Having been in Australia for the past two weeks and having had an absolutely amazing time, can you believe one of the first things I wanted to do when I got home was to watch the finale of the Real Housewives Of D.C.? I had a feeling that the entire season was built up, and oft neglected in some ways, for this episode and was I right! I want to congratulate Bravo on the way this episode was edited and prepared. I was on the edge of my seat for the whole show and completely engrossed in it. I may not have enjoyed some of the production on this series earlier in the year, but for the finale, it really worked.
The thing I appreciated most about the finale is that now we have the true story. We saw it with our own eyes. Perhaps the words “gate crashers” may not be the correct way to describe the Salahi’s, as they didn’t sneak in wearing robbers gear or show fake ID, but the fact is, that took advantage of the woman with the list, when she kindly asked them to “wait over there” while she tried to sort things out. They were let in, yes, but they kept walking where they did not belong!!! Case closed. There is no longer anything they can say regarding this. Their name was NOT on the list and they did NOT have permission to enter the party. I want to add this, she did look very beautiful that night.
Throughout the entire season I have given Michaele the benefit of the doubt and tended to blame her husband Tareq for most of this couple’s antics. However after watching the finale I am convinced that Michaele is more in control than I thought and not the victim we all thought she was of her seemingly controlling husband. Anyone else would have broken down into tears on camera, on CNN or most definitely in front of Congress. So Michaele no longer gets a free pass. They may not be as bad as “Bonnie and Clyde” as Lynda said, but they are in it together.
I do think that the show itself is partly responsible. Let me explain. To be clear, Bravo did NOTHING. However, being on a TV SHOW for the first time puts pressure on you. Whether it is real pressure from a producer or imagined in your own brain, it’s there. I know. I’ve been there. There is an unspoken competition to have the best ratings and what brings better ratings than high drama? It was pretty clear throughout the season the ladies enjoyed showing off their cities, their homes and their social status. What would be better than an invitation to the White House? It seems to me that the Salahi’s are so used to going (or sometimes crashing?) to DC parties with ease, the Black Caucus Dinner for example, that they figured they could just walk right into the White House party with a camera crew in tow, hoping the front door personnel would a presume they belonged there. They certainly looked the part! Maybe they were verbally invited and were into the story line so deep they were embarrassed to admit to the other housewives and production crew they actually weren’t invited. They rolled the dice. They crapped out.
The real drama was actually the fallout of the event. The scenes where the ladies got together to discuss what happened is why we all watch reality television. We all saw what happened in the news…but what we didn’t see, we can thank BRAVO for capturing. Imagine if The Housewives of DC was already on television and this was Season 2? Each housewife has their own fallout from this event and the Salahi’s left carnage everywhere. Thank goodness Lynda had a few great one-liners to ease the tension a bit.
Poor Cat. How horrible and embarrassing it must have been for her and her husband to no longer be invited to the White House Christmas party. It was very sad to see this was a big source of tension between the couple and I only hope that this wasn’t the straw that broke the camel’s back before they separated. People like the Salahi’s don’t seem to care that their actions cause negative consequences that effect others. If they did, apologies would have been flying. I do not blame Cat one bit for her resentment and anger toward them. The Salahi’s could care less.
Which brings me to the dinner at Stacie and her husband Jason’s house. Can you believe how casual the Salahi’s acted upon arrival? It was unbelievable. Talk about an ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM!! The Turner’s could not have shown more class and patience than they did trying to give Michaele and Tareq every chance to share their side of the story. But no, the Salahi’s basically take the fifth again AGAIN and leave using the back door! Cowards. There is simply no acceptable excuse anymore.
Many kudos have to go to Stacie and Jason. I usually don’t compare anyone to Bobby, but Jason Turner is a man I would. The couple so impressed me with their grace and sensitivity. Stacie is a friend ANYONE would be lucky to have.
Thanks to all of the ladies for a very interesting and enjoyable season. I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors and hope they come back Season 2 when the show will not be revolving around just one couple and we can spend more time with each and every one of them.
I hope you enjoyed reading my blogs over the past few months. They are often hard to write, but someone has to say something, right? In the meantime..we are busy in our own lives. My mom’s birthday is tomorrow and am so grateful to have her in my life. Happy Birthday Mommy!
October 26th, 2010 at 6:06 am
Hi Jill, I have just finished watching the finale of RHW-NYC and have to say well done to you. You were attacked by Bethenny for the best part of the show, you admitted your wrong doings and apologise for them. You reflected on your behaviour and grew as a result. What a shame Bethenny could not do the same. If she could acknowledge some of her own oppurtunities for growth, I’m sure it could of been a friendship worth the fight!
People grow apart and it’s a sad fact of life…. Use your strength to be thankful for the good times. You should be proud of the way your handled yourself. It is a credit to you. I wish you the best for you and your family. Kind Regards Heather
October 19th, 2010 at 7:29 am
Hello Jill,
I am a 38 year old Australian woman and have just watched the final of Real Housewives of NYC (not sure if we have the same season running in Australia but it’s the one you had a big fight with Bethany). I never normally write or comment by blogs. But I felt compelled to tell you that I think you are amazing. I love you and Luanne (apologies if I spelt it wrong). I feel like you have been treated very unfairly by some of the women and can I just say that you have balls and you stand up for your rights and you are a strong, independent and confident woman. Good for you. I like most of the housewives. Ramona is adorable although can be a bit coneited, Kelly is just a ball of fun and really quite naive, Luanne is all class and you are a true gem. I am not sold on Bethany and cannot stand Alex. I hope to see you on TV again next season? Stay true to yourself. You are the best!
October 18th, 2010 at 9:36 am
You said it all with grace again, Jill, you are my favorite NYC housewife. Can’t wait for next season! Bone up, those girls don’t have half the sensitivity and class you do. And no, to quote a certain song, “Money don’t buy you class!” But, you don’t have to worry, you already have it!
October 15th, 2010 at 3:50 am
ooohhh i am in australia …we havent got dc thats not fair …. jill do something …..help …..
October 15th, 2010 at 1:06 am
Hi Jill. I am a huge fan and enjoy watching you on The Real housewives of NYC! I watch with such hope that I will become like you one day! I hope you had a great trip here to Australia. I’m coming to New York in 2012! I’m so excited. I’m going to buy your book tomorrow. keep true to yourself, keep the blogs coming.
Love,
Kourt
October 13th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Hi Jill!
The thing that bothered me most about the Salahi’s (other than gate-crashing the WH) was when Stacie told them both that the reason why Cat was upset was due to her being dis-invited from the WH Xmas party and that Cat’s then-husband’s job was now in jeopardy due to their actions.
Both Tareq and Michaele reacted to Stacies news with a blank uncaring expression – totally psychopathic – no emotion, no compassion, no expression of symphathy or sadness. Just one big nothing…
One last thing:
With the recent physical attack on a RHNYC producer by Ramona and the Sonja Morgan DUI earlier, along with Simon being terminated from his job at the Hotel Chandler, I think it would be good to put in some distance from the show.
At the very least, I’m glad you’ve been on the other side of the world in a different hemisphere just so that the “Jill Haters” can’t blame you for any of this.
That and all of the death threats you’ve received – just a lot of sick people out there. Its very odd that through all of the threats and the “I Hate Jill” site that Bethenny never once came to your defense, if anything to tell her followers to chill.
You really should have your own show.
{{{hugs}}}
October 14th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
i like ur insight Cali-girl…. i dont understand why people feel like if they like Bethenny or any other NY housewife, they have to hate Jill. i like all the housewives for different reasons, but my fav is Jill <3 I dont understand why people hate others. I believe everyone should accept people for who they are, good and bad. You dont need to LOVE them but you also do not need to say hurtful things to them or tell ur people to send hate mail
xoxo
October 13th, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Wasn’t there a moment at Stacie’s and Jason’s that kind of said it all about Tareq? He looked like he was on the verge of some connection with Jason, when Michaele called from the kitchen. I think he is a man who would do anything to give his wife what she wants. It was kinda sad really…
October 13th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Hi Jill! We are all happy you are home. You were missed! I completely agree with you on this blog. I too hope there is a season 2 so we can learn more about the other ladies. Tell Gloria Happy BIRTHDAY! Have a great day, Jill. Love ya! Colleen
October 13th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Very well said!
October 13th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
Jill, I have to say that your blog on the subject has been the nicest one I have read. You called it like it is. Some of the other blogs were on the verge of hateful but yours was, well, just truthful. Very nice. Glad i read it. Happy BIrthday to your mama.
Forever a fan
Barb