by Jessica Blackwel

Joe seemed genuine when he decides that he is going to help Melissa pursue her singing career. But then I thought, yea right. As if miraculously, the first time he realized his wife can carry a tune was in front of a Bravo camera crew. Can you say staged? I was just thinking that by the end of the season she will probably be promoting some ridiculous single ala Danielle Staub's "Real Close", and sure enough, a song is being sang by the end of the episode. I was more interested in the talent of the 22 year old songwriter that she works with, Antony, than Melissa's.

Something nice to see is that Carolyn and Albert seems to get some of the alone time that Carolyn has been after since Season 1. Even if it's watching him play a "stupid game" like Golf, she enjoys spending time with him. Their relationship is one to envy. Carolyn is still suffering from empty noes syndrome, and Albert suggests that she do something that allows her to use her experience as a mother, to help other women. It think this is an excellent idea, she has the most normal, well adjusted children I've seen from any other reality star. It looks like she might get a radio deal.

Kathy could certainly use Caroline's guidance in this department. Her and her husband have their children sign contracts to make sure they don't get into drugs and alcohol, and stay focused on their goals. This is great, however, her middle school aged son confessed that he plans to participate in underage drinking despite signing a contract that indicates otherwise.

Speaking of children, it seems I jumped the gun on Ashley a bit. I concluded that maybe she learned her lesson last week, when she realized that her desire to live like Carrie Bradshaw was a fantasy. I was hoping she would finally learn some responsibility. I clearly forgot that she comes from an enabling family, because Chris decides to buy her another vehicle. Let's flashback to season 2, when she received a brand new, white Jeep Cherokee, and all she had to do was keep her grades up. She didn't and they took the vehicle away from her. I don't know why getting her another car is even up for discussion when she doesn't work for money. She interns in the city. Jacqueline seemed very concerned and rightfully so. Who is going to pay for the car note? Chris, Jacqueline's husband didn't seem to be concerned about this. Can I please remind Chris that doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity?

True to form, Ashley acts like a spoiled brat at the dealership, getting aggravated when Chris jokingly suggests that he wants to be able to drive the car whenever he wants. It's staggering to see her act so cavalier about something that most people her age would die for. Despite being a little douche bag, she still drives out with a brand new Jeep Wrangler.

Teresa's brother Joe finally responds to her letter, inquiring if he can attend Gia's gymnastic meet. He seemed really interested in Gia, but not so much in having a conversation with Teresa. Melissa and Joe ended up coming to the meet really late, and missing all of Gia's events. One moment that was truly sad, was when Antonia and Milania saw each other and hugged really tight. It's sad that the children are suffering in this situation. Teresa seemed to really rub it in to Joe that he was late, and it threw off Gia's concentration, and that wasn't the best judgement considering that they haven't spoken yet.

With both sides still proclaiming that the other is wrong, and expecting apologies, it will be interesting to see how things go next week, when Teresa finally sits down with not only her brother, but his wife as well.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey airs Sundays at 10/9c on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)