Season 15, Episode 15 of the Real Housewives of New York marks the season finale, and the drama was fittingly explosive. Here’s a full recap for viewers who didn’t get a chance to watch “Paradise Lost.”
Discussing Serious Subjects
It should be noted that Season 15 deals with some serious subjects, and the finale is no exception to the trend. Erin has opened up about an abortion, Taylor was faced with abuse, and her husband’s suicide and some Housewives were arrested for fraud. Now, the attention is directed toward Brynn’s sexual assault.
A Fight With Ubah
It is primarily believed that Brynn was indeed assaulted, something which should not come into question. However, the issue of the episode arises because Ubah did not know that Brynn was attacked, and the show seems to suggest that Brynn has a history of fabricating stories—though nothing to this extreme. Not knowing about the assault, Ubah suggested that Brynn slept with someone to get her job, then refused to apologize for the suggestion.
The women throw jabs at one another, share hurtful comments, and make fun of one another. The other women are largely silent throughout the conflict, but the fight ends with Ubah storming out of the room as Brynn calls her a “six-foot toddler.”
After their fight, Ubah eventually learns that Brynn has been assaulted, becomes upset about the issue, and leaves with Jessel to stay in a hotel.
Brynn Changes the Narrative
In the meantime, Brynn breaks down and asks the other women why others would have such a hard time believing she could be successful without the help of a man. Of course, the women agree and support her. Brynn proceeds to reveal that Ubah’s words were so hurtful to her because she is in a support group for sexual assault, which the viewers knew but the women were unaware of. However, she claims that Ubah knew about her circumstances. After this, the remaining Housewives gather in Jenna’s room to hear Brynn discuss her sexual assault.
Ubah Didn’t Know
According to Erin’s perspective, following this conversation, Brynn said, “Now that I think about it, maybe she didn’t clock it.” This suggests that Brynn realized that Ubah didn’t know about the assault during their fight or didn’t recognize what she was alluding to. This caused the rest of the women to reevaluate their interactions with Brynn, who acted like nothing happened the next morning.
The Women Support Ubah
Brynn leaves the Housewives’ vacation early to avoid communication with Ubah, while Jessel and Ubah return to the villa. At this point, the women assure Ubah that they believe she did not know about the assault when she and Brynn fought. While she is seemingly grateful for the rest of the women to be on her side, she feels hurt because Brynn would try to make her seem heartless.
A Fourth Wall-Breaking Finale
The remainder of the episode concerns shooting the show’s opening titles, establishing that this is still a reality TV show and the women involved are co-workers. While they no longer behave like friends, there is concern about whether Brynn is a liar, so the women behave warily around her or try to hold her accountable. Throughout the photoshoot, Brynn and Ubah completely ignore one another, leaving the question of whether they will be able to come back together for the next season a question.
What Comes Next
The finale of Season 15 was undoubtedly dramatic, reckoning with sensitive subjects and setting The Housewives in a new light. What could come next for the women is as uncertain as anyone could ask, and viewers are waiting expectantly for the reunion and the next season.
