Teresa Giudice's brother was reduced to tears, after recently seeing his "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star sister locked away behind bars for the first time.

According to US magazine, during the latest episode of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa Checks In," Joe Gorga broke down in tears while visiting his sister at the Danbury Correctional Facility, where she is serving out the remainder of her 15 month sentence on bank fraud-related charges.

"To see her back there ... like some chained animal you know," Gorga said. "She broke down and held me, that's how she used to be."

Later in the episode, Gorga reflected on how he and his sister were brought up as part a strong family where no one ever cried. He admitted seeing his sister in her current state caused him to break those rules.

"No brother wants to see his sister, locked up ... with four kids," he said.

The final episode of the three-part, spin-off series opened with Joe Giudice struggling to play single parent to his four young daughters.

"After a full day of hanging out with my kids, I think anybody would drink a bottle of wine at night," he said at one point. Later he added, "I can't wait until this is over."

Teresa is slated to be released sometime around Christmas, at which point Joe will begin serving out the terms of his own 41-month sentence on similar charges.

Teresa Giudice has already signed on to rejoin the cast of "Real Housewives" once she has been released, and several media outlets have previously reported that producers have delayed filming on the new season in hopes of being able to feature her in more of the scenes.

Word is Teresa could be receiving an annual salary of as much as $2 million for her return.