We know that Christmas morning (or perhaps the first night of Hanukkah) comes every year. But for some reason, that special day still feels more special than the year before. For us, that is what it feels like every time we turn on a new episode of any Real Housewives. And we watch them all: ATL, 90210, the Dirty Jers, etc. But like a gift from baby Jesus, Bravo blessed us with what we thought would never come: Real Housewives of Miami.
Monday will be the first episode and to say we're
excited is, well, a goddamn understatement. And to make you jealous, we have already seen the
first episode and it's good. Do we love it because it's our city and
people we love are in it like Elaine Lancaster? Maybe, but we don't
care. We jumped at the chance to speak to castmates Lea Black, Marysol Patton, and Alexia Echevarria.
What interested you about doing this show in the first place?
Lea Black: At the time I wasn't sure. And now, I think its become a phenomenon. I think Bavo has created a pop culture phenomenon. At first, I had trepidations about it--not sure what to expect. It didn't start out as a Housewives show. It kind evolved into one. And I guess, just live life and see what happens. Take your chances and go for it.
How did all of you ladies get along?
Lea: Well, Adriana (De Moura) has a lot to offer the show. I think she is controversial and upbeat. I think she has opened herself up to a little scrutiny, but I think she can handle it. She is a more of a really great mother than maybe what will come across on the show. I know that side of her the best. Larsa (Pippen) is a ball of laughs. She is really interesting to watch. Occasionally she will get a little dig in. I'll take it in the context that I know she means it, which is in good humor and all fun. Cristy (Rice) I really don't know her that well. I really don't have that much to say. I think if she ran on American time, we would do more together.
Alexia Echevarria: Overall, I think we all got along considering we really all didn't know each other before. I agree with a lot that Lea said.
What kind of drama can Housewives fans expect?
Lea: It's going to be fun above the belt drama. I think that Bravo is a master at creating fabulous reality television. I think what they have done is take the best of everything, and make it fun, exciting, and upbeat. There is quite a bit of drama, but I wouldn't say it's hair pulling, table flipping drama. I would say it is a different type of drama. People will be fascinated by the characters.
The last show to be in Miami was Jersey Shore. What kind of light do you think you will put Miami in?
Lea: A fabulous one! Everyone is going to want to be here. We are fortunate to live where everyone wants to vacation, so how much better than that can it get?
Alexia: I mean, we have a completely different cast. The way we carry and behave ourselves is very different too, so I don't think there is any similarities or comparisons when comparing our shows. Except for maybe we showcase Miami the same way they did-- the fabulous places, mingling with different people. At the same time, we're putting Miami in a completely different light and in a positive light.
Camille Grammer was really adamant about the fact that editing made her look bad. Are you all afraid of that at all?
Lea: I think you have to give people the material. As long as it is in context, you can't blame anyone but yourself. No one can force you to say things that you say. We're going to have to wait and see.
Alexia: That is always a concern, but it's who you are and what you said. And it's just how they put it together. It really shows who you are. I don't have that concern now, but maybe after the show I will feel different. And that's what Camille said and that was her defense.
What about your friends and your family. Are you afraid how they will be portrayed in the media?
Marysol Patton: For me and my clients, it will be great. For my mom, she doesn't go on the internet or read weeklies, so I don't think she will know what to expect.
Alexia, in the first of episode we see you and your son talking about how he had ordered $600 bottle service the night before and how he was planning on being out till 5 a.m. for Winter Music Conference. The rest of the country is definitely going to have something to say about that. Are you worried?
Alexia: He does like to go to clubs and like my mom says, "When you were 18 years old, you were doing the same thing. Everyone had fake IDs and everyone was going to the clubs." I don't encourage it, and he knows he can't drink and drive, but everyone that age wants to go to clubs, dance, and see special DJS. Do I enable it? Maybe I do. Because I want to know what he is doing. My son doesn't need to lie.
What makes the Miami Housewives different?
Alexia: I think it's the mix of Latin, Brazilian, the lovely Texan...
Lea: Token Gringa!
Alexia: I think that is going to be what sets us apart from everyone else. The uniqueness of the cast, the Latin culture, the Latin girls, the way we look, and move. Our cast is really diverse, but that is what is going to stand out.
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