Bravo’s new series, Real Housewives of New York City, is, as housewife (and natural-foods chef) Bethenny Frankel describes a particularly fraught Hamptons tennis match, “like watching a train wreck.” Thankfully, Frankel and her cohorts are flanked by a strong cast of supporting characters. Here are five who won our hearts in just two episodes.
AVERY SINGER
Ramona Singer’s 12-year-old daughter.
Why to Watch
A precocious little blonde reminiscent of Atonement’s Briony, she vocalizes exactly what judgmental viewers are thinking.
Best Line So Far
Sporting a string of pearls, she casually remarks of her mother and her friends, “They sometimes do things that are unladylike.”
“For Your Consideration” Moment
Ramona wrestles with a bikini-clad pal by the pool and then threatens to throw her small dog into the water. Cut to Avery, nearby on the lawn. “You’re so embarrassing!” she screams, breaking her sarcastic façade for only a moment before running into the house.
TIM LOBELLO
Ramona’s tennis pro.
Why to Watch
Ramona drools over him and giggles at his dopey grins.
Best Line So Far
“I’m a tennis pro in the Hamptons … by day,” he tells the camera, cuing disco music.
“For Your Consideration” Moment
Tim slowly (and repeatedly) pulls off his sweat-stained white polo shirt on the tennis court, and remains shirtless long after he stops instructing.
EYOLA
Jill and Bobby Zarin’s housekeeper.
Why to Watch
With her skinny frame and Louise Brooks weave, she looks as though she should be managing a nightclub called the Cookie Club.
Best Line So Far
“Go on, give your stepfather a hug. I’ll show you how to do it.”
“For Your Consideration” Moment
Deeply pained, Eyola addresses the camera and speaks frankly about Bobby’s relationship with his stepdaughter (see below). “Neither of them try,” she says. “They both need to try harder.” It is she who must teach these people how to live.
SIMON VAN KEMPEN
Alex McCord’s husband.
Why to Watch
Although he is Australian, and she’s from Kansas, they named their boys François and Johan and force them to speak French.
Best Line So Far
Alex emerges from a Roberto Cavalli dressing room in a nightmarishly revealing leopard-print dress. Simon purrs, “I can see you at the Met in that!”
“For Your Consideration” Moment
St. Barts, evening. Alex and Simon sit overlooking the ocean, intoxicated with their own fabulousness. Alex notes how beautiful it is. “It’s almost as beautiful as you,” Simon says, holding her gaze.
ALLYSON SHAPIRO
Jill’s 14-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.
Why to Watch
Subjected to an overeager mother and an uninterested stepfather, she is hands-down the most appealing character on the show.
Best Line So Far
Allyson doesn’t say too much and is the only person who seems remotely uncomfortable participating in the show.
“For Your Consideration” Moment
Jill tries to tell Allyson that her stepfather is only joking when he says he’ll just send a driver to take her shopping for school supplies. “He likes to tease you,” she says, uneasily. Ally looks balefully at her, then out the window. “Fun-nay,” she breathes.