Watch What Crappens: Episode #2621 - RHOC S18E19 Reunion 2: A Star Was Born (?) Detailed Summary
Released on November 15, 2024
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Podcast: Watch What Crappens
Platform: Wondery
1. Introduction to the Episode
In Episode #2621 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the tumultuous aftermath of The Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) Season 18, Episode 19 Reunion titled "A Star Was Born (?)". This installment is the second part of the reunion series, where the cast members confront unresolved tensions and explosive revelations from the season.
2. Host's Initial Reactions
The episode kicks off with Ben expressing his enthusiasm about the recent RHOC reunion, stating:
Ben Mandelker [04:01]: "I really enjoyed last night's installment of the Real Housewives of Orange County reunion which we're about to talk about."
Ronnie echoes the positive sentiment, highlighting his own upbeat mood:
Ronald Carom [04:30]: "I'm feeling very blessed as well. I'm feeling super positive."
They share a light-hearted moment about their recording setup, with Ronnie humorously attempting to hide his "waddle" behind the microphone, adding a personal and comedic touch to the discussion.
3. Detailed Discussion of Key Cast Members and Events
The core of the episode revolves around dissecting the heated interactions and drama presented in the RHOC reunion.
a. Heather Dubrow's Antics
Heather Dubrow emerges as a focal point of criticism. Ben finds her behavior particularly amusing despite widespread disdain:
Ben Mandelker [09:32]: "I found it to be extremely funny... everything she does, I am like a fine on the sofa every single time she puts her hand, like she's throwing an invisible dart, you know, I just laugh."
Ronnie takes a more scathing stance, portraying Heather as a manipulative antagonist:
Ronald Carom [09:32]: "I believe that she is Satan's tool... a historical friend and just an all-around awful, soul-sucking monster of a person."
The hosts mock Heather's signature eye-rolls and villainous demeanor, comparing her to a character from a vampire movie:
Ronald Carom [17:12]: "I think her eyes literally turn black and she just gets so villainous and monstrous."
b. Emily and the Ryan Scandal
Discussions shift to Emily and her involvement in the Ryan scandal. Ben emphasizes the gravity of Ryan's actions:
Ben Mandelker [11:36]: "If that is all that you are part of with this scandal, that's still a big fucking deal."
Ronnie contrasts this with previous scandals, suggesting that Ryan's actions are less harmful compared to others:
Ronald Carom [12:46]: "I just feel like I'm coming into this with a positive attitude today... Ryan steals from a sports guy and... consenting adults."
However, both hosts acknowledge the ongoing tension and Emily's persistent negativity towards Jen, exacerbating the conflict within the cast.
c. Tamara's Judgments and Hypocrisy
Tamara's criticism of Jen's financial decisions becomes a heated point. Ben highlights the double standards at play:
Ben Mandelker [14:59]: "I just would have more respect for you and Ryan if you just said, you know what, he's made some bad choices..."
Ronnie criticizes Tamara's approach to the situation, labeling her advice as hypocritical and unhelpful:
Ronald Carom [16:36]: "You spent the whole season calling her stupid... you're making bad choices."
The hosts dissect Tamara's attempts to position herself as a concerned friend while simultaneously undermining Jen's integrity.
d. Jen's Financial Struggles and Accountability
Jen's financial hardships come under scrutiny, with Ben pointing out the discrepancy in Jen's explanations:
Ben Mandelker [55:25]: "As a lawyer whose mother didn't pay enough attention to her, you get reprimanded... I'm telling you, as a lawyer."
Ronnie takes a firm stance against Jen's excuses, advocating for accountability:
Ronald Carom [65:08]: "Make your payments, you deadbeat. If you don't want to be defamed, then make your payments."
The hosts argue that Jen's evasive tactics and lack of transparency exacerbate the already strained relationships within the cast.
e. Gina's Protective Stance
Gina's attempts to shield her children from Tamara's accusations are met with support from the hosts. Ben commends her for prioritizing her family's well-being:
Ben Mandelker [67:58]: "She's trying to protect her kids, which makes total sense. I'm 100% Team Gina on that one."
Ronnie, however, remains skeptical about the longevity and sincerity of the conflicts, hinting at underlying issues:
Ronald Carom [68:40]: "If it was that crazy, it's weird to me that Travis isn't just out of the situation. Like, why has it been seven years?"
4. Key Remarks and Insights
Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie interject with humorous anecdotes and personal reflections, maintaining a light-hearted yet critical tone. They emphasize the cyclical nature of drama in reality TV, particularly within RHOC reunions, and the hosts' adeptness at highlighting the absurdities of the cast members' behaviors.
Notable Quotes:
- Ben Mandelker [08:37]: "I can't explain to you the depths to which Heather Dubrow makes me laugh."
- Ronald Carom [10:57]: "She's a hypocrite because she is delusional and thinks she's a good person."
- Ben Mandelker [16:16]: "You're doing that to yourself. Stop it."
These quotes encapsulate the hosts' critical perspectives and their ability to underscore the theatricality inherent in reality TV portrayals.
5. Final Thoughts and Conclusions
As the episode progresses, Ben and Ronnie conclude that while the RHOC reunion episode was filled with dramatic confrontations and revelations, it also provided ample material for their satirical analysis. They appreciate the entertainment value derived from dissecting the cast's antics and reaffirm their commitment to mocking what they affectionately term "Bravo's crap" because "we love it."
Ben wraps up the discussion by expressing admiration for Gina's transparency and resilience:
Ben Mandelker [68:40]: "She finally explained really what was going on. And it finally made sense."
Ronnie reinforces the importance of accountability and self-awareness among the cast members, urging listeners to remain critical observers of reality TV dynamics.
Conclusion
Episode #2621 of Watch What Crappens offers a comprehensive and humorous analysis of the latest RHOC reunion. Through their sharp critiques and engaging banter, Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam provide listeners with insightful commentary on the complexities and dramatics that define reality television. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer to RHOC drama, this episode delivers a well-structured and entertaining recap of the reunion's key moments.
Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, and outros as per the episode's transcript instructions.