Watch What Crappens Episode #2735 Summary: "RHOBH S1412 Stars and Gripes Forever"

Host: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Podcast: Watch What Crappens by Wondery

Introduction

In Episode #2735 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the twelfth episode of Season 14 of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), aptly titled "Stars and Gripes Forever." The duo provides a comprehensive analysis of the episode, highlighting key conflicts, character developments, and memorable moments that captivated Bravo audiences.

Cast Dynamics and Redevelopment

Reba's Redemption Arc

One of the standout discussions centers around Reba, who initially faces significant backlash from viewers due to her abrasive behavior. Ben remarks:

"Reba, the first week she was on, was probably one of the most hated parents I'd ever seen on a Housewives show. By the end, I was like, wow, I like Reba. Who knew?"
[06:25] - Ben Mandelker

Ronnie concurs, noting the swift shift in viewer perception:

"The woman in three weeks went from complete villain to, 'huh, I kind of like Reba.'"
[06:31] - Ronnie Karam

They compare Reba's evolution to Camille Grammer's transformation between seasons, emphasizing how Bravo often crafts compelling redemption stories for its cast members.

Key Conflicts and Emotional Highs

Sutton's Struggles and Confrontations

A major focal point of the episode is Sutton's turbulent interactions with her mother, Reba, and her strained relationships with other cast members. Ben highlights Sutton's emotional turmoil:

"After five minutes, you have every right to be extremely annoyed that you're just sitting there. Many people would say, 'Hey, Dorit, I'm here,' but Sutton opts to stew in her frustration instead."
[31:22] - Ben Mandelker

Ronnie adds context to Sutton's behavior, illustrating her inability to communicate effectively during conflicts:

"Sutton is the one who's pledging the sisterhood. But she's the first one to betray the sisterhood and storm out."
[51:47] - Ronnie Karam

This segment underscores the recurring theme of miscommunication and emotional baggage that plagues Sutton, leading to repeated confrontations.

Erica's Hot Dog Obsession

Another heated moment revolves around Erica's fixation on hot dogs, which becomes a point of contention among the housewives. Ben humorously critiques:

"They can't get back up. Their pants are too tight. Like, at one point, when Sutton throws down her little tiara or whatever later and Carl goes to pick it up, that was one of the best parts of the show for me."
[38:51] - Ben Mandelker

Ronnie echoes the amusement, highlighting the absurdity of the situation:

"I've never seen somebody say, 'I want my once-a-year hot dog' more times than Erica did today."
[08:14] - Ronnie Karam

This quirky subplot adds levity to the intense drama unfolding among the cast.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

The Tiara Throwdown

One of the episode's most dramatic scenes involves Sutton throwing a tiara, symbolizing her frustration and the breaking point in her relationships:

"That Tiara is stupid. A kid can get hurt with that."
[50:38] - Ben Mandelker

This act serves as a metaphor for the escalating tensions and unresolved issues among the housewives, leading to further fallout.

Alcoholic Accusations and Defense

The hosts discuss the delicate issue of alcohol consumption accusations, particularly focusing on Sutton's defensive reactions when confronted:

"If someone called me an alcoholic, I would just respond with, 'I have a taste for luxury, and luxury has a taste for me.'"
[54:30] - Ronnie Karam

Ben adds a humorous twist to the defense mechanism:

"Or just say, 'I’m often on top, but sometimes I like being a bottom.' People are like, 'Wait, okay, this doesn’t have anything to do with anything, but I’m just gonna back away slowly.'"
[54:44] - Ben Mandelker

These exchanges highlight the superficial defenses used by the cast to shield themselves from deeper vulnerabilities.

Character Development and Interpersonal Relationships

Bose's Struggle with Kyle

Bose and Kyle engage in a heated exchange about Kyle's perceived coldness and emotional unavailability. Ronnie notes:

"Bose is up Dorit's ass, but Garcelle is also up Sutton's ass. So it's a weird fight. It's a weird proxy war, but I love this kind of little argument between Bows and Gar."
[69:20] - Ronnie Karam

Ben observes the flawed communication between them:

"Kyle is like, 'Why are you saying me?' She goes, 'I was just joking. I said, bitches.' No, no, don't say it. So Dorit comes in and says, 'Posie.' And hugs her. She's like, honestly, perfect timing."
[79:04] - Ben Mandelker

This confrontation exposes underlying tensions and the difficulty of mending fractured relationships without addressing core issues.

Dorit's Hostile Behavior

Dorit's antagonistic behavior surfaces as she dismisses Sutton and criticizes her for calling her a bitch in her own home:

"Don't be a bitch in my own home because I'm living. Surgery says, 'you haven't been able to catch my breath.'"
[85:37] - Ben Mandelker

Ronnie adds context to Dorit's actions, emphasizing her unwillingness to reconcile:

"She's the one who led the charge when she said, 'Of course, there's vodka in her drink.' Both go, 'Oh, well,' which equals calling her a bitch in the house."
[66:08] - Ben Mandelker

These interactions further complicate the already strained relationships within the group.

Conclusion: The Tumultuous Path Forward

Ben and Ronnie wrap up their analysis by reflecting on the chaotic nature of the episode, likening it to a stage farce due to the excessive drama and unresolved tensions:

"This whole episode is kind of playing like some sort of stage farce, right? Because it's crazy. And then the door swings open, and here's Erica to make her entrance."
[56:35] - Ben Mandelker

They acknowledge the recurring pattern of petty arguments over trivial matters, which paradoxically keeps audiences hooked:

"I love this show because it literally becomes the entire episode fighting over the stupid stuff."
[54:44] - Ben Mandelker

Ultimately, the episode "Stars and Gripes Forever" serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of RHOBH's blend of high-stakes drama and personal vendettas, keeping fans eagerly anticipating future developments.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Mandelker:
  "Reba, the first week she was on, was probably one of the most hated parents I'd ever seen on a Housewives show."
  [06:25]

• Ronnie Karam:
  "The woman in three weeks went from complete villain to, 'huh, I kind of like Reba.'"
  [06:31]

• Ben Mandelker:
  "That Tiara is stupid. A kid can get hurt with that."
  [50:38]

• Ronnie Karam:
  "I've never seen somebody say, 'I want my once-a-year hot dog' more times than Erica did today."
  [08:14]

• Ben Mandelker:
  "If someone called me an alcoholic, I would just respond with, 'I have a taste for luxury, and luxury has a taste for me.'"
  [54:30]

• Ronnie Karam:
  "Bose is up Dorit's ass, but Garcelle is also up Sutton's ass. So it's a weird fight."
  [69:20]

Final Thoughts

Ben and Ronnie effectively dissect the complexities of RHOBH Season 14 Episode 12, offering listeners insightful commentary on each character's motivations and the intricate web of relationships. Their blend of humor and critical analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the episode's events, making it an invaluable resource for fans and newcomers alike.

Note: This summary intentionally omits promotional segments and advertisements to focus solely on the podcast's content analysis.