Since 2009, Teresa Giudice has been the HBIC on the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The mother of four has lapped up the limelight and made sure to recruit allies each and every season. Over the years, Tre has orchestrated some pretty outlandish drama, including a race around a New Jersey country club, hair-pulling, and spreading rumors. But as the sun starts to set on the once beloved franchise and dynasty, I can’t help but wonder who will be taking the OG’s place. Poetic justice would say it would be her sister-in-law, Melissa Gorga.

Melissa went to the Real Housewives of New Jersey in Season 3 and inevitably shook up the entire franchise. Missy G hasn’t had one moment of peace as she has spent years trying to forge a truce between herself and Tre. But now that the network is thinking of shaking things up, I wouldn’t be surprised if Melissa becomes the new Queen Bee of Franklin Lakes.

Mirror, mirror on Melissa Gorga’s wall…

Now, I will not be standing on a soapbox pretending that Melissa doesn’t share some of the traits I dislike about Teresa. On the contrary, both women are eerily quite alike, which is probably why they don’t get along. But for me, Melissa falls into the lesser of two evils category. While Tre can come across as malicious, Melissa can come across as calculating. But the difference for me is Melissa has never to my knowledge, plotted some of the worst schemes in Real Housewives history.

If Melissa were to take over the hot spot, I’d like to see a bit more of her life—not just the buying trips for Envy or dropping her daughter off at school. I want to see the nitty gritty, like explaining her husband’s alleged lawsuits.

Friend or foe?

What I love about Melissa is her ability to be friends with pretty much everyone on the cast. Now, again, I am not so naive to think that all these are true friendships, but she sure knows how to hold a conversation with the rest of the women. As a queen bee, you have to know all your subjects. I’ve seen Melissa take the time to bond with most of the women. The most recent episode showed Mel rocking up to Danielle Cabral’s Boughie Kidz event and hugging each child. We are one step away from kissing babies.

Politically correct

I would argue that Melissa is the most diplomatic of all the Garden State women. The mother of three often takes time to listen to a person’s gripes, ingest the information, and make an educated decision for a decent outcome. Melissa is also very good at sticking up for those she feels deserve support. Recently, the RHONJ star supported Andy Cohen after he was accused of sexual harassment. In earlier seasons, she also defended Margaret Josephs and Jackie Goldschneider.

Family is forever for Melissa Gorga

To be the leader of the hive, you have to have a strong family unit. One of the best things about Melissa is her mother-daughter relationship with Antonia Gorga. Their friendship is deep-rooted, and it reflects the same bond Melissa has with her own mother. A queen bee also needs a king regent. Not in any way a ruling monarch but a husband who stands by her side. Joe Gorga is just that. It is crystal clear that Joe worships the ground Melissa walks on.

It also doesn’t hurt that Joe most definitely helps with the ratings. He gets along with the other husbands and partakes in the hijinks. Joe’s popularity is an asset to Melissa’s reign and most likely helps her keep her throne. I’m glad she joined the show because I think Melissa and her family’s presence has added to Teresa’s storyline while providing some entertainment.

After reading through all this information, I realize it isn’t hard to imagine Melissa taking over the franchise. I reckon the Real Housewives of New Jersey would feel lighter, friendlier, and happier. With the current split down the middle with the cast, the network has its work cut out for them. But to get big rewards, you have to take even bigger chances. Taking a chance on Melissa and her sprinkle cookies could be the chance of a lifetime. But it could just pan out.

Real Housewives of New Jersey is currently streaming on Peacock.