Last night's Real Housewives Of New Jersey finale was a shock-stravaganza by nearly all accounts, but even amid those apocalyptic levels of RHONJ drama, Teresa Giudice's husband Luis Ruelas' eerily calm yet angry outburst did not sit well with fans.
After a protracted period of speculation over whether RHONJ would air a finale at all, the episode last night was a certified banger — so much so that The Daily Beast declared the franchise "dead after that scandalous finale."
The outlet's assessment was breathless and awed in tone, heralding a RHONJ showdown that was so intense it stood out against 14 seasons of table-flipping dramatics:
"The Season 14 finale is the most intense and salacious episode RHONJ has aired in years. It’s a beautiful disaster that almost justifies the wildly uneven, narratively inconsequential season that preceded it. Almost. It’s nearly impossible to imagine anything beyond this …
"The structure of the episode is classic, building up to a final group sit-down at the perfect setting: a rustic Italian steakhouse in the heart of Jersey. Although Dolores hopes the relaxing energy of the rustling train and exposed brick will bring good energy to balance out the toxicity emitting from the group, that’s nowhere near the case.
"In fact, the most beautiful thing about the finale is that just about every cast member is buried alive by the end of it, too deep into their own despair to even attempt saving face, leaving the show in such immense devastation that it actually feels Shakesperian."
Yes, The Daily Beast described the final act of the RHONJ Season 14 finale as something that "actually feels Shakesperian."
In a cacophonous, tension-packed episode ominously titled "When All Is Said And Done," Luis' comments about Margaret Josephs' son truly shocked viewers.
Luis Said He Hopes Margaret Josephs' Son 'Suffers'
The Real Housewives Of New Jersey Season 14 finale culminated in a "sit down" dinner at a New Jersey steakhouse, but the volatile and viral comments made by Luis Ruelas occurred before the cast members gathered to eat and argue.
The scene in question was filmed at Teresa's house, and occurs around 25 minutes into the uncensored version of the RHONJ Season 14 finale streaming on Peacock.
Cameras cut to the outside of her house, before transitioning to a conversation between Luis and Teresa, beginning with the following exchange:
[Luis]: "What's your plan today to navigate around Margaret today? How are you going to — how do you plan on doing this?"
[Teresa]: "Like, I don't have a plan babe, I'm not a strategic person …"
[Luis]: "I know you're not."
Eventually, Teresa explains that her "plan" is to not have a plan — which Luis seems to accept at first, and the couple continue conversing in an apparently calm fashion.
However, immediately after that, Ruelas returned his ire towards Margaret, specifically wishing "suffering" on her son and beginning:
"Tell her to stay away from our family. And you know what? I hope Margaret and her family suffer.
"You know, I hope her f*****g son suffers the way I suffer, the way other people in our family have suffered, dealing with a woman like that."
As fans pointed out repeatedly, the comments were starker in contrast, given the fact Luis' shirt has a "spiritual" phrase emblazoned on it ("Transcend"), and because he's sitting next to a "love" tchotchke while explicitly hoping others will "suffer."
Luis' tone remains neutral throughout, a fact viewers found "chilling," and he concludes, saying of Margaret:
Teresa then chimes in, agreeing and saying:
"No, I know! Our kids suffered because of what she's doing."
Luis cuts back in before the scene shifts to Margaret's house, and he says of Josephs:
"She's here to take advantage of everything that's going on, and she's a real piece of garbage.
"If Margaret doesn't apologize to you [Teresa], you know, she's not even worth you even sitting in front of her, Teresa."
As fans discussed Luis' comments about Margaret Josephs' son and her family, many opined that the moment depicted his "mask slipping," giving viewers a more accurate glimpse into his personality.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey
Cast
Teresa Giudice , Jacqueline Laurita , Caroline Manzo , Dina Cantin , Danielle Staub , Melissa Gorga , Kathy Wakile , Teresa Aprea , Amber Marchese , Nicole Napolitano , Dolores Catania , Siggy Flicker , Margaret Josephs , Jennifer Aydin
Franchise
The Real Housewives
Producer
Andy Cohen
Streaming Service(s)
Bravo , E! , Peacock
Franchise(s)
The Real Housewives
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