Mob Wives: The Anticlimactic Season 5 Finale

The evidence we have been waiting for!

It's at her finger tips!

As I sit here waiting for the Reunion shows to air, I can’t help thinking about the finale episode, “The Final Face-Off,” and how it didn’t deliver on it’s promise. It was like that fourth of July firecracker that we used to call “duds,” because you’d light it and wait and wait and wait, but it never exploded.

The season started out with Karen and Gnatalie continuing their twitter battle on the show. The teams were drawn: Karen and Renee against Gnatalie and Ang and Drita defending her. Then along comes Natalie D. Big coincidence she is a model at a photo shoot Drita is doing. Bigger coincidence she is from South Philly AND has the dirt on Gnatalie. The next few episodes all we hear about is all the proof Nat D has on Gnat and Drita flip-flopping back and forth, not knowing who to believe. Finally, Nat D brings the proof, but only Drita gets to hear it, and evidently it’s convincing enough for her to turn on Gnatalie. We never get to hear the tape in episode 11, so I am thinking maybe they are saving it for episode 12. Episode 12 is titled “The Final Face-Off,” and the two Natalies have never actually been on camera together. Renee plans a Baptismal celebration party for episode 12 too. We all know what happens at Mob Wives’ parties . . . Confrontations and fights . . .  and no cake. So we wait. Everyone shows up. And we wait. Natalie D says she has the tape and intends to play it. And we wait. Nat D takes out her phone. We wait at the edge of our seats. She puts it away for “later.” But, there is still plenty of time. Nat D has promised, time and time again, to expose Gnatalie for the “rat” she is.

The "uninvited" guests

Then Drita notices something from across the room. Gnatalie is talking to a group of “strangers” at a nearby table. Drita doesn’t know these people so they must be up to no good. They are eyeing Natalie D. Drita, who doesn’t believe in ratting people out, runs to Renee to set her wise about the interlopers. Renee promptly calls security to have them evicted. But how did so many uninvited guests get into a party that is private and being filmed? A party that would require releases being signed by everyone there allowing their image to be shown on the show? Someone would have had to approve that for it to happen. But, in any case, the group is escorted out along with Gnat and London. The tape is never played. There is NO Final Face-Off. In fact, there is no face-off at all! Maybe a few death stares from across the room. There is no fight . . . no explosion. Nat D runs out after them making a half-hearted attempted to follow the entourage with her phone, but again nothing happens. Just like the firecracker that’s a “dud,” there is no “BOOM!”  . . . just silence . . . as Gnat and her family and friends leave the scene and the episode ends with a fizzle, not a sizzle.

"You can run, but you can't hide!"

as Gnatalie scurries away once again.

I can only hope that the two part Reunion Show, airing March 11th and 18th will tie up some of these loose ends and answer some questions. And, if they don’t play the tape, at least explain why they didn’t.

Picture Credit: VH1

Mob Wives: Recap “The Final Face-Off,” Ep 512

Renee is more than happy to invite Gnatalie,

as long as Ang extends the invitation

All season there has been an ongoing, back and forth war between the two Natalies. In the season finale we are finally promised a confrontation between them, with Natalie D holding the alleged damning recording against her SOUTH Philly “paisan,” Natalie G. The recording was played for Drita in the last episode (although viewers didn’t hear a word) and seemingly convinces Drita that Gnat has been lying and playing her all along. The alleged tape, which was posted online by Natalie D, suggests that Gnat did not call her ex’s parole officer because of alleged domestic violence, but because he cheated on her. Let’s see if the tape will be played tonight at Renee’s party and if a brawl breaks out because of it. I have one request, PLEASE play it on speakerphone!!!

Here we go . . .

Ang isn't two keen on having both Natalies

in the same room

Renee shows up at Ang’s house. Renee is glad they got past their issues because they are like family. Renee says her baptism felt humbling, like she got another chance from God. Renee says she was disappointed Drita didn’t show up and so was Ang. (It should be noted that Drita tweeted she was never invited.)

This tweet seems to have been deleted

Now Renee wants to have a party to celebrate her spiritual cleanse and moving forward. Renee is leaving it open for everyone to come, including both Natalies. Renee says Ang can invite Gnat. Renee wants Karen to keep her cool with Gnat out of respect for her. Renee wants to see everyone in a good place. The two Natalies should settle whatever issues they have between them. Really Renee? Does anyone think putting the two Natalies in the same room isn’t going to end up badly and Ang will miss out on another piece of cake? After everything they have said about one another all season is it possible to have peace? Ang doesn’t think that’s possible and I have to agree with her. Ang sides with Gnat if they do fight. Big surprise there.

a Prison Pin-Up Girl

Gnatalie goes with London to do some modeling for a friend of his for a catalog that is going to end up in the hands of prisoners. I must have missed the name of the publication, but I think Gnat is a suitable model. And, while I am at it, I have to hand it to Gnat, she models like a pro. Gnat is glad she made amends with Renee, but she is never going to be friends with Natalie D.

The Drita we used to know

Meanwhile, Drita is really pissed over the tape she heard where Gnat basically admits she is a rat. Drita hits the gym and takes it out on the punching bag. Drita feels Gnat has been lying to her face. Drita says she is in violent Drita mode.

Renee and AJ go shopping for jewelry for his girlfriend, Andrea. Renee suggests a promise ring since they are dating two years. Renee is proud of AJ and that he is taking this step and making a commitment.

The firing range. Natalie D is going through rounds of ammunition and brags she is a good shot. She enjoys it. The instructor brings out something more powerful. Nat D tells her friend she is back with her boyfriend, Ronnie. She loves him even when she hates him. Nat D says she is going to Renee’s party and Gnat will be there. She isn’t too happy about it and plans to expose her for who she is and whatever happens happens. She says she stirred the pot so bad she made it boil and she is going to get burned. More target practice. Another reminder that we still have not heard that tape!

If Renee wants to have "dirt" at her cleansing party

so be it.

Karen pops into the Drunken Monkey and orders a drink from Ang at the bar. Karen asks her about her family. AJ finally completely his drug program and is doing great. They comment on how nice Renee’s baptism was and they were surprised Drita didn’t come. Karen says something ain’t right. Ang tells her she invited Gnat because Renee asked her to. Karen doesn’t get it, why have trash at a cleansing party? Ang wants the party to be ok. Karen says she has unfinished business with Gnat. Ang thinks it’s big of Gnat to come to Renee’s party knowing everyone hates her. Karen says Ang should worry about Nat D and not her when it comes to getting into it with Gnat at the party.

Gnatalie and London are at the apartment just before going to Renee’s party. She tells London Natalie D is going to be there. She is afraid she will start something with her tonight and the b*tch has to go.

Natalie D is getting ready to expose this “Judas mother f*cker.” She heads over to the party with Ronnie. She says Gnat has two options, get on her knees or get a f*ckin’ beat down.

Renee arrives for her party!

Baptismal Party! Renee and her friends walk in together. Karen arrives and she just wants Renee to be happy. Karen says Nat D hates Gnat more than she does and hopes she gives her a beat down. Ang and Neil arrive. AJ gives Andrea the ring at the party and it almost looks like an engagement ring. Renee makes it clear it’s not an engagement ring. Renee is proud of her son for doing the right thing. And now Drita walks in, but she is obviously about to snap.

"Our friend, Gnatalie Guercio is a bonafide rat."

She immediately tells the girls about her sitdown with Natalie D and she feels like a jerk off for believing Gnat. Drita says Nat D played the recording for her. The Ex says how can you do that to me and she says I don’t know. Drita says Gnat is a bonafide rat. She can't believe someone could lie that good and played her and Ang. Karen is happy to hear that finally everyone gets it now. Ang is confused. Drita says when you hear the tape it’s creepy. Ang wants to know who is the rat who made the tape. Natalie D walks in and Renee says, “Happy, happy.” It’s almost as though Natalie D knows what’s coming. Ang says Nat D is the shit stirrer and she should watch what she says in case it’s recorded. Karen asks Nat D if she has the recording. Nat D says yes, she will enjoy it, and she is waiting for her to show up to play it. Drita is still going on about the tape. Karen doesn’t have to fight with Gnat, Nat D can settle it once and for all. Ang still has her doubts. In walks Gnatalie and London. All eyes are on her. Karen, Nat D and Drita all have it out for her. Gnat is prepared to take Nat D on.  The tension is thick. Gnat and London take a seat. So far everything is going as you would imagine, right. Everyone is there who needs to be there for the big Face-Off and playing of the tape.

"Happy, happy"

All eyes turn to Gnatalie

Meanwhile, Nat D scans her phone 

for the audio tape!

Nat D pulls out her phone looking for the recording and Renee tells her to put it down right now. Nat D isn’t listening. Nat D ends up putting the phone away because Renee was upset and she wants Gnat to eat first so she can choke on her food. Gnatalie is all smiles, but notices Drita and Ang are acting cold and distant. Nat D says she smells Gnat’s fear and sees it in her face. Drita gets a bad feeling and pulls Renee aside and asks if she knows the people behind Gnat’s table. Drita thinks Gnat brought strangers to the party and they are eyeing Nat D. Renee is getting upset, it’s unacceptable. Ang thinks Gnat brought backup and Ang is disgusted. Renee says it’s my party, no strangers, no evil people! Drita is pissed at this “pussy” move. Renee is trying to make peace and Gnat smacks her in the face one more f*ckin' time. Renee calls security to remove the uninvited guests. Gnat says she is leaving with her friends and family. That’s what she does, she runs, says Karen. Gnat says she isn’t walking into a lion’s den alone. Nat D follows her out to confront her! Now, as to the uninvited guests that Gnat brought for back-up, Gnat had a few things to share on Twitter. Read them for yourself:

Gnat's back up squad

Right from the horse's mouth.

Drita runs out after Nat D. Karen says Nat D is going to kill her. Gnat brought her friends and family and they were all kicked out. Nat D says "you can run but you can't hide."  Gnat came with a small army for her, but she came alone. She is her own gangster. Drita says she and Ang gave Gnat way, way too many chances. Ang says this time she is dead wrong, betrayal is unacceptable. Ang is very disappointed. Nat D leaves on her own. Everyone realizes Gnat has been no good for the circle. Drita says she is going to make sure she never comes back again.

Everyone is on the same page about Gnatalie . . . finally

AND the tape was never played with or without speakerphone! What the hell? I am really disappointed that we all didn’t get to hear what Drita supposedly heard that caused her to do a 180 on Gnat! How great would it have been to play the tape at the party? That part of it to me was a let down. Also, if Gnat brought a dozen uninvited people to the party shouldn’t they have been checked at the door? This party was private and being filmed. There had to have been security? So somebody let these dozen people into the party because they sure as hell didn’t sneak in. That's television for you.

This season has been the most stressful, exhausting season yet. When you watch the show every season you have a lot invested in it. But, when you watch the show and blog it, you are looking at all the details, constantly reading about the cast between shows, get emotionally involved in their drama and this season has left me drained. And we still have a two part Reunion Show coming on March 11th and 18th, hosted by Vivica Fox. I hear that is going to be explosive. I hope they answer some burning questions and maybe even play the damn tape!

Picture Credit: VH1

P.S. Just for fun we would like to mention that a "friend of ours," The Don, was also at Renee's party and here he is . . .

Don is just keeping an eye on things lol