image via Bravo

Thursday’s episode of Real Housewives Of New York City was sad.  So much has changed since the first season.  People were nicer, more aloof and new to the cameras invading their lives.  Now, fame (“Bravo” fame) has stripped away the layers of human decency and exposed the monstrous faces of Alex, Jill, Luann, Bethenny, and Ramona.  Kelly‘s always known fame and has actually earned points this season.  I’ve accepted Kelly for her jargon bubble banter.  She’s out there, but is the only one I can tolerate these days.

Luann used to be an elitist snob, secure in her Countess title.  As far as she was concerned, no one in Manhattan had manners, and people who lived outside the island were invalids (except those from European royalty, natch).  This season, Luann’s a little more human, a little more vulnerable and a lot easier to like.  Unfortunately, Jill Zarin smelled Luann’s sadness and called dibs on divorcee.  Now Jill has Luann trained to house her in the Hamptons and defend her honor at parties, no matter the issue.   

Jill is a huge disappointment this season.  I was Team Zarin for so long.  Jill seemed level-headed, a little crazy, but very likeable.  With Bobby and Gloria by her side, Jill Zarin could do no wrong in my eyes.  Now, I’m sad.  Jill’s filter has been completely removed, but not in a good way.  She throws insults hither and thither, not thinking of the consequences.  It appears all that gum flapping has come to a head.  Bethenny’s done, Alex has resorted to middle-school backlash, and finally we witness the crumbling of Jill Zarin.  Man, has she turned on the waterworks.  All of this fighting has to have taken its toll on her.  So many enemies, Jill.  So many.  I write this post with a heavy heart, because I don’t like watching her fight with so many people.  Even when she bit Ramona’s head off for not telling her about Bethenny’s ailing father, I had to throw in the towel.  It was not Ramona’s job to tell Jill about Bethenny’s.  Jill had decided not to remain friends with Bethenny, and Ramona kept the news a secret out of respect.  Jill’s outburst was not cool.  Then the fight with Alex.  It was all too much.

By the by, is that new chick with the amaze balls apartment going to be a fixture on future episodes?  Because I’m going to need a little more background.