Tick, Tick, BOOM

I can't get over how heartbreaking this week's Mob Wives was. Even if you're not a Renee fan, you couldn't help but sympathize with her. Her whole world crumbled before our very eyes, and I couldn't help but feel guilty that I was watching it happen. Who am I to see this kind of personal tragedy play out on a show I turn to for entertainment? But, I reminded myself, this is reality tv. This is the kind of drama we ask for. Sometimes, it's just too real.

I'll start with the lighter stuff first, and then focus on Renee, if that's ok with you all.

Drita: Punching as flirting? I could get into that! Just kidding ... non-violent is definitely the way to go from now on. I'm sure you want a mature, loving relationship after the drama with Lee, but it has to be hard to date after not having any practice for so long. I wouldn't worry about Lee's acquaintance recognizing you at da club. You weren't doing anything wrong or even risque, so even if Lee does get upset, it's really none of his business now that you're getting divorced. The speed dating was kind of a bust, but at least you and Carla had fun. At this point, I say, focus on your career and the right person will come along when the time is right. Drita's grade for the week: B.

Carla: The date with Joe was so friggin' cute. I kind of do want you two to end up together. He is handsome! Anyway, you look a lot happier, so that's why I'm thinking there still may be something there. I remember last season you were totally done with it. See how quick things change? Carla's grade for the week: A.

Big Ang: Who knew you had been to jail? I love how you said you were a total loser that day. It's your honesty and candor that people respond to, I think, and you gave us plenty in that brief scene at the restaurant. And that scene in the deli with Drita was so interesting. Your 38 year old husband needs to appreciate what he has with you. That's all I'll say about that. We love you. Big Ang's grade for the week: A.

Ramona: You behaved yourself, probably because no one said the D word. I actually enjoy your scenes when you're calm and collected. The rift between you and your father is really sad. I hope you two can patch things up soon. Ramona's grade for the week: B.

Karen: You really showed up for Renee. I respect that a lot. And I'm sure she appreciates it, too. No matter what, you're there for your friends, and that speaks volumes to me about what kind of person you are. I have a lot of respect for you after this episode. Karen's grade for the week: A.

Renee: What can I say? The depression and panic you must have been going through before the infamous letter was almost too much for you. And then, the letter. You were fighting all alone for something that wasn't even there. The fight you have in you is more than most people in the world combined. You weren't going to rest until you got answers. But the answer you got when you called your family was not at all what you expected. I think we saw you physically revert back to that scared little girl who doesn't want her father to be taken away, and we cried with you. We hurt with you. This tribulation isn't over yet on the show, since we'll see the full story of Junior's alleged betrayal of your father in next week's episode. If this low is the catalyst for you taking certain people out of your life forever and putting yourself first, then it will definitely be worth it. We're all rooting for you. Renee's grade for the week: A.

What did you think of this episode? Tweet me!

Pickle Juice

Jersey Shore was quite emotional on Thursday night - what with Vinnie leaving to deal with his anxiety issues and all. The rest of the cast seems to be lost without him, but the laughs and drama will no doubt continue in Vinny's (short) absence. 

So let's get down to the nitty gritty of the episode!

Vinny: I can totally understand why you had to leave. I know it made your roommates upset, but you have to take care of yourself first. Anxiety and depression is no joke, and the best thing you could have done is to take some time out to get better. Especially if this is something you've been dealing with since you were a teenager. I know you'll come back, so it'll be nice to see you jump right back into the swing of things. Plus, you're raising awareness and probably sparking a dialogue for kids who may have the same problem. Vinny's grade for the week: A.

Pauly: You get the Dummy of the Week award. First, you burn your face off from tanning too much. Then, you bring home a skank whore who steals your chain just so she can come back and see you again (and get more camera time). I know you wanna hit Jersey "hord" for this last season, but you need to take a step back and make some better choices. I felt for you when Vinny left, being your bff and all, but I'm sure you want him to get better more than anyone. Vinny's grade for the week: C. 

Mike: I honestly want you to redeem yourself by the end of the season. I think you should stick with your girl Paula, drop the fight with Snooki, and ditch the "villain" persona once and for all. That's all I have to say to you. Mike's grade for the week: C.

Ronnie: You really tried to convince Vinny to stay, but nothing you did or said would have made a difference. You're super funny this season, which is definitely my favorite side of Ronnie. Keep it up, bro! Ronnie's grade for the week: A. 

Deena: I appreciate you on this show SO much. Just the comedic value alone is worth the price of admission. Your scene with the perfume was so hilarious. I love that you reconnected with a past boy toy, because that keeps you from salivating over Pauly. I'm not too excited about your upcoming drunken foolishness, but a Meatball doesn't change overnight, I guess. Deena's grade for the week: B.

Jenni: I wish we had more JWOWW moments on the show. I hate that you've been relegated to background player, but I'm hoping that will change as the season goes on. Jenni's grade for the week: B.

Sammi: You're still on my good side, and I love it! I love nice Sammi! All I can say is - I hope it lasts. Sammi's grade for the week: A. 

Snooki: Despite being falling-down-drunk at Karma, you had a pretty good episode, all in all. You and Jionni are still going strong, and I think that's awesome. Stay away from Mike and his drama, and make it a fun last season. Snooki's grade for the week: B.

The After Hours show focused mostly on Snooki and Mike - who are both adamant that the other is lying about the hooking up allegations. Mike ends up leaving, saying he doesn't want to keep making Snooki upset. Could it be he's tired of defending himself because it's not entirely true? Or is this just a plotline in progress? I'm officially over this storyline, so the sooner it's settled, the better. The previews for the next episode show Mike leaving - but this I'm positive that it's only temporary. He'll be back. Just like Vinny. Check out the After Hours show here. 

The Hook Up with Deena, Sammi, and Mike was pretty good. I like Kenny Santucci as a host. I wish he would host the After Hours show instead of that Amy chick. They discussed all the major plot points, and Mike talked about his behavior on the show. You can watch it here. 

What did you think of this week's Jersey Shore happenings? Tweet me!