A December 2015 headline: “A night on the town went haywire for some “Real Housewives” when Ramona Singer defended a drunken creep at a fancy party — and was then ejected with the guy.” It was Season 8, Episode 7 when the event played out at Madame Paulette: Luxury Cleaning and Restoration Specialists. “Something is weird about the vibe,” Ramona tells one-season wonder Jules. We then cut to Luann arriving and running into a guy that she dated last summer that she “totally blew off.” She wants nothing to do with him. He approaches nonetheless.
Luann: What are you doing here?
Rey: No, I’m not high. I’m completely sober.
Luann: Are you okay?
Rey: No, now that I see you, I’m having a mental breakdown. I’m shaking down into my socks and I love you. I don’t wanna cry, but shut up.
Luann: Rey…
Rey: Listen, Luann, shut the fuck up! I texted you tonight and…
Luann: I’m busy.
Rey: Oh shut up. Stop giving me…
Luann: Rey…
Rey: I love you. Can I get a kiss?
Luann: I have to go.
[She leaves. Rey doesn’t.]
Rey [to the remaining Housewives]: Hello, good evening. I have a charity… I have a charity that… helps poor people.
Ramona: That’s good.
Rey [to no one in particular]: Can we have three drinks?
Sonja: You do have a girlfriend, right?
Rey: I do. Dude, shut up! Don’t tell Luann.
We then cut to Ramona’s talking head, who provides some context: “I had met Rey with Luann during the summer. She was dating him. They just fucked.”
Dorinda’s then-boyfriend, Madame Paulette owner John Mahdessian, comes over and implores Rey to chill, suggesting they step outside and have a cigarette. “He’s not going outside,” Ramona tells John on Rey’s behalf. It escalates quickly. “Don’t throw your fingers at me!” Ramona snaps at John. “You’re leaving with me,” Rey tells Ramona. “This is what you’re with, Dorinda?” Ramona asks. The fight spills into the street. “You be gracious and kind where I go to!” Dorinda demands. Ramona gets in her face and Rey attempts to pull her back. “I’m not with you! I’m not with you!” Ramona barks at Rey. “I’ll take your ass out and I’ll call the police!” Dorinda says to Rey. He leaves. Ramona starts jumping up and down yelling, “I don’t know what happened! This isn’t my fucking fault!” She leaves. “You’re not wanted here, you stupid fucking bitch,” Dorinda declares before getting in a cab and leaving the party herself. “I’m going home.”
There’s just something about New York.
Or, rather there was. Carole Radziwill exited the show after Season 10. Bethenny Frankel a season later. And Tinsley Mortimer mid-way through Season 12. Destabilized, the show tried to do what it had done successfully in the past: bring in new blood. However, the alchemy just wasn’t there. An October 2021 headline: “RHONY reunion canceled over Ramona Singer’s alleged racist behavior.” The season finale aired on September 7, 2021. There wasn’t a peep about cameras going up again until a March 2022 headline: “Bravo to Reboot Real Housewives of New York City With New Cast.” Andy Cohen, the show’s executive producer since day dot, spoke about went wrong: “We only had five Housewives, we were shooting during COVID, we were tremendously limited as to where we could shoot… I think that if you look at any series where the ratings are declining week to week as the series goes on and the viewer feedback is growing disenchanted on social media, etc. — I think that was a big red flag for us.”
It took nearly two years off the air, but finally, in July of this year, the new New York, not rebranded, simply rebooted, made its maiden voyage. If Season 13 was “diva down/we need a fucking medic boots/we have to triage this injured diva,” Season 14 was an attempt at a “new year, new me” affair.
Now that the season has concluded, I think it’s time to assess the situation.
First things first: This season had a lot working against it. For many (myself included), Season 13 wasn’t so much a sinking ship as it was a ship in need of a new paint job. This show was attempting to do something no other franchise had (yet) done, and had the distinction of having a new cast replacing some of Bravo’s most beloved and beloved-to-hate Housewives. Not to mention the unceremonious last time at bat. All this, plus a Bravo fan community that seemed to have their brows pre-furrowed at any sign of buckling under the immense pressures at play.
I first sought out my most trusted Bravo-heads, Come Thru Queen co-hosts Brendan Davis and Dan Calabrese. “I'm still in the camp of folks who overall enjoyed the season, but I think that it took a major dip during the Anguilla trip,” explains Davis.
“I liked this season, but it’s missing something.” Calabrese agreed, adding: “With only six Housewives and no FOH’s (Friend of Housewives), the cast felt small. I don't mind having someone who's conflict-averse on the show (Jenna), but that's all the more reason we need to flesh out the cast. The RHONY 2.0 women are all interesting in their own right but didn't have much to work with in terms of plot between cast members to carry them through a full season.”
What do I think?