For many Bravo viewers, it is starting to feel like the end of an era regarding the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The last few years have been a merry-go-round of similar storylines, with the women seemingly losing their passion for performing. But could an “I’m sorry” between Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga really be what saves the franchise from a total makeover?
Where did RHONJ go wrong?
One of the pillars of the Garden State series was how family-orientated it was. When the franchise first aired back in 2009, it was all about the importance of keeping a close family unit. But along the way, the green-eyed monster got a hold of Tre and Mel, which caused them to have a major falling out. Throw in two alpha male husbands and a gossip train, and you will have quite a family feud. It was apparent that the OG felt as if her space had been encroached on when Melissa and her brother, Joe Gorga, joined the show during Season 3. From the start, it was obvious that Melissa was never going to be good enough for the show or to hold the name Gorga.
Even though there were moments of peace, most of the time, Tre was in the background trying to manipulate a way to bring her sister-in-law down. However, perhaps the worst thing that the network allowed was for the women to call the shots. I understand that everyone is under a contract; this would also include a reunion segment. So when Melissa and Teresa decided to stop talking and filming together, they really should have been cut. You can’t possibly shoot a reality TV show if cast members are unwilling to participate. Bravo lost control, and in turn, the show suffered. Could it be that the ladies had no idea what their choice would result in? I think they genuinely thought the show would go on.
Will Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga make amends?
But according to Life & Style, Melissa and Tre are not that absent-minded when it comes to keeping the Bravo checks flowing. According to a source close to the women, the arch-enemies are looking to extend an olive branch. The insider shared, “This is not about mending broken hearts or repairing their shattered relationship. Nope, it’s all about business.” The two Jersey girls are well aware that “The show’s future is hanging by a thread. If Teresa and Melissa don’t bury the hatchet, the entire franchise could come crashing down.”
The source added, “Let’s be real. They can’t stand each other, but they’re smart enough to know they have to work together if they want to keep those paychecks rolling in!” For this plan to work, fans would need to see a sit-down where both women can say their peace and find a resolution. Now, personally, I’ll believe that when hell freezes over, but I guess they can give it a shot.
RHONJ fans will need some convincing
Die-hard fans are not ignorant of the fact that Melissa and Teresa are alike in many ways. But we are also not wearing rose-colored glasses. Even though Melissa admitted she hasn’t been the best sister-in-law, I wonder if the wounds run too deep. During her stint on Two Ts in a Pod, Missy G noted, “I’m not saying I’m an angel. But I think that I’ve taken a lot, I’ve forgiven a lot, I’ve moved forward with a lot. I’ll just say it like that.” I think after all the turmoil, it would be extremely hard for viewers to believe that everything is perfect between the two mothers after all they’ve been through.
Now, while the idea of filming their apology tour could work, it might also be the final nail in the coffin. If Melissa and Teresa really can’t move on for the sake of their own fate, I don’t see them doing it for the fans. A simple chat could easily morph into World War III and take viewers down the same rabbit hole we’ve been through for the last couple of years. It might just be time to give us some new faces. But let’s see if the duo can pull their sh*t together and make one last season or it’s curtains.
TELL US — WOULD YOU WANT TO SEE MELISSA AND TERESA MAKE UP? OR ARE YOU OVER THEIR FEUD?
