Despite being only four episodes in, speculation has begun over what a reunion for this season of the Real Housewives of New Jersey might look like. With the relationship between the show’s stalwart Housewives, sisters-in-law and mortal enemies Teresa Giudice and Melissa Gorga hitting a dead end last year — the show has taken a unique turn, with each of them making it clear they have no intention of engaging with the other anymore. Finally, after over a decade of sprinkle cookies and christenings and stripper allegations, we’re finally free. But that stalemate could naturally make for a very unnatural reunion special — and now People Magazine is reporting that the show might forgo a tradition reunion altogether, and instead plans to figure out a “different concept” to wrap up the season. Andy Cohen has previously called the stalemate “not sustainable” for the series, but thus far the reality show has surprisingly been able to forge on, thanks largely to an exceptionally sprawling cast. Between the Housewives, their husbands, children, mothers, friends, and acquaintances trying to strong-arm their way onto the show with gossip — there’s more than enough material without the tired Teresa vs. Melissa feud. “It somehow worked this season,” Cohen agreed on his radio show in April, “But for the future it’s not sustainable.” So while it seems much too early in the season to take any supposed reunion plans too seriously, the case may very well be that Bravo goes for an unconventional reunion to close out an equally unconventional season. Maybe Teresa and Melissa can take turns sitting in the trailer Scheana had to sit in during the Vanderpump Rules reunion on account of her restraining order? Whatever the end of the season ends up looking like, as long as Jenn Fessler is there with her guitar, we’re happy.
