The July 14 episode of Real Housewives of New Jersey was the 7th episode of season 5. The episode is titled “When Joes Collide” and it really lives up to its name.
Caroline Manzo and Jacqueline Laurita make very brief appearances in this episode. The sisters-in-law reiterate again that they have no desire to participate in the retreat with Teresa and her family. This is a family affair and something they feel should not concern them. Jacqueline is still very hurt. Teresa blamed her for destroying her family.
The episode begins with the Giudices (Juicy Joe and Teresa Giudice), the Gorgas (Poison Joe and Melissa) and the Wakiles (Rich and Kathy) packing for the retreat in Lake George. The only person taking the retreat seriously is Teresa. Juicy asks Teresa as to why they are taking this trip. Teresa said it’s a healing retreat but also the family will be working with team leaders to learn how to communicate better. It’s different than the therapy session Teresa and Poison attended. In therapy the siblings explored their feelings and were given the advice to stay away from each other. Teresa admits in her talking head she may look cool on the outside but inside she is full of anxiety.
The Gorgas and the Wakiles take a bus to Lake George for the retreat. The whole trip they complain Teresa does not take responsibility for her actions and that she is delusional. Poison in particular has little faith this program is going to solve the family feud. He says this retreat is a waste of time. I’m thinking everyone agreed to the retreat so they could hold it over Teresa’s head as leverage in future fights. None of these people have admitted they are part of the problem. It takes two to tango.
Teresa and Juicy are the first to arrive. When the Gorgas and Wakiles arrive Teresa greets her family warmly. There are hugs and kisses all around. Everyone is making an effort to start off on the right foot. There is minor bickering at lunch but otherwise everyone seems happy and ready to work. You can see the apprehension on Poison’s face. Melissa, Kathy and Rich are just playing it cool. Juicy is nonchalant. He thinks the retreat is a waste of time. Teresa is visibly nervous. If the program doesn’t work everyone will want her head on a platter.
Team builders Steve and Stephanie have the three couples play a game. No one but Teresa is taking the game seriously as a lesson she is supposed to learn. The team leaders explain the purpose of the games. Steve asks if there is loyalty in the family. This is wear it all goes down hill. Teresa and Poison are screaming over each other. Poison snaps and says Teresa is scum. She storms out saying she is done with the retreat. Meanwhile, Juicy is outside with Rosie getting some air. Teresa tells her husband what Poison said and announces they are going home. Juicy says Poison needs to apologize and runs back into the class. He demands Poison apologize and then Poison lunges at him. The whole family rushes to break up the fight. Steve and Stephanie are standing on the sidelines helpless. They tried to intervene as the argument escalates only to be pushed away.
Andy Cohen said on Watch What Happens Live we will see the fight and the fall out for another two episodes.
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