‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ season 7 premiere: Teresa Giudice returns home

The premiere of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” this season is probably one that had more intrigue around it than usual, and you can thank Teresa Giudice for that.

In some ways, it is sad to write that, since both we as viewers and the show are effectively capitalizing on the pain of someone who did terrible things and went to prison. Then again, she continues to agree to be on the show. Teresa’s return home was the main event, and for this week, we saw her mostly just with her family two days before Christmas. This was emotional, and Teresa vowed that she would learn a lesson from this and not make the season mistake again. There’ll be time to see about that.

Now that she is out, can she repair some of her relationships? That remains to be seen, but she did contact both Jacqueline Laurita and Melissa Gorga via letter while she was behind bars. Both are apprehensive, but open to giving things another shot. In particular Jacqueline’s story is interesting to us, as she openly admits to having financial trouble since the last time the show focused on her. Through downsizing, her and Chris are working to make ends meet. It’s a different story than we’re used to, and we do appreciate seeing them try to take it on responsibly.

Meanwhile, the premiere also introduced to us to two new Housewives in Siggy Flicker and Dolores Catania at the holiday party. For now, we’re going to say Siggy is our favorite of the two, mostly because of her completely over-the-top entrance.