Jersey Shore Review: Free Vinny

When we last saw The Situation on MTV’s Jersey Shore he was hurt that the housemates ignored his birthday while celebrating Pauly’s.  He left the house in a funk, seeming to toy with idea of not coming back.  In an odd turn of events, their boss from the t-shirt shop pays the gang a visit at home and informs them that they will be getting a new roommate to replace Vinny.  They are undermanned at the shop and there must be 7 people living in the house.  He also asks about Mike and lets them know he hasn’t been impressed with their performance at work.

Mike returns after his brief disappearance, and he explains to the The Meatballs that he is sensitive and his feelings were hurt about his birthday.  Unbeknownst to him, the girls have been planning a surprise birthday party for him and Pauly.  Mike and Pauly’s birthdays are a welcomed distraction for the house, as everyone has been moping around since Vinny’s departure.  They are truly miserable without him, especially Pauly.  Deena calls Vin and asks if he’ll make it to the party, but he tells her that he can’t be there.  His absence is also felt at the t-shirt shop, where the manager has begun looking to hire a replacement.  He posts a Help Wanted sign and applicants start to trickle in, much to the chagrin of Jenni and the rest of the gang.  They don’t want a new roommate and vow to be hostile to any new people.  Jenni even goes so far as to take down the sign the manager posted.  I think everyone needs to chill out and grow up.  I know they miss their friend, but life goes on.

Mike and Pauly’s surprise party is a success and they are genuinely thrilled with their custom made naughty cakes and strippers.  They both try to hook up at the end of the night, but only Pauly is successful.  When he takes a woman home, Mike usually gives the lucky lady a pair of gym shorts and a t-shirt to put on, but this particular girl (the stripper who performed for him) was fixated on finding the perfect pair of socks.  When he gave her a pair that didn’t match, she made a fuss.  Who cares about socks when you’re about to get in your birthday suit anyway??  For once Mike makes a good point.  But no, she wants matching socks, so he gives her another pair – only for her to point out that one of the socks has a hole.  At this point Mike isn’t even interested in smushing anymore.  He falls asleep and promptly calls a cab for the girl the next morning.  Looks like Pauly wins again for his birthday, while Sitch comes up short.

As I said before, the house is miserable without Vinny.  Pauly really misses his bestie and decides that enough is enough.  He suggests that they go to Staten Island and kidnap Vinny.  I wasn’t sure if Vin would be willing to return or not.  It’s only been a week since he left, and he seemed to need real psychological help when he left.  I’m not sure what could have changed in a week, but surprisingly he is ready to return and doesn’t need much persuasion.  He got a new tattoo and seems rejuvenated and more positive, though he admits that he hasn’t completely healed and that recovery must continue in Seaside.  It wouldn’t be Jersey Shore without Vinny, so I’m glad he’s back.  It will also put an end to the incessant whining from everyone, so that’s a good thing.  Party On.

For another take on this week’s episode check out “Whips and Tails” by Lauren Tyree.

Season 5, Episode 4: “Free Vinny” (original air date January 26, 2012).

Jersey Shore airs Thursdays at 10/9c on MTV.

Images courtesy of MTV.