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Season 1
View All PostsCaroline Manzo
End of the Road
Caroline recaps the finale, reflects on this season's joyous occasions, and comes to terms with Danielle's true colors.
August 23, 2010Here we are, at the end of the road. It’s been quite a ride, wouldn’t you agree? I hope we’ve shown you over the past sixteen weeks that we are a group of women who dare to be ourselves. In that process we have exhibited both good behavior as well as bad. You’ve witnessed all the peaks and valleys of our lives, and we’ve shown you a range of emotions from laughter to tears, frustration to jubilation, anger to forgiveness, embarrassment to arrogance, etc, etc, etc. I’m hoping one thing resonates, the simple fact that we’re human. Not one of us can claim to be the perfect representation of what a wife, mother, or friend should be. I can only speak for myself when I say that I’m proud of who I am, the man I married, and the children we’ve raised. Faults and all.
OK, we have some ground to cover, let’s get started. First I need to address a comment that was made in the last episode of the Italy trip. When I mentioned that I was uncomfortable with the use of the Italian language it was not derogatory towards Teresa and her family. It simply meant that I was frustrated that I couldn’t understand them. I wish I did. I clearly said that I was disappointed that my parents and grandparents didn’t pass the language down to us. Whether I speak the language or not, the most important aspect of the Italian heritage has been passed down to us. We were taught the importance of hard work, loyalty, and tradition. We were raised to value each other, protect each other, and love each other. Al and I continue to instill those values in our own children to this very day. So, I guess I’m not gonna sweat the small stuff, right? I’ll worry about learning the language if I ever find myself relocating to Italy, until then, I’m proud to say I’m an American of Italian decent. God bless the USA!
Time to talk about this week’s episode. You have to understand where I’m coming from. It was clear to me that the situation with Danielle was like a merry-go-round that never was going to stop. I felt that I was the only one that could go and speak to her because I was the only one that wasn’t emotionally involved. I was never her friend, and true, I never wanted to be. I never gave her the chance to be. That’s a decision I made solely based on instinct two years ago. Although there are those of you who think I was unfair to her, I think I made the right decision. You may not agree with my method, but what can I say, I am what I am. Another thing I need to clear up. THE BOOK. Ugh, I’m sick of talking about it. We were told about the book from numerous people in Danielle’s town. I showed the book to TWO people. That does not constitute exposing her. Danielle chose to bring the book out to the entire country, not me. Two people verses the entire country - think about it. I have always represented myself as someone who tells the truth and owns up her mistakes no matter how embarrassing they may be. I’m not about to tell a lie now. That’s it ... subject matter addressed...THE BOOK IS CLOSED.
My intention for the meeting with Danielle was to put an end to all the nonsense (nonsense being the operative word). I was so sick of hearing her name, so sick of dealing with the fallout of the rumors and encounters regarding her, and so ashamed and embarrassed by how we behaved and what we allowed ourselves to become in our quest to "win." Like I said to Danielle, there are no winners in a losing game. Somewhere in the back of my mind I knew how it would end. I knew there would be no reasoning or understanding, but I had nothing to lose. I’m not proud of the names I called her; my remarks were cruel and childish. But, that's my truth. Makes absolutely no sense but, it is what it is. I said what I said out of frustration and anger. I was speaking to someone who was looking me dead in the eye and lying to me. Not only that, there was absolutely no accountability on her part at all. I have one regret ... I wish I knew then what I know now. I learned the true depth of Danielle’s character along with all of you as I watched each episode over the past sixteen weeks. I had no idea of the remarks and accusations that were being made towards my children, the others, and me. I had no idea that there were bodyguards with GUNS outside the restaurant when we had our meeting. When I made the comment about the bodyguards I was referring to the event at The Brownstone, her meeting with Dina, and the country club debacle. Maybe it’s best that I didn’t, who knows. I’m annoyed with myself for losing my cool, but looking back, I truly believe that there was no way any agreement would have been made that evening. In any event, when I returned to The Brownstone I meant what I said. I’m not going back to that place. If any of the others choose to go there, then that’s their decision and I don’t want to hear a word about it. I’m done.
I know the show has focused on the drama surrounding our relationship with Danielle over the past two years. I have a favor to ask of you. Remember the other things we’ve shared with you. Remember Jacqueline and her struggles to carry a child to term and the miracle of Nicholas. Think about little Audriana blessing Joe and Teresa with a fourth daughter. Smile when you see all of our parents joining us on a whirlwind trip to Italy. Cry, and be inspired as you watch Albie’s struggles with his learning disability and how he deals with it. Laugh along with Christopher and his beautiful smile and his outlook on life. Be encouraged by Lauren following her dreams and finding the “love of her life” in Vito. Look at the relationship between Jacqueline and Ashley and see a mother and child who have issues, but also have the determination to make things right between them. I can go on and on. What I’m trying to say is that we have opened our lives to you. We’ve shown you the good, the bad, and the ugly. I’m pretty confident when I say that each and every one of you have related to us in some way, shape, or form. Love us or hate us, we are who we are, no frills attached.
Thank you so much for watching. I can never say that enough.
Xoxo
C.
PS. The reunion ... WOW...
Caroline will you continue next season? I hope but I think you are fed up.
Out of all of the housewives, Caroline is the BEST!!! You protect your family and friends like a mama bear. However, I can't help but get choked up when I see you on the show. Your attitude and loyalty reminds me sooo much of my mom who passed away 10 years ago.
I have a new Motto " IF I AM BITCH, I WILL OWN IT"!!!
I REALLY DIDN'T CARE FOR YOU IN THE BEGINNING BUT, YOU SHOWED HOW REAL YOU ARE IN THE END.
PRETTY SHREWD GAL,
KEEP IT REAL, LIKE YOU HAVE BEEN..
Caroline,
You are perfect the way you are, some of us understand things just by seeing the show and won't need an explanation to see who's who. It's so funny to see a couple of the comments made here, I only wish for the homosapiens to start using their brains to creat a little bit of wisdome. I can not believe some people exist!!!
Any how, thank you so much for being on the show, athough I'm sure with the way things turned out it wasn't particularly easy. As for me, I felt like I was poisoned everytime I put myself in your shoes (or your family's shoes), to have to deal with what you had to deal with.
I just wanted to say that I learned a lot from you in the past weeks, I'm glad people like you are around, and I think you can not look any more beautiful, on the inside and out. Love, happiness and the caring personaly of yours makes everyone want to have one of you in the family.
Lots of love to you,
PG-
Caroline,
You are perfect the way you are, some of us understand things just by seeing the show and won't need an explanation to see who's who. It's so funny to see a couple of the comments made here, I only wish for the homosapiens to start using their brains to creat a little bit of wisdome. I can not believe some people exist!!!
Any how, thank you so much for being on the show, athough I'm sure with the way things turned out it wasn't particularly easy. As for me, I felt like I was poisoned everytime I put myself in your shoes (or your family's shoes), to have to deal with what you had to deal with.
I just wanted to say that I learned a lot from you in the past weeks, I'm glad people like you are around, and I think you can not look any more beautiful, on the inside and out. Love, happiness and the caring personaly of yours makes everyone want to have one of you in the family.
Lots of love to you,
PG-
I understand you exactly but some people just don't get it!
Thanks Caroline for being OPEN, HONEST and REAL!!!
Carloine You are a great lady and I think you are the only one who saw through Danielle from the start. I love your family they are t6he best. I hope everything works for Albie he is a fighter he should have the best. Love you guys
Where can I start? Undrstanding Danielle is not easy, or maybe it is. I think she has been taken advantage of all of her life, she was without the nurturing influence of a responsible mother, men have used her from a very early age and she is desperately trying to gain understanding and respect from people who are no good for her. The Manzo clan has had family behind them all their lives, Danielle has not and will never get over it. I can empathize with her, it is part of her DNA and will always haunt her. Danielle in her own right is a courageous woman who is making a way for herself and her children and I applaud her for that. There for the Grace of God go I! Manzo's you are , supposedly a God fearing family, act like it, forgiveness is divine. Caroline, something in your life may have not been so great, for you to be acting as if you are an entity in yourself. God did not make GARBAGE, you way overstepped your own boundaries, and to say, I am who I am, what is that? Is that an excuse for all of your trespasses? I think not. Take a good look at yourself, to sit in judgement and make other poeple is not up to you. Like other people said, Get Over Yourself. Jacqueline, you are the one with the biggest heart I applaud you for your decision to stand up for yourself and even if Danielle doesn't follow through with her promise to drop the lawsuit, you did what was right and gracious and becoming of a good person. Theresa, you need to shut your big mouth, look at that picture of yourself tossing the table, it speaks volumnes. I wish all of you well. Hooked
I guess all the sane people of Italian heritage ,moved to RI and all the nuts moved to New Jersey.How do you people find the time to get into everyones business.
The Manzo clan plus Teresa completely gained up on Danielle, with you Caroline as the leader. You absolutely DID attack Danielle this season, you also said hateful things about her beautiful daughters (vacant eyes, souless or something to that effect). Watching your collective behaviour was like returning to high school, Caroline leading the "in" click with all the pretty girls (i.e. Jaqueline, Teresa, Dina & Caroline) enoying the extents to which they can taunt and keep away someone (Danielle) who just wanted to maintain a friendship with Jaqueline. But NOOOO... you couldn't allow that - you had to investigate her, put her name through the mud for mistakes made and paid for years ago. After being so cruel, and hateful you have the nerve to ask her to drop charges against Ashley. No way in hell! If you couldn't find it in YOUR heart to let the past alone, you are in NO position to ask Danielle for ANY favors. Shame on all of you.
I feel like you were completely honest on the reunion. I feel that why you were so pissed was that from day one you told Teresa and Jacqueline to stay away from Danielle and you really weren't involved and the more altercations and situations that they encountered with Danielle you became involved. Then they go on a bs huggind spree. WTH....it was completely insane. She did all of that for television. Did Jacqueline forget about all that came out of their mouths and all the drama....I can see making a vow for everyone to go their own separate ways, but to hud the woman that pressed charges against your daughter....puh-lease!!! Keep your head high...I am on your side!!!
CLASS ACT!
Thank you for always remaning
classy! You are one hella of a class act!
I wish the others would take after you!
I love you on the show..
Stay true to who you are, and thank you
for being so classy!!!!!
the OC'
Caroline you are my hero.
You've always held true to your word. You stayed out of the line of crazy fire
and stayed clean throughout. You protected your family and your friends and
that is to be admired. But when you are dealing with crazy with a side of bad weave there is no winning. The 'D' word never thinks it's her and it's not worth your time or energy. Unfortunately, she hurt people who did not deserve to be hurt. You are a wonderful human being and i wish you and your family only the best. Hope to see more of you in the future.
Write a cookbook for us!!!!
You're a classy lady. Anyone who can't see that is a sausage.
You ARE a classy lady, anyone put into the positions you were this season would not have been able to keep their cool nearly as well as you did....Call it Bossy, call it whatever you want, the truth is you definately have a strong and appreciated presence in your family. We all know everyone is entitled to their opinion. I loved the show, loved the reunion and personally I'm sorry it's over. Other than one cast member who isn't worth mentioning, everyone was great. I did miss Dena when she left, now I understand Teresa may not come back. It's a shame, I'll miss them.
Caroline, It amazes me that even in your blog you are telling us how to feel and what to do like some kind of controlling bully. You tell us, the fans, to stop talking about THE BOOK, "subject matter addressed", the book is "closed"... Please, get over yourself. If we want to talk about it, we can. The only reason you don't is because of your despicable behavior digging up the past of someone you feel you're better than.
I do not know Caroline personally but, she appears to be a bitter bully with an extreme need to control everything and everyone. "Keeping it real" looks like bitterness and the lack of self control. I wish she would stop and just be the lady she tries to pretend to be.
Caroline,
I think you are great!!! You're the most REAL housewife on the show!
You are a beautiful woman and a great mother! Keep your head up and stay true to yourself.
Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!!!
Caroline,
I think you are great!!! You're the most REAL housewife on the show!
You are a beautiful woman and a great mother! Keep your head up and stay true to yourself.
Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!!!
Caroline,
I had mixed feelings about the way you handled some situations on the show, but last night I must say you were acting like a puppet master. It seems that you did start the whole ugly mess when you said on the show last year that you were going to investigate Danielle because she wanted to be 'in' with your family. You set everything into motion, set up your own sister, and unleased an ugly side of your step niece. If you were so worried about Danielle dancing with your son, you should have had more faith in your son to reject Danielle. Or haven't you taught him anything?
Who calls a woman crazy and delusional and in the same breathe continues to berate her and call her names? Respectfully Caroline, I think you actions resemble that of a hypocrite. I believe that Danielle has serious mental issues. However, I believe that those who know better must do better. Caroline, I don't think you are doing better. Most encounters that you have had with Danielle don't appear to me to be reconcilliation in nature but instead seem nose in the air and vengeful. All the best to you.
You Reap What You Sow. Although you claim no part in this escapade, you did, in fact, share "the book" with others. A "class act" would have confronted the person (Danielle) personally, made their own call, and move on. Instead you instigated what grew into this mess. I am not a fan of Danielle's, but can understand her feelings of hurt while trying to raise two daughters. I believe all have a chance to make atonement with their mistakes and move on to have a good and fruitful life, but not if their past is thrown in their face. You did not appear to take the high road, but rather applied a low blow that eventually enveloped many of your family members. In this instance you displayed a great example of how NOT to behave toward others.
your family speaks volums of who you are - and they are great. keep up the good work.
What gives you the right to call anyone garbage. How would you like your son the one with ADD be called garbage but some of your son troubles has to do with how you treat others and what comes back to you in two fold. It effect your family also. Don't feel that you are someone special because special people who think they are better than others get droped down a few pegs.
Caroline,
You are the most classy and intelligent housewife on the show..I love how you did not buy into any of Danielle's charades..I am surprised that Jacqueline forgave Danielle after everything she has done to her and her family. I did not buy her apology for a second.
You inspire so many of us out there with your big heart and the way you protect your family.
WISH YOU ALL THE BEST TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY..
Caroline,
I have two sons and one just left to live across the country to go to college. I can relate to you so much. I thought I was going to die and that a part of my soul had been ripped out. I see that you love those boys as much as I love mine and I wish you and your family the best. Danielle is a very sick woman. Stay stong and god bless.
I so hope Bravo posts my comment.
Caroline, I am so glad you showed your true colors during the reunion. What a bitter, controlling woman you are. During the whole season and specially during the reunion, you tried to lead and control the situation. Danielle who is a very emotionally unestable person, showed much more composure and class than you did. When did she ever call you 'garbage', for instance?. You said you never attacked her. Who brought the book about Danielle's past to the show?. You did, remember?. That is attacking a person for their past mistakes; nevertheless you judge Danielle for not forgiving the mistakes of a 'young woman'?.
Many people here buy your Earth Mother role. I never did, and tonight a lot of us could see how unforgiving, resentful and bitter you are. Jacqueline didn't behave as you expected, huh?. Didn't you say that you wanted all this drama to go away?. Well, Jacqueline was doing a very good job at it, but she didn't do it your way and that got you really, really, upset.
I hope you find a hobby in your life and fill the empty nest, which I think it is the cause of your bitterness and anger. Time to accept that your sons have grown up and now there is nobody to boss around.
...and finally, thank you for showing your true colors. Priceless.
My comments never get posted, but I am going to try again.
Those women wouldn't allow Danielle to say a word without shouting her down, rolling their eyes, and/or calling her names. Yet, oddly enough, they (especially, you, Caroline) say over and over they are the "Good" people. Not in my book.
Caroline controlled the entire hate campaign from her kitchen cupboard. How many episodes did we find Caroline sitting on her counter in the kitchen telling people they needed to shun and hate Danielle (and Kim G). Her goal is to turn this into "Keeping Up With the Manzos" and she won't rest until she succeeds.
Danielle has serious issues and problems, but her daughters are truly the finest of all the people on the show, and her ending speech to you at the reunion was spot ON. You just couldn't allow the hate to come to such a stunning end. It made you look like the fool you are. You got caught, red faced and naked.
It doesn't matter that people have, thus far, called you this or that or judge you this way or that. Anyone here who HAS commented obviously watches the show and is playing the judgement card smply by doing so, for better or worse. Caroline, I love your family life, and I will go away from this show respcting you for your honesty, your humanity and your wonderful meatball recipe. ;) (We loved Mama Manzo's Meatballs here!!) All the best to you, Dena, Jacqueline and Teresa. <3 Toni
Caroline, no matter how soiled a person’s reputation is, Danielle(or anyone) is still a human being and not a garbage. Many people here call you “classy” which is the wrong term to use. The really “Classy “people are elegant, sophisticated and reserved. They don’t join reality tv shows (for a few thousand $$$) to expose their core. Classy people do not participate in gossips, they stay out of other people’s business and allow people to handle their own issues responsibly/maturely and if there is a need for them to intervene, you can rest assure that it will be handled in the most cordial ways and not make things more grave. Calling someone a garbage is very arrogant and egotistical of you. You have excessive self/family admiration disorder – you think like you are some kind of superwoman who can fix everyone’s problems but you actually make it worst. Get off your high horse, without the people of New Jersey patronizing your business, you are at the same level as the person you called garbage.
Well said..no one deserves to be calld garbage!
Caroline, I really feel like you were fighting a losing battle. I am glad I do not have a sister-in-law like you do. I think your brother is great, but I really am sorry his wife does NOT appreciate everything you did to help Ashley. I understand how you feel about "D." She thinks your jealous of her, that is the best laugh I've had all year. She really is to be pitied, but she is so jealous of you that she can't own up to everything she has said and done to your family. Her behavior at the Brownstone was unbelievable. You are so right to stay away from Kim G. I love your honesty and your passion for family. I had heard that a housewife was leaving the show. I can tell you now, when you leave that's it for me. ANY class that was on the show is you and your family. I am encouraged and delighted by you. Please stay strong and DO NOT LEAVE THE SHOW!!!!! We miss Dina so much. She was another touch of class the viewers lost.
I totally agree with this post. I just finished watching the entire reunion with Andy and i thought it was a great ending. You are too tough on yourself, which reflects how you react to others. I think you are a good woman with a big heart, but there is anger that exists and should be shed. Please take a look at yourself and shed the anger.
Denie
Hey Caroline,
I think you are the coolest one on the show, simply because
you say what you mean and you mean what you say. People may think oh she is mean etc. etc. no no that's not the case and this is why i truely think that Danielle could not fool you or get away with have the crap she pulled on the other girls. Anyways: I loved the show and I really enjoyed the time you spent with your family and how you took time to express to all your children on which way they should handle their careers. I hope all is well with Albie (forgive me If I misspelled his name) and getting back in law school. Many blessings :)
Caroline,
I love your family, I wish the best for all of you. I hope Danielle is out of the picture. She is CRAZY! I hope Dina comes back next year! God bless you all!
I watch the show from over seas and I have to Admit that I don't really get why things are taking such proportions !!!
I can understand that U can't stand some people but paying so much attention to it seem to me too much.
I really like Caroline but I really don't understand why the "D" factor is that important. And sorry to say this but I think it's encouraging Ashley to act like she did.
I am watching the RHONJ from Sweden and I just want to say that I think you girls are all great. I wish I had a friendship like yours, with the love and all the support you are strong together. There are people out there who are nothing if they cant stir up a fight but you are better then they are when you stand above it. You go girl, Caroline you are my hero. Lots of love from Sweden.
Caroline: What a class act you are and a breath of fresh air. Your children are well adjusted, mannerly and are a reflection of you and your husband. Bravo!!!
Dina was a class act also, we miss seeing her. There are rumors that Danielle is fired........God I hope they are true. There are also rumors that she will have a spin-off. Bravo, what a bad mistake!!! That is one show I will NEVER watch! I too have a child with a learning disability so I feel for you and your situation with Alfe. He will rise above it because he has such a wonderful support system. I wish him the best and hope he never gives up!! He will succeed.
Caroline,
You represent what a true NJ woman should be; honest, loving, devoted, and beautiful (inside and out). I could only hope for the happiness that you so evidently radiate. You go girl! You are welcome to the Southern part of New Jersey any day because its unanimous how "real" you are.
Kait
Caroline, you are the best!!!!!
Your family is soooo lucky to have you
I've always admired self confident people,you have such wisdom and insight into life and people.Your family and friends are so blessed to have you.
Yeh, Theresa has a temper,especially at the reunion show.But she and Joe are hysterical,they make me laugh.Hope she can get control of her spending.
Anyway Caroline, you are an inspiration to all of us women.Looking forward to next season.
Caroline,
I truly respect you from being the strong family leader who thinks before she reacts. Daniell is just an opportunist and will do any thing and every thing to become famous. I really belive that she did put out or had someone put out those sex tapes for publisity and it worked! I think a lot of you Caroline for trying to protect your family. I love the relationship you have with your children and husband this is how family should be. Daniell is so jealous of that because she will never have that! Danille does not know how to be a friend only if they can help her in some way form or fashion. Enough of the Daniell soga..I really thought that you handled yourself well at the reunion. Now I wish that Teresa can stop giving Daniell the fame that she does not deserve by reacting to Daniell comments.
Daniell always plays the victim when really she is the villian. She acts and comments like the Mafia not you... Daniell just has revenge out for your family because your family did not except her, now I see why you are right ...Crazy is Crazy.
J
Caroline! When I grow up I wanna be just like you xoxoxo
Thank you for being authentic, classy and such a wonderful testiment to what a mother and wife should be. You have great morals, fortitude, and plenty of courage to inspire others to be better people, in all regards. Blessings to you and your family, always.
I appreciate your honesty and grace. Thank you for being who you are.
Caroline, I just don't get why a woman as intelligent as you are would even attempt to reason with Danielle. She was obviously still very upset with your family/friends, there were current legal situations happening and you had never been anything to her in the past. You say you weren't emotionally involved, but I beg to differ. How can you say that when you believed that D attacked your place of business, your family, your friends and your son? You were, and are, emotionally involved no matter that you had removed yourself from the situation.
Reasonable people know that people who disagree will never see eye to eye while one or both of them are still actively hurt/angry. I respect that you wanted to try to put an end to things, and I respect D for showing up and hearing you out, even agreeing with you up to a point. Do you realize that you lost D's listening ear when you basically said she was obligated to drop the case against Ashley based on you using D's own philosophy against her. Yet, never did you mention Ashley feeling remorse, never did you say that Ashley was going to issue an apology. How can you expect someone to forgive another person for a violent physical attack, coupled with a campaign of hatred on the internet, without a single apology being offered as a truce? Would you be able to find it within you if you were in D's shoes?
Shame on all of you and all of your behavior. I am not a big D fan, but given the options this season I have to side with her against all of you. Shame on you and your family and friends. Talking big and bad is one thing but actual real violence is abhorrent. I will no longer be a viewer of RHONJ because of it.
Excellent comment/statement Ohio.
I completely concur!
Encourage Teresa, Jackie & Ashley NOT to engage at all with "D" ENOUGH already! Don't go to the same functions, don't respond to rumors, don't gossip with people about her, don't tweet or tect or facebook about her, etc
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