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“I can’t believe I’m back.” Eight years after stepping away from The Real Housewives of New York City, Carole has returned to television. Plenty has shifted since viewers last saw her, but some things remain unchanged: these women still know how to fight. Daisy plans a brunch in hopes of lifting Sai’s spirits, though lingering tension between Jessel and Erin threatens to derail the day.
Carole has also found her way back to writing since her last appearance. In true New York fashion, she even keeps office hours from her car during street-cleaning time so she does not lose her parking space. Erika meets up with Carole, and viewers learn that Martha Stewart is the surprising link connecting everyone. At this point, someone should hand Martha an apple and welcome her into the friend group.
With “Love Story” capturing the public’s attention, Carole’s book—written years earlier—has landed on the bestseller list. Her connection to JFK, Jr.’s family has only fueled the renewed fascination. During her conversation with Erika, Carole reveals that a man she once dated auditioned to portray her late husband in the show. Needless to say, it is an especially strange twist.
Meanwhile, Erin and Abe are confronting serious water damage at their Hamptons home after a pipe bursts through the bedroom ceiling. Seeing the destruction firsthand leaves Erin devastated, as the damage has suddenly torn through a house filled with treasured memories.
Erika reveals that she grew up in Waco, Texas, and spent two years with the WWE. She later helped develop a program for Rumble Boxing and contributed to a program for Equinox. She leads a workout class with Daisy while Hailey watches from the “audience,” although neither woman proves to be an ideal fitness student.
After class, Daisy invites the group away for the weekend. When Erika attempts to get details about Sai’s situation with her husband, Daisy makes clear that she will not say a word. A girls’ getaway sounds promising, and Erika decides that, since the more the merrier, Carole should come along too. Still, with Erin and Jessel set to share a room again, the trip could quickly become uncomfortable.
Hailey is beginning to see Erin as someone who talks too much behind people’s backs. Erin does not hesitate to discuss Hailey’s lavender marriage, while Hailey says she tends to black out whenever Erin speaks to her. She compares Erin to “strawberry jam”—something people either want or do not. Her meaning is clear: Hailey finds Erin boring.
Later, Sai speaks with her lawyer about assets as she navigates the separation. The stress is overwhelming, and she is deeply concerned about what her husband may seek from the split.
Daisy says her son remains the central priority in her marriage. She is trying to arrange a date night with her husband, but their packed schedules make it difficult. The couple often clashes over Daisy’s career, particularly because makeup work cannot always be scheduled far in advance.
Daisy’s girl brunch is underway. When Erin arrives, she admits that everyone is going through some sh*t and Erika does not know the real reason why the ladies have gotten together. When Jessel arrives, she is less than thrilled to see the “pest” Erin.
Sai arrives at the celebration, but the only two people who know why they are having said celebration are Jessel and Daisy. Even Sai realizes she does not have a lot to celebrate right now, so she is just as confused as the others.
Daisy talks about her son’s tutor having a crush on her and they all get a good laugh out of that. According to Sai, Daisy has two addictions…shopping and attention. Noted.
Erin makes a toast to Sai and manages to make a dig at Jessel kicking her out of the party last week. Awkward. Carole does not understand the underlying message, which in turns gets Erin and Jessel off and running about the party. Erin admits, once again, that she talked about Jessel, but Jessel did not think she had conflict with Erin. Erin feels like the connection they had after their dads passed away has since drifted.
Carole points out that Erin said Jessel was obnoxious and thirsty, which is not what Erin was hoping for. They begin fighting over dermatologists and Sai is confused: wasn’t this supposed to be a feel good lunch? Erin takes ownership for talking about Jessel and Jessel apologizes for kicking Erin out of her party.
Just as things almost get wrapped up, Hailey confronts Erin for bringing up personal things to her date. Erin begins to feel like it’s a bit of a pile on.
As a change of subject, Daisy asks about “Love Story” and Jessel wants to know if Carolyn Bessette was a b*tch. Carole explains that she is not watching the show because it’s too much, considering Carolyn was one of her best friends and JFK, Jr. was a cousin through marriage. When Jessel asks about Carolyn Bessette summer, Carole is confused and perplexed. Jessel refers to Carole as a “walking human vibe diffuser.” Jessel continues to probe and wonders if the family is cursed and it’s just all too much, making everyone uncomfortable.
After the whole thing, Carole leaves right before the brunch burlesque show begins. While the show goes on, Erin whispers to Daisy that Jessel is a “clout chaser.” Erika looks on and sees that Erin is a bit two-faced. Didn’t she just make up with Jessel? …and yet here we are…talking sh*t about her all over again. Some things will never change.
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THIS EPISODE OF RHONY?