A RHOM Boxing Match

I’ve decided that every good blog should begin with a theme song. So what could be more fitting than this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioE_O7Lm0I4

Adrian: Rocky? Rocky! 

Jergens: Tonight, we have had the privilege of witnessing the greatest exhibition of guts and stamina in the history of the ring!

Rocky: Adrian! 

Adrian: Rocky. Rocky!

Last time I refrained from commenting. This time I am totally at a loss for words. How does one allow a situation to escalate to the point of no return? Can a newspaper article be offensive enough to warrant such a dramatic response from two seemingly rational, intelligent women? Or was it just the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back? And if so, can we readily identify who is carrying around all that straw? 

The problem with being the last person to arrive at the party is that I was behind on both drinks and information. I was not able to witness anything first hand; and there were so many issues being hashed out in different corners of the Hochstein’s manse that I felt like a spectator on the sidelines of a gilded boxing ring where all the fighters were scantily clad and gorgeous. 

In this corner: a feather sporting Marysol being forewarned that she was inappropriately dressed. In another corner: Joe what’s his face boasting about his sexual escapades with the Krupa sisters. In a third corner: Elaine as James resolving an argument by pushing someone into the pool and damaging thousands of dollars’ worth of DJ equipment in the process. In yet another corner: Adriana and Karent discuss the finer points of journalistic integrity and the now infamous newspaper article where we were collectively called “classless fame addicts with Botox for brains.” (I think, but don’t quote me please). By the way, quotes -- air or otherwise -- have caused quite a bit of controversy so far, no? 

The last corner had the most activity, which just mushroomed into many mini and not so mini arguments and then spontaneously combusted into that fateful hallway scene. Punches, slaps, embedded nails, a broom stick, “Meees Lisa’s” best friend-for-hire offering comfort, and several unsuspecting reality TV cameramen, grips, audio guys, and producers who couldn’t believe their luck, I mean, eyes. And I had only been there 20 minutes!Despite the fact that many of you believe Karent and I have a strained relationship, we are mostly polite and cordial as you witnessed throughout the episode. But I have a responsibility (contractual obligation) to call it like I see it. And while I will not be the judge and jury (that’s your job), this is what I’ve come up with. 

Karent really really wants to be liked, which causes her to behave in an overcompensating manner. Is that a heinous crime? No. But it does create a ripple effect, which has caused quite a bit of damage -- damage mind you, that I do not believe she intended or expected. But are we to ignore that so many of the evening’s “run ins” were somehow triggered or somewhat influenced by her behavior? Even the most fervent supporter would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind to deny that.

In order to make sense of all this “drama by Bravo” I had to break it down. I ask you to indulge me in this little self-administered Q and A. If you disagree with any of my answers, let me know.

Did Marysol need to be confronted about her attire? No.

Should Karent have asked Joe Francis if he “slept with both of them” after he clearly said “I dated both of them”? (I’ve reviewed the footage numerous times to confirm this.) No.As Joanna’s friend, should Karent have been more sensitive to the fact that her relationship with Romain was already on shaky ground; and perhaps not initiated the Joe Francis confrontation at that moment? Yes.

Should Karent have considered the potential for bodily harm let alone the criminal consequences that could have ensued if Romain had decided to beat the crap out of Joe Francis? Yes.

Could Karent just have told Joanna “I got this” when she came to her rescue? Maybe. 

Could Joanna have been stopped anyway? Probably not. 

Did Joanna and Adriana have an unrelated axe to grind and this article was just the perfect excuse/catalyst? I think so.

Was Karent responsible for the ruined party/equipment because the guy that fought with James was her guest? That’s a stretch. 

Did Joanna get involved in something that didn’t concern her? Yes.

Does she have a propensity to do so because of her maternal instincts, her passion for those with no voice, and the underdog? Yes.

Does Karent need a mother, a voice, or a top dog? No.Does Joanna have a right to defend her anyway? Absolutely.

Did Adriana have a right to confront Karent about something that bothered her? Yes.

Was it the best place to do it? No.

Did Adriana try to keep the problem from escalating by walking away? Yes.

Did Joanna need to go after her? No.

Did Adriana need to throw that first punch? God no.

So who won?

Jergens: [reads the results] Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a split decision. 

Rocky: ADRIAN! 

Adrian: Rocky! 

Jergens: ...for Creed! 

[audience cheers] 

So what have we learned boys and girls? Only that there are two sides to every story and that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. That we will never know the whole truth by watching bits and pieces of literally hours of footage (until the reunion). And that no singular cast member will appeal to all people at all times. 

That being said, I encourage you to comment on my blog. I have found that for the most part my commenters, even the dissenters, are pretty smart people and I am delighted, amused, and often quite enlightened by some of your responses and observations. Do I love the guy that suggested I ingest poison and throw myself off a balcony in Verona? Actually, yes! He seems funny and kind of cool. I only wish I could interact directly with you guys on this forum. But I would love to hear from you on Twitter: @AnaQooks, on my Facebook wall: Ana Quincoces and/or via my website contact page at AnaQuincoces.com.

As promised, my recipe of the week…

Knockout Punch:

3 cups chilled guava nectar

2 cups Malibu rum

2 cups passion fruit nectar

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)

1 ½ cups chilled ginger ale

1 ½ cups chilled mineral water

1 lime, thinly sliced

Directions:

Combine the guava nectar, rum, and passion fruit in a punch bowl or pitcher, add the ginger ale, mineral water and lime to the juice and rum mixture and stir. Divide among serving glasses with ice and garnish with mint leaves.

Salud!

Until next time,

Ana