, too high. but, she was a Countess. lol)  She's never badmouthed her lovers/husband/fiance.  Even when its over, she never screams about how horrible they are.  Maybe, it's denial, but, to me, it's a good asset to see things might not be so one sided and be able to move on without wallowing in misery.  Like she said last night.  There's a reason the windshield ahead is so big and the rearview is so small.  Look forward and stop magnifying things in the past.  To me, Sonja struggled for years over her divorce. So, has Ramona.  I still think she's in mourning over her divorce. Bethenny's theory is quite negative.  She's convinced herself that she can have no life.  Her money, her child, her fame, her luxuries, her boyfriend,.......nothing can make her happy.  Maybe, she's off her medication. 

Edited June 1, 2017 by SunnyBeBe

[Mindthinkr]

Does Ramona's apology count if she does it with her eyes closed? 

[QuinnM]

Everyone is missing the comedy gold that was Ramona and Sonja talking right after Ramona's drunken apology cuddle with Bethenny at the table.  Some samples are:

Ramona's TH - I'm never confused.

Sonja to Ramona - Yes, back door is best.

[RHJunkie]

Ramona was behaving odder than her usual odd self. Maybe she self-medicated in anticipation for some hysterics at the Berkshires.

These women continue to say they don't care about Tom and they aren't going to talk about it anymore since Luann isn't willing to give them the answers they want when they broach the issue with her...and yet every episode we get at least one conversation centred around Luann's upcoming marriage. Just stop already. Agree with it or not, Luann isn't going to admit to any of Tom's transgressions and frankly, she doesn't owe that to you anyhow. Luann probably has an idea of what she's getting into and it's not for them to determine whether Luann should accept it or not. It's not their life, they don't get to make that decision and they've had enough conversations with Luann to know by now that they need to accept that it's not their business and there's no one silently screaming for your help.

Bethenny's commentary about why none of them were invited to the wedding was funny. And I do like that she gives credit to Luann for having thick skin. No matter if you like Luann or not, she has always held her own, she hasn't allowed herself to be affected by others berating her and she doesn't use public gatherings or special events as opportunities for confrontation. Luann also has a knack for not holding on to things in a way that creates a toxic atmosphere. I think she'd much rather give a fake air kiss and carry on with the drinks ,food and music rather than be standing in a corner arguing with someone. I was disappointed but not surprised that despite Luann trying to be reassuring with Bethenny (despite the nasty things Bethenny has called her), Bethenny turned around and was mocking Luann to Carole.

[Eliz]

LuAnn is sort of fascinating. I think she has been a hustler her whole life, scratching and clawing her way to financial security. When we met her at the beginning of this show, she was at her peak success. She then suffered a huge humiliation in a very public way, and she never let anyone see it break her. After biding her time, she met Tom and saw an opportunity to regain the sort of life she wants, so she made it happen. 

In my opinion, the only thing that has rung false about any of it is her big put-on last season about the fairy-tale romance. Remember how weird it was when she would wax rhapsodic about how IN LOVE they were? That was a total charade. This is a transactional relationship between two people who both want that. Really, it's her best defense against all the "concern" her "friends" are laying on her; she just can't come right out and say it -- although in this episode she came pretty dang close to just saying it.

Her ability to repress all bad feelings so that she always looks strong and in control doesn't necessarily make for a mentally healthy person, but I do respect it in a way.

[Boofish]

1 hour ago, motorcitymom65 said:

What has Beth ever protected her from? 

Perfection. Make room for me on the island. I will bring snacks. 

I'm calling now to book a room on Bethenny Island. I too am one of those people who hate the "it could always be worse" folks and cliche' words of wisdom. I know it could be worse and I know people have it worse than me but please stop dismissing my pain and hurt. My biggest problem when I first met my boyfriend was him telling me to "calm down" Nothing gets me to turn up 100 more notches than someone telling me to take it down a notch. Any time he didn't like something I said or did I adjusted my behavior accordingly but you are telling me to "calm down" thereby dismissing my feelings. When I explained this to him he stopped saying it and we are better for it .. 

[motorcitymom65]

1 minute ago, Boofish said:

I'm calling now to book a room on Bethenny Island. I too am one of those people who hate the "it could always be worse" folks and cliche' words of wisdom. I know it could be worse and I know people have it worse than me but please stop dismissing my pain and hurt. My biggest problem when I first met my boyfriend was him telling me to "calm down" Nothing gets me to turn up 100 more notches than someone telling me to take it down a notch. Any time he didn't like something I said or did I adjusted my behavior accordingly but you are telling me to "calm down" thereby dismissing my feelings. When I explained this to him he stopped saying it and we are better for it .. 

Right there with you. Two words guaranteed to set me off are "calm down". We will have a rule when we get to the island that no one can say that. Even when the booze runs out. 

[Yours Truly]

52 minutes ago, F. M. said:

Not me. I don't care if Carole speaks or doesn't, she bores me.

 

As to Bethenny, I think she's exhausting, she has to feel exhausted, and everyone around her. Carol speaks up for her, and she disses her and Adam. She's not clever witty, or funny, she's downright mean! 

In a nutshell.

[film noire]

9 hours ago, diadochokinesis said:

 I'm going to trust the judge that saw all the evidence rather than Page Six who was not privy to any of it. 

I don't assume I can trust the judge, or Page Six.  Bethenny's character (the toxic rage, the narcissism,  the exaggerations, the need to paint herself as the greatest of all victims) is sufficient to make me question her version of events. 

I also have a sneaking suspicion Bethenny's been performing her fear/distress on the show (especially last night) because that's the sealer to the stalking charge in the fourth degree.  (ETA: snip details already at link) Hoppy's behavior had to create a reasonable fear of "real harm to that person's safety or that of a third person". Minus that, the stalking charge doesn't hold up. Her shaking, trembling "Nestle me close, Luann, for I am in hell!" act last night would help prove the core element of the crime.

https://www.newyorkcriminallawyer-blog.com/2010/11/stalking-in-the-fourth-degree.html

If none of his texts/emails incited her to fear of her safety and health, he's not guilty of stalking her. He's just an asshole ex. Her other charge, first degree harassment ("intentionally and repeatedly harassing another person by following such person in or about a public place or by engaging in a course of conduct or by repeatedly committing acts which places such person in reasonable fear of physical injury") has to prove she lived in fear he'd hit her, so I'm waiting on hints of that to arise next.

I'm glad Hoppy refused to take a deal. Hopefully, his day in court will clear up the confusion as to what's really been happening; he's either every bit as toxic as Bethenny is herself, not as toxic, or worse. (Which, god help Bryn if both her parents are total loonfucks.)

4 hours ago, ghoulina said:

This may sound a bit creepy, but I just love looking at Dorinda. There is something just effortless and regal about her. 

I find her face compelling, too.  She has the kind of handsome, angular beauty Diana had.

From the PTV recap:  

Quote

Bethenny crying in a room designed by The Hamburglar;

LOL.

Edited June 1, 2017 by film noire

[KungFuBunny]

Bethenny/Ramona sit down

Bethenny: You’re making that face again

Ramona: What face?

I have a very expressive face. I wear my heart cuckoo on my sleeves eyes.

Bethenny: I’m gonna step into the past for a minute. You’ve never been a really good friend to me.

Ramona:

[motorcitymom65]

18 minutes ago, Ki-in said:

I really liked Luann's attitude and her "hallmark card" philosophies. The count didn't treat Luann with respect the way he publicly dumped her (and by e-mail no less) but she never has a bad word to say about him (publicly anyway). I don't think she even gloated when that relationship went south. Bethenny needs to realize that this doesn't end when Brynn turns 18, there will be high school/college graduations to attend together and then when Brynn gets married they will have to deal with that (unless she elopes) and eventually there might be grandchildren and their birthdays to attend. I feel bad for Brynn being stuck in the middle with these two. Take a cue from Lu and move on.

But the thing is, this advice is always for Beth. Jason needs to recognize all the same things, and just move the fuck on. He is the one sending hundreds of nasty emails and confronting Beth at Bryn's school. He needs the same tough advice that others throw at Beth. 

[Duke2801]

53 minutes ago, F. M. said:

Not me. I don't care if Carole speaks or doesn't, she bores me.

 

As to Bethenny, I think she's exhausting, she has to feel exhausted, and everyone around her. Carol speaks up for her, and she disses her and Adam. She's not clever witty, or funny, she's downright mean! 

Right-o.  That's why I said "some."

 

49 minutes ago, psychoticstate said:

 

Sgt. Pepper really needs to quit projecting her issues and dysfunctions on to everyone else.  

Ok THAT is hilarious!  And I heartily agree. 

[Yours Truly]

46 minutes ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

Damn you.  You made me say it.  LOL!!

This.  That poor woman is going to need a hazard rider added onto her policy if she insists on hosting anymore of these.  But to be fair, Carole said she was a Girl Scout.   So she knows how to start a fire (maybe) we saw her stick her whole hand in there to encourage the other kindling.  But having had a fireplace before?  Gonna have to go with no.  It was cold, the fireplace gate thingy was up and the flue was closed, she needs to stick to woods and marshmallows and stuff.   I might just be annoyed at her pre-dinner comment because of the sheer volume of chickens that have died for my personal benefit. 

andplusalso?  do ya'll have any openings in your friend group (full disclosure I will lie about having a grandbaby just to get the gift).

p.s. Truly if you ever invite me over, clear out all your shit, I'mma open your bathroom mirror cause a bitch needs to know.  :D

Well to be perfectly honest I just threw that in there to make my list longer than two and I knew I was pushing it cause well.... ahem... guilty but at the same time it is technically a no no to go through someone's bathroom like that so I threw it in for good measure. ;-)

LOL.

Edited June 1, 2017 by Yours Truly

[ButterQueen]

3 hours ago, Mozelle said:

I snickered. I wasn't ready for this. 

But on Carole and Bethenny rehashing each dramatic incident, man, I can't even be mad. It's something my best friend and I would do. Hell, she got married last fall and after she returned from her honeymoon, we were rehashing all the shit that had gone down during the wedding weekend. 

......but not during a party that the supposed offenders were attending, I hope.

[Ki-in]

1 hour ago, Yours Truly said:

So it's okay to just start a fire in a fireplace while a guest in someone's home without checking with them first?

I mean shit there are things you just don't do in someone else's home without being invited to do so and or on your own.

-Go in their fridge

-Go into their bedroom

-Go through medicine cabinets/ under the sink in the bathroom

-Open windows

and I would completely expect "start a fire" as an automatic DON'T.

Hell I was shocked when Ramona, Sonja and Tinsley attempted it in the other room last episode and was surprised to see Dorinda treat it as okay. Like fucking A. That's some liberties right there.

SMH.

The next time I have guests over I'm going to put some marbles in the medicine cabinet and some springy snakes under the sink, hearing the racket and them trying to explain what they were looking for will be interesting.

[Mindthinkr]

Re: Dorinda 

13 minutes ago, film noire said:

She has the kind of handsome, angular beauty Diana had.

Well said. 

[Tara Ariano]

In case you missed it, here's the Previously.TV post on the episode!

 

The Berkshires Continue To Be The Best Thing About RHONYC

Luann gets her shrug on and Ramona officially cracks. This is fine.

[esco1822]

6 minutes ago, ButterQueen said:

.....but not during a party that the supposed offenders were attending, I hope.

Guilty. I'd have to be out of earshot though or in another room...like B and Carole. 

[Yours Truly]

26 minutes ago, PhilMarlowe2 said:

Mileage obviously varies on this one. Personally, I don't see anything Bethenny has ever done as "evil." Self-obsessed, melodramatic, hyperbolic, even mean-spirited at times? Sure. But evil? It's not a word I would use to describe her. And just in the same way I would suggest to Bethenny that Jason is not responsible for how she reacts to him (i.e. at some point, she has to resolve to let this sob story go), Bethenny is not responsible for Jason's actions. Personally, I cannot buy the narrative that Jason was "pushed" to bad behavior by his nasty ex-wife. In the words of Judge Judy, "You picked him/her." It goes both ways. They both picked each other. And it says something about both of them. But that's just me.

Well I get what you're saying but I do think some of the shit I've seen her pull on this show and her shows were pretty evil. That's my opinion. I think she's got a perverse connection with inflicting hurt and deriving pleasure from it.

I'm not going with some lame they made me do it narrative just that I don't believe Jason wakes up every day trying to figure out ways to torture his ex wife. Now Beth? Not so sure. Beth makes it a point to stick it to people and it doesn't take much for her to decide to take aim.  I just think his low moments and poor choices come from frustration which is a human emotion whereas Beth's low moments come from a very inherent need to hurt others and to win at all costs. More wolf like if you will.

At the end of the day the resulting behavior is unfortunate between the both of them and of course can't easily be excused but I feel that redemption is more possible when one has hesitantly fallen to those depth than when someone is already down there pulling from below with gusto.

[Lemons]

4 hours ago, Mozelle said:

This is key. I'm still not back on the love Bethenny train (she used to be one of my favorites, even into the second season of her spin-off), but I don't think it can be overstated enough that judges aren't out here handing out TROs willy-nilly. There usually has to be overwhelming evidence to grant one because, unfortunately, women aren't believed in situations like these. 

This speaks to what I said in response to diadochokinesis above: Unfortunately, women are rarely believed in these situations. So, if a police officer is saying, "Well, she exaggerated," my first inclination is to roll my eyes at him or her (yes, "her" because internalized misogyny is also real). Police are often unhelpful when it comes to women seeking their help whether we're talking about sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, or stalking and harassment. (And from my understanding, it was the last two that Jason engaged in.) 

Like, if police are trying to be technical and say that it wasn't exactly 160 texts, my response is, "And?" How many harassing texts should Bethenny have received? 100? 75? 25? 10? 5? Isn't one harassing text already one too many?

And when there is no physical evidence of physical violence it is even harder to get a restraining order.  Plus police and the courts really do see a lot of petty stuff with couples fighting over the stupidest shit, so that makes it harder for legitimate cases.  

[lasandi]

2 hours ago, esco1822 said:

You can add me to Bethenny Island. Though this will be wildly unpopular, she and Carole are my favorites and I think have the most genuine relationship of all the ladies on the show. I won't even knock them for laughing about Lu's Hallmark Card advice because I was laughing too. Sometimes people just want to let out all of their feelings without interruption or being told about the silver lining. Was she feeling sorry for herself? Absolutely. I don't think she needs to be told to remember that her daughter is the good thing that came out of this situation. I have no doubt she loves and adores her daughter (which I give her a lot of credit for given that she was raised in very much an opposite manner--and yes I'm taking her word for it) but it must be so difficult when the person that gives you the most joy is also the reason you will have a lifetime of painful interaction with someone you no longer want in your life. To me Bethenny gets cold and stand-offish (e.g. Ramona and Sonja) when she doesn't want to be around someone so I don't buy that she's harassing Jason in the same way he's harassing her. I think he's trying to provoke a reaction from her directly and she's letting her lawyers handle everything which probably upsets him more. Last night's episode was a rare showing of vulnerability from her and I, for one, felt badly for her and thankful that Lu handled it as well as she did. Obviously things were building at that time since this was around Christmas and the stalking charge was in January so I'm sure she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders even if the viewers may disagree. I think she likes to portray that she is a person who has it all together but when she falls apart, she does so spectacularly. Let's note that she actually left the room to cry and it took a little while for anyone to Lu to follow. Notice Carole didn't do it. I think she knows best how to deal with Bethenny and supports her the way any good friend would. Sometimes you just accept a person for exactly who they are and do your best to support them however they need.  Carole is being the friend she needs and wants.

As for Sonja, I think her fakery with Lu is going to cause her more problems now that the episode is out and Lu knows she was obviously full of sh*t. She says it all in her TH's, she just tries to save face with Lu in person in the moment. Her portrayal of Bethenny was comedy gold though, as was her mock playing violin while Ramona talked. Speaking of which, it was a little creepy the way she just appeared on Bethenny's shoulder and slurred out her semi-apology. She's like Golum. 

PREACH!  All of this.  Every last word.

[Yours Truly]

31 minutes ago, RHJunkie said:

Ramona was behaving odder than her usual odd self. Maybe she self-medicated in anticipation for some hysterics at the Berkshires.

These women continue to say they don't care about Tom and they aren't going to talk about it anymore since Luann isn't willing to give them the answers they want when they broach the issue with her...and yet every episode we get at least one conversation centred around Luann's upcoming marriage. Just stop already. Agree with it or not, Luann isn't going to admit to any of Tom's transgressions and frankly, she doesn't owe that to you anyhow. Luann probably has an idea of what she's getting into and it's not for them to determine whether Luann should accept it or not. It's not their life, they don't get to make that decision and they've had enough conversations with Luann to know by now that they need to accept that it's not their business and there's no one silently screaming for your help.

Bethenny's commentary about why none of them were invited to the wedding was funny. And I do like that she gives credit to Luann for having thick skin. No matter if you like Luann or not, she has always held her own, she hasn't allowed herself to be affected by others berating her and she doesn't use public gatherings or special events as opportunities for confrontation. Luann also has a knack for not holding on to things in a way that creates a toxic atmosphere. I think she'd much rather give a fake air kiss and carry on with the drinks ,food and music rather than be standing in a corner arguing with someone. I was disappointed but not surprised that despite Luann trying to be reassuring with Bethenny (despite the nasty things Bethenny has called her), Bethenny turned around and was mocking Luann to Carole.

EXCELLENT!

.... But boy that Lu ya know.....

She's got some nerve.... (insert randomly, benign, lame, corny, slight, insult, pet peeve, decision affecting HER OWN LIFE, end of the world offense here) ala Beth and the others.

At least next week we see Ramona pull the above on Beth.. Had sex in a water bed........ THE HORROR!!

PROSTITUTION WHORE!!

Lol.

[ZaldamoWilder]

23 minutes ago, motorcitymom65 said:

But the thing is, this advice is always for Beth. Jason needs to recognize all the same things, and just move the fuck on. He is the one sending hundreds of nasty emails and confronting Beth at Bryn's school. He needs the same tough advice that others throw at Beth. 

say what now?  I never followed the details too closely, is this where the stalking charge came from?  whaaaaat? Ok, this will sound biased but this is like shooting somebody in the back and claiming self defense.  {{cough}}GeorgeZimmerman{{cough}}.  How exactly? can somebody be bothering you if you're following them to argue?  Iowngiveadamnwhatyallsay that's some next level shit right there.

12 minutes ago, Ki-in said:

The next time I have guests over I'm going to put some marbles in the medicine cabinet and some springy snakes under the sink, hearing the racket and them trying to explain what they were looking for will be interesting.

 

Bwahaaaaa!!!!  girl where in the Scooby Doo??

[Teddybear]

I wonder if Lu saying she still texts Jacques will come back to bite her in the ass.  

[Yours Truly]

35 minutes ago, Eliz said:

LuAnn is sort of fascinating. I think she has been a hustler her whole life, scratching and clawing her way to financial security. When we met her at the beginning of this show, she was at her peak success. She then suffered a huge humiliation in a very public way, and she never let anyone see it break her. After biding her time, she met Tom and saw an opportunity to regain the sort of life she wants, so she made it happen. 

In my opinion, the only thing that has rung false about any of it is her big put-on last season about the fairy-tale romance. Remember how weird it was when she would wax rhapsodic about how IN LOVE they were? That was a total charade. This is a transactional relationship between two people who both want that. Really, it's her best defense against all the "concern" her "friends" are laying on her; she just can't come right out and say it -- although in this episode she came pretty dang close to just saying it.

Her ability to repress all bad feelings so that she always looks strong and in control doesn't necessarily make for a mentally healthy person, but I do respect it in a way.

But really think about it it's only this intense when she's filming. I have a feeling that the flow in her normal day to day, in those circles, flows the way it needs to. It's the drama requirements of this show that has such outrageous displays and need for OUTING that creates the really challenging environment.

I believe she is fine with her situation with Tom and if people would stop meddling she probably doesn't have anything truly weighing on her. What will break that marriage is them buckling under the scrutiny and constant attempts at a "gotcha" moment. I'm more inclined to believe that they will split due to the fact that they can't get any peace from outsiders trying their damnedest to deliver evidence and break the news once and for all that Tom sticks his dick places. Sad part is that eventually Lu and or Tom would have to give in and separate cause there is nothing  they can say or do that would force those hell bent on uncovering the "truth" to quench their thirst and abandon their mission.

Actually pretty sad and pathetic that the state and nature of their marriage consumes some so.

[robroy]

33 minutes ago, Eliz said:

Her ability to repress all bad feelings so that she always looks strong and in control doesn't necessarily make for a mentally healthy person, but I do respect it in a way.

I don't think she represses bad feelings as much as she simply does not bombard others with them. I remember in a very early episode when Jill was excited she had pulled in Luann because she kept such a 'tight circle.' I think she probably shares very real feelings/doubts with a very close group of people. I actually think that might be why she & the two exes we have seen the most remain close. She simply does not give up her closest friendships. We've also seen some very long term friends and family members remain consistent.

This is opposite of other ho wives who share every fricking slight and misjudgment for pity or sympathy. We have seen some raw moments with her Mom and Victoria immediately before and after the divorce.

I really do not have much to add on other topics because you folks are nailing it today. Beth really showed everything I love and everything I hate about her last night. In the end she is just exhausting. And Carole and Ramona show switch their meds/drugs. C needs to liven up and Ro could use some horse tranquilizers to counteract whatever had her cruising at 20,000 feet. Just nutso...

[QuinnM]

Quote

I don't think she represses bad feelings as much as she simply does not bombard others with them.

Was it the beginning of last year, no two years?,  that Luann complained about Bethenny having a Hampton party with RYOBH and not letting her come.  Bethenny went on about the 100s of texts etc.  Then Luann started talking about her children being off and her divorce being fresh and she was in tears.  And credit to Bethenny she stopped her stream of consciousness right there.  She told Lu that she was sorry and she didn't realize etc.  (side note Andy talks about B texting him about L texting her and the producers weren't letting her invite L and Andy was supposed to fix it)  So I really think B and L have a very interesting show relationship.  Lu never seems to have a problem with B's humor.  She was laughing the hardest at Bethenny teasing Tinsley about her voice making Lu sound like a soprano.  So Lu does show emotion when it's there.  She is just stoic about this. 

[Mozelle]

1 hour ago, KungFuBunny said:

Bethenny/Ramona sit down

Bethenny: You’re making that face again

Ramona: What face?

I have a very expressive face. I wear my heart cuckoo on my sleeves eyes.

Bethenny: I’m gonna step into the past for a minute. You’ve never been a really good friend to me.

Ramona:

I need to know who told Ramona that she should sound breathless when pretending to care about someone. I can't even count the number of times Ramona got all breathy when engaging first LuAnn then Bethenny. It's so silly, too, because she can't keep up the ruse for longer than 2.5 seconds. The moment one of them pushed back, hyper Ramona swooped in like, "I got it from here, girl. Thanks."

55 minutes ago, ButterQueen said:

......but not during a party that the supposed offenders were attending, I hope.

Guilty as charged. 

Edited June 1, 2017 by Mozelle

[ZaldamoWilder]

26 minutes ago, Yours Truly said:

What will break that marriage is them buckling under the scrutiny and constant attempts at a "gotcha"

It might not be from the Color Purple but this is begging for a "well if that's all it takes you wasn't worth me anyway"  Shug Avery, Mister Albert, somebody. 

For her sake, I hope not but the yentas penultimate point is your foundation needs to be stronger than penthouse keys.

[Yours Truly]

Oh no I was just saying that if they do split I wouldn't be surprised that it would probably have to do with the constant berating of their marriage.

I agree it should be stronger than that just that I wouldn't be surprised if that were the reason.

[SweetieDarling]

Did anyone else see Carole eating the green beans with her fingers? Does she have no table manners?

[QuinnM]

Quote

Did anyone else see Carole eating the green beans with her fingers? Does she have no table manners?

I bet this is how vegans eat vegetables.

[Boofish]

9 minutes ago, SweetieDarling said:

Did anyone else see Carole eating the green beans with her fingers? Does she have no table manners?

Better than sticking your nasty fingers in the mashed potatoes

[Ki-in]

10 minutes ago, SweetieDarling said:

Did anyone else see Carole eating the green beans with her fingers? Does she have no table manners?

She was unsure if the tableware was humanely forged. 

[BBHN]

Quote

Carole's integrity is seriously lacking if she's going to spew on Bethenny's behalf like that.

What, that she is speaking up for a friend? Good for her.

Quote

Carol can stand up for her friend if she wants.  Why on all these shows when two women actually have a friendship is that being up someone's ass? 

Quote

She will blame that on Jason, or her mother.

Probably not. It seems like an amicable break-up.

Quote

Like, if police are trying to be technical and say that it wasn't exactly 160 texts, my response is, "And?" How many harassing texts should Bethenny have received? 100? 75? 25? 10? 5? Isn't one harassing text already one too many?

Seriously. She was probably eating crackers while receiving those texts ;)

Quote

Crazy Noodle Speech

I love my friends. I love all of you girls. Tinsley, you're new and I don't really love you that much yet.

Tinsley's face

I wonder if Tinsley was secretly thinking "Well, that is one bullet dodged..."

Quote

I'm calling now to book a room on Bethenny Island

Same here. We can all bring Skinny Girl drinks and snacks. But...can we sneak in a bottle of wine or three too? ;)

Quote

For her sake, I hope not but the yentas penultimate point is your foundation needs to be stronger than penthouse keys.

It is! There are also south beach keys and a friend's yacht.

Edited June 1, 2017 by BBHN

[Lemons]

9 hours ago, ElDosEquis said:

 

I don't trust women who don't have a good relationship with their mothers.

I don't think that's a great indicator of trust. Too many mothers put themselves or men or drugs ahead of their children. Mothers can abuse their children. Mothers can leave their children. Mothers can turn the other way while their child is being abused. Why would a woman have a good relationship with a mother like that?

 If someone says their mother was abusive, there's a reason. Most don't make it up. 

Edited June 1, 2017 by Lemons

[BckpckFullaNinjas]

2 hours ago, ZaldamoWilder said:

Ramona staining the chair - she put too much sauce. No Ramona, I watched the kitchen scene, you were the one with the spoon ladling on the Jus. Dorinda was tilting the pan to make it easier for you to spoon it.

Indeed, it would be miraculous for her - several others - to simply & sincerely say, "I made a mess; I'm sorry; can I pay to have it cleaned?" 

Sometimes I think Andyvo have in mind a morality play in the RH world: "See, children? The rich are *not better than you! Revolution!"

2 hours ago, Mindthinkr said:

 

Does Ramona's apology count if she does it with her eyes closed? 

 

Perfection!

[SunnyBeBe]

I think that somewhere deep inside, Bethenny is afraid of becoming like her mother. She's always described her as horrific, but, now days, I wonder if that is accurate.  Her off the charts meltdown last night was more than just stress, imo.  Someone said that she gets particularly sensitive when her mother is mentioned.  (someone said that Jason calls her, her mother's name.)  I would interpret that as him possibly saying, Bethenny, I want Bryn and you to have a good relationship when she grows up and not like the one you had with your mom.  In Bethenny's mind she hears him calling her her mother's name.  This is my interpretation of it.  

I wonder if Andy is planning to bring Jason on the show anytime soon.  I mean....for ratings.  He may be friends with Bethenny ,but, he's businessman too. 

[Natalie68]

19 hours ago, Straycat80 said:

Ramona has not been a good friend to Bethenny. Really! Really! REALLY! I wonder why Bethenny went on WWHL after her female surgery and said the one friend who was REALLY there for her was Ramona. I wonder if she'll remember sayings that? 

I believe it has something to do with Tipsy Girl that has not been shown on the show yet.  There were some texts that show Ramona was the original Tipsy Girl face before Sonja took it on.  

So is Sonja's storyline now that she farts all the time?  Ramona is the gal I would never invite to my house.  Between Coco shitting everywhere last year and the staining of the chair this year she is WAY too high maintenance.  Dorinda really can let things just roll off her back when it comes to these ladies messing up her house.  I do think B was projecting a bit and I understand her upset IF this was filmed along the time that she was having major problems with Jason.  

[ElDosEquis]

It's great fun to watch Beffy mine her friends for information, then when it comes time to share HER problems/trials, she clams up and claims some kind of psychic/mental injury (real or imagined) that prevents her from sharing any info with whoever she is talking with.

the reason for her 'cloak of secrecy' is anyone with half a brain will see that she overstates her situation - I wonder what vile shit she is guilty of that she'll never admit to as the marriage went south?

I can only imagine the fuckery they BOTH engaged in, yet we only get to hear about the 'torture' this knucklehead had to put up with?

 

49 minutes ago, Lemons said:

I don't think that's a great indicator of trust. Too many women put themselves or men or drugs ahead of their children. Mothers can abuse their children. Mothers can leave their children. Mothers can turn the other way while their child is being abused. Why would a woman have a good relationship with a mother like that?

 If someone says their mother was abusive, there's a reason. Most don't make it up. 

I know a woman who was raised by the most vile, abusive mother on the planet.

She was sent to school in dirty clothes, she was mentally abused and had to fend for herself when she was kicked out of the house. Those were a few of the slights she had to endure growing up.....

I laughed every time I heard her stories of rampant abuse because I grew up in the same house never saw one shred of the horseshit she spewed about my parents - especially my mother.

Matter of fact?

The running joke in the family - after hearing all the stories of how she was the one that suffered the most during our childhood - was for someone to say, "Where was I while that was happening in the house?".

My dear old sister forgot that my parents paid for her to go to and graduate from a private high school, they paid for her nursing school and allowed her to live rent free in their rental property..

My parents were real assholes, wouldn't you agree?

[Natalie68]

17 hours ago, diadochokinesis said:

Your island isn't so lonely.  I'll join you!  I like Bethenny but I appreciate her sense of humor.  I think a lot of people think she is a mean girl but she is just sarcastic.

I am there with you.  She is flawed but I 'get' her sarcasm. 

[film noire]

1 hour ago, Ki-in said:

She was unsure if the tableware was humanely forged. 

"Excuse me - is this free range spork? (And can you pass the Grey Poupon before Ramona slathers it on the chair?")

7 hours ago, Mozelle said:

Like, if police are trying to be technical and say that it wasn't exactly 160 texts, my response is, "And?" How many harassing texts should Bethenny have received? 100? 75? 25? 10? 5? Isn't one harassing text already one too many?

As I understand it, the amount/frequency is part of what determines harassment - let's say Hoppy sent 160 emails (nasty, but no threats of violence) over five months. If he sent those same emails in a much shorter time and much higher number  (i.e. "hundreds" of emails in only sixty days, say) that's  a much better example of Hoppy using contact itself -- even if the emails aren't overtly threatening -- to stalk her.  If it's just content, a stalker could (conceivably) send you love notes and flowers and stuffed animals and jewelry and get away with it.

Edited June 1, 2017 by film noire

[WhoaWhoKnew]

The end shot of Ramona had her looking like Aileen Wournos. 

Very scary expression on her face.

[SCS]

17 minutes ago, SunnyBeBe said:

I think that somewhere deep inside, Bethenny is afraid of becoming like her mother. She's always described her as horrific, but, now days, I wonder if that is accurate.  Her off the charts meltdown last night was more than just stress, imo.  Someone said that she gets particularly sensitive when her mother is mentioned.  (someone said that Jason calls her, her mother's name.)  I would interpret that as him possibly saying, Bethenny, I want Bryn and you to have a good relationship when she grows up and not like the one you had with your mom.  In Bethenny's mind she hears him calling her her mother's name.  This is my interpretation of it.  

I wonder if Andy is planning to bring Jason on the show anytime soon.  I mean....for ratings.  He may be friends with Bethenny ,but, he's businessman too. 

 

Great points. And Jason on WWHL? Andy, make it happen.