S11.E.15: Plot Twist (Season Finale)

[snarts]

58 minutes ago, Chalby said:

But then I see Katie still treating Jo like crap after maligning her online. Jo is single and doesn't need to answer to anyone, especially Katie who's only an acquaintance.

Katie & Jo were in the same friend group, Jo was at some point BFFs with Kristen Doute. They also showed the screenshot of text Jo sent when the Katie/Schwartz split was announced. In it, she went on about how much she (along with Justin Bieber) loved & respected Katie. Meanwhile, at literally the same time, she was moving in with & sleeping with Schwartz. That's why Katie was IMHO rightfully pissed. 

Apparently, at the reunion, Katie had a change of heart and/or some sympathy for Jo after seeing the episodes and how Schwartz had strung her along.

Unfortunately, at the same time, Jo's now out being a mean girl on social media. So much for the whole "sad girl that everybody picks on" persona. I guess she's leaning into a villain role, like they need any more of them...

Rachel Leviss and Jo Wenberg’s Pettiness Towards Katie Maloney Backfired In a Big Way

Jo Wenberg Slam's Tom Schwartz's New Girlfriend

[Neveragain]

My emotions are a little jumbled.  I of course feel badly over what Tom and Rachel did to Ariana, no one deserves that!  However, there a lot beneath the surface. All you longtime watchers will remember how Ariana and Tom were to Kristen when she found out they were dating.  And she had to work with both of them!  Ariana was cold as ice to Kristen about it and sneering in her face.  Yes Kristen was a garbage girlfriend who cheated on Tom with Jax.  Tim and Kristen should’ve broken up!  But him and Ariana gaslighting Kristen and making her deal with it at work was awful. Kristen was truly devastated. This the same Ariana who told everyone she was better than them, and prettier than them, etc. The same Ariana who refused to get married or have children even though Tom desperately wanted that life.  She is not wrong to feel that way but they also should not have stayed together.  I don’t really like her because of all that, although I feel for her now. I feel Ariana is “acting” devastated but really isn’t. But she has made the best out of a bad situation and if she hates seeing Tom she should quit the show.  Unlike Kristen in the old days, who needed her job at Sur while the show was still new and not paying as well, Ariana currently has a wealth of opportunities and is getting paid elsewhere,  if she doesn’t want to see Tom she should leave. I can’t stand Tom, don’t get me wrong.  But enough of the poor, brave, Ariana story.  Come to think of it, I don’t really like any of them any more.  They used to entertain me but now they’re annoying whiners. They’ve outgrown this show and each other.  Time to stick that fork in it.  

[Chatty Cake]

6 hours ago, Gharlane said:

Oh, I would love for that to happen!

I saw something in the media thread that said that Katie felt bad about being a bitch to Jo after seeing this season.

Why would Katie feel bad in this instance? Jo couldn’t shack with Schwartz fast enough after sending that supposedly caring text. At least the dumb dork got some tv time. Schwartz couldn’t dump “Joseph” fast enough. He also didn’t do her any favors when Katie rightfully told her off. I also don’t buy her laugh at everything awkward schtick she does for Tom. I think she thought that would seal the deal but no such luck.

[Jaundiced Eye]

I just watched the VR After Show on Peacock, and two things in particular bugged me.

First, Scheana (who I have never liked, ever, TBH) is now saying that while she appreciates Sandoval stepping up to help her with the sound engineer at that party, maybe he just did it for the camera, to look like the good guy. Funny how on the episode she all but gave him oral because he paid to bring the guy out to support Schemer. Didn't she also say in a previous episode that, unknown to the rest of the cast, he gave her money to help her through some hard financial times? Ugh. Just cannot stand her. Talentless grifting hack.

Second, Ariana, who to me has never been more than Sandoval's appendage, really, now commented that she is "reality star of the year" (is that a thing?), so just MAYBE she "knows what [she's] doing." So full of herself. Yeah, let's see how long her newfound opportunities last. She said she's been "working toward" all these new gigs by taking acting classes and having a degree in Theater. 😂 

[peachmangosteen]

On 5/8/2024 at 12:52 AM, Marley said:

Everyone should go be friends with Rand lol. He didn’t murder anyone so who cares.

When Lala was going off on her jealous rant, I thought, they really outta bring Rand back to film some stuff. 

35 minutes ago, Chatty Cake said:

Why would Katie feel bad in this instance?

I think she probably feels bad after seeing how badly Schwartz treats Jo. As much as I can't stand Jo, I feel for her there, too. Tom Schwartz is worse than Sandoval, I'm telling you. Because he gets away with it.

I wish Bravo would just give Katie and Ariana a spin-off, with appearances from James and Ally, because those are the only people I wish to still see.

[Kiki777]

24 minutes ago, peachmangosteen said:

When Lala was going off on her jealous rant, I thought, they really outta bring Rand back to film some stuff. 

I think she probably feels bad after seeing how badly Schwartz treats Jo. As much as I can't stand Jo, I feel for her there, too. Tom Schwartz is worse than Sandoval, I'm telling you. Because he gets away with it.

I wish Bravo would just give Katie and Ariana a spin-off, with appearances from James and Ally, because those are the only people I wish to still see.

I agree with keeping Katie, Ariana, Ally and James - they are the only ones who have stayed true to themselves rather than production and LVP.  Put everyone else in The Valley which I don’t even watch bc I have no interest in watching people with kids.  (It’s my opinion that ‘people with kids’ shows don’t belong on Bravo lol)

Edited May 9 by Kiki777

[Chatty Cake]

46 minutes ago, peachmangosteen said:

When Lala was going off on her jealous rant, I thought, they really outta bring Rand back to film some stuff. 

I think she probably feels bad after seeing how badly Schwartz treats Jo. As much as I can't stand Jo, I feel for her there, too. Tom Schwartz is worse than Sandoval, I'm telling you. Because he gets away with it.

I wish Bravo would just give Katie and Ariana a spin-off, with appearances from James and Ally, because those are the only people I wish to still see.

I agree that Lala would have a fit should Rand show up for filming.   If the others told her that even though Rand did a bad thing, he’s not a bad person she would go lose her mind.  In Ariana’s case, I understand her feelings but she can’t tell people to leave if they say something she disagrees with. Although why Schwartz would say that about Sandoval to her was beyond me. 

[politichick]

1 hour ago, Jaundiced Eye said:

I just watched the VR After Show on Peacock, and two things in particular bugged me.

First, Scheana (who I have never liked, ever, TBH) is now saying that while she appreciates Sandoval stepping up to help her with the sound engineer at that party, maybe he just did it for the camera, to look like the good guy. Funny how on the episode she all but gave him oral because he paid to bring the guy out to support Schemer. Didn't she also say in a previous episode that, unknown to the rest of the cast, he gave her money to help her through some hard financial times? Ugh. Just cannot stand her. Talentless grifting hack.

Second, Ariana, who to me has never been more than Sandoval's appendage, really, now commented that she is "reality star of the year" (is that a thing?), so just MAYBE she "knows what [she's] doing." So full of herself. Yeah, let's see how long her newfound opportunities last. She said she's been "working toward" all these new gigs by taking acting classes and having a degree in Theater. 😂 

Scheana is a two-faced cow. Says one thing to Tom and the group and another to Arianna and Brock. Can't stand her, either.

I'm pretty sure Ariana was trying to be funny when she's the reality star of the year, but at the same time, it was true because of Scandoval and her masterful rebound. And even though she initially got the opportunities because of Tom's epic betrayal, as I've said many times, she has worked her ass off, and is apparently pleasant to work with, so they've kept coming. Good for her! She also has acknowledged they may not last, so she's taking advantage of every single one by giving them her best.

Someone upthread wrote about the Kristen, Ariana, Tom thing. I found it very difficult to sympathize with Kristen back then because was constantly acting like a crazed, vengeful bitch, even after she'd moved on to James, Carter, et al. Plus, unlike Ariana and Raquel, Ariana and Kristen weren't friends at all. I think she recognizes that which is why she was able to become friends with Ariana after the scandal broke.

[Jaundiced Eye]

10 minutes ago, politichick said:

I'm pretty sure Ariana was trying to be funny when she's the reality star of the year, but at the same time, it was true because of Scandoval and her masterful rebound. And even though she initially got the opportunities because of Tom's epic betrayal, as I've said many times, she has worked her ass off, and is apparently pleasant to work with, so they've kept coming. Good for her! She also has acknowledged they may not last, so she's taking advantage of every single one by giving them her best.

Oh, I don't blame Ariana at all for capitalizing on the scandal -- I'd do the same thing. And she is definitely working her ass off. I didn't see her in Chicago, but I watched her on DWTS, and she was terrific. I just think that she has gotten a bit of a swollen head. I'm sure it's to be expected under the circumstances, but once people get bored with Scandoval, I think she'll be back where she began. That will be tough to handle.

[b2H]

18 minutes ago, politichick said:

she has worked her ass off, and is apparently pleasant to work with, so they've kept coming. Good for her! She also has acknowledged they may not last, so she's taking advantage of every single one by giving them her best.

Broadway does not call someone back for a second go if they were awful the first time.

[Sweet-tea]

On 5/7/2024 at 8:09 PM, BloggerAloud said:

I'm sure Ariana talked shit about this cast becaus she's always vibrated with a distinct Cool Girl/Not Like the Other Girls but I'm sure she talked shit about them WITH Tom and not just him listening to it quietly

Ariana reminds me of how the "cool girl" is described in the book, Gone Girl. She wants to me that person, but I don't think she is. 

On 5/7/2024 at 8:19 PM, ZettaK said:

Do you get the impression the show is over by showing the cast members through the years? And Ariana refusing to film with Sandoval (and really anybody but Katie until the producers forced it)?

Yes it looked like a series finale to me. 

On 5/7/2024 at 8:05 PM, snarts said:

Lala is jealous shrew. Loved that the mask slipped entirely & everyone got to see her true colors. Would someone please tell her that they're casting Rand for next season & she's expected to hang out with him. I'll grab the popcorn for her reaction. 

I don't know. I'm not a fan of Lala as I find her crude and obnoxious most of the time, but I thought she had some good points about Ariana playing the victim card to such an extent she was achieving God-like status. And as Ariana said, Sandoval is a jerk but he didn't murder anyone. 

What I did find interesting though was Ariana's statement that Tom never tried to talk to her off camera or even left her a note. Only on camera, even though they were living the same house! That was telling. 

Schwartz and Jo's interactions are so strange. Almost manic. It's like they're both on speed, and their chemistry is more like two guys hanging out. It's weird. I don't see any romantic spark between them at all. Reminds me of a guy I knew many years ago who said he liked one of our mutual female friends and enjoyed hanging out with her, but he wasn't attracted to her. But she was really into him. Some nights he'd get drunk and he'd sleep with her anywhere. Not saying that's the case here, but it came to my mind. 

And why does he call her Joseph? Doesn't she go by Jo? Her behavior is so quirky--the sounds she makes, the twitching. It's just bizarre to me. 

Katie has been furious for how many seasons? So tired of her. I don't know she gets any dates. She radiates bitterness and condescension. 

James, your girlfriend doesn't want to have kids with you because she is with you to be on this show. The clock is ticking. That's my opinion anyway. 

Lisa was barely seen this season because she is not necessary. None of these people work at her restaurant any longer. They're mostly aging reality stars desperate to hold onto their 15 minutes of fame. Unless they recast, this show is brown bread. 

Edited May 9 by Sweet-tea

[Sweet-tea]

On 5/8/2024 at 7:39 AM, snarts said:

If anything, Katie's shown herself to be the true ride or die, voice of reason, morale compass this show desperately needs...including the boss quote "when a guy fucks over your friend, fuck the guy" Exactly.

I just see an angry, bitter woman who has not moved on after her divorce. 

On 5/8/2024 at 2:28 PM, MaggieG said:

"Tom didn't make a mistake, he made choices." Thank you Katie! A random drunk hookup that you regret the next day is a mistake, a months long affair under your partner's nose with her friend is a choice. 

I don't like Katie but I agree with her about this. 

[Kiki777]

53 minutes ago, politichick said:

Scheana is a two-faced cow. Says one thing to Tom and the group and another to Arianna and Brock. Can't stand her, either.

I'm pretty sure Ariana was trying to be funny when she's the reality star of the year, but at the same time, it was true because of Scandoval and her masterful rebound. And even though she initially got the opportunities because of Tom's epic betrayal, as I've said many times, she has worked her ass off, and is apparently pleasant to work with, so they've kept coming. Good for her! She also has acknowledged they may not last, so she's taking advantage of every single one by giving them her best.

Someone upthread wrote about the Kristen, Ariana, Tom thing. I found it very difficult to sympathize with Kristen back then because was constantly acting like a crazed, vengeful bitch, even after she'd moved on to James, Carter, et al. Plus, unlike Ariana and Raquel, Ariana and Kristen weren't friends at all. I think she recognizes that which is why she was able to become friends with Ariana after the scandal broke.

Scheana flip-flops about EVERYTHING omg I get whiplash from her.  Not just friends but boyfriends, she was so in love with Shay, then Rob was her true soulmate and she pined for him the whole time she was with Shay.  She loved being a pop star but this year she never really wanted that bc she wanted to be like Fergie or Gwen Stefani - the girl with a band of all guys.  She is exhausting.

As for the Ariana/Kristen friendship, that actually low-key started years ago but wasn’t really captured on-screen (I blame that too on the producers who find women more interesting when having catfights).  There was a scene I think around season 6 where all the girls met for lunch and they all kissed each other hello, including Ari and Kristen.  Then maybe season 7 or 8 their ‘sudden’ friendship was discussed a bit more in one measly episode where just the two of them went out to lunch.  By the time Scandoval happened, they were very good friends and continue to be so to this day.  It’s very sweet in an odd way lol

[TattleTeeny]

57 minutes ago, Sweet-tea said:

I just see an angry, bitter woman who has not moved on after her divorce

But why? Where does she need to move on to? We see her with Ariana and hanging out with the others at various events. She’s not pining over the marriage or over Tom; in fact, she seems to be treating him as just one of the group. While she does what she wants. And she hasn’t been trying to sabotage his romantic prospects. She just dislikes Jo for specific reasons. 

Edited May 10 by TattleTeeny

[hoodooznoodooz]

6 hours ago, Gharlane said:

It was difficult to hear, but did Ariana claim Sandoval gave her VD? 

I couldn’t really hear either. But I speculate that Ariana, upon realizing that Sandoval was capable of this, then learning more about Rachquel’s past sex partners, and how, most likely, Ariana’s past suspicions over the years regarding Sandoval cheating were accurate, and having no idea who was using condoms, was horrified that Sandoval could have exposed her to a variety of STDs. 

[hoodooznoodooz]

I watched the extended version on Peacock. 
 

Spoiler

Ally asks Dan at House of Nanking what initially drew him to Ariana. He says that a large group of guests was discussing kids and racial issues they faced. Dan described what he’s experienced, racist comments he’s heard (why he has been in fights). Ariana was sincerely compassionate. This drew him to her. Then he playfully adds that she looked great in her dress. Ally asks Ariana the same question. She says that it resonated with her how this large group of guests would discuss various topics, and Dan really listened and contributed to the discussion in a way that was sensitive and thoughtful, using the information that the other guests had shared. And he spoke in a way that was not “overpowering.”

 

They show Jo in her hotel room. Schwartz visits her. He’s wearing something in ivory or off-white. She tells him that he has to stop wearing colors that match his skin tone and hairdo.

I have never heard anyone under the age of 65 refer to it as a hairdo. 
 

They are, of course, weird with one another and seem to have a lot of inside jokes. Jo veers off with non sequiturs here & there and claims to not know how to use an iron. 
 

Her hair actually looks better in this scene than it does at Kyle Chan’s party.

They show the non-cast member altercation. My bad: Billie was not the focus. 

This fan of the show infiltrates the VIP seating area, trying to dance with Lala and Ally. Lala reacts kind of the way Frankel RHoNY would have. James, who is performing/DJing, notices the fan sitting on a VIP armchair and tells Brock to get him out of there. Brock takes care of it swiftly.

Cut to the fan resisting Security, throwing a drink, grabbing a chair. Sandoval decides he must play the hero, even though Security has it under control. We see another drink arc over the crowd. Security escorts the fan out, restraining him like a straitjacket. Jo and Billie feed into Sandoval’s performance, asking, “Are you okay?!?”

There’s more. I will post later.

 

Edited May 11 by hoodooznoodooz

[hoodooznoodooz]

They should rename this Sheana Shay Rules, because, as Katie pointed out, Scheana wants Ariana to make an exception to her rule, when it pertains to Scheana. 
 

In the extended Peacock version: 

Spoiler

Scheana speaks to Brock as if he’s her long-suffering personal assistant. 

I give Scheana’s marriage three more years, tops. Especially when they cancel VPR. 
 

WWHL: 

Spoiler

Jax responding to Scheana saying Brittany needs a husband who respects her [paraphrasing]:  Scheana is an excellent husband.

 

Edited May 10 by hoodooznoodooz

[heatherchandler]

16 hours ago, Jaundiced Eye said:

 

Second, Ariana, who to me has never been more than Sandoval's appendage, really, now commented that she is "reality star of the year" (is that a thing?), so just MAYBE she "knows what [she's] doing." So full of herself. Yeah, let's see how long her newfound opportunities last. She said she's been "working toward" all these new gigs by taking acting classes and having a degree in Theater. 😂 

Hahaha you know she takes it all “very seriously.”  I’m looking forward to the day no one remembers her, hopefully soon.  She really is buying into this hype.  
 

When she got weird and heated with Schwartz, asking him “what table do you think you are at?”  Like he’s not allowed to speak of anything she would find unpleasant or he has to leave?!  Wow there it is.
 

Her brother doesn’t talk to her anymore because of the way she treated his girlfriend/fiancee.  That’s telling.  

[hatchetgirl]

10 hours ago, hoodooznoodooz said:

WWHL

Response to the Jax and Scheana spoiler... I LOVED that Andy couldn't understand what he meant about that until said "oh because she is the breadwinner?" and Jax said "yeah."  like ok - misogynistic troglodyte! 

[Sweet-tea]

22 hours ago, TattleTeeny said:

But why? Where does she need to move on to? We see her with Ariana and hanging out with the others at various events. She’s not pining over the marriage or over Tom; in fact, she seems to be treating him as just one of the group. While she does what she wants. And she hasn’t been trying to sabotage his romantic prospects. She just dislikes Jo for specific reasons. 

She dislikes Jo because she said Jo was living with Tom shortly after he and Katie separated. She is still angry at Tom and it shows.

The way Katie snarled "Keep it away from me" to Tom sounded to me like she was saying keep your relationship with another woman away from me. Suggests she's harboring resentment. Either that or she's referring to Jo as "it" which isn't much better. 

Understand you have a different opinion and that's fine, but I don't find Katie easy to like. Haven't for several seasons.

Edited May 10 by Sweet-tea

[TattleTeeny]

Or she dislikes Jo because Jo sent “sorry for your split, I love you” texts, then proceeded to get involved with her ex. Which is not really about the ex.

Anger at Tom doesn’t necessarily mean she hasn’t moved on. She seems well over him to me.

OH! Edited to add that I was truly asking a question about your post: where (figuratively) does she need to “move on” to and how does it look different than what she’s doing? 

 

Edited May 11 by TattleTeeny

[Kiki777]

1 hour ago, TattleTeeny said:

Or she dislikes Jo because Jo sent “sorry for your split, I love you” texts, then proceeded to get involved with her ex. Which is not really about the ex.

Anger at Tom doesn’t necessarily mean she hasn’t moved on. She seems well over him to me.

Agree - she has no problem with his new girlfriend.  It was Jo herself she had an issue with.

[ZettaK]

Double post.

Edited May 11 by ZettaK

[ZettaK]

On 5/8/2024 at 7:26 AM, Lassus said:

It is the most popular show on Bravo.  For it to be over would be insane.  $$$

I understand that you think or want this to be true, but Ariana is massively, enormously popular.  The show will last longer with Ariana than without Ariana, and Bravo is in the business of making that happen.  Look at RHoNJ.  Melissa and Theresa both back.

There is no chance in this universe where Bravo willingly, actively decides to jettison Ariana.

Ariana might decide to leave the show.

[whydoievencare]

On 5/9/2024 at 6:00 PM, peachmangosteen said:

Tom Schwartz is worse than Sandoval, I'm telling you. Because he gets away with it.

Yes.  For years Tom Schwartz looked like the put upon partner of mean Katie.  But over the years we've seen behind the curtain and how badly he could speak to her/treat her.  I think the Toms are both vile and pretty much get away with all their shit.  Both are performative.  I can't stand either one.

Edited May 11 by whydoievencare
Clarification

[lasu]

16 hours ago, Sweet-tea said:

The way Katie snarled "Keep it away from me" to Tom sounded to me like she was saying keep your relationship with another woman away from me. Suggests she's harboring resentment. Either that or she's referring to Jo as "it" which isn't much better. 

I took at as "keep this bullshit away from me," and I would have snarled at him in that situation because HE was by FAR the biggest asshole in that situation, far worse than Katie (though I though I think she could have chosen a higher road, but what the hell, it's KATIE).  He knew good and damn well that wasn't going to go well, and he instigated it anyway.  He used Jo to provoke Katie (his favorite past time) without giving any regard to how Jo was going to be effected (second favorite past time).  Yes, Katie could have handled it better, but it's SCHWARTZ who instigated all of it.

[princelina]

On 5/9/2024 at 12:50 PM, TattleTeeny said:

Sometimes, I just try to comment as if it is all...unprompted. And sometimes it is and other times it's not, but I feel like assuming that it all is all fake makes it feel less interesting to post about -- or something like that. 

Yeah I know what you mean.  But at this point when it's obvious they'd all have moved on if it weren't for this show - I can't help but think it all the time!

On 5/9/2024 at 2:29 PM, Gharlane said:

It was difficult to hear, but Ariana claim Sandoval gave her VD? 

No she said it was potential exposure.

On 5/9/2024 at 6:00 PM, peachmangosteen said:

I wish Bravo would just give Katie and Ariana a spin-off, 

How many seasons of that before they open the sandwich shop I wonder? 😄

On 5/9/2024 at 7:17 PM, politichick said:

I'm pretty sure Ariana was trying to be funny when she's the reality star of the year,

Trying - but she takes comedy too seriously to actually BE funny 😂

[ZettaK]

On 5/9/2024 at 6:00 PM, peachmangosteen said:

When Lala was going off on her jealous rant, I thought, they really outta bring Rand back to film some stuff. 

I think she probably feels bad after seeing how badly Schwartz treats Jo. As much as I can't stand Jo, I feel for her there, too. Tom Schwartz is worse than Sandoval, I'm telling you. Because he gets away with it.

I wish Bravo would just give Katie and Ariana a spin-off, with appearances from James and Ally, because those are the only people I wish to still see.

Of course Schwartz treated Jo badly- it was obvious from watching the show. Even after he told her he didn't want to be with her, he said outside El Rey after Sandoval's show that he would marry her in 8 years! He was leading her on. Katie said that Jo always liked him, and I think she is right, that's why she started living with him so soon after their separation, but I sort of understand why Katie was annoyed. But it was Schwartz who made this decision, and Jo was in the periphery of their friend group anyway. It's also rude (and stupid) that he calls her Joseph.

Edited May 12 by ZettaK

[ZettaK]

On 5/9/2024 at 6:23 PM, Kiki777 said:

I agree with keeping Katie, Ariana, Ally and James - they are the only ones who have stayed true to themselves rather than production and LVP.  Put everyone else in The Valley which I don’t even watch bc I have no interest in watching people with kids.  (It’s my opinion that ‘people with kids’ shows don’t belong on Bravo lol)

The show would be even more boring with those four only. Ariana became more prominent on the show after Kristen, Stassi, and Brittany (even Dayna!) were fired, and she was still more of an ensemble player. 

I'm not sure how true to themselves Ally and James are. James attacked Sandoval (and Rachel) at the reunion, but he was fine with Sandoval within a couple of months in order to remain on the show. Ally is not as fond of James as he is of her, but she went to one of his shows in order to meet him and be on the show, and this is still her goal. 

Edited May 12 by ZettaK

[ZettaK]

On 5/10/2024 at 4:33 AM, hoodooznoodooz said:

They should rename this Sheana Shay Rules, because, as Katie pointed out, Scheana wants Ariana to make an exception to her rule, when it pertains to Scheana. 
 

In the extended Peacock version: 

  Hide contents

Scheana speaks to Brock as if he’s her long-suffering personal assistant. 

I give Scheana’s marriage three more years, tops. Especially when they cancel VPR. 
 

WWHL: 

  Hide contents

Jax responding to Scheana saying Brittany needs a husband who respects her [paraphrasing]:  Scheana is an excellent husband.

 

I give Scheana and Brock as long as VR lasts. She only needs him for a storyline, and as a babysitter when she doesn't have one. I hope for her own sake the new house is on her name only.

[hoodooznoodooz]

3 hours ago, ZettaK said:

Katie said that Jo always liked him, and I think she is right, that's why she started living with him so soon after their separation.

She didn’t move in! They weren’t living together! They were only fornicating, and she would sleep over at his house! Day after day!

[ZettaK]

It's Ariana's prerogative not to forgive Sandoval, and the cast shouldn't pressure her to do it in order "to move on" . She is moving on fine. It seems to me like they do it for their own benefit because the show can continue smoothly. But if the producers push her to interact with Sandoval like it happened in SF, and she refuses to do it, then it would be better if she left the show. 

Lala called Dan "square" without knowing him, but then she was admiring his body in front of Ariana. I think there was a little bit of jealousy there. Dan also acted like a normal, reasonable person in SF, and not like the fame hungry partners of other reality people.

[hoodooznoodooz]

10 hours ago, ZettaK said:

I'm not sure how true to themselves Ally and James are. James attacked Sandoval (and Rachel) at the reunion, but he was fine with Sandoval within a couple of months in order to remain on the show. Ally is not as fond of James as he is of her, but she went to one of his shows in order to meet him and be on the show, and this is still her goal. 

Ally misrepresents herself the way they all do; she has not stayed true to herself either. But her phoniness thus far has not offended the other cast members or the audience. 
 

One could argue that Ally is staying true to herself, because her true self wants to be a cast member. On camera, she does whatever she needs to do in order to meet that goal. (Her reaction and pot-stirring comment to Ariana after Sandoval forced an introduction to Dan. Her claim that she wants her marriage ten years from now to be with James.)
 

James is having his cake and eating it, too. He yells at Sandoval when something such as Rachquel’s interview with Frankel upsets him. But he lets it roll off his back and will extend an olive branch so that he can continue filming with as many cast members as possible. On the After Show, James is still Team Ariana.

Edited May 12 by hoodooznoodooz

[Chatty Cake]

On 5/9/2024 at 3:16 PM, snarts said:

Katie & Jo were in the same friend group, Jo was at some point BFFs with Kristen Doute. They also showed the screenshot of text Jo sent when the Katie/Schwartz split was announced. In it, she went on about how much she (along with Justin Bieber) loved & respected Katie. Meanwhile, at literally the same time, she was moving in with & sleeping with Schwartz. That's why Katie was IMHO rightfully pissed. 

Apparently, at the reunion, Katie had a change of heart and/or some sympathy for Jo after seeing the episodes and how Schwartz had strung her along.

Unfortunately, at the same time, Jo's now out being a mean girl on social media. So much for the whole "sad girl that everybody picks on" persona. I guess she's leaning into a villain role, like they need any more of them...

Rachel Leviss and Jo Wenberg’s Pettiness Towards Katie Maloney Backfired In a Big Way

Jo Wenberg Slam's Tom Schwartz's New Girlfriend

Wow. Jo and Rachel are disgusting. Whatever sympathy I felt for them being used by the two Toms is gone.  I’m glad that Ariana got to make money and dingbat Rachel is stuck doing a podcast that nobody gives a shit about.  There’s no reason anyone in the group would welcome gross Jo when she was present for Rachel and Tom cheating on Ariana as well as banging an ex husband of the group. 
Katie might not always dress on point but she looks better than the awkward Joseph. 

 

5 hours ago, hoodooznoodooz said:

Ally misrepresents herself the way they all do; she has not stayed true to herself either. But her phoniness thus far has not offended the other cast members or the audience. 
 

One could argue that Ally is staying true to herself, because her true self wants to be a cast member. On camera, she does whatever she needs to do in order to meet that goal. (Her reaction and pot-stirring comment to Ariana after Sandoval forced an introduction to Dan. Her claim that she wants her marriage ten years from now to be with James.)
 

James is having his cake and eating it, too. He flattens Sandoval when something such as Rachquel’s interview with Frankel upsets him. But he lets it roll off his back and will extend an olive branch so that he can continue filming with as many cast members as possible. On the After Show, James is still Team Ariana.

I really like Ally and James. I didn’t realize she was fake too. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t marry James Kennedy today. He’s adorable and funny. 

[Kiki777]

Yes I see that Ally is probably an opportunist but I still like her - she is the youngest of the cast but probably the most sensible- also I love her look, she has this retro sort of natural beauty.  I do still find James a bit problematic but see that he is growing and maturing a lot, and while he did take his production-driven prompts to film a bit with Sandoval, he is not totally drinking the Kool-Aid like Lala and Scheana.

[princelina]

9 hours ago, ZettaK said:

Lala called Dan "square" without knowing him, but then she was admiring his body in front of Ariana. I think there was a little bit of jealousy there. Dan also acted like a normal, reasonable person in SF, and not like the fame hungry partners of other reality people.

Haha old "Lala" is losing on every count - no sympathetic breakup storyline, commercials vs. hit tv and Broadway shows, "The Don" vs. Dan - no wonder she's a bitter bunny! 😂

[Gharlane]

 

On 5/8/2024 at 7:20 PM, TattleTeeny said:

Ugh, Sandoval sidling up to Dan so deliberately was so cringeworthy — not that he shouldn’t have said hi and intruded himself, but oh my goodness, wait for an actual organic kind of scenario, like, say, if they just happen to be standing near each other at the bar or if one of them reflexively holds open a door for the other or something. 

Yeah, Sandoval was definitely trying to make a moment when he awkwardly introduced himself and... nothing happened.

On 5/8/2024 at 2:30 PM, TattleTeeny said:

Leaving the fancy party for Applebee’s made me laugh.

#MeToo 

On 5/8/2024 at 11:43 PM, princelina said:

I think this was the planned/produced conversation that was to end with him having a private chat with Ariana to end the season - the way the producer freaked out on her is why I think that!

Yeah, that's the impression I got, then Ariana flipped the proverbial script by refusing to talk with him, hence the title of this ep.

On 5/9/2024 at 8:27 AM, Carolina Girl said:

As someone who lived in San Francisco, considering the plethora of excellent dining opportunities for the City by the Bay, even post-pandemic, the choice of Applebee's made me laugh.

As did Lala's choice of Chinese restaurant.  Should have asked a local.  Henry's Hunan - which was once called the "best Chinese restaurant in the WORLD" by Tony Hiss in the New Yorker.  Still alive and kicking' and if you journey to S.F., go visit.  Tell Frank I sent you.  

Did the "finally" tale place in San Fran? It seemed weird that they were going to Applebee's in an unfamiliar city. I guess they saw one on the way to the event? 

 

Yeah, I had to wonder if someone made a deal with Bravo to visit that touristy-looking Chinese restaurant.

Edited May 12 by Gharlane

[Salacious Kitty]

House of Nanking is a San Francisco institution. But yeah, it's touristy. 

[Gharlane]

On 5/9/2024 at 10:51 AM, albarino said:

WRT the Chinese restaurant, the host/owner/Chef, was the star of a Food Network mini-series (I think it was the Food Network, I don't think it was Bravo).  

Aha! Just as I suspected.

 

On 5/9/2024 at 1:15 PM, TattleTeeny said:

Maybe -- though IS Applebee's hip or cool anywhere? They seem to be mainly geared toward suburban families, at least where I am, people taking the kids out after whatever activity or game they just did, toddlers peeking over the back of the booth, all the servers singing some happy birthday song...

I used to like Applebee's, but they've seriously gone downhill since I was a semi-regular customer.

[hoodooznoodooz]

7 hours ago, Chatty Cake said:

I really like Ally and James. I didn’t realize she was fake, too. I don’t understand why she wouldn’t marry James Kennedy today. He’s adorable and funny. 

Don’t get me wrong. I like Ally and James very much, too. But I think they are producing a bit. Which has become the norm. James has been great. I hope he can stay sober. 

[politichick]

15 hours ago, ZettaK said:

I give Scheana and Brock as long as VR lasts. She only needs him for a storyline, and as a babysitter when she doesn't have one. I hope for her own sake the new house is on her name only.

I read somewhere a while back that the house is in her name only.

[Carolina Girl]

8 hours ago, princelina said:

Haha old "Lala" is losing on every count - no sympathetic breakup storyline, commercials vs. hit tv and Broadway shows, "The Don" vs. Dan - no wonder she's a bitter bunny!

Notice she doesn't have anyone panting after her.  Maybe after they've seen who and what she'd blow to get a ride In a private jet, there's a real "ick" factor attached to her.  

Are there any reunion spoilers out there?  I'm not tuning in if it's nothing but a Sandoval redemption tour with everyone going after Ariana for stating her position and sticking to it.  I imagine it will Lala hijacking it like she did last year.  No one wants to talk about her pregnancy and she has no other storyline other than to bitch about everyone else's.  

Supposedly Rachel says she's ready to "move on" from VPR.  To what?  The woman is singularly uninteresting and dumb as a box of rocks.  And really - how the hell do all these people with voices like nails om a chalkboard have a podcast that relies heavily on AUDIO???  Makes no sense.  I think in the end, we'll all really be a variation of Andy Warhol's 15 minutes -- EVERYONE will have a podcast...

[hoodooznoodooz]

Someone on Reddit pointed out that Scheana wants to believe that Sandoval realized that weaponizing Ariana’s mental health was wrong. Scheana wants to convince Ariana that he deserves Scheana’s friendship. But that same evening, probably within two hours, Sandoval again weaponizes things that Ariana discussed with him in private. He insists that Ariana often did not like and complained about this group of people. 

[ZettaK]

19 hours ago, Kiki777 said:

Yes I see that Ally is probably an opportunist but I still like her - she is the youngest of the cast but probably the most sensible- also I love her look, she has this retro sort of natural beauty.  I do still find James a bit problematic but see that he is growing and maturing a lot, and while he did take his production-driven prompts to film a bit with Sandoval, he is not totally drinking the Kool-Aid like Lala and Scheana.

I like Ally, as well. I think that Scheana is somewhat justified regarding her feelings about Sandoval because they know each other for at least 14 years and they were friends. Lala is relatively new to the group, she didn't know them before the show, so she is more performative, to use the popular term which was used on the show (and elsewhere) repeatedly.

Edited May 13 by ZettaK

[Lassus]

On 5/11/2024 at 5:26 AM, ZettaK said:

Ariana might decide to leave the show.

I would certainly never dispute this.

On 5/12/2024 at 3:45 AM, hoodooznoodooz said:

Ally misrepresents herself the way they all do; she has not stayed true to herself either. But her phoniness thus far has not offended the other cast members or the audience.

How so?  Did I miss something?

[Lassus]

On 5/10/2024 at 10:23 AM, heatherchandler said:

Her brother doesn’t talk to her anymore because of the way she treated his girlfriend/fiancee.  That’s telling.

Was pretty sure she didn't talk to HIM any more for the way he treated her, his sister.

[Carolina Girl]

I find it interesting that once she discovered Sandoval's cheating and duplicity, Ariana told. her friends, without equivocation. that if they were going to continue to be friends and hang with him, she wasn't interested in being around them.  In many way she's explained why in last season's finale, when that moron - "shucks I'm just a silly puppy dog guy" - Schwartz,showed up at the girls' get together and Ariana I believe told him point blank - "if you're here to stick up for that asshole, you can leave now."  That was the one thing she didn't want or need - people who would be engaging her later with how contrite Tom was and offering various explanations of why essentially they still needed to be friends with him.  Which is PRECISELY what those two attention whores Lala and Scheana did.  (This would be the same Lala that went after Tom and Rachel and took up 70% of the reunion (or so it seemed0 screeching at them (probably to make up for screen time she felt robbed of this season)).  

At the beginning of this season, Lala was all about "I'm new and improved."  Somehow this new any improved only extended to those people who would afford her extra screen time.  (I still think that text to Rashel was producer driven in a last-ditch attempt to get her back on the show by indicating that Lala would be kind to her going forward.}. However, this did to extend to Ariana - probably because Lala's acting career was in the shitter now that the Chinless Wonder wasn't getting her parts in his movies and Ariana was fielding offers left and right.  

But that final comment of Tommy the Turd - "That's good for me!" tells me everything.  
 

[Carolina Girl]

14 minutes ago, Lassus said:

Was pretty sure she didn't talk to HIM any more for the way he treated her, his sister.

I agree - I seem to recall he was a reall creep at Scheana's? wedding, with more than one person commeniing on his behavior.  

And speaking of creepy - that VIP area crasher (Peacock extended footage) was nutty 9 ways to Sunday.  First he's dancing and rubbing against the cast, stealing their alcohol and turning violent.  Can't think why they couldn't include that in the broadcast version.

And need to ask my fellow San Frans on the thread - Were they on Treasure Island for this shindig?  I notice that the view from the Deck was the suspension portion of the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero skyline -- and it was too close for it to have been Emeryville.

[Marigold66]

1 hour ago, Carolina Girl said:

And need to ask my fellow San Frans on the thread - Were they on Treasure Island for this shindig?  I notice that the view from the Deck was the suspension portion of the Bay Bridge and the Embarcadero skyline -- and it was too close for it to have been Emeryville.

Not from SF but you're right that they were on Treasure Island because I distinctly heard one of them mention it.  

[heatherchandler]

3 hours ago, Lassus said:

Was pretty sure she didn't talk to HIM any more for the way he treated her, his sister.

Not according to him-

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/ariana-madixs-brother-jeremy-on-why-they-havent-spoken-in-months/

 

Ariana is a sweet, kind girl. I love her so much. So it’s not always in your face all the time. It’s just little slight things that maybe not everyone would notice.”

Oh yeah, no Jeremy, everyone notices.

Edited May 13 by heatherchandler