“Housewives” Holding Out For More Than They Already Have
Considering that the opening of the show features the maybe-divorcing-maybe-not Countess LuAnn (how many Countesses are named LuAnn, really?) saying something to the effect of “I don’t apologize for being privileged”, it seems nothing short of vile that most of the cast of “The Real Housewives of New York” are refusing to sign on for next season unless they get more money.
"Pay Attention To ME!", "No, Pay Attention to ME!", "No..."
That’s more money on top of the obscene wealth that they already shamelessly flaunt. And the cameras follow them like obedient puppies as they shop in designer boutiques, walk into red carpet events, and frolic on the beach in swimwear that costs more than most people’s monthly rent. These are women who have a show based on the very idea that they are rich and, while not being famous prior to the beginning of the show, they know plenty of famous people. They met famous people at other events that obscenely wealthy people go to.
A source for the New York Daily News stated that, “The Housewives all want six-figure deals. They barely made 10 grand for the first season…They want a clothing allowance, money for hair and makeup, a set raise and a promised amount of screen time.”
Are you kidding? These are women who already have the funds to walk into designer showrooms and walk out with whatever they want, 5 times over. These are women who already have makeup and hair people. These are women who all claim to be working hard all the time, but the only one actually filmed working has been Bethenny Frankel, who will finally get the title of “wife”, as she finally got an engagement ring from her boyfriend over the holiday weekend. At least we see her trying to promote her natural foods business and “Skinnygirl” cocktails. We might even admire her just a tiny little bit for using the tv show to get her name out there. Now she’s cooking organic meals for the richer and more famous, and she’s been photographed with Paris Hilton, which is like the Holy Grail to people looking to make it BIG.
The only person who has already signed on for next season is the unanimously-annoying Kelly Bensimon, who likes herself just a little too much for any viewers to like her at all. Alex McCord and her is-he-or-isn’t-he-gay husband haven’t signed a contract yet, but are getting ready to go on a promotional tour for the next season. It’s really a toss-up between Alex and Kelly for most annoying. Anyone pretentious enough to name her children Francois and Johan while living in the United States should probably be thrown out a window. As for Jill Zarin, well, we need her around for her voice alone. And her amazing ability to say whatever is on her mind. She has no filter, and we love her for it. I’m not sure what Ramona is there for. I can’t even think of anything that she’s done on the show. But she lives in New York and has more money than normal humans can dream of, so there she is.
While there are plenty of rich people who can be on the show, the chemistry between these women is the train wreck we can’t turn away from. It’s the multi-car pile-up that makes us put on our brakes to rubberneck. Although The Real Housewives of New Jersey is putting the New York Housewives to shame with their over-the-top bickering and pettiness, we are all still living in the aftermath of “Sex and the City”. We want to see women in New York. We miss it. The Real Housewives is kind of sloppy seconds, but we’ll take it.
Only thing is, I’m pretty sure that “Sex and the City” was less scripted.