Watch What Crappens - Episode #2663 Summary
Podcast Information:
- Title: Watch What Crappens
- Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
- Platform: Wondery
- Episode: #2663 - Southern Charm S10E03: Against One’s Letter Judgment
- Release Date: December 20, 2024
Introduction
In this festive episode of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the latest installment of Southern Charm Season 10, Episode 3 titled "Against One’s Letter Judgment." As the hosts usher in the holiday season, they share updates about their upcoming live shows in Vegas, Texas, and Charlotte, encouraging listeners to purchase tickets via their website.
Ben Mandelker [02:20]: "Hello and welcome to Watch What Crappens, a podcast about all that crap on Bravo that we just love to talk about."
Ronnie Karam [02:30]: "Hi, how are you?"
Episode Recap: "Gone to the Dogs"
Music and Atmosphere
The episode begins with praise for the exceptional musical score of Southern Charm. Ronnie highlights the live orchestration that adds a cinematic feel to the show.
Ronnie Karam [06:32]: "My first thought, God, the music on this show really is top notch... Whoever is playing the instrument that goes adoing. They deserve a Grammy award."
Character Dynamics and Storylines
Vanita's Presence: Ben and Ronnie express disappointment over Vanita's minimal presence despite her consistent opening scenes.
Ronnie Karam [08:15]: "We see Taylor's our resident dog talker."
Ben Mandelker [09:25]: "They really never hear Vanita again. Last episode, at least, she had a scene where she was talking to JT about wanting to go to lunch."
Gaston’s Leaf Blowing Scene: A notable scene involves Gaston blowing leaves with a leaf blower, which the hosts find unsatisfying as the actual outcome isn't shown, leaving them feeling cheated.
Ben Mandelker [09:46]: "I felt like it was very much Chekhov's leaves. I wanted to see all the leaves go up in the air."
Ronnie Karam [10:13]: "It's like Chekhov's gun. You can't introduce a leaf blower and not have it finish the job."
Craig and JT’s Turmoil: The core of the episode revolves around JT's strained relationship with Patricia and his fallout with friends Craig and Austin. The hosts dissect JT's poorly executed apology letter, mocking his handwriting and choice of words, deeming it both cringeworthy and ineffective.
Ben Mandelker [14:25]: "His handwriting is bad. Just like, oh, the whole thing would get... made me want to crawl out of my skin."
Ronnie Karam [17:54]: "He's a dummy. So he's like..."
Madison’s Confrontation: Madison confronts JT about his inappropriate comments, leading to a heated exchange filled with insults and dismissive remarks. The hosts critique Madison's lack of empathy and JT's inability to handle the situation maturely.
Ronnie Karam [37:05]: "This was so funny because they're literally like, are you ready to hang out?"
Ben Mandelker [43:26]: "He's like, please don't make me feel bad for JT because that's not the spot I..."
Doggy Parting Time: Rodrigo and Tyler’s dog party is another focal point, showcasing their unique approach to hosting. The hosts humorously comment on the event's awkwardness and the interactions among the participants, especially highlighting the mismatched personalities and strained friendships.
Ben Mandelker [50:24]: "You know what? JT has really bungled his season so far."
Ronnie Karam [52:29]: "They adopted the dog from an elderly woman who couldn't take care of her dog anymore. That is actually really cute."
Character Analysis
JT’s Vulnerability: Ben and Ronnie debate whether JT exhibits genuine vulnerability or if his actions are merely performative. They conclude that JT's attempts at apologizing are insincere, exacerbated by Craig's manipulative influence.
Ben Mandelker [26:00]: "Craig is definitely 100 times more vulnerable than any of the other guys on this show."
Craig’s Manipulation: Craig is portrayed as a manipulative figure who has managed to maintain his charm despite questionable actions. The hosts discuss his past behaviors, including his deceitful interactions and his impact on JT’s reputation.
Ronnie Karam [11:23]: "Gaston’s just a user, piece of trash douchebag."
Madison’s Tough Stance: Madison is critiqued for her harsh treatment of JT, showing no leniency or willingness to understand his perspective. The hosts find her actions both justified and excessively harsh.
Ben Mandelker [84:53]: "Molly's like, I don't want to just, like, go up to her and just be high."
Key Moments and Insights
-
Letter Writing Critique:
- Ben Mandelker [16:25]: "He writes deer in all caps. Like, why are you doing that? Why are you screaming deer?"
-
Character Introductions:
- Introduction of new cast members and their integration into existing relationships, emphasizing the show's effort to refresh its cast dynamics.
-
Dog Adoption Story:
- Rodrigo and Tyler’s adoption of senior dogs is highlighted as a heartwarming subplot, contrasted humorously by their banter about the dogs' behaviors.
Ronnie Karam [46:17]: "They're really into senior dogs. You know, like, they have to throw the ball two times a day. That's it."
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Overall, Ben and Ronnie provide a biting yet humorous critique of Southern Charm's latest episode. They highlight the show's ongoing character struggles, especially focusing on JT's downfall and the toxic dynamics introduced by Craig. The hosts appreciate the introduction of new cast members but remain skeptical about the long-term impact of these changes.
Ben Mandelker [80:36]: "They did a pretty good job layering in new people. This show has been really good about layering in new people."
Ronnie Karam [73:14]: "You are unbelievable. I thought that was a pretty good apology."
They wrap up the episode by reaffirming their love for Bravo's dramatic flair while maintaining their signature mockery and affectionate ridicule.
Notable Quotes:
- Ronnie Karam [06:32]: “My first thought, God, the music on this show really is top notch...”
- Ben Mandelker [09:46]: “I felt like it was very much Chekhov's leaves. I wanted to see all the leaves go up in the air.”
- Ronnie Karam [17:54]: “He's a dummy. So he's like...”
- Ben Mandelker [14:25]: “His handwriting is bad. Just like, oh, the whole thing would get... made me want to crawl out of my skin.”
Final Remarks
Ben and Ronnie conclude with holiday greetings, expressing gratitude to their listeners and teasing upcoming episodes focused on other Bravo shows like Summer House.
Ronnie Karam [87:57]: “So Madison's really nothing without somebody to hate on. And she's got him.”
Ben Mandelker [88:03]: “Yeah. And let's have Vanita steam her drapes.”
The episode is a blend of sharp wit, humorous observations, and critical analysis, making it both entertaining and insightful for fans of Bravo’s drama-filled reality TV landscape.