I have already disclosed that I love the Real Housewives Series.  Bravo has now moved from New York , to  New Jersey.   How convenient for the crews.  

I have lived on the west coast all my years in America, forty plus years, my knowledge of New Jersey is based on Hollywood stereotypes, so forgive me if I am a bit, just a tad bit suspicious.  

The New Jersey Housewives series is also starting to feel familiar, between Hollywood and Greek family ways, I can get behind these gals.     I am comfortable.  The disputes are not alien to me.  The drama is around: family vs. friends.  The Housewives are mostly Italian American, as a Greek/Lebanese, I know the conflicts.  

Who you gonna trust?  Family, or outsiders?  

Friends, or commonly referred to as "outsiders" are always suspected of the most gruesome behavior and motives.   You never sleep around them, you keep one eye open.  You just cannot trust them. Eternal vigilance.

 Caroline Manzo, the eldest and the mater familias, keeps her eyes open for strangers.  Always alert that no one will mess with her kids and sister in laws   

 _{Caroline Manzo}

The story line of the New Jersey gals, is that four wives are from one family, one, Danielle is an outsider.  Danielle, is no Miss Sunshine of the impeccable mind, she has a past.  Someone wrote a book about her past and her connections to questionable people.  Danielle is also divorced.  Danger, danger, danger, husband stealer.  Strega.  

 _Danielle

UPDATED : Found the Mug Shots this is from 1986. 

Dina, one of the family, of course makes sure that the book shows up at the hair salon.  Yes, none of that in your face confrontation, like the Orange County, New York or Atlanta .   No Dr. Phil moments "we need to talk". Instead, it's about plot and intrigue.   

_{(Dina is the blonde)}

Dina found the book about the "outsider"  and  passed the book around at the beauty salon.  Dina, knows how to take care of the enemy, the outsider, poison their reputation. If you watched I Claudius, or Rome, you get it, I don't need to explain.  

But, now we come to my favorite housewife, Teresa Guidice.  Teresa has three little girls, one she is priming for an acting/modeling career.  Teresa and her husband are building a Mac Mansion.  Onyx, marble, granite, oh my.   Sofas, ottomans, and armoires.  One thing about the Guidices, they pay cash for everything.  

 _{Teresa, with the book.}

Tens  of thousands, cash, Benjamin Franklins.  Clothes twice a week for her daughters: bang, Mr. Franklins, straight, smack down on the counter.  

I am wondering, where is the family to protect them.  Caroline, do something.  Man, this day in age, you could get a sweet reward from the IRS, here is the form.  

Teresa and Joe , take it easy on the cash transaction on national tv.  I know, you are not using credit, but who has that kind of cash?  The IRS is watching, the Feds need the money.  The website says Joe is in an entrepreneur, but c'mon, times are hard, people will turn you to the IRS for a few bucks.  

Frankly, at this point I am watching to see how long will it take for the IRS to pay a visit to Teresa and her husband and what other machinations will take place before anyone has a straight face to face like in the other Real Housewives shows.  

Finally, this feels comfortable.  I recognize the characters from family and from my favorite television series and movies.   I even understand the gestures and the misunderstandings.   New Jersey Housewives are like a comfort food, feta and tomatoes, no mozzarella and tomatoes.  Heck, all I know is that there is lots of olive oil.