Hey, Slayers! The RHONY OGs are back, and apparently old grudges travel beautifully.

Jason Zeffir dives into The Golden Life episodes 1 and 2 on E!, where Luann de Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley and Kelly Bensimon trade New York for Palm Beach. The weather is warmer. The relationships? Still deeply complicated.

Luann goes undercover to investigate Sonja’s cabaret, Ramona appoints herself event security, and Sonja brings enough unresolved history to need its own checked bag. Then comes the dancing with Luann’s boyfriend Michael, and suddenly the Countess would like everyone to remember she’s the queen.

On this episode:

• Why Jason is thrilled to have the original Real Housewives of New York City ladies back
• Dorinda, Jill Zarin, and the dream of a Bethenny Frankel return
• Why Bravo passed, and why the “flop” talk is fake news
• The real reason Sonja’s still mad at Dorinda (hint: it’s not Bluestone Manor)
• Harry Dubin’s return, and why Jason wants more for Sonja than another man
• Ramona vs. Roger: someone’s getting moved from the main table
• Luann creams Michael at pickleball, plus the Tom drama resurfaces
• Sonja’s mocktails, the proposed intervention, and Sonja vs. Kelly between bites of shrimp
• The next-episode tease that has Jason asking: is Michael still married?

Are you Team Sonja, Team Luann, or simply Team Show? Find Jason on Instagram @jasonzeffir and share your verdict. And pick up Jason’s book, Zombies of the Upper East Side!

Follow Slay Replay for more Golden Life recaps, and leave a rating or review if you’re enjoying the show.

Spoilers for episodes 1–2, discussion of the next-episode preview, and explicit language. Recap and commentary reflect Jason’s opinions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro: Welcome to Slay Replay

00:17 The Golden Life: The RHONY OGs Are Back

02:26 Meet the Cast: Luann, Sonja, Ramona, Kelly & Dorinda

06:47 Jill Zarin, Dorinda & the Bethenny Dream Casting

10:59 Bravo Passed? The Ratings Debate

13:20 Episode 1 Recap: Welcome to Palm Beach

22:16 Cabaret Shade & Sonja vs. Dorinda

26:43 Yacht Party Chaos & Harry Dubin Returns

30:27 Sip, Shop & Ramona on Security Duty

34:37 Ramona vs. Roger & Luann’s Jealous Streak

38:54 Episode 2 Recap: “I’m Your Queen!”

44:41 The Sonja Intervention & Sonja vs. Kelly

49:54 Next Episode Tease: Is Michael Still Married?

50:49 Team Sonja or Team Luann? Final Thoughts

51:31 Outro

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