S02.E07: Better Late Than Never

[Watermelon]

I agree. The way Kathryn was acting at the Founder's Ball was seriously unpleasant to watch. I get that she was mad and that Thomas is probably terrible to deal with, but the moping and pouting in public, then trying to pick a fight (excuse me - "talk about their problems") in a corner of the room in the middle of the ball, was so obnoxious. Then when drunky Landon was babbling at them, Kathryn's talking head is all like "I don't see why we have to act happy when we aren't." Um. You don't. But the answer is to break up or solve it in private, not to paste your misery all over your face and scowl at innocent bystanders. I hate the attitude that in order to be "real" (or something...I don't really know) you have to air your dirty laundry to everyone around you. It's also awfully self-important - get over yourself people!

You're right, but Thomas' "Are you ok? No? Awesome! I'll dance and stare at you like an asshat, because THAT will cheer you up!" made me want to push him through a window.

 

He's entirely old enough to know giggling and dancing doesn't make anything better. It just makes you look tone deaf to your fuckery.

[cooksdelight]

Thomas is an asshat when he's drunk. I think we see him drunk most of the time.

[RedHawk]

Rather than running after Thomas, I wish Lathryn would wake up and walk AWAY from him. Sigh. They are getting tedious to me, imagine how much they annoy each other.

[pasdetrois]

 

I'll shag with Shep any day though....no matter what time of year :-P

Carolina beach music!

 

Regarding involving Kathryn in the campaign, usually the spouses and children stay far away, except for public appearances. Too much conflict otherwise.

 

I think the nasty email from Sandy Duncan was scripted.

Edited April 30, 2015 by pasdetrois

[Sage47]

You know, I was just recalling that even when Kathryn and Thomas FIRST got together in Season One, she was semi-dour and deadpan. And drunk. She's just not a happy-go-lucky girl (Shep would be the epitome of a happy-go-lucky boy :) ).

 

I remember finding her intriguing early on. Here she was, this young 21 year old girl and she seemed so "old" somehow and jaded with Thomas. I would never have entertained the thought of being with a 50 year old man at 21. Hell, 40 was way too old. Kathryn just zeroed in on Thomas with a plan in mind and nothing could hold her back. She wasn't intimidated by his age at all and was instantly almost living with him. Makes me wonder if she secretly had something at home or in her life that she was trying to escape somehow. Some things with her just don't fully add up.

 

Also, she lied so easily and with a totally straight face to Thomas about sleeping with Whitney. Even when he pushed her she stuck to her story for quite awhile. Not a good sign of her character...

[ihartcoffee]

You're right, but Thomas' "Are you ok? No? Awesome! I'll dance and stare at you like an asshat, because THAT will cheer you up!" made me want to push him through a window.

 

He's entirely old enough to know giggling and dancing doesn't make anything better. It just makes you look tone deaf to your fuckery.

To me it seemed like he wanted to give the appearance he was having all this fun to all the 'potential voters'. He looked like an idiot.

Her sour puss act didn't help matters though.

[KnoxForPres]

I think Kathryn actually does love Thomas, and is genuinely hurt by the way he treats her, so much so that she can't even put on a front anymore in public that everything is OK. He knew she was pissed off and should have addressed it rather than ignore what she was trying to say to him at the Founder's Ball.

I definitely think she is immature, and should put on a happy face in public, especially given Thomas's political ambitions. I just think she's out of her gold-digging depths with Thomas. She is naive and doesn't seem to have the wherewithal or emotional resolve to pretend to be someone she isn't in order to be what Thomas needs her to be. The other problem she has is that Thomas isn't interested in providing what she needs from him.

They seem to bring out the worst in each other, and they are both starting to realize it isn't going to work.

I am curious to see what happens in the rest of the interview with Craig. He had this douche bag smirk on his face when his boss said that he was talking to him like he was his son, and his face just dropped when he said he was going to terminate him. It seemed a very genuine reaction.

Bowing down to you for succinctly putting my thoughts into words about Kathryn.

So I've been thinking about the massive Shep love. And I'm in his fan club too. But where I am from it occurred to me I'm surrounded by Sheps. Loads of old money here where I am in the South. There are certain bars I could frequent where every 30ish guy has his Lacoste shirt on, sunglass of the moment on Croakies, and Makers Mark in right hand, Amex (black) in the left. I've dated them. They leave you wanting more so often. Like I love Shep, but I feel certain he'd likely wear thin. I kind of yucked when he talked about the checks in the mail. I mean, I grew up very well, but damn there is something hot about a guy working hard for his money. All this to say, move to the South. I can think of 10 cities, Gosh 20, that have loads of them. Charming, hot, brilliant, but whew boy, fucking high maintenance when it comes to dating. Ya work for it.

[Suck It Trebek]

Bowing down to you for succinctly putting my thoughts into words about Kathryn.

So I've been thinking about the massive Shep love. And I'm in his fan club too. But where I am from it occurred to me I'm surrounded by Sheps. Loads of old money here where I am in the South. There are certain bars I could frequent where every 30ish guy has his Lacoste shirt on, sunglass of the moment on Croakies, and Makers Mark in right hand, Amex (black) in the left. I've dated them. They leave you wanting more so often. Like I love Shep, but I feel certain he'd likely wear thin. I kind of yucked when he talked about the checks in the mail. I mean, I grew up very well, but damn there is something hot about a guy working hard for his money. All this to say, move to the South. I can think of 10 cities, Gosh 20, that have loads of them. Charming, hot, brilliant, but whew boy, fucking high maintenance when it comes to dating. Ya work for it.

I'm ready with pen and paper.

[KnoxForPres]

I'm ready with pen and paper.

Haha! I thought, not a good way to end it Knox (my dog). Working for it even sounded fun to me as I knowingly typed it on my phone! Cheers! And if you land him, remember us!

[woodscommaelle]

Call me crazy, but I would swear Kathryn had a gorgeous dark blue gown on when she & TRav were preparing to leave for the ball.  I just assumed she decided at the last minute to change to the white gown; thus TRav's decision to go without her & come back when she was finally ready.  Maybe my brain is just addled from too much reality tv:(

That's ok.  Some of us see a white dress, some see blue ;)

[biakbiak]

The blue gown with her and TRav in the same room getting ready was a flashback from last season. They were in his old house and it was before she got pregnant.

[Lonesome Rhodes]

The fair Mrs. Wimberly doth protest too much.  Her reaction to being announced was one of embarrassment, yes.  However, it was far more due to her husband not being there, and also having her married name announced on the show where she is billed as "Eubanks."  

 

Who, in their right mind, would shell out the hundreds of dollars for tickets to that event, knowing that this tacky show with the fool cast were to be prominent and that you would be used as an extra?  Did Bravo pay for the cast tickets and/or subsidize Cooper as he launched this affair?  I noticed the announcements were disembodied.  Did the Sergeant-at-Arms refuse to sign a waiver?  

 

The gator dinner had the alltime greatest moment of the series thus far.  Yes, Craig was a bore for cussing.  If he actually did cut Pat off (I am not sure he actually did.  There was an odd edit there.) he was beyond stoopid.  No defense.  However, didja notice that privileged Whitney cussed right at TRav and insisted on causing a ruckus?  Nobody batted an eye.  Why, that was just fine.  No approbation was seen nor heard.  Bingo.  We just saw the essence of Charleston:  One set of rules for the rich/chosen, another for the unwashed.  Lord, how I loved this moment.  It's one I have personally seen play out in the South.   I dearly love the South and hope to live out my days there.  However, anytime I sensed a hint of aristocratic arrogance like this, I have wanted to stick such right up the offending party's lower rear orifice.  

 

If the edit with the time of "8:45" is to be believed, Kathryn was just getting ready.  TRav had much better things to do than wait for her.  This was actually an event where he might could do himself some good politically and here she was, for an event she basically lived for, messing around.   She had alllllll day.  

 

I would truly love to know just how she expected TRav to respect her and want her to participate in his political activities when she never once, that I've seen, chose to put on the requisite sunny face and she has picked fights right in front of those TRav needed to support him.  Did she learn that technique studying at USC?  Is that how the Calhoun women have been raised?  She wants the man to put a ring on it and seemingly can't stop herself from allowing her seething resentments, however well justified they may be, to erupt in public?   At a bare minimum, you attract a man with honey, not vinegar.  You give him reasons to want to be home with you.  You make him proud to have you on his arm.  Of course, that kind of respect should be a two-way street.  Yet and still, SHE was the one pursuing HIM.    

 

Oh, I almost forgot.  Cameran's escort was also a doctor!  Hmmm.  Did people die because he spent the evening with her?  Just checking.  ;)

[zenme]

IMO, the difference in the 2 exchanges (Whitney/Thomas, Craig/Pat) was that Craig was speaking to a lady, and an older at that, who was his hostess.

[Sage47]

The fair Mrs. Wimberly doth protest too much.  Her reaction to being announced was one of embarrassment, yes.  However, it was far more due to her husband not being there, and also having her married name announced on the show where she is billed as "Eubanks."  

 

Who, in their right mind, would shell out the hundreds of dollars for tickets to that event, knowing that this tacky show with the fool cast were to be prominent and that you would be used as an extra?  Did Bravo pay for the cast tickets and/or subsidize Cooper as he launched this affair?  I noticed the announcements were disembodied.  Did the Sergeant-at-Arms refuse to sign a waiver?  

 

The gator dinner had the alltime greatest moment of the series thus far.  Yes, Craig was a bore for cussing.  If he actually did cut Pat off (I am not sure he actually did.  There was an odd edit there.) he was beyond stoopid.  No defense.  However, didja notice that privileged Whitney cussed right at TRav and insisted on causing a ruckus?  Nobody batted an eye.  Why, that was just fine.  No approbation was seen nor heard.  Bingo.  We just saw the essence of Charleston:  One set of rules for the rich/chosen, another for the unwashed.  Lord, how I loved this moment.  It's one I have personally seen play out in the South.   I dearly love the South and hope to live out my days there.  However, anytime I sensed a hint of aristocratic arrogance like this, I have wanted to stick such right up the offending party's lower rear orifice.  

 

If the edit with the time of "8:45" is to be believed, Kathryn was just getting ready.  TRav had much better things to do than wait for her.  This was actually an event where he might could do himself some good politically and here she was, for an event she basically lived for, messing around.   She had alllllll day.  

 

I would truly love to know just how she expected TRav to respect her and want her to participate in his political activities when she never once, that I've seen, chose to put on the requisite sunny face and she has picked fights right in front of those TRav needed to support him.  Did she learn that technique studying at USC?  Is that how the Calhoun women have been raised?  She wants the man to put a ring on it and seemingly can't stop herself from allowing her seething resentments, however well justified they may be, to erupt in public?   At a bare minimum, you attract a man with honey, not vinegar.  You give him reasons to want to be home with you.  You make him proud to have you on his arm.  Of course, that kind of respect should be a two-way street.  Yet and still, SHE was the one pursuing HIM.    

 

Oh, I almost forgot.  Cameran's escort was also a doctor!  Hmmm.  Did people die because he spent the evening with her?  Just checking.  ;)

BEST.POST.EVER.

[Babyfoot]

Interesting point about the odd edit with Craig cussing and (seemingly) cutting of Pat. Pat defended Craig on Twitter and said that he's been nothing but a gentleman ever in her home. She also noted the odd editing.

Do they have a different production crew from last year? Not enjoying this season like I did last. Still completely addicted to this show but am not enjoying the focus on the inane T-Rav and Kathryn drama.

[balshureen]

You know, I was just recalling that even when Kathryn and Thomas FIRST got together in Season One, she was semi-dour and deadpan. And drunk. She's just not a happy-go-lucky girl (Shep would be the epitome of a happy-go-lucky boy :) ).

 

I remember finding her intriguing early on. Here she was, this young 21 year old girl and she seemed so "old" somehow and jaded with Thomas. I would never have entertained the thought of being with a 50 year old man at 21. Hell, 40 was way too old. Kathryn just zeroed in on Thomas with a plan in mind and nothing could hold her back. She wasn't intimidated by his age at all and was instantly almost living with him. Makes me wonder if she secretly had something at home or in her life that she was trying to escape somehow. Some things with her just don't fully add up.

 

Also, she lied so easily and with a totally straight face to Thomas about sleeping with Whitney. Even when he pushed her she stuck to her story for quite awhile. Not a good sign of her character...

It is hard to reconcile the Kathryn of last year with this one.  I thought she was a young, beautiful sociopath last year when she lied straight to Thomas's face about the various men she bedded.  And he still came back for more, God bless him.

 

I agree that something seems very off about a young woman pursuing Thomas like she did, and the fact that her family seemed down with it spoke volumes about her upbringing.  

 

I'm still intrigued by them and their dynamic.  I'm interested to see how the rest of the season will play out.

[TexasGal]

I remember finding her intriguing early on. Here she was, this young 21 year old girl and she seemed so "old" somehow and jaded with Thomas. I would never have entertained the thought of being with a 50 year old man at 21. Hell, 40 was way too old. Kathryn just zeroed in on Thomas with a plan in mind and nothing could hold her back. She wasn't intimidated by his age at all and was instantly almost living with him. Makes me wonder if she secretly had something at home or in her life that she was trying to escape somehow. Some things with her just don't fully add up.

 

Agreed - at 21 I would have MAYBE considered someone in their late 30's.  But then again, my primary goal was not earning an MRS degree or gold-digger.  Damn my misspent youth!

[DeepRed]

 

I agree that something seems very off about a young woman pursuing Thomas like she did, and the fact that her family seemed down with it spoke volumes about her upbringing.

IMO Kathryn is acting more and more as if she were raised by farm animals.  There are big gaps in her upbringing if she thinks that it's fine to attend an affair that her host spent a lot of time, money and energy arranging, and then pout her way through it.  Talk about a lack of breeding.  Good grief, either plaster a smile on your face and be gracious, or stay home.

 

In one of Kathryn's THs she mentioned (commenting on another scene) that Thomas should have been paying attention to "the most important person in his life" - namely her.  No, you big dummy, the most important in his life is his DAUGHTER.  Similarly Princess Diana once mentioned being cross with Charles because whenever the family was at Balmoral, he would serve cocktails first to his mother (the Queen, fer cryin' out loud), his grandmother (the Queen Mother), other female guests and then her; she believed that as his wife she should have been served first.  Well, the way I was raised, female guests get served first and the wife last.  I'd be mortified if my husband served me before any female guests.

 

Apologies to those of you who love Princess Di, but I see many similarities between her and Kathryn, in terms of gaps in their knowledge of proper ettiquette, esp. the pouting, suffering, put-upon looks in public.  So tiresome.  JMO.

 

Has anyone mentioned Patricia's fabulous gown for the ball?  Gorgeous fabric.  Its train moved beautifully as she walked up the steps.  That's some serious couture!

[Sage47]

It is hard to reconcile the Kathryn of last year with this one.  I thought she was a young, beautiful sociopath last year when she lied straight to Thomas's face about the various men she bedded.  And he still came back for more, God bless him.

 

I agree that something seems very off about a young woman pursuing Thomas like she did, and the fact that her family seemed down with it spoke volumes about her upbringing.  

 

I'm still intrigued by them and their dynamic.  I'm interested to see how the rest of the season will play out.

I was going to say the same thing recently; that I feel at times that Kathryn is a sociopath. Every single TH she does is in such a mean, cutting tone towards Thomas. I get it, I get it-he isn't meeting her needs and can be an immature jerk. But there is something as cold as ice about her.

 

I have never seen her act totally in love with Thomas, even in Season One. Back then she showed up at a party and was angry with him for not using protection when they slept together the one time. But right after that she was actively trying to get pregnant so she makes no sense. There was hardly a courtship. They slept together instantly, she was on no birth control and even consulted her grandmother saying she had almost been impregnated by a 50 year old, of which Granny was fine with.  Soon after, BAM, Kathryn WAS pregnant.  Whitney is a total ass but I am starting to see the huge problem he has with her.

 

Unfortunately for her, her plan went awry. She didn't get the dumb much-older man to propose and set her up for life. Now the rage is pouring out of her that the sucker-with-the-felony didn't follow through with her plan for herself.

[Chicklet]

 

Now the rage is pouring out of her that the sucker-with-the-felony didn't follow through with her plan for herself.

The RICH sucker-with-the-felony didn't follow through. Fixed that for ya.

[pasdetrois]

Granny encouraging Kathryn to nail the rich old man was creepy. Very southern gothic - young beautiful woman marries wealthy older man and saves her family's fortunes. At the time I thought Granny was just in on the production storyline, but I've always wondered if the entire Dennis family really wanted the marriage because of the wealth and the Ravenel name. I still believe that Kathryn and Thomas knew that each was using the other, and that love had nothing to do with it.

 

We see all kinds of stuff on reality TV. Often the participants hope to spin off a successful business or entertainment career. I've always been puzzled as to why Thomas and Shep were willing to be on this show. I think the others can be explained - Whitney and Camaran want to dabble in production, and Patricia supports Whitney. Craig seems to want a glamorous life. But what was the attraction for Thomas and Shep?

 

Maybe for Thomas it was nothing more than a political career, and it evolved into this miserable relationship with Kathryn. When I watched season one, I clearly felt that Kathryn forced herself into the show, made a beeline for Thomas, and that it wasn't part of the original script as envisioned by Whitney and Camaran. Unexpected manna from reality TV heaven.

Edited May 2, 2015 by pasdetrois

[JenE4]

I think for Thomas he saw the show the same way that he saw that Glass Menagerie dinner party he had last season: a means to impart his words of "wisdom." I also assume he thought it would rehabilitate his image--that people would see that he's a fine, upstanding gentleman who is nothing like the scallywag who went to prison. Unfortunately Thomas is only intelligent and charming 25% of the time. The show showcased how he STILL makes poor life choices by embroiling himself in drama without thinking and then not knowing how to solve the issues. I think that's why he's mad at Andy and Bravo. Maybe they did tell him that this would be good for his image--but that's not on Bravo's shoulders that it's NOT. They're showing things that Thomas is actually doing and saying. T-Rav's bad image is all on T-Rav. And, yes, maybe if Katheryn weren't in the picture then T-Rav would come off better, but his choice to have the relationship he has with her is still his choice. If he can't clean up his own issues at home, how could the constituents think he'd contribute to solving any of the government's issues?

As for Shep, what you see is what you get. I'm sure Whitney said just be yourself having fun on camera--and he is. I don't think there's any greater motivation there. He doesn't seem to be using the show for anything. But I'd you see Palace Hotel brand hot dogs in your local supermarket, then he'll have sold his soul to Bravolebrity,

[selhars]

This episode brought home to me:

 

1) I'm not all that perturbed about Craig getting fired. IF he works it, especially being on the show. With it as a launching pad he really can have a great modeling career. But I'm not sure he wants to work -- even at that. Models do need to have SOME kind of hustle in their bones. Given that his family supposedly doesn't have the money to support him totally the way the others do....he should muster up some hustle for the modeling career. Come on, dude.

 

2) I continue to NOT like Whitney, Spoiled, rich  brat, with a lonely childhood. Boo hoo. Sad but your an adult. Grow up.

 

3) I know Shep is trying to help Craig out advice-wise about career and life and get it together. BUT I don't think saying "Yeah but I can afford it" (in a promo) is the best way to light a fire under someone. I don't think Shep is throwing his better financial situation in Craig's face. I think Shape's frustration just got the better of him and he just cut to the truth of the chase. Craig can't afford to not work. Although Craig's family owns a business..apparently it's not on the level of old southern money.

 

4) Love Cameron...like Landon.

 

5) Kathryn is way too young and -- maybe even more importantly IMMATURE -- to wrangle, catch -- and KEEP a rich, sometimes seems intelligent, other times haughty and immature himself -- 50-something like Thomas.

 

MAYBE IF she'd played her cards a little differently, she COULD have pulled it off. But she didn't know how to keep him intrigued. She's minor league in that department. IMO, most younger women who snag their rich husbands and want to stay married for the cache -- and REAL money and lifestyle  (any one seen the movie Queen of Versailles?)  -- don't just trap him by getting pregnant. They subtley play to his ego and they do it well....they keep him drawn to her like a flame. They get him to WANT to make her happy. Some of these old codgers give these young wives anything they want -- including time and attention. And the women I'm talking about actually could pull off the political wife thing. Now others might talk about her behind her back.....but they'd keep their mouth shut in high society -- and go to the damned party if invited. Because if the RICH POWER HUSBAND is behind the party, they put on a face....and act like they're just as happy as a clam when their names are announced as they walk in. They can be as fake as fake, fake, fake.....but they do it. Despite coming from a very politically powerful family, Kathryn seems to know nothing about how to behave in certain circles and whats "expected" in that echelon. (You don't think Patricia has held her elitist nose, and tongue -- and put a fake smile on her face -- a few HUNDRED times in her lifetime?)

 

The most successful young wives know HOW to get the man to WANT to treat them well, because they adore you, and they just get a kick out of seeing you happy.  There are plenty of confirmed bachelors who get snagged. (Amal got George Clooney....Annette Benning sure tamed  Warren Beatty. (The young folks here don't even get the reference:) And that's a better analogy because she did get pregnant and he is 20 years older than her....and they're still married more than 20 years later)

 

Kathryn just played her cards the wrong way -- with the wrong guy -- Thomas -- who is set in his ways, immature himself, shuns responsibility, and, who really doesn't WANT to be married. She was out of her element -- and didn't know it. Sad actually. 

Edited May 2, 2015 by selhars

[lillypforme]

Cooper's ball was such a joke. There was NO society present. 

 

Craig is so boorish- and arrogant as well. 

Edited May 2, 2015 by lillypforme

[zenme]

selhars, I agree WRT Kathryn not "trapping" Thomas properly. She could have really worked it but didn't have the patience. She got too eager! These young pups!

[RedHawk]

When I watched season one, I clearly felt that Kathryn forced herself into the show, made a beeline for Thomas,

 

 

Well, she made a beeline for Thomas with a very brief stop at Craig, and slightly longer ones for Shep and Whitney. ;-)

Edited May 2, 2015 by RedHawk

[foo]

So Craig is dismissed from his job at the law firm for failing to appear at the office during regular work hours. And the situs of his dismissal is at his boss's house. Over a glass of wine. In the middle of a workday. Way to keep it consistent.

 

That's probably the only way the boss could get Craig to show up ;)

[RedHawk]

I noticed that when the secretary called to tell Craig the boss wanted to see him at his home at 1 o'clock, Craig said he'd "try to get there around 1".

 

I mean, every worker knows that the only appropriate response is, "I'll be there at 1:00."

[foo]

I noticed that when the secretary called to tell Craig the boss wanted to see him at his home at 1 o'clock, Craig said he'd "try to get there around 1".

 

I mean, every worker knows that the only appropriate response is, "I'll be there at 1:00."

Yep.  Craig is an entitled, obnoxious douche.  He was lucky that Akim the Scream put up with him as long as he did.  (I'm sure Akim was just using him for the free, outside SC exposure).  Those two were a sleaze match made in heaven. 

Edited May 3, 2015 by foo

[cyberfruit]

I noticed that when the secretary called to tell Craig the boss wanted to see him at his home at 1 o'clock, Craig said he'd "try to get there around 1".

 

I mean, every worker knows that the only appropriate response is, "I'll be there at 1:00."

 

I thought that was a very interesting scene as in I actually wonder if Akim had prepped the secretary to provide Craig with two responses depending on Craig's own response. 

 

If Craig had said, "Okay, I'll be there at 1; I'm sorry for being late.", then the secretary would have been prompted to say, "Great, see you in a few." Quick dial in to Akim to let him know that Craig was coming in, and his job would have been saved. Or, for a while at least. But Craig's lazy behind said something different and his actions followed and there went his job.

[StevieRocks]

At the men's dinner, did anyone catch Shep hit Craig under the table after Craig's comment "yeah they're going to have a f** blast" as if to say SHUT UP you uncouth frat boy! 

 

And did Craig play paintball before the dinner?  At first I thought it was rain, but no, it was part of the suit.   

Oh, my God! I rewound this about five times. GOLD! So cringeworthy. I've always disliked Craig, and I don't think he's as "pretty" as he thinks he is--and 'kadooz' on that description: "uncouth frat boy" is perfect. And I would venture to say that it was a frat at a fourth-tier school. He acted like he was at a Pizza Hut with his friends. As they say in the south, 'Bless his heart.'

[selhars]

selhars, I agree WRT Kathryn not "trapping" Thomas properly. She could have really worked it but didn't have the patience. She got too eager! These young pups!

 

Kathryn has no one to blame for her situation, but herself. She didn't know to get what she wanted. And she COULD have had it.

 

At the men's dinner, did anyone catch Shep hit Craig under the table after Craig's comment "yeah they're going to have a f** blast" as if to say SHUT UP you uncouth frat boy!

 

I noticed that Shep was shocked, but I missed the kick under the table. I'll have to look for that. To be fair to Criag....I think he was already so drunk by then that he didn't realize what he'd done, and just how much he'd cut Patricia off, and how it came off. I really don't think he'd do that on purpose. For all his faults, I don't think he'd be intentionally disrespectful to Patricia's face. Craig seems to be in a constant state of hang over or drunk, I think it's affecting his thought process..making him that much more unaware of his behavior and a given situation. So was he totally inappropriate? Sure. Did he mean it as the snub it was. I certainly don't think so. Would he patronize her? Might he think she's passe and just a rich older woman? Sure. Would he intentionally be demeaning in her presence, would he be that rude...I don't think so. He's just so half drunk all the time he doesn't know what he's saying.

Edited May 3, 2015 by selhars

[RedHawk]

Craig is blowing chances left and right. He has been accepted into the circle of Shep, Whitney, and Thomas -- and whatever you want to say about those guys, they have money, manners, and connections. His uncouth behavior, lack of adherence to office/work rules, and interest in partying and being a model rather than focusing on his career are de-railing him quickly. Sure, he may get some modeling work and earn many thousands of dollars. How long will that last? He should still take the bar and work seriously at the law career he's trained for. If the modeling takes off for a few years, great! If not, he still has a potentially very lucrative career, as long as he doesn't blow all the goodwill he's garnered from friends and his boss.

 

In some ways, Kathryn is the female Craig. She could have finished her degree and gotten work in the political world with the doors her famous name would open for her. Then she could have built something for herself, maybe met a young politician with charisma and a future if she wanted to hitch her wagon to that sort of man. Instead she bed-hopped until she found a guy who seemingly would give her the shortcut to the life of wealth and fame she seems to crave. And now it's not working out as well as she thought it would...

Edited May 3, 2015 by RedHawk

[selhars]

 

Instead she bed-hopped until she found a guy who seemingly would give her the shortcut to the life of wealth and fame she seems to crave.

 

That's part of what's to mind bogglig to me -- her family HAS money. And in this day and age for her to talk about how she's not the kind of person to just hang around and wait for Thomas to get a clue about what's most important.....then why did she trap him the way she did?? That's a MAJOR disconnect in her own thinking and lack of awareness about HERSELF. We know she misjudged Thomas. She doesn't even have awareness about HER.

 

I'm still trying to figure out...IS she stupid, or is she not? Because...IF she wants to be the southern belle housewife she's not playing those cards correctly....And if she wants to be the equal partner in a power couple.....she's not playing THOSE cards correctly either......if she's the "move on" be a single mother type...she doesn't seem capable of really doing that either.

 

It's clear in her talking heads she's just pitiful...but then again so is Thomas, (and Craig and Whitney, for different reasons)

 

RE: Redhawk's point about Craig blowing his chances left and right...now that he's in the "Southern Charm" circle......

 

IF Craig takes modeling SERIOUSLY he could make some VERY BIG money...VERY big. Male models don't get the cache or money that females to. but its more than enough to support the lifestyle Craig wants.....again, IF, he get endorsements, hooks up with certain designers. does runway, print, commercials, etc. He's got the look and a certain charm so he COULD parlay this big.

 

I've read that his mom is an elementary school teacher and his father owns a cleaning business. So while his family doesn't have old southern   political or industrial/business money, they may not be struggling either. 

 

I think Craig is enjoying the show -- and that's more than OK.....I also hope that behind the scenes he's much more strategic about planning his future life moves than we see on the show. 

 

I like Craig because he shows up many of the fake superficial artifices of southern gentility for what they are: BS. I can't stand Patricia's noblesse oblige, "I'll have by butler serve my tea" ...and bring my perfectly made martini to me in the parlor -- or drawing room -- crap. I think she's a condescending old snobbish biddy who thinks the s#it of her and her son doesn't stink...and it DOES.

Edited May 3, 2015 by selhars

[RedHawk]

Yeah, Kathryn is really confusing, I agree it's because she herself is so confused about her own identity and goals. Last year I got interested in her and found a lot online -- photos and stuff where she seemed to be trying on "looks" and searching for a career and/or identity. Not sure how much you can still find now. Like many young women her age she's obsessed with selfies and clothes/makeup. She wanted to be a model -- another Craig parallel -- and I think she'd have a good chance at it. Then she got the opportunity to be part of this show and pushed herself into the spotlight. (Basically pushed Jenna right out as well!) So much of what she does strikes me as young and immature and thus understandable. That's why I "blame" Thomas a little more. He ACTS like he's in his 20s while she IS in her 20s.

 

That's part of what's to mind bogglig to me -- her family HAS money.

 

 

 

It's not clear that they do. I mean, her parents may be well-off and able to keep up the ancestral property, but they don't seem to have multi-millions nor does Kathryn appear to have a trust fund or other source of her own money. She made the comment that she had bought her white dress "with my own money." It was another reason she was aggrieved with Thomas for failing to pick her up and properly escort her to the ball, and a call-back to the first season when he took her shopping for a dress, shoes, etc. for the Carolina Day party (or some other formal event). Now she's the mother of his child and not only did he not take her dress shopping, he first went to the party without her.

 

Whatever was going on there, it was a mess. I can easily believe that Kathryn could take hours to get ready even when she had the dress, underwear, shoes, purse, jewelry chosen in advance. Even with a stylist to help her. Plus having a nanny to take care of Kensie. I can also see Thomas getting very impatient because he wants to get to the ball early and glad-hand everyone there as part of his campaigning. Seems like a huge lack of communication, possible producer shenanigans, and both T-rav and Kiki being selfish and passive-aggressive instead of working together.

 

Kathryn is operating in "prove you love me, prove you want me, prove you respect me" mode while Thomas is in "prove you won't be a pain in the neck and then try to take my money and my child" mode. MESS!

Edited May 3, 2015 by RedHawk

[foo]

I have always had the impression that Kathryn's family is rich in name only.  Their plantation house (the episode where she took Thomas home for family dinner) was not very well-maintained on the exterior (shutters falling off, etc), and indoor shots were minimal (on a show with plenty of home porn).  When her father said that the house was built before the civil war, the camera panned to the wallpaper for cripes' sake. 

 

Her parents and grandmother didn't look particularly well-dressed (in the label/designer sense), and they were awfully damn ok with their 21 year old kid dating a 50-something loser with a horrible reputation but plenty of money.  Her grandmother practically told her to go ahead and keep on with TRav and get pregnant on the pregnancy scare episode.  Her family gives me the skeevy impression that they've always been looking to pimp her out for money.

 

Does anyone know if she's an only child? 

Edited May 3, 2015 by foo

[cooksdelight]

Her family gives me the skeevy impression that they've always been looking to pimp her out for money.

 

Does anyone know if she's an only child? 

 

She's never mentioned siblings, so I am guessing she is an only child. And if she's the best they got for getting money funneled into the family chest.....well......

[RedHawk]

Well... they've now got Kensington Calhoun Ravenel as their new scion, and I think Thomas will do his best to funnel some of his fortune to what likely will be his only child.

[foo]

Well... they've now got Kensington Calhoun Ravenel as their new scion, and I think Thomas will do his best to funnel some of his fortune to what likely will be his only child.

Oh, totally.  Kensington will be bringing them a nice income stream.  But I'm sure they're all a bit disappointed that they never got him on the line for marriage and then the eventual divorce settlement/alimony. 

[cooksdelight]

I'll respond in their thread.

[iloveit]

 

I think Craig is enjoying the show -- and that's more than OK.....I also hope that behind the scenes he's much more strategic about planning his future life moves than we see on the show.

 

I agree.  He probably should have taken a hiatus from his job at the law firm during filming - BUT his job is his story line and his boss seems to be in on the game so it's not like his work place is actually suffering. 

 

I think in Season 1 it is mentioned that Kathryn has her own money but I get the impression that she is not super rich in a never has to work way.  Thomas is very rich, I believe - in Season 1, he states that he is the richest Ravenel which is saying something  (although who knows if that is true).   Overall, it is just becoming more and more apparent with each episode that they should not be together.  

[balshureen]

I think in Season 1 it is mentioned that Kathryn has her own money but I get the impression that she is not super rich in a never has to work way.  Thomas is very rich, I believe - in Season 1, he states that he is the richest Ravenel which is saying something  (although who knows if that is true).   Overall, it is just becoming more and more apparent with each episode that they should not be together.  

Thomas appears to have legitimate wealth.  He develops, owns, and manages retail centers and stip malls, according to his website, and has a list of projects completed on his website.  I know he plays polo, which isn't an inexpensive hobby, and spends a lot of time in Palm Beach pursuing it.

 

Kathryn and Thomas are really distant with each other, and their relationship seems very strained.  I feel sorry for the pair of them.  Not sure why I have any sympathy at all, since they opened themselves up to this by appearing on a reality show.  

[RedHawk]

Kathryn and Thomas are really distant with each other, and their relationship seems very strained.

 

 

Thomas seems to want to give her genuine affection, and she either rebuffs it or awkwardly accepts it. Doesn't take long for the other one to give up in that situation. I don't like Thomas very much, and yet I think he tried in his own way, just as she tried in hers. They just never were a compatible couple, too many differences. Snowball's chance in hell, really.

[cooksdelight]

Rewatching, as they are coming up the stairs at the ball, Thomas is carrying the train of her dress and she literally jerks it out of his hand with a look of utter comtempt. Geez.... give it up and call it a day already!

[SweetCaroline]

Kathryn's gonna suck those veneers right off her teeth if she keeps up.

[cooksdelight]

Craig's boss has that mispronounciation -- "sussessful" -- that drives me nuts.

[SweetCaroline]

I *almost* feel bad for Craig. When his meeting with his boss started he was grinning like he thought Don't Scream, Call Akim was about to make him partner.

[Bronzedog]

Craig definitely looked like he thought his boss was going to compliment him on the great job he was doing and then promote him.