There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Teresa Giudice never thought her life would pan out like it has. No one wakes up one morning and thinks, “I’m going to make a living as a reality TV star.” But here we are, 14 years after Real Housewives of New Jersey premiered, still talking about Teresa and her table-flipping ways. I’ll be honest, as I feel sentimental; Teresa used to be my favorite.
I loved how opinionated she was and her kindness from her early years. I found myself crying when the episode aired of her return home from prison, and I kept wishing her luck. As the series as we know it winds down I am starting to look at how Teresa has evolved and what she could do to really make herself as zen as she claims to be.
Teresa Giudice has blossomed over the years
Not surprisingly, there is a lot to admire Teresa for. She has always been a good mother. From filming the birth of Audriana Giudice, to her prison stint, to today, Tre has always put being a mother first. The Paterson native made sure that her daughter never wanted anything and seemed to support their passions.
After she was released from prison in 2015, Tre got right back into working in order to earn money for her family. There is something to be said about being able to get back up after you fall so far off the pedestal. Within two years of being set free, Teresa penned two memoirs, Standing Strong and Turning Tables.
Even though I’m afraid I have to disagree with how Teresa treats a lot of the cast, I will admit she is a loyal friend. Regarding Jennifer Aydin, Dina Manzo, and Dolores Catania, the OG is ride-or-die. And I would say Teresa also prides herself on being a good friend. She once said, “Good friends are like angels; you don’t need to see them to know that they are always there.”
Teresa’s best friend, Rosanna Costa, still stands by her side. Even if she has issues with certain co-stars, Tre is capable of holding onto long-term friendships off the series. That is something to be admired.
Teresa Giudice has work to do
The mother of four has changed A LOT over the seasons. Teresa started off as a pretty reserved (if you can believe it) wife and mother who just wanted to live her life the traditional Italian way. In Seasons 1 and 2, Tre was arguably lighter. She (supposedly) wasn’t aware of the side dealings her husband was doing, and Joe and Melissa Gorga hadn’t appeared on the show yet. In Season 3 there was an obvious difference in Teresa’s personality.
In my opinion, the moment she decided to chase Danielle Staub around a New Jersey country club was when she became the villain. Her choice to do and say just about anything to stay in the limelight started to overtake her.
If Bravo were to bring back Teresa in any capacity, I think there are a few things the housewife could work on. Firstly, the OG has to start taking accountability for her actions. For years, Tre has made up salacious rumors and encouraged her co-stars to fight. The bestselling author often enjoys playing the victim, stating that family is everything. But she couldn’t even put her own jealousy aside to mend her fractured relationship with her brother.
RHONJ Season 14 marks the end of an era
When it comes to Teresa, she has an ego. The fact that she refused to film with Melissa but wouldn’t quit Real Housewives of New Jersey was a blow to the franchise. It allowed cracks in the foundation to show, with some claiming that the series couldn’t be carried by the other women alone.
Whether she returns to Bravo or not, I am happy I was able to witness Teresa’s evolution. The good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s been one hell of a ride. I hope Tre has learned a thing or two about herself in the process. Here’s to now focusing on the love, love, love!
Real Housewives of New Jersey is available to stream on Peacock.
