The Real Housewives of New York City Recap: Pic of the Litter

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As a proud daughter of Puerto Rico who has watched reality TV for far too many hours of my life, let me tell you, I am thoroughly enjoying this new Housewives franchise! It’s refreshing to see a group of women who can laugh and joke with each other without the drama erupting into all-out war.

It seems some individuals outside the Housewives fandom assume our primary interest lies in watching women argue over trivial matters. However, I believe this is a misconception. Yes, we enjoy the occasional catfight, but it’s not the only aspect that appeals to us. For instance, check out this recent episode of RHONY. While there was a spat about perceived slights, it also offered healing moments, profound discussions, and plenty of laughter. It wasn’t all drama, which is great because we were also treated to an intriguing tale about Jenna Lyons’s unruly pubic hair that defies even the most rigorous grooming efforts.

The most significant healing process unfolded between Racquel and her mother, Marian, who reunited after six years apart. Racquel expresses her apprehension regarding her mother’s arrival, sharing her belief that her mother’s prolonged absence was due to her new romantic relationship with a woman. She notes that her mother always found excuses not to travel to New York. In response to her mother’s claims about needing a pet sitter, Racquel encourages her to bring the dog. Her mother cites fear of flying, and Racquel proposes obtaining some Xanax (though humorously acknowledges this is just a joke). Despite these challenges, Racquel laments the lost opportunity for bonding with her mother and the fact that her children are deprived of time with their grandmother.

This conversation with Sai delves into her personal experiences about her Puerto Rican mother, reflecting on how women of their mothers’ generation from Latin backgrounds tended to conceal struggles, such as addiction or homophobia, rather than addressing them openly. Although a physical fight might be more visually compelling, the discussion between these two women of color was authentic, heartfelt, and enlightening, focusing on breaking cycles and becoming better mothers for future generations.

Upon Racquel’s mom’s long-awaited arrival, laden with a generous meal she prepared, featuring bacalao – a distinct salt fish dish in tomato stew not typically found on Paulie Walnuts’ Easter plate – the woman appears amiable enough. The ladies shower her with warm embraces and flattering remarks, likening her to Racquel. In an incredibly familiar scene reminiscent of Housewives, mother and daughter engage in a conversation that resonates deeply: Racquel helps her mom set up her iPad for FaceTime sessions with the grandkids. If I had a dollar for every time my own parents have FaceTimed me to show their computer issues, only for me to suggest they turn it off and on again – and magically, the problem solves itself – then I’d have enough money to purchase one item from Jenna Lyons’ stoop sale.

The funniest instance occurs when Jenna appears late in the morning and receives a quick peck on the lips from Brynn, as it’s customary for Brynn to greet lesbians this way. When Jenna attempts to kiss Sai on the lips, Sai declines, prompting Jenna to kiss Ubah, Erin, and others instead. This scene leaves Racquel’s mother, visibly uncomfortable with same-sex relationships, watching uneasily, longing for her bacalao to transform into a magical portal whisking her away to the nearest Sandals resort. Marian clarifies that Racquel had visited after Maria, not the characters from musicals like The Sound of Music or West Side Story, but rather Maria, the hurricane. She also mentions having no streetlights for a month and receiving no assistance from the U.S. government during this time. It’s unclear if she received help from BStrong following Bethenny’s trip to Puerto Rico with Dorinda Medley after the hurricane, although it would have likely been mentioned if so.

While we’re out shopping, Sai, Ubah, and Jessel decide to focus on capturing each other’s outfits, leaving Brynn, Jenna, and I to continue. Honestly, I can relate to Brynn’s sentiment – I enjoy vacation photos more when I’m the one featured.

As a fervent fan, I have to admit, the discussion over men’s private parts at The Casita, a Puerto Rican eatery founded by Gina Kirschenheiter, really piqued my interest. Ubah getting upset because she’d be dumped for showing her man’s intimate parts to friends? Sai preferring not to see any husband’s D and keeping her own partner’s images private? Well, count me in as Team Peek-A-Boo! I’m that nosy neighbor who can’t resist the curiosity and my inner pervert takes over. Heck, if given a chance, I would sneak a peek at a friend’s husband’s… well, you get the idea. It’s just a man part, after all. And it was a quick glance, not like we were scrutinizing it for clues to escape a room full of puzzles.

Here’s the blessing and curse of having a big dick: everyone in society thinks it’s a great thing, the greatest honor a man can have, but he absolutely cannot bring it up and has so few opportunities to show it off. They have to be Jon Hamm-sized for it to make an impression in pants or as wanton as Justin Theroux in grey sweatpants to really make it public, and that is the extreme end of the bell curve. Guys with big dicks want everyone to know, but they need someone else to do the advertising for them. I have a feeling that whenever the truth comes to attention, as it were, they are happy to have everyone know that, yes, they have been blessed in the best way possible.  (As a proud member of the Growners Not Showers Community, I know nothing of this plight.)

I found it amusing, especially seeing the women giggle over Erin and Abe’s antics and later Jessel’s feet being photographed by Sai and shared in the group chat. It was a fun moment, showing these ladies enjoying each other’s company and their ability to joke without things escalating. I quite enjoyed this program. Could we see more of it? It seems like a enjoyable show!

Upon their arrival home, a major issue surfaces between Brynn and Becky Minkoff that needs resolution. Though I’m not fond of the “Xenu’s Favorite Housewife,” I stand by Brynn in this dispute. The scene unfolds mid-argument where Becky accuses Brynn of being a bully, to which Brynn retorts by stating that if Becky had engaged with the group, she would understand it was a delicate matter involving Ubah and Jessel’s fertility struggles. Becky disagrees, asserting they are unrelated and accuses Brynn of not making an effort to know her at all. Brynn expresses her desire for peace, but Becky counters by saying Brynn can end the conflict if she wishes. Calm, composed, and fact-driven, Becky effectively disarms Brynn’s argument, resolving the situation.

After their shopping trip, Becky attempts to engage with Brynn, who appears to brush her off like an unwanted SoulCycle session. When Becky proposes a conversation, Brynn refuses, giving the impression that Becky’s feelings are insignificant. Becky expresses remorse, explaining she wasn’t aware of Brynn’s fertility journey. In response, Brynn also apologizes for her harsh words and admits she should have apologized sooner because she was in the wrong. This comes as a surprise since they had barely spoken moments ago, so it’s a change of heart. Fortunately, Becky doesn’t let it rest there and expresses that this incident was the culmination of many past snubs from Brynn (think back to the montage!). She suggests that Brynn should have addressed her resentment earlier, which might have led to a strong friendship between them instead.

They embrace, basking in the warmth of the Puerto Rican sun prior to returning indoors to feel chilly in the island’s air conditioning. Life seems perfect; the women are content, the disputes have been resolved, and we can anticipate less exciting escapades tomorrow. Oh, hold on. What? In just three hours, they will all be arguing fiercely, with Ubah accusing Brynn of using someone to secure a spot on the show? Oh, forget this peace; let’s get back to some Real Housewives drama instead!

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2024-12-18 07:54