I didn’t think I was going to like having new faces on Real Housewives of New Jersey. But Rachel Fuda proved me wrong. The young millennial burst onto the scene in Season 13 and, for the most part, seemed pretty reserved. However, with Season 14’s fireworks, Rachel had no choice but to come out of her shell to defend her family and her husband, John Fuda. So, while the network tries to decide whether the Garden State franchise needs a total reboot or not, I am going to make a case for why Rachel needs to stay.
Rachel Fuda is sending up smoke signals
The mother of three took to her TikTok over the weekend to leave a few breadcrumbs for hungry fans. In a video aptly matched with B*Witched C’est la Vie, Rachel hinted that she might have been let go by the Real Housewives of New Jersey. While enjoying a sunny day at the Jenkinsons boardwalk, Rachel wrote, “In my Diet Coke drinking, Toddler-Teen Mom, unemployed, Jersey Girl, Pregnant Era.” While we were all happy that Rachel and John were expanding their family, I grabbed my imaginary pearls and found a fainting couch. At that moment, I realized I would be devastated if Rachel didn’t return. She single-handedly went up against Teresa Giudice repeatedly and gifted us with the “hot dog lips” insult. Clearly, we need her back.
The coy drop of the word “unemployed” is what ruffled fans’ feathers. It left my head spinning as I tried to figure out if this was Rachel’s way of telling us she wouldn’t be back. Now, before I jump to conclusions, she could just be talking about the pause in filming for the Real Housewives of New Jersey. The network has already noted that the franchise was going to be put on pause due to the toxicity of the last season. But girl, I need you not to play with my heart like that.
Rachel Fuda is the glue
Rachel is the new version of what a Real Housewives star should be. She isn’t pretentious, she’s not overtly malice to the other women, she is a great mom, and she gives back to her community. These are all traits that I would argue are admirable in a Bravo star. Not everything has to be about making up rumors and fighting. However, that is also a part that Rachel does well. Even though the cast selection might be up in the air, I think Rachel is the glue that held Season 14 together. She actively tried to be friendly with everyone (except Tre, of course.)
She rekindled her friendship with Danielle Cabral. The two had a rocky freshman season together due to Danielle calling Rachel a rat. But watching their newly formed friendship was heartwarming, and I liked that it was genuine. Rachel also fought hard for her friendship with Jenn Fessler. The two were estranged after Jenn seemed to take the OG’s side. But Jenn and Rach found their way back to one another as true friends do.
Rachel Fuda understood the mission
All in all, Rachel seemed to dislike the same cast members that I did. This alone proved that I was not wrong about how producers were portraying some people. Rachel saw through the bullsh*t that was Jennifer Aydin and Tre. The duo recently was called out for leaking stories to bloggers, and I’d wager Rachel saw those issues coming from a mile away. For the most part, Rachel stayed neutral when it came to the lady’s issues with one another. And I think sometimes that is what is needed to have a cast that successfully works together.
With reports of Teresa and Melissa burying the hatchet for the sake of the series, I wonder if they would accept Rachel as the mediator. Not only would this be a great idea for Season 15, but I also think Rachel has what it takes to sort these two sister-in-laws out. After watching how patient Rachel is with her two littles, I imagine she could implement some of those tricks on Teresa and Melissa. And if it doesn’t work, at least there will be some highly filmable moments.
Rachel Fuda 2.0
Rachel is a part of a new generation of Real Housewives stars. She is opinionated, reasonable, and, at times, even politically correct. Currently, the OGs from multiple franchises have found themselves in trouble for sharing their fake news stories or opinions on world affairs. But Rachel seems to understand which lane to stay in. And that is appreciated. Rachel has yet to find herself amid a public cancellation as she tends to mind her Ps and Qs. Whether you like Rachel or not, she has immense potential for longevity in the franchise.
Yes, at times, Rachel seems to have a few rehearsed lines up her sleeve. But I think she can be taught. During her confessionals, she is pretty witty, and even in the heat of the moment, she can defend herself. If I’m being honest, Rachel reminds me of a lot of girls I went to school with in New Jersey. They all wanted the Bergen County dream with two children and a beach house. I can’t hate her for it. But I’d like to see at least one more season of her growing into her own. Your honor, the prosecution rests.
