Universal Ramblings

In The Real Housewives of New Jersey, we are introduced to Danielle Staub, a 45 year old divorcee, who claims to have confidence because she “takes care of her body” but also admits that some people may find that she is “too much”. Among Danielle’s claims; she was engaged 19 times before saying yes to number 20, her ex-husband; and she was one of the first Black American Express card holders “before Madonna had hers”. Danielle is spiraling in a financial crisis due to her 2 year long divorce negotiation and is looking for the love of a very wealthy man.

In this episode, Teresa Guidice takes her eldest daughter, Gia (7) to a dance rehearsal but claims not to be a stage mom, although she is seeking an Acting or Modeling Agency to represent Gia.

Meanwhile, Danielle is getting ready for a date with a mystery man that she has been having phone sex with for the past 2 years. Danielle only knows that the man’s online name is “Gucci Model”. While she is getting ready for her blind date, Jacqueline Laurita shows up to talk her out of going on it. As reinforcement, Teresa Guidice shows up as well, while Jacqueline is asking “Where is this going to go?”

Jacqueline and Teresa decide to spy on Danielle’s blind date by arriving at Hoboken posh spot, Lua, before Danielle or “Gucci Model” show up. Danielle waits from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. before admitting she has been stood up. She calls Jacqueline’s cell phone. Teresa and Jacqueline sneak up and surprise Danielle by giving up their ruse. They all have a drink together at the bar.

Caroline Manzo throws a graduation party for her son Albie and we learn that her children are “indulged” (read: waited on hand and foot by their mother). The party is held at The Brownstone (natch!).

The episode wraps up with Dina at her favorite salon Chateau the Art of Beauty in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. Dina is getting her hair done for a night out with the girls. She feels it is important to “always be your husband’s girlfriend, or they’ll go out and get a girlfriend.” Jacqueline shows up at Chateau to meet Dina and the other girls (2 of which are not in the cast).Jacqueline will be going out to New York City that evening because she was invited by Dina. Jacqueline finds Danielle sitting on the bench outside of the salon. Danielle is upset that she wasn’t invited to the girl’s night out, but Jacqueline is trying to ride neutral and lets Danielle know that Dina put the evening together. According to Dina, Danielle is starting rumors in their town. While speaking with Jacqueline, Danielle mentions that they better not be going to Cipriani, or she may be tempted to show up unannounced and uninvited.

Danielle goes into the salon to say hello to Dina and the other two girls that are getting ready to go out on the town. Dina virtually ignores her. There is obvious bad blood between the two women.

Instead of going to Cipriani, which Jacqueline has vetoed, the women end up at One Manhattan in the East Village. Dina makes a point of explaining that before Jacqueline and Danielle were friends, Jacqueline was not only her sister-in-law but her friend. Since Jacqueline has become friends with Danielle things have changed between them.

Danielle makes a point of saying that you should “know who your enemies are” in reference to Jacqueline’s relationship with Dina. Jacqueline remains neutral.