#2633 RHOP 0908: In The Name of the Fathers

Summary

Watch What Crappens Podcast Summary
Episode #2633: RHOP 0908 – "In The Name of the Fathers"
Release Date: November 25, 2024

Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam

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Introduction

In Episode #2633 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive deep into the latest episode of Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP) titled "In The Name of the Fathers." Released on November 25, 2024, this episode promises a whirlwind of drama, relationships, and the ever-evolving dynamics among the Potomac housewives. Ben and Ronnie bring their signature blend of praise, ridicule, and evisceration to unpack every twist and turn, offering listeners both insights and laughs.

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Episode Overview: "Healing, Thriving, Surviving"

The focal point of this podcast episode is RHOP's "Healing, Thriving, Surviving," where significant events and conflicts unfold among the cast members. The hosts guide listeners through the intricate plotlines, highlighting key moments and character developments.

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GNA Fusion Rebranding Confusion

One of the primary discussions revolves around GNA Fusion, a rebranded segment within RHOP that appears to focus on health and wellness. Both Ben and Ronnie express frustration over the ambiguity surrounding this rebranding.

Ronnie Karam [05:14]: "This show needs to be called singing. Please be quiet. Stop thriving in my face. Stop thriving in my ears. Your thriving hurts my ears."

Ben Mandelker [05:32]: "Healing, thriving and surviving. Three words I would not say about the state of music. After hearing Ashley's song. That is not healing music. It is not causing music to thrive, and music is not surviving after it."

They critique the lack of clarity and purpose behind GNA Fusion, questioning its effectiveness and relevance to the overall show narrative.

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Karen’s DUI and Court Drama

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Karen's ongoing struggles with DUI charges and her impending court appearance. The hosts dissect her behavior, interactions with other cast members, and the portrayal of her legal woes on the show.

Ben Mandelker [22:15]: "Probably going to go to jail, so good luck to Karen. Just want to remind everyone that Karen got arrested just one more time."

Ronnie Karam [17:14]: "We also need to stop villainizing people with bipolar. And this is crazy what they're doing on this show."

The discussion highlights how Karen's legal issues are being sensationalized, with Ronnie particularly criticizing the show's insensitivity towards mental health conditions.

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Character Interactions and Conflicts

The episode delves into the complex relationships among the cast members, including Mia, Ink (Inc.), Stacy, Giselle, and others. Ben and Ronnie explore the tension between Mia and Ink, Stacy's sarcastic remarks, and Giselle's frustrations.

Ronnie Karam [08:28]: "This doesn't make any sense. And you're right. What is health and wellness? It doesn't make any sense. It's making me mad at this point."

Ben Mandelker [19:23]: "I have a hot take, which is. I. I kind of like Ink. I'm not gonna lie. He just sort of stands there, and he's just sort of like, you just."

Their commentary highlights the perceived hypocrisies and superficial developments within the show's narrative, emphasizing the lack of genuine progress among the cast.

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Birthday Celebrations and Personal Milestones

Wendy's 40th Birthday emerges as a pivotal event in the episode, intertwining with Ashley’s birthday and leading to a series of awkward interactions and no substantial developments.

Ben Mandelker [57:44]: "She tried it. She tried it. She tried it. So then Ashley is talking about how she is going to do a drag king performance because it's Pride weekend."

Ronnie Karam [57:53]: "She tried it. She tried it.”

The hosts mock the lackluster execution of the birthday events, pointing out the repetitive nature and absence of meaningful moments, which diminish the celebratory atmosphere.

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Mia’s Alleged Untruthfulness

A recurring theme is Mia's credibility, with Ben and Ronnie scrutinizing her honesty and the storyline developments surrounding her relationships.

Ronnie Karam [37:15]: "They're saying, like, this was really hard. It's because, like, the actions and the words don't align when it comes to Mia."

Ben Mandelker [68:11]: "Mia is a constant liar. It's funny that they seem to be really picking up on this four years later."

The hosts express skepticism over Mia's purported changes and her interactions with other cast members, reinforcing their stance on her deceitful behavior.

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Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie pepper their analysis with sharp and humorous remarks. Here are some standout quotes:

• Ronnie Karam [05:14]: "Please be quiet. Stop thriving in my face. Stop thriving in my ears. Your thriving hurts my ears."

• Ben Mandelker [19:23]: "I kind of like Ink. I'm not gonna lie."

• Ronnie Karam [37:15]: "Ashley, good for you. I eat my words and I do not apologize. Well, okay, I'll apologize."

• Ben Mandelker [50:03]: "He's passive aggressive. It's not good whatsoever."

These quotes encapsulate the hosts' critical and often sarcastic take on the show's events and characters.

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Conclusion

Episode #2633 of Watch What Crappens offers a thorough and entertaining critique of RHOP’s "In The Name of the Fathers." Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam effectively navigate the episode’s myriad plotlines, providing insightful commentary and witty humor. Their analysis not only highlights the show's dramatic elements but also underscores the superficial developments and character inconsistencies that continue to shape RHOP's narrative.

For fans and newcomers alike, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the podcast's take on the latest RHOP episode, ensuring you’re well-informed and entertained even if you haven't tuned in.

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Additional Resources

• Support the Hosts: For bonus episodes, video recaps, and exclusive access to the Discord server, support Ben and Ronnie on Patreon at www.patreon.com/watchwhatcrappens.

• Listen to Watch What Crappens: Available on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Bonus episodes are exclusively available and ad-free on Wondery+ Start your free trial here.

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This summary is crafted based on the transcript provided and aims to encapsulate the essence of the podcast episode while maintaining the hosts' unique voice and perspective.

Transcript

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[Ronnie Karam]

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[Ben Mandelker]

Hello, and welcome to Watch where Crap Ends, a podcast about all that crap on Bravo that we just love to talk about. I'm Ben Mandelker, and joining me today, Mr. Ronnie Karam. Hi, Ronnie, how are you?

[Ronnie Karam]

Hello. Sup, brah?

[Ben Mandelker]

Hi.

[Ronnie Karam]

So it was wicked weekend, and look behind me. I've been attacked by the wicked witch.

[Ben Mandelker]

Wow.

[Ronnie Karam]

The wicked witch.

[Ben Mandelker]

Look at you.

[Ronnie Karam]

They're spray painting my house green and it looks like a serial killer. A serial killer who kills only things with green blood. So that's where I'm at today. But it's great. Everything is great.

[Ben Mandelker]

That's good. I'm going to hold space. I'm going to hold space for your green room. I'm currently in my childhood bedroom because I went back to New York for Thanksgiving. So I am broadcasting from the New York outpost, the New York office of Watch Crapons. So pardon any technical or audio issues if any arise on my end. It's the best I can do over here. So anyway, today we are talking Real Housewives of Potomac and of course, the usual fun things, which is be sure to check us out on Patreon patreon.com watch what crap ins. It's monthly. Now it's much easier. You get access to our bonus episodes and also to fun things like Crap is on demand, where you can see our faces and you can see Ronnie's green room, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. And then next week we have crappy hour, which will be on Monday, and we'll talk about all sorts of stuff on Elle. YouTube. So in the meantime, let's dive into some Potomac on an episode called healing, thriving, surviving.

[Ronnie Karam]

This song needs to be called. I mean, this show needs to be called singing. Please be quiet. Stop thriving in my face. Stop thriving in my ears. Your thriving hurts my ears. Okay, please stop. Dive. How about diving? You're that you're taking diving. Okay.

[Ben Mandelker]

Healing, thriving and surviving. Three words I would not say about the state of music. After hearing Ashley's song. That is not healing music. It is not causing music to thrive, and music is not surviving after it.

[Ronnie Karam]

No one's ears are surviving this. Please don't sing. Make yourself feel better without a microphone in your hand. You know what I mean? Sing in the shower. Sing in your car. Don't sing at me. Okay? I felt chained. I felt chained to the chair. It's like, please let me. Please let me go. Please. I felt taken hostage. Okay, so it is GNA Fusion workout. So I still don't understand this rebranding Giselle is telling us. You know, everybody wants to underestimate gna. There is no gna. Can you stop pretending that there's a DNA? No one. We're estimating it properly. I'm not a hater. Yes, I would love for you to have. I mean, I am a hater. Listen, but I mean, as far as GNA goes, I'm not a hater. I want you to have. I want you to thrive, I want you to heal, and I want you to survive. Not necessarily in that order, because it doesn't rhyme properly, but I'm here for gna. But you guys don't have anything. You literally have nothing. I keep going on your website, there's nothing there. So stop with your rebranding and you're. Nobody gets it. There's nothing to get. You have nothing.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, I don't really understand this. GNA Fusion is now what it's called. I don't know if they merged with something called fusion. I don't know what the fusion is. What have they fused? What are they fusing together? Are they fusing the G and the A together? Are they just like one big Ashley, Giselle, you know, poly morph thing? I'm not sure. Um, but they're just going to say it until we just believe whatever this means to be health and wellness.

[Ronnie Karam]

I don't know what it means. They had, like, Thai, Mexican one day, and they called it fusion. They're like, we're going to call it. We're going to. We should be that. Let's be that.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. Yeah. They. So now they're basically throwing, like, an aerobics event. They're throwing in a big outdoor exercise.

[Ronnie Karam]

This doesn't make any sense. And you're right. What is health and wellness? It doesn't make any sense. It's making me mad at this point. It didn't make me that mad when I was watching the show, but now talking about it, I'm getting mad. She says we're rebranding along with selling Athleisure, which you don't do. You have, like, one T shirt and a pair of socks on your website. She says GNA is now health and wellness. We don't know. Then Ashley explains. In the span of a month, we've really been promoting the GNA Fusion brand. Well, we've seen that you have a bunch of parties for it and what it represents. What does it represent? And a lot of people have gotten on board. Who's gotten on board? What do you even do?

[Ben Mandelker]

It's okay. Uncle Lump does not count. Okay. Like, in the span of a month, by the way, you're patting yourself on the back for putting up some social media posts in the span of a month, over four weeks. And a lot of people have gotten bored. That is just, it's so, it's so vague. Okay, I, I, you know what? GNA Fusion needs some Gna Fusion because I feel like it's unwell and it needs some wellness. So they're at this big outdoor thing.

[Ronnie Karam]

I don't want at also for brain cancer. You, you can't just fuse things together like that. And I feel like she's kind of victim cloaking it. Like, well, it's also a charity. What. What are you talking about? You can't have, like, brain tumor workout. It doesn't make any sense. I'm just saying, and I'm not trying to be offensive about brain tumors. That's so sad. But that's like a separate thing. Like, I don't want to be wearing my skims while I'm thinking about getting my, my lumps checked. You know what I mean? It's. I think not.

[Ben Mandelker]

Well, the issue, the issue here is that they are they just want to make money on something and they're not sure what, so they're just throwing things at the wall. As opposed to skims, where there was a vision of, hey, I want to make some shapewear that's going to look good. Let's call it skims. Or, you know, skinny girl Bethany Frankel was making, was making this beverage, or actually, Luanda Saps invented it. Really? And she said, you know what? Let me bottle it. Like, this is not an outgrowth of something that they were already doing. They were not already designing athleisure. They were not like big athleisure people necessarily. And they just were like, oh, let's cash in on a trend that we saw. And now that's not working. Let's cash out another trend because Ashley likes yoga. So it's just like this one.

[Ronnie Karam]

We can get a tax break.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, really?

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. They're gonna have a charity. They're rebranding it to be charity. I'll bet you anything that this is. They're trying to go for some kind of charity thing where they're going to get a tax break. I have no idea. I'm just. I'm just basing that off of. Because they keep mentoring brain cancer and stuff like that. And I'm guessing that they're going to try and rebrand this as, like, a somewhat charitable athleisure wear thing. I don't know, but we'll see. So anyway, the girls come, and Jacqueline's still trying to convince us that she's super fun. And she's like, oh, my God. Working out where the mimosas girl. I'm Jacqueline. I'm five season Jacqueline.

[Ben Mandelker]

And there's no liquor today. They're going to be healthy. And by the way, we also. This is like, three days before Karen's court date. We should also know, because they're talking about that. And Giselle's like, well, the other night, like, okay, it was a lot. We cannot be outside the courthouse with signs. Ah. And we see a flashback of Mia. And me and Karen were apologizing at Jassy's party at the Willard. And Giselle, they're talking. Mia's talking about how she's going to be at the court courthouse for Karen with a sign being like, free Karen. And so Giselle's being like, yeah, let's not do that at this event.

[Ronnie Karam]

So she just holds up her yoga mat. She's, like, just being as annoying as possible. And then Giselle's like, well, definitely invited Karen to this event, but she's got a court date, and she needs to stay home and figure some things out. So mostly how to dress like Wednesday Addams, because apparently she thinks that that will get her off Karen's. Karen's at home. Like, everybody loves Wednesday. Let's figure it out. I'm gonna play the cello. Figure this one out. Give me some black hair. Let's buddy. So Wendy arrives, screaming and yelling and squealing. And surely she's going to remind people that it was her birthday or has been her birthday or is currently in her birthday season.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yes. That's the big thing with Wendy is that she's turned 40, in case you didn't hear. So they show up, and Wendy is like, I still don't know what's going on. Okay. I didn't have clarity when they had the Runway show, and the only thing that was good there was the crab legs, and now we're working on a rooftop. Why are we here? I mean, she. She raises fair points.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's a fair point. And Giselle takes the mic, and she gives a speech, and she says, good morning. Excuse me. Where's the tea in that? Good morning. Why are you. Why are you changing your personality for the crowd? I need authentic Giselle if I'm going to buy into gna fusion, okay? And authentic Giselle has a T in her good mornings. She's like, the people are ready. You're looking so good. This is one of our many fitness events, because now we're gna fusion. So now you have fitness events, and you're just doing jumping jacks. I'm not paying you for this.

[Ben Mandelker]

So they all work out. They're doing aerobics. Everyone is. Has a nice workout. It's like, yay, we worked out. And we're going to donate money to the National Brain Tumor Society. What a wonderful event. What could possibly go wrong? And then Giselle gets on the mic and is like, I. Now we have a little bit of a surprise for y'all. You know, Ashley Darby is my friend, and she's my business partner, but she's also an international pop rock star. And then everyone starts to grow, and everyone's like, oh, God, we know what's coming.

[Ronnie Karam]

Literally, everybody groans. Zero people are supportive.

[Ben Mandelker]

And everyone's like, we're already doing. We're already being charitable. Why are you. Why are you abusing us when we're being charitable to you?

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. This is abusing someone's charity, right? Like, now I have to listen to you too. And Ashley's like, hi. Healing and thriving. Thank you, babes. And there's like, a smattering of applause. When I say smattering, I'm like, wow. It's maybe two people, like, very light.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's. She starts doing a whole thing. She's, like, healing and thriving. And she's singing, and she is. And she does a whole bit. She's going right through the crowd. Like, this is a rehearsed thing where she's like, okay, we're gonna do this. We're gonna do this first here, and then we're gonna go through. We're gonna, like, this is a choreogr number that she does. And just seeing her jumping around, she's playing Coachella, poor thing.

[Ronnie Karam]

And, you know, look, I think she can sing, just not like this. You know what I mean? Like, sit down and get Your mic. But jumping around is not going to help. And I just feel bad. But in good news, my brain tumor fell out because it just didn't want to listen to my brain tumor fell out of my ear and then it ran out of the park. So that was positive.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Wendy's like, oh, where's the auto tune? And Stacy says, I think that takes a lot of courage performing that song in front of all those people. I mean, she put forth such an effort to hit those notes. She really, really did. She did a very valiant job of attempting to sing. So I applaud her. I doff my cap.

[Ronnie Karam]

So Giselle gets back on the mic and she's like, give it up for Ashley. And thank you for making this GNA Fusion, something called a. What do we call it? Ashley Success. People did Jumping Jackson Jack. I can't. Okay, so then people go home, I guess. And then Mia's talking to Wendy and she's like, well, I just had a conversation with Jacqueline, but, guys, I really need everybody to listen. Everybody, please gather round. Yeah, I'm gonna literally gather someone around.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's like, yes. She actually says, I had. I have to have a conversation with Jacqueline, but you guys can be part of it. Here, gather. She's like, gather round. I'm gonna share. I'm gonna have a scene. Everyone.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yes. So, okay, guys, I need a village, and you're my village. Guys, I'm really going through it with Gordon right now. He's in mania, okay? You don't get to just say he's in mania every time he does something you disagree with. He's not in mania. He doesn't like being dragged on television to be embarrassed. That's not mania. It's called normal reactions to a really fucked up lady in your life who's going to use and squeeze out every ounce of humanity that you've ever shown and fuck you over again and again just to stay on tv. You are shameless. You are shameless, ma'am. Leave that old man alone.

[Ben Mandelker]

Hold on one second. My phone's going off. Find my friends. It says, okay, oh, I found Gordon's location. Mania. Okay, so he's in mania. And so, guys, we're just, like, really dealing with it. And Jacqueline's like, it has to be just so hard for Mia dealing with a man who has a mental health condition. And we see flashbacks to Gordon talking about having be being diagnosed with bipolar 1.

[Ronnie Karam]

We also need to stop villainizing people with bipolar. And this is crazy what they're doing on this show. How are they not being called out for this. Making it. Oh, my God. Bipolar wine. A lot of people suffer from bipolar. You guys are making it sound like these people are monsters. I don't think you're supposed to be vilifying people for that shit in 2024. This is nuts.

[Ben Mandelker]

So Mia's like, okay, I'm going to get this. I'm going to try to, like, say this. Crying. So Gordon and Ink, they just, like, kind of got into it. And like, Gordon. Okay, I just don't, like, don't want to cry about it. Okay? I'm sorry. My tears are kind of, like, in mania right now. But he was like, you're an adulterer. And then, like, she had an abort by you. And I just. I don't. I just think that was, like, really low of him. And, like, how dare you tell anybody what I did with my body? And they're like, oh, my God. And Ashley's like, I can't. I can't believe my ears. Like, I want to be there for her, but this is just. There's a lot to take in right now.

[Ronnie Karam]

And you know what? Look, I don't think it was great of Gordon to do that either, but you're literally dragging Gordon on TV to humiliate him over and over. And you know what? Turnabouts fair play, okay? And Giselle actually says it best when she's just like, yeah, this is trash. She's like, I don't know what this girl was trying to do on my television show, but I'm not here for this. This is not cute. This is not fun. This is just pure fucking trash. No. No, thank you.

[Ben Mandelker]

Right? Like, this isn't just, like, sitting around gossiping, kikiing, like, spilling the tea. This is just, like, messiness in your personal life they are dragging us all into. So Mia's like, yeah, and Inc actually sent me yester. I'm a trigger for Gordon. I'll just, like, remove myself. And they're like, oh, my God, Mia. Oh, my God. We thought Mia and Ink were a forever couple. Oh, my God.

[Ronnie Karam]

Ink is permanent. They're like, guys, hasn't she seen her. Her opening line yet? Ink is per.

[Ben Mandelker]

I didn't consider paper, meat, pens. Ink is erasable.

[Ronnie Karam]

So Ink is such a giver that he's willing to take a break, but not really as much of a giver as he was when he refused to take a break by fucking you the entire time you were with Gordon. What am I supposed to believe that Ink is now some guy is like, Guys, am I not wanted here? You've been fucking ink for 20 years. I can't. This whole show is just me yelling today at all the people on it. You guys are really. You're really stretching my patience today. Come on.

[Ben Mandelker]

I have a hot take, which is. I. I kind of like Ink. I'm not gonna lie. He just sort of stands there, and he's just sort of like, you just. I just feel like he just, like, listens, and then he just sort of. You know, he's like. He's not as much of a disaster as I thought he would be. I thought he was going to be mugging for the cameras, trying to do everything. And that, turns out, is tj. But Ink is just sort of. He's just sort of there. I'm surprised how much I appreciate that.

[Ronnie Karam]

I will not jump on the ink train with you. And he's also only had a few episodes, so give him time. You know, they'll push him too far.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, no, I mean, he'll. He will review. But for right now, we will see. I'm. There's no way that he's not a disaster. I mean, he's. He's in this mess. But for right now, I'm surprised.

[Ronnie Karam]

Incorporated. Like, there's no way.

[Ben Mandelker]

No. Excuse me. It's incognito. No.

[Ronnie Karam]

Nope. That instead is incorporated. That man is incorporated with himself.

[Ben Mandelker]

Inconceivable.

[Ronnie Karam]

So let's see. Yeah. So no one's really here for that, you know? So now they move it over to Stacy's, like, where's tj? And then they show TJ over, talking to Ray, and Ray's like, let me tell you something. I had the first computer. It was made out of balls on strings. And you would hit one ball, and then it would hit another ball, and the balls just kept going. And then you figured out it was 10. 10 all along. TJ's like, I love math. TJ is the most open we've ever seen him with Ray.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So Although that happened later, though. But Stacy is like, where is tj? Because I'm lit. That's like, my storyline for this episode is me missing tj, so. But no one really cares, and no one answers. He's just sitting there on a mat alone. So Giselle is like, okay, so I just want to say Karen, everyone. Karen was supposed to be here, and she sent me a text saying that she does not feel well and she has a lot going on. And we all know Tuesday is her court case for her dui, which she got when she was then sent to jail for DUI and she's going to a court case where she may be found guilty of many things. But I just want to emphasize again that Karen got a dui. So does anyone want to pray for Karen's DUI at all? Anyone?

[Ronnie Karam]

She was like as a former First Lady. Ah, let me lead a prayer. Beer Grey Goose up in Heaven. Please send your son Belvedere to come inside Karen and fill her with the kind of shame she deserves for being an alcoholic drunk person. Let her go forth with the crown, the the Royale Crown that you shall bestow upon her. And don't let her get raped in prison. Thank you Lori Bach. She is an alcoholic. Everybody. Thank you. Thank you for listening to Karen is.

[Ben Mandelker]

Probably going to go to jail, so good luck to Karen. Just want to remind everyone that Karen got arrested just one more time.

[Ronnie Karam]

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[Ronnie Karam]

I just got the most adorable casual jacket, which I'm going to use more than anything else in my wardrobe from Quince. I mean, I look adorable in. You look adorable. I can't even oversell this. I look adorable in this thing.

[Ben Mandelker]

You do. And I honestly, like. They're fall sweaters. I'm loving the color palette they have for them. They're just, like, very subtle, like a lot of stones and beiges. It's really my vibe. For fall 2024, upgrade your wardrobe with.

[Ronnie Karam]

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[Ben Mandelker]

Now it's two days later and it's, you know, it's serious because it's Karen's court day date, and you know.

[Ronnie Karam]

She'S in trouble to see that Potomac deer running away. The deer is fleeting because it's a Karen scene and it's fleeing. And we know that it's scared of Karen, as it should be.

[Ben Mandelker]

The deer is like, I can't even help her. I have to run away. You started this in the first place when all three of you run in front of me. So. So Karen is going to record, and she's like, the morning has arrived. Of course, I'm fearful of any accusations that have leveled against me and my institution of marriage. And I never thought I'd be in this position at triple 20 plus one. I'm like, really? Even in this serious scene, you're still referring to yourself as triple 20 plus one? I'm just grateful to be alive, to be grateful. I have attorneys, and we just pray for good outcome.

[Ronnie Karam]

Things may not be looking good right now, but they are smelling delicious, like a little dominant.

[Ben Mandelker]

Listen, I'm going to walk into that courthouse and I'm going to say, your honor, it wasn't my fault. I actually. I accidentally ate the dirty bird, and so, of course I was impaired. It's not my fault. Please sue Purdue Farms. Thank you very much. Innocent.

[Ronnie Karam]

So she's being very depressing. You know, she's very, like, solemn because, you know, she's showing us that she's in trouble. She's dressed in her Wednesday Adam Best, walking around the kitchen. She's like, look at me at the espresso machine. Oh, hold on. Let me take out the espresso topper and just bring it on the desk a little bit. I can't even make the espresso Ray. Then Ray comes down, he's like dragged out of bed. He's like, well, I'd rather be on the golf course. She's like, oh, really, Ray? That's what we say today. He's like, well, you look like a very young woman. Well, I don't want to oversell it. Not like a baby or anything. Look like a 70 year old woman instead of a 90 year old woman with crazy face. Does that make you feel good? Die in your sleep, Ray.

[Ben Mandelker]

Thank you, Ray. This is nothing to play with. Legal stuff is nothing to play with. Driving while drinking, now that's the play with. But legal stuff is not to play with. And I'm exhausted with the process. Ray. I might look good. How do I look? Do I look good? And he's like, well, you look great. I mean, you look younger. I mean, you don't look like a baby or anything. It's not like I cheat on you with you, but like you, you know, like a classy young lady who might live in a mansion with a hand as a pet, that kind of thing.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then the doorbell rings and it's lawyer Troy. And she's like, oh, I'm so prayerful going into this case with the legal counsel that I have in place. And I'm so, so grateful for the court system. Really, really grateful for them. Great people all around, good people. But I'm still scared because when you read it in black and white, I mean, it does shake you. Karen, what do you. What do you think you're gonna do? I guess she's gonna come up with some monologue that's gonna make this all better. That's a lot of charges. Okay, don't. Don't say it looks bad in black and white. It looks bad in color too.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, so they're gonna, they're gonna go off to work and care out to court, I should say. And Karen's like, I trust Troy to do his work. He's one hell of an attorney. So they all pile in the car and they take up their mics and there's actually a beautiful shot of Karen with the morning sun coating her silhouette as she heads off to find out her fate, which will ultimately be in actually four months. So. So nothing really happens.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, she keeps saying, oh, I'm just. I can't wait to be done with this. I want to go right now and be done with this. I just want to tell my truth, but I have to respect the process. I have to respect the process. But she's trying to make Us all believe how much she really wants to go in there and just have it over with and face the music, which is a lie. So then we go to Kierna and she's hanging out. It's the day of Karen's court appearance. Dun dun dun dun. And she's hanging out with Mia and they order. And Kieran is like, actually, I'm allergic to cheese, so could you do this thing without the cheese? And it's the most character development we've seen for Kieran Weeks. So good for her getting that in there.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. Kierna, when we're in Lake Norman, Kierano started to come out of her shell a little bit. And now she's sort of gone back to being friend of energy. It's still kind of shocking that she's a full fledged real housewife. So Mia is like, oh my gosh, you're like an allergy to cheese. Wow. You know who's allergic to cheese? Gordon, when he's in mania. And guess what? He's in mania. No cheese around Gordon today. Like, is that true? I don't know. Mia just coming up with lies on the fly about Gordon.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. So we find out the. That these two are trying to be friends with each other, which is really cute. And so now they're talking. I mean, I guess so now they're talking about Karen. And Karen is like, well, I do have a message about Karen, but I have to wait for everyone to be here. So Stacy comes and she's like, although I can't be there for Karen in the moment, the best thing that we can do at this point is try to support her, even if it's from afar. And hopefully we can do that by all agreeing to just not saying things. Because honestly, nothing helps a headache like a good martini. And nothing causes a headache like that singing. It hurt. It hurt really, really badly.

[Ben Mandelker]

Cut to TJ standing in by the door jam and trying to like join in on the scene. He's like, he's probably like, can I, can I come be a part of the scene too? No, tj, not your turn yet. Stay back. I'm having a scene with the girls.

[Ronnie Karam]

There's a reason you're an under five, honey. Stay that way. Okay.

[Ben Mandelker]

So yeah, everyone starts to show up at for this rooftop. Wendy's wearing a rainbow colored thing etc and Wendy's talking about how she is going to be having. I think she's talking about how there's going to be a her. Her big white party for her birthday, her blanco party for her 40th birthday. And she tells us, I really want my birthday party to be a celebration of everyone I love and everyone who loves me. But I'm so nervous about Eddie's family. And then we get flashbacks to Susan being like, please invite them. So, yeah, this is a big deal.

[Ronnie Karam]

You know me. She's the best cast member right now. The mom. Susan, is by far the most compelling cast member on this show right now. They should spin this show off and just have it be Susan and all the people she's threatening and they're pretending that she's praying for.

[Ben Mandelker]

So, yeah, I think that, like, this is Susan's best season by far. She's. She's been doing a great job, and she does a great job this episode.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yep.

[Ronnie Karam]

I thought you were carrying on.

[Ben Mandelker]

No, I. I thought. I thought you were. I thought you were about to carry on with something. So we will both carry on by going forward, which is that people are still arriving at this rooftop. So Kieran. Now that everyone's arrived, Kieran is like, like. So I spoke with Karen earlier in a day, and things are looking good. Like, she postponed, so she will actually go back to court in September. Why did you have to. Why did you have to make this as, like, the grand announcement once everyone has arrived?

[Ronnie Karam]

Because it's just so, Karen, you have to wait until everyone's there. I don't want anybody missing. And then, boom, make the announcement. Make it big, make it strong. Karen, you could have texted the group text and been like, we're going back. Like, whatever. But it's very Karen, as we see in this next Karen scene. So Karen comes home and she's like, all right, guys, you want to take a quick seat, please? Let's all sit down. So they do. They make the poor lawyer come in, and they all take a seat, and she goes, okay. The producer asks her, so you find out that your case is postponed until September. What happened, Karen? And she says, well, I'll say this. The legal system is very slow, and I'm just going to have to be patient with making it sound like they did this. No. And then it cuts to the lawyer, and he's like, well, we got what we wanted. We got a postponement until September.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, it was obvious she didn't want to deal with this while they were shooting. Probably. That's, like, what I inferred from it. So she's like, she doesn't want to deal with whatever. Whatever comes down the pike because it's not going to be good. I mean, she was Drunk driving. Like, she was drunk. She drove over a median. There's no good outcome, and she knows there probably will not be a good outcome. And the last thing she wants is have to deal with that on camera with Giselle there with a fork and a knife, ready to, you know, dig right on in. So she's acting like, you know what the legal system that is very slow. It's a slow system, but the truth will come out. And what. What is the truth that's going to come out was, did someone, like, inject her with alcohol while she was driving? And this conspiracy is going to be laid bare for all us to see? What is this truth that she keeps saying is going to come out? Out.

[Ronnie Karam]

She's po. Karen is just treading water at this point.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's just saying the sort of things you have to say to sort of, like, maintain some sort of attempt at innocence. So, yeah, it got. It got delayed. So Karen does not have to deal with this until probably after the show is done. So then we go back to the ladies up on the rooftop, and everyone is like, like, okay, well, fingers crossed. It'll be okay. And M's like, well, I noticing she's getting skinny. So I was like, yes, I actually mentioned that to her. Ah. And she said, well, she hasn't been eating. Ah. And she hasn't been sleeping. And Karen was like, yeah, that's what she said. Like, that's the first thing she said that I haven't gotten any sleep. And Stacy goes, what? Stacy's like, shocked that someone approaching a court date would not actually be getting good sleep.

[Ronnie Karam]

So Giselle says that when her father passed, that Karen was really there for her. And so I'm going to do everything in my power to make sure that I'm there for alcoholic poor DUI Karen. Because it can't be easy being so drunk all day and getting skinny when all you've eaten is Tito's. So I will be there for poor, frail, alcoholic Karen. Can't wait. And Wendy's like, does anyone know the consequences of the charges? Because I was talking to Eddie, and he said he could have. She could have house arrest. She could have community service. She could get jail time. I just like this. What could happen? Yeah, she could die in there. She could be run over. She could be flooded. So many options of what could happen.

[Ben Mandelker]

Why is the idea of Karen being under house arrest kind of funny to me? I don't know. Why just her with, like, an ankle bracelet, like, can't go out the door. Like, I can't go any further. I'm on house arrest. I don't know why. It's just so amusing, because I know that Giselle, I think, would just have so much fun with it. Be like, oh, Karen, I dropped the newspaper over here. Can you pick that up? I can't. That's beyond the boundary of the ankle bracelet. You know that Giselle. Oh, I'm so sorry, Karen.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, probably the best thing to come out of it would be for Rey, because she would get so sick of being stuck in the house for Ray that she'd be like, oh, my God, get me to Florida. Just please, just get me somewhere where Ray's never home. He's constantly on the golf course.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, yeah. She wouldn't be able to do a thing. So Giselle. Giselle tries to FaceTime. Karen. Mia's like, well, text her first to make sure she's not drunk. So they try to FaceTime, and she doesn't answer. And Stacy's like, well, I don't think that she's drinking anymore, you guys. She doesn't ever drink, ever. And when we're together, she never drinks. I think that means that Karen is not drinking. And she definitely doesn't drink when the cameras are down.

[Ronnie Karam]

I mean, it's like, oh, well, if Karen's not drinking, then I'm celibate. And she's like, oh, okay, so Karen is truly a drunk. And everyone's like, oh, my God, you're growing. You're growing as a housewife. Good for you. We can't wait to hear later and make it sound like you just called her an alcoholic.

[Ben Mandelker]

They really did applaud her. They were like, oh, my God. Good for you, Stacy. You were shady. She's like, thank you. Thank you. That was very fun for me. I enjoyed that quite a bit. I'm gonna tell Arabella later.

[Ronnie Karam]

Ashley's like, well, I'm really. So we're out. We go to Ashley's house because she's having a little birthday gathering with her family, and she's like, well, I'm really thankful that I'm seeing my 36th year. You know, I'm just still a little bit trepidatious. Just really like that word. So if anybody wants to sit with that for a minute. It's so trepidatious. I'm a musician now. I write lyrics. Trepidatious rhymes with audacious and also strapinaceous. I don't think that's a word, though. Let's just say trepidatious twice.

[Ben Mandelker]

Healing and thriving And I am surviving, but I'm feeling trepidatious. It works. So she basically is saying she's just not where she thought she would be in life. Which is adorable to know that she ever actually had a plan of where she thought she would be in life at some point, because I haven't ever detected that from her. But she's talking about, like, oh, God, why aren't I divorced yet? Why don't have my business gna where it's supposed to be yet? I'm like, well, because I think both things are shams, so that's probably why. And then she's like, also, that might explain why they're not where they're supposed to be because they're not real in the first place.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, actually, did you hear. And we have to eat our words on this. I was just going to eat my words alone, but I'm glad to have someone at lunch with me. Ashley and Michael are finalizing their divorce. So get some mustard out. Let's eat those words, girl, because it looks like they're actually doing it. I can't believe it. I really cannot believe it. I did not think it was going to happen. Good for those crazy kids. Look at them.

[Ben Mandelker]

What? Oh, my goodness. See? So she's only a few months behind schedule with her 36th birthday.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

Good for her.

[Ronnie Karam]

I didn't see. I didn't see it coming. Ashley, good for you. I. I eat my. I eat my words and I do not apologize. Well, okay, I'll apologize. Does it hurt me? No. Apologies are free. Ashley, I'm sorry.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, so the. The old. The old crew comes by. Uncle Luminary Lump, you know, Monica, his wife, Kayla, the cousin. So whenever Uncle Lump shows up, you always know. This is when Ash is gonna get Ashley, Uncle Lump, and Monica. This is when Ashley is going to be politely reprimanded. Reprimanded by her family for, like, not getting her together. Because this is what happens once a season. They come, they drop some truth bombs on her, and she cries. Which, by the way, I love. I really. I think Uncle Lump deserves more credit because he comes in, he's so cute. He comes in and he's kind of like, ashley, what the fuck are you doing? And then Monica's like, yeah, what the fuck are you doing? And then Ashley cries, and it's like.

[Ronnie Karam]

They sort of cries in her. Very like, guys, it's just so much stress thinking about divorce. Mean, this is the last time I'll be married to Michael. Get out of here, Ashley. Okay. Ashley is still Full of. Okay, she may really divorce Michael, but she's still full of.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. I'm watching Lump and Monica try to suppress their smiles every time Ashley says, I mean, this could be the very last moment I. I'm with Michael as. As a married couple. This could be the last time that Michael's in my life. And they're just, like, sitting there trying to, like, suppress their laughter, like, please let this man be. Be out of our family.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. And so is it going to finally be finalized? You know, all the talk, and Monica's like, well, it's never as amicable as you would think. This is going to suck. So you have a lot to think about. Education, after school, activities, summer camp, and Uncle Lump's like, college tuition, for Christ's sake. You too? It's her birthday. Could you give the woman a break? Geez.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So she's talking about how she had a really good lawyer. It's really helped and helped get to the point quicker than last year, because last year she wasn't ready to do this. But, like, you know, this is when she's like, they're just like, so much finality and, like, this is our last time that I may see him. And we're so married. God, it's gonna be so weird to see his boner in his pants and he's not married to me anymore.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's just so different when he's grabbing lawyer asses instead of just camera asses. I mean, things are just changing so fast. So she's telling. She's explaining mediation, saying that, you know, you have to really put everything on the table, which is going to be the affairs, mostly. And they're like, well. And Uncle Lump is just over there smiling. He's like, so do you have proof about these affairs? And she's like, I mean, it's on the Internet. He goes, exactly. Solid proof. So they just keep talking about this for a really long time. And they're trying to, like, kind of fill her with confidence while also tell her, like, is going to be hell for the next few months or whatever. And then Michael lost a good woman. And then we go over to Mia, talking to Jacqueline while she drives, and Mia's like, hey. And Jacqueline's. She goes, hey, girl, what are you doing? And Jacqueline's like, oh, I am just exhausted, let me tell you. Well, I'll talk about Ink now. Geez, poor Jacqueline.

[Ben Mandelker]

I know. I'm actually on the way to pick up ink from the airport because it's Friday, Friday, Friday. And Jacqueline's like, oh, so you your boo. That reminds me. One of the reasons why I'm so exhausted is because Patrick wound up in the hospital. Hold on one second. I'm just going to burn the car real quickly. Okay, Good talking to you, Jacqueline M. Seriously? Commercials.

[Ronnie Karam]

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[Ben Mandelker]

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[Ronnie Karam]

So we find out that she's getting some D because she's picking up ink from the airport. And Jacqueline's like, yeah, get some D. But the producer's like, didn't you just cry about taking a break from ink? And she's like, well, I mean, I just, I. You know, taking a break means different things to different people, so whatever.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. And Mia's like, yeah, basically that she picks up ink and everything, and they make some small talk about the flight. And Mia's like, so I was just on the phone with Jacqueline the other night. It just. It was like a lobby. It was like a lot like Gordon, you know how he is hashtag in mania? Like, he says one thing, but then the next day it's like another thing, you know? And then we see a flashback of how Gordon tells Andy that he's cordial with ink. And then we see. Then we see a flashback of ink going off on Gordon going off on Ink last week. So INC is like, yeah, I'm sure. Well, next time I see Gordon, it's gonna be all smiles and fist bumping.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. And he's like, if it was about 25 years younger, I'd probably do something about it. But I can't do anything about it right now. He might call a timeout. Like haha.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, he's really.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then we also were hanging out right after all of that big mania issue where they're in the pool having fun, throwing the kids in the water and acting like a big family. So who knows?

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So like. But it's also crazy because she's. She sat down everyone and said and, and pulled on everyone's heartstrings by saying that she and Ink are taking a break. When actually what we saw was that right after that whole scene they were all together having a fun time up at the pool.

[Ronnie Karam]

Just a liar. Which we know Mia's always been a liar, but she's not even trying now, you know, like, come on, man.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So now we go to Wendy's birthday celebration. So there's a house. This is gonna be a big, big old party and everything. And Wendy and Eddie are doing a walk through with like the, the party planner and everything. And they're setting up the, the, the. The seating. Eddie's family is going to sit is going to be in one area. And Wendy's just talking about how Eddie and his siblings have made amends. And like we're, we're. They're new to this whole process of being like having Eddie's family in their life.

[Ronnie Karam]

And it's a super meaningful party. And you know that because the husband is plugging his weed business, there's like a whole.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yes.

[Ronnie Karam]

Business wall for Eddie. For happy Eddie. And so we have this big build up towards meeting the family which kind of falls on his face because I needed more. Nothing happened like, oh, everybody's great.

[Ben Mandelker]

Nothing.

[Ronnie Karam]

Nobody has lines. It's all fine. So yeah, it's kind of a.

[Ben Mandelker]

They just sort of like Eddie's family. Yeah. Eddie's family sort of sat on one corner, Wendy's family sat in another. They made some passing remarks later on, but that was basically it.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. So then the la. The party planner takes him to the dock because something's going to be done with a boat. And Wendy's like, how am I supposed to get up to the dock? How am I supposed to do this? Where's my bridge? You know, just Wendy being Wendy. And then, you know, it's just putting the party Together and stuff like that. And then we go to Karen and Karen is. Ray points to the pool, he's like, are you going to make a splash? And she's like, oh no, no one's going to take a splash, Ray, please. I'll have it on the rocks though. That would be great. Just on the rocks would be great.

[Ben Mandelker]

With a straw, you know, I'm not worried about the girls. I've seen what they're putting down so I can read them left and right and up and down. Although when it comes to the Alphabet backwards, that may be a little trickier. But whatever it is. Anybody stepping in the line of fire, kaboom. Which is also incidentally the sound of the fire hydrant that I drove over in the middle of that traffic median.

[Ronnie Karam]

Anybody stepping in the line of fire hydrant, kaboom. So then TJ is like, you know, you start walking at one and a half. She goes, oh my God. I guess my timing is off with your walking, tj. We've got to get that walking together before we, you know, never gonna fuck you. Well, you know, maybe you'll change your mind if I get the walking in sink. Surely. Yeah, no, there will be no fingers.

[Ben Mandelker]

Really step. No fingers. TJ really steps out of that car cranky. And I, when he said that, I was like, gosh, criticizing the way she's walking. God, what's up with that? And then later on we realized, oh, he is. He is really in a snit today. I, I think, I don't know what's. I don't know what B is in his bonnet.

[Ronnie Karam]

But TJ has shown up as his true self. A real piece of today. A real, yes, low talking piece of crap. I hope she gets rid of him. Listen, listen, he was fine when he was really nice. I mean, if he ain't gonna fuck you, at least he'll be really nice and cute. But no, he's neither of those things. And he looks 20 years older. Being mean. It's not funny how that does it to you. Weird. He's a jerk. I hate him now.

[Ben Mandelker]

He's passive aggressive. Yeah, passive aggressive and needy. It's not good whatsoever. And not even giving the D. So.

[Ronnie Karam]

That was just me.

[Ben Mandelker]

Eddie's. What'd you say?

[Ronnie Karam]

He's just knee.

[Ben Mandelker]

He's just me without the D. Worst kind of.

[Ronnie Karam]

You're needy, but you don't even have the D. You're just me.

[Ben Mandelker]

You're just me.

[Ronnie Karam]

That's pathetic.

[Ben Mandelker]

Trap. So on screen we see Eddie's family arrives. People are arriving. Giselle, Mia, K. All of them. Him. They all say hello. And then Giselle goes up to Karen, is like, karen, nah, you're free. I'm so happy you're free and amongst us. I'm so glad you did not go to jail, even though you had a court case for the DUI where you got into the traffic accident. Remember when you were arrested, Karen? Remember you, the Grandam arrested here in Potomac? Remember that, Karen? She's like, yes, thank you. Thank you for reminding me every five seconds that I got arrested. Thank you. Thank you so much.

[Ronnie Karam]

So they're like, you look amazing. What. What was your look? Channeling. And she's innocence. Did it work, ladies? And we see footage of her leaving the courthouse. Like, please, please stop. There's, like, three people out there taking pictures. She's like, please, please. My press. I can't take any more.

[Ben Mandelker]

Well, it's okay to say you need help and you need to get your power back, because then we won't have anything to talk about, because then we. We will have to support you. Right? Because that's what friends do. As long as you want to dance around the equation, one plus one does not equal two. I'm like, well, I know that Mia is not the one saying that. I know that Mia is not the one talking about owning up, lecturing about owning up to situations. And one plus one, it does not equal to.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, well, that's. That's me. All right. So then they. Now we're talking about how it's Wendy's 40th birthday, and she decided to do that on Ashley's actual birthday. So Ashley has to spend her. Actually, her actual birthday celebrating again for Wendy, who's officially fucking annoying now with her birthday. Okay, it's enough. Enough.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. This is, like, party number three. So then Mia sits down. Susan's sitting at a table. So Mia goes over to her, and she's like, hello, queen. How are you? I haven't seen you since we exchanged some words on the Twitter. And Susan's like, we did? Yeah, you know, remember, like. And then we have a headline that says, wendy's mom blessed Mia for onscreen assault against her daughter.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, you did. And I just wanted to say hi. You look beautiful. Gordon is in Mania, and Susan's like, thank you. How's life treating you? She's like, well, you know, did you hear the part about Gordon being in Mania? But otherwise good. And she's like, you. You're in my prayers. It's like, ooh, she can throw that around just like Just like my family. That is the worst meemaw diss. You can ever hear somebody going, oh, you're in my prayers, honey. You are in my prayers.

[Ben Mandelker]

Good luck.

[Ronnie Karam]

Good luck and happy.

[Ben Mandelker]

But Mia think. Mia thinks this might be a nice thing. So she goes, thank you. So season underlines that it was an insult. For once, I put you in my prayers. Oh. Oh, did you? Okay. When you ask God to forgive somebody, especially if they called you out of your name.

[Ronnie Karam]

Oh.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, how. Okay, well, I'm gonna sit down right here. I don't want to take anyone's eat. You can have it. She's not here right now. It's Wendy's seat she just sits down in.

[Ronnie Karam]

So Mia's like, well, I guess I'll keep it warm for her. But I did make a promise to her because there were things that were said that weren't so nice directed towards me from you on Twitter. And Susan goes, on Twitter. Twitter. I think only I tweeted about when you. When you threw water on my daughter, which is a rhyme. And Mia's like, yes. And so she goes, oh, well, what I thought you were referring to what I thought you were going to apologize for, which you absolutely have not, which was when a bird flew away and you said, is that your mother? I'm sorry, Susan, but that shit was the best line of that entire season. When that bird flew away, says that your mama. I laughed even.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'm not the witch. I'm a child of God. I do not fly. I tell you. I'll tell you what I do. I get up and I pray. Holy ghost. Fire. Holy ghost. Okay, okay. I pray in the name of Jesus and. Oh, okay. Well, all right. So I think I'm. I think I'm going to go now. I think I'm gonna. I think Gordon's in mania. So I'm gonna go just check in on him real quickly.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then we get another cut to Wendy's brother, who's just kind of zoned out, staring into space. This poor guy. I don't know what's going on with this guy, but they're obviously showing him a lot this season on purpose, because they just keep showing to him. Zoned out. I'm not really sure what's going on, so maybe hit the happy Eddie table. You know, I don't. I don't know. So then Mia's like, well, I forgot she wanted me to apologize about the crawl. But you know what? Like, it missed and went Gordon, though. Okay. Like when you're anointed and Sanctified Like, I'm good. But it hit Gordon. So sorry. I guess saying that the curse hit Gordon instead of her because now he has mania. Classy.

[Ben Mandelker]

I. I guess.

[Ronnie Karam]

Is that what she's saying?

[Ben Mandelker]

I don't know. I think so. So then Stacy is talking to Jassy. She's like, jassy, I have not had a moment to ask you about your event. And you know what? While we're at it, let me just tell you, I said something shady the other night, and we all thought it was very good. So I just want to let you know the update on my progress. Anyway, about your event. And this guy, like, walks up behind her like, excuse me. And everyone's like, Jess is like, ooh. Jess is like, oh, he was all up on you, girl. Where's tj? He better watch out. She goes, I don't know. Where is my best friend? And this.

[Ronnie Karam]

So this is where we see Ray talking to TJ about the personal computer. He's like, I had a personal computer in 1975. You know what I'm saying? I was programming.

[Ben Mandelker]

And TJ's like, yeah, that's more like. That's like Commodore 64 going way back then. And he's like, yes, yes, it is like a Commodore. I also had a. I also had a record album by the Commodores. Great group. Love them. They were never as good once Lionel left.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then Ashley catches up with Karen a little bit and, you know, talk about the other day and how her drunk driving thing is going. And Ray is like, well, there's nothing I'm supposed to say, but I could say. And Karen's like, you can't say anything, Ray, don't say anything. And he's like, I can't. She's like, oh, Lord. Ray, just be quiet, please. Ray.

[Ben Mandelker]

What?

[Ronnie Karam]

I was going to tell you. You look kind of young. Just kidding. You look a youngish old, old, young, young, old. If you yelled a little bit, I'd call you Old Yeller. But not completely old, just slightly old yellow to lie.

[Ben Mandelker]

Ray, that's enough. No more discussing about this. Go back to talking about computers with tj. So now it's time for Wendy's big announcement. So they all are rivals. They all go to the shore, and Wendy is on a boat. And the boat is designed to look like a car, but it looks like a car from the movie Cars. And Wendy's on it, and it's supposed to look sort of like this car that's doing donuts in the water. And she's like, oh, they're all watching, but it keeps going and going and going. And then everyone gets bored and walks away. Wendy's still out there going in circles.

[Ronnie Karam]

That's a lot. You know, your birthdays are supposed to be where people show up and celebrate you, not where you just have people show up while you celebrate yourself.

[Ben Mandelker]

I know. And Susan's just, like, scolding her from the shore to get off the boat. What the hell is going on? Get off the boat.

[Ronnie Karam]

Because it just goes on and on. And they're all just sitting there staring at this lady on a boat squealing like, okay, well, she's still on the boat and just takes forever. It's very Wendy. You know, it's meant to be, like, this fun Wendy moment. And everyone's like, let me leave this party. This is the lamest party I've ever been to.

[Ben Mandelker]

I know. And then she has to, like. They have to, like, bring the boat to a dock that's far away, and she gets up on the pier. Just. It's like a long, long, long, slow arrival.

[Ronnie Karam]

She tried it. She tried it. She tried it. So then Ashley is talking about how she is going to do a drag king performance because it's Pride weekend. And Stacy goes, wait a minute. Hold on now, everybody. What's the difference between a drag queen and a drag king?

[Ben Mandelker]

She's auditioning her new morning show. Because that is a morning show question.

[Ronnie Karam]

And how.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's like, okay, well, a drag queen is man dressing up as a woman. And as most people would be able to infer, a drag king is a woman dressing up as a man.

[Ronnie Karam]

Donkey. No, a man.

[Ben Mandelker]

No man. No, a woman has a man. It's a king.

[Ronnie Karam]

A woman dressed like a man. What kind of world is this? This is crazy. Speaking to the mind mic.

[Ben Mandelker]

Jacqueline's like, stacy, you didn't know about this, babe? Honestly, guys, I really should be the number one friend of so speaking to the mic. So it doesn't. This is totally like a morning show. Tell me about drag. Drag kings. That's outrageous.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's funny because she does play up this, like, I'm just a dumb person, you know, I'm just, like, innocent, you know? But she's really not. And it's so funny watching. It's going to be funny watching her kind of unravel as the year go on, because she will stay on the show for sure. She's great.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah.

[Ronnie Karam]

So it's going to be fun watching her kind of drop this.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, well, it's like Porsche her first year. Remember Portia was a totally different person her first year on Atlanta. I mean, look where Porsche is now versus, like, first year. She was all innocent. She's like, I'm married to Cordell. And now she's like, the Porsche we know and love. So Karen is. They all sit down and everything. Ashley does something about lowering her voice, which is kind of funny. And people are sitting down and everything. And Giselle and Karen are seated next to each other, and they're like, laughing about that, etc. So ink is there and Giselle tells us, mia, girl, why is Ink here? You had me at. At my event rubbing your leg because you are so upset about Gordon and Ink and they're not getting along. And oh, my gosh, they're fighting in front of the kids. And now on Instagram, I'm seeing they're having shots together by the pool and they're dying it up and they're having a ball. Mia, I'm very confused.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, no one's liking that. And then meanwhile, Susan. No one's come up to say hi to Susan, the in laws. And so she's like, oh, they can't even speak. She can't even say anything. Hellfire. So then Stacy sits with Ray, and he's like, wow, I'm trying to figure out where you've been. She's like, oh, no. Where Wendy's sitting. And she's like, I don't know. I'm so excited to see Wendy. I wonder if she knows what a dress drag queen drag king is. Do you know, Ray? Have you ever heard of a drag king? Did you know that that's a woman dressed like a male? Ray, do drag kings read to children in libraries as well? What's happening? The world has been turned on its head.

[Ben Mandelker]

As long as they're not on my golf course. So, yeah, I love Stacy looking for like, like backup from Ray, of all people. Ray, person who's in touch with all the current and hip things in society. Did you ever hear about a drag king? Is that wild? He's like, I don't know if I know that.

[Ronnie Karam]

He's like, I don't know if I've heard of that, but I could probably buy it because of the whole trans thing. And she's like, oh, what do trains have to do with with it? It's like, jeez, who is this person? So then Ashley's like, guys, Ray has never heard of drag kings either, but he has heard of trains dressing like women, right? Ray.

[Ben Mandelker]

I want to play golf. So Ash is like, I think that Like, Stacy and I have a. Like, a lot in common. We're both yogis. We're both married to foreign white men. But, like, Stacy is lacking a little bit of flavor. And I think Stacy needs. Need that. Get them sweet lips. Get them lips wet. Get them sweet lips. Get them lips wet. Both sets. So, yeah, I just. Stacy making this a thing about drag king is like. Well, she's so. She's so shocked about all this and she's like, announcing it to the table. Guys, I shouldn't be shamed. I'm not the only one who's never heard of a drag king. Ray Huger also has not heard. So I. I think my case is settled.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then TJ comes over and she's like, oh, hi. Are you okay? And he's like, oh, you're noticing me now? And she's like, I was looking for you. He's no, you weren't. I watched you. Sit down here, man. I watched you. What the. Terrible. Red flag. Huge. Huge. Huge red flag.

[Ben Mandelker]

Huge. This is like that codependent. That's, like, awful. But also, like, when you're trying to talk about, like, how you're a sanctimonious person and. And that you're doing things, making a pact with Jesus. But then you're going to talk to your part her this way. It doesn't work that way.

[Ronnie Karam]

I'm sorry, my good. And she goes, well, I kept saying, where's tj? And he's like, I'm right over there. You came to a party. You're hanging out with everybody but me. Get it together, man. What's wrong with you? You can take your hand off me now. Oh, I hope she does. Why would she? Just don't watch what happens. Live with this prick a couple weeks ago. She needs to not be around this person. Danger.

[Ben Mandelker]

He's. He's just jealous because he, like, when she's not with him, that means he's not on tv. And so he's basically like, no, you need to, like, you need to hang out with me. So that way I can be in the scenes. I could be mixing it up with all the women and everything, and I could be part of this show a little bit more. That's what he's really pissed about.

[Ronnie Karam]

So Ashley catches this and she's like, yeah, he's a grown man and he can make his own damn friends. She's already got one child. She doesn't need another. So then Wendy makes another grand entrance and we see Eddie's sister, Nor, and there's like, money all over. They're throwing money all over the ground for Wendy ones, unfortunately, but still. And then Mia's like, I need someone. It's like, back in the day, just. Would anybody like a lobster or a steak? $10 more. You get a bow.

[Ben Mandelker]

I am wearing a ball gown for now. So then Wendy talks about how, like, Eddie and his family, like, they're all working to be better to each other. And, you know, she. She is just happy that they're getting along and everything. So then she makes a speech, goes, you know, I said I wasn't gonna cry. I may cry. I just want to say cheers to being 40, but cheers to 40 more. God. I'll see you all next week, by the way, for my next 40th birthday celebration. So this is number three. We're gonna go on to number four next time.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then Stacy's like, wow, I'm really hungry. Do you like the flowers, tj? He goes, that's such a girl question. Question. Oh, my God.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's like, yeah, I don't know. First of all, it's not a girl question. It's just a question. And second of all, I don't know why you're so put out with that. You know, for someone who probably has to deal with a lot of gay rumors, you're not doing a great job of. Of deflecting them. I would say when you get sensitive about girl questions, like, that's like. Like be a little bit more, like, secure with yourself before you start getting mad at people for asking you questions about flowers.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. So then now Giselle is talking to Gianna, and she's like, so this woman was just in your arms? Referring to Ashley? Because he was carrying Ashley around earlier. He's the hot guy. And he's like, well, I felt like she was looking into my soul. And she goes, oh, wow. You. You. Gianna's like, I'm respectful. But the energy was there. And she's like, yeah, he wants everybody at this party. Ashley. Yeah. Move on, move on. Leave him in the streets.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah.

[Ronnie Karam]

So this episode just keeps going, doesn't it? What the hell's going on in this episode? I keep thinking it's over. And I'm like, wait. And then I scroll. I'm like. And the end. Thank you all for being here. No, it's not the end keeps going.

[Ben Mandelker]

No, it's still going. So Eddie and Wendy are taking a photo with Eddie's family, and Wendy is, like, happy. She feels like they've turned a corner and everything. And Eddie says, I Feel so happy, which is kind of his thing, you know, it's his brand. And then they're all like, laughing, where's Happy Eddie? Etc and then there's like a sunset and they're like, still gather ground, still saying happy birthday and everything.

[Ronnie Karam]

So basically they move on to confronting Mia about saying that she was, you know, dealing with his mania, but now she's back with Ink. And so Giselle's like, what the hell? What's up with that? 24 hours you're on Instagram with a full fledged photo shoot with Gordon and Ink and the children. And she tells us Mia lies about so many things. And then we see a clip of Mia's lies, which is just insane. Like saying that Chris Bassett was flirting with her and then admitting that she was just mad at Candace and it was just a jab. And then saying at Karen's spring event, her cancer stuff, like lying when she said that she had cancer and all of that stuff. So, God, I forgot about that one. How could I? So then she's like, well, we don't know the truth about anyone in this girl's life. I don't believe her.

[Ben Mandelker]

Right? Yeah. Mia is a constant liar. It's funny that they seem to be really picking up on this four years later. They were like, so what happened, Mia? Like, you know, what's. What's going on with you and Gordon and Ink? Like, what changed in 24 hours that, you know, you said that Ink was out of your life and now or was taking a step back, but now he's like, here right now. And, you know, they're saying, like, this was really hard. It's because, like, the actions and the words don't align when it comes to Mia. And so Mia's like, you know what? The fathers of my children can get along and like, wait, did you just say the fathers? Fathers? Yes, fathers.

[Ronnie Karam]

Fathers are they drag fathers are those fathers who dress up like mothers. This show's flailing. I have to say, this show had a really good start to the season. There's some flailing going on. I hope they kind of get it together for the rest of the season because I jumped on that train very fast. I was like, potomac's back just from flailing.

[Ben Mandelker]

I thought, actually, I thought this was. I was really into this episode. I really liked it. I think it was just a. It was a hard one to recap because it was a big party, and when there's big parties, there's just like, it's always like, there's a pocket of People talking over here, then a pocket of people over here, and then a pocket of people over here. So sometimes it can be hard. Like, I find that I get a little bit lost in those. But I. I'm still on board. I'm. I'm, I'm. I'm feeling bullish.

[Ronnie Karam]

I've got a life. A life vest in my hand to throw out to the water.

[Ben Mandelker]

Ready?

[Ronnie Karam]

Say stop flailing because you're flailing. You know, I think you can. I think you can get a float, but for now, you're flailing. So I hope someone backstage is like, we're flailing. Fix it. And then Karen runs.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'm in the.

[Ronnie Karam]

I don't know.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'm in the circling boat that's meant to look like a car in the middle of the water just going around in circles. So I'm happy. I'm high, going high speed in circles, and I'm dizzy.

[Ronnie Karam]

All right, well, everybody, thanks so much for being with us. We will talk to you next time. Bye.

[Ben Mandelker]

Bye. Watch what crappins would like to thank its premium sponsors. Ain't no thing like Allison King it's always automatic with Ashley Auto.

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[Ronnie Karam]

She ain't no shrinking violet Coutar we love you guys. If you like, watch what crappins. You can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondry app or on Apple Podcasts. Prime members can listen ad free on Amazon Music. Before you go, tell us about yourself by filling out a short [e-mail] survey.

[Ben Mandelker]

Hello, ladies and germs, boys and girls. The Grinch is back again to ruin your Christmas season with Tis the Grinch Holiday Pop. After last year, he's learned a thing or two about hosting, and he's ready to rant against Christmas cheer and roast his celebrity guests like chestnuts on an open fire. You can listen with the whole family as guest stars like Jon Hamm, Brittany Broski, and Danny DeVito try to persuade the mean old Grinch that there's a lot to love about the insufferable holiday season. But that's not all. Somebody stole all the children of Whoville's letters to Saint Santa, and everybody thinks the Grinch is responsible. It's a real Whoville whodunit. Can Cindy, Lou and Max help clear the Grinch's name? Grab your hot cocoa and cozy slippers to find out. Follow Tis the Grinch Holiday Podcast on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Unlock weekly Christmas mystery bonus content and listen to every episode ad free by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery App, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

[Ronnie Karam]

I'm Lindsey Graham, host of Wondery Show American Scandal. We bring to life some of the biggest controversies in U.S. history presidential lies, environmental disasters, corporate fraud. In our latest series, entrepreneur Lou Pearlman becomes the mastermind behind two of the biggest pop groups in the world, the Backstreet Boys and NSync. He also oversees a sprawling business empire that includes a charter jet, company restaurants, and ready estate. But Perlman's successful facade crumbles after he's sued by the boy bands for siphoning millions from them. And soon investigators discover that Perlman is keeping his empire afloat through an even more devious scheme. Follow American Scandal on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad free and be the first to binge the newest seasons only on Wondery Plus. You can join Wondery plus in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today.