The Top Reality Show Moments of 2009

As has often been the case this decade, the past year was a memorable one in the world of reality TV.

Which moments, breakdowns and cat fights stood out the most? We could choose a great many, but settled on the selections below...

Teresa's Table Flip: The Real Housewives of New Jersey stole the spotlight from their nationwide counterparts this year. In the show's most exciting scene, Teresa Giudice flipped a table - and referred to Danielle Staub as a "prostitution-whore" - after the book "Cop Without a Badge" was brought out.

Ed Goes Impotent: Ed Swiderski seems like a nice fella and, let's face it, every guy has been here. But we wouldn't be doing our jobs if we didn't cite The Bachelorette moment when it was apparent Ed wouldn't be closing the deal with Jillian. "I was very nervous, and, uh, it just didn't happen," he later said.

Fortunately, Jillian would see past this occurrence and choose Swiderski as her contrived soulmate on the show's finale.

Speidi Gets Scared: It was almost a quiet year for Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, with the exception of their stint on NBC's I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!. After pining to leave, only to be allowed back by their castmates, Spencer and Heidi spent the night in the Lost Chamber.

A network executive claimed the duo "prayed quite vigorously" in there.

Wes Proves He's a Weasel: After denying he had a gifriend throughout The Bachelorette, Wes was voted off and showed his true colors when he admitted he only appeared on the show to boost his career.

At his elimination, he told the other guys he'd "be back home having lots of sex." You aren't a country music cliche at all, dude.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.