Watch What Crappens - Episode #2628: RHONY S15E08 - "Thanks But No Pranks"

Release Date: November 21, 2024
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Platform: Wondery

Introduction

In episode #2628 of "Watch What Crappens," hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve deep into the tumultuous events of The Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) Season 15, Episode 8 titled "Thanks But No Pranks." This episode focuses primarily on a controversial prank involving a fake pregnancy rumor that has ignited tensions among the cast members. Ben and Ronnie dissect the unfolding drama, offering sharp critiques and insightful commentary on the characters' actions and the show's narrative direction.

The Prank Unveiled

The central plot of the episode revolves around a prank orchestrated by Rebecca Minkoff, where she feigns a pregnancy to observe reactions from her friends. This seemingly harmless joke quickly spirals out of control, causing rifts and mistrust within the group.

• Ben Mandelker expresses his initial disapproval:

  "I think this was a bad move of this show to build to. It's okay to have a prank, but the way they framed it... they're gonna have to do a lot of work to regain goodwill from the audience."
  (03:59)

• Ronnie Karam echoes the sentiment but adds nuance:

  "In some ways, it's kind of brilliant what they did. They got us all mad about this prank and then reveal there's more to the story."
  (04:39)

The hosts discuss how the prank was intended to inject new life into the season but instead resulted in confusion and frustration among viewers and the cast alike.

Impact on Cast Members

The fake pregnancy prank has significant repercussions for several cast members, leading to heated confrontations and alliances.

Aaron's Role and Reactions

Aaron, a pivotal figure in the prank, faces considerable backlash:

• Ben Mandelker criticizes Aaron's handling of the situation:

  "I'm very, very upset with Aaron. Nobody from that 70s show is ever going to be nice to Aaron again."
  (05:39)

• Ronnie Karam highlights Aaron's deceptive tactics:

  "Aaron is framing Brynn in this situation. She's actively putting a sizzle, setting up Brynn."
  (10:44)

Brynn's Involvement and Embellishments

Brynn's role is complex as she both participates in and exacerbates the prank:

• Ben Mandelker points out Brynn's defensive behavior:

  "Brynn didn't stand up for herself. She got defensive and started being mean."
  (32:18)

• Ronnie Karam discusses how Brynn tried to add 'sizzle' to the prank without full understanding:

  "Brynn thought she was just making the prank more fun because she knew it was a prank."
  (33:04)

Raquel and Jenna’s Perspectives

Raquel attempts to mediate the chaos, while Jenna is left confused and frustrated:

• Ronnie Karam describes Raquel’s hope for reconciliation:

  "Raquel wanted to believe that you're a leaky pigeon and that you're like this terrible person."
  (36:35)

• Ben Mandelker recounts Jenna’s exasperation with the prank's fallout:

  "Jenna's like, you just spread a serious rumor. This is really messed up."
  (29:17)

Hosts' Critique and Commentary

Ben and Ronnie offer a critical analysis of the show's direction and the prank's execution:

• Ben Mandelker laments the convoluted storyline:

  "This is the most convoluted, uninteresting storyline. It's so hilarious."
  (37:12)

• Ronnie Karam appreciates moments of authenticity amidst the chaos:

  "When Brynn was talking about freezing her eggs... I liked this. It was very honest."
  (16:08)

Despite their frustrations, the hosts acknowledge occasional compelling moments but remain largely unimpressed with the overarching narrative.

Notable Scenes Discussed

The episode highlights several key scenes from RHONY that underscore the tension and drama:

• The Dodgeball Incident:
  The prank unfolds during a dodgeball match, creating a public spectacle that heightens the stakes.

• The Sex Museum Visit:
  A controversial scene where cast members visit a sex museum, blending humor with the series' underlying tensions.

• Therapy Sessions with Povit:
  The hosts critique the show's portrayal of therapy, noting its superficial treatment of serious issues.

• Central Park Picnic:
  A symbolic gathering that attempts to mend relationships but ultimately reinforces existing fractures.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ben and Ronnie conclude the episode with mixed feelings. While they criticize the show's storytelling choices and character dynamics, they also recognize moments where RHONY shines in its candidness.

• Ben Mandelker offers a final take on the ratings:

  "This stupid plot line... in the network's mind, it's good now we fixed it with that stupid prank storyline."
  (37:40)

• Ronnie Karam reflects on the audience's engagement:

  "It's kind of fucked up what Aaron did, but the show is now going into big hate territory."
  (38:14)

Overall, the hosts remain skeptical of RHONY's narrative choices but continue to engage enthusiastically with the unfolding drama, promising listeners more insights in future episodes.

Key Takeaways

• The fake pregnancy prank has destabilized relationships among RHONY’s cast.
• Aaron and Brynn’s actions are central to the ensuing drama, leading to mistrust and conflict.
• Ben and Ronnie critique the show’s convoluted storytelling while appreciating occasional genuine moments.
• The episode underscores the importance of trust and authenticity in reality television narratives.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Mandelker:

  "The show is the show that never learns its lesson, as we know."
  (04:39)

• Ronnie Karam:

  "We keep saying it's uninteresting, but the way I am shouting into the microphone, it's getting more interesting."
  (37:25)

• Ben Mandelker:

  "Get the pigeon a diaper. Put it down."
  (36:35)

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' frustrations and evolving perspectives on the prank's impact.

Final Remarks

"Watch What Crappens" continues to provide a sharp and entertaining lens through which to view RHONY's intricate dynamics. In this episode, Ben and Ronnie navigate the complexities of pranks gone wrong, offering listeners a blend of humor, criticism, and genuine engagement with the show's content.

Stay Tuned: Don't miss out on future episodes where Ben and Ronnie dissect more of Bravo's drama and beyond. Support them on Patreon for exclusive content and join their vibrant community on Discord!