#2758 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY S03E11: The Long Arm of the Law Prom

Summary

Watch What Crappens Podcast Episode #2758 Summary: "SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY S03E11: The Long Arm of the Law Prom"

Release Date: March 11, 2025
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Podcast: Watch What Crappens | Wondery

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Introduction to the Episode

In Episode #2758 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the season finale of Bravo's Southern Hospitality, titled "The Long Arm of the Law Prom." This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the pivotal moments, character developments, and dramatic twists that unfolded during the finale.

Recap of the Season Finale

The finale centers around a lavish prom event, aptly named "Law Prom," designed to compensate for past relationship turmoils among the cast members. Ben and Ronnie meticulously dissect the night's events, highlighting the intricate dynamics and confrontations that characterize Southern Hospitality.

Prom Preparations and Early Tensions

The episode begins with the cast preparing for prom amid underlying tensions. Ben remarks on the chaotic yet luxurious setting:

Ben Mandelker [00:00]: "One of the reasons we love watching Bravo shows is for the luxury. I mean, come on. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, most of the time I can just watch it for the shots of the gorgeous city and the houses."

Ronnie adds humor by referencing Lisa Barlow's extravagant $60,000 ring loss, setting the tone for the night's opulence and drama.

Key Confrontations and Storylines

1. Michael and Preston's Relationship Strain:

   • Michael confronts Preston about alleged cheating rumors involving a girl from law school.
   • Preston defends his actions, revealing complexities in their relationship, including an age gap and past issues.
   • Ronnie Karam [08:10]: "I just had a moment, but this. Okay, you're gonna have to just, like, trust me on this."

2. Will and Emmy's Dismal Prom Experience:

   • Will expresses his disdain for prom, contrasting sharply with the party's vibrant atmosphere.
   • Emmy mirrors his negativity, highlighting their strained relationship.
   • Ben Mandelker [25:41]: "So Will's like, I'm exhausted, dude. I'm a lawyer."

3. Maddie's Emotional Turmoil:

   • Maddie faces the fallout from past relationship issues with Trevor, grappling with trust and betrayal.
   • The hosts critique the narrative consistency, pointing out unresolved storylines and character inconsistencies.
   • Ronnie Karam [51:07]: "She's rattled. Okay. Like, because Andy's like. It takes 10 minutes for him to say hello to the entire cast..."

4. TJ's Aggressive Advocacy:

   • TJ takes center stage by aggressively confronting rumors about Will's fidelity, leading to heightened tensions.
   • The hosts express frustration with TJ's approach and the lack of accountability.
   • Ben Mandelker [40:31]: "MJ is the season finale. You're not taking this away from me."

5. Grace Lily's Disruptive Presence:

   • Grace Lily brings additional conflict by inserting herself into existing relationships, exacerbating tensions among the cast.
   • Ronnie Karam [33:29]: "What is that? What the is that? She goes, I'm trying to get your energy away from me because that it is toxic."

Hosts' Analysis and Criticism

Ben Mandelker's Insights:

Ben offers a critical perspective on character behaviors and plot developments. He particularly targets Will's lack of accountability and the group's complicity in perpetuating rumors.

Ben Mandelker [53:52]: "You are just in the wrong period. I mean, I get a lot of the stuff. And we had the discussion during the season about the plot line of like, well, you know, it's not really right for Joe to like lead somebody on..."

Ronnie Karam's Perspectives:

Ronnie complements Ben's critiques with humor and additional observations, focusing on character motivations and the show's narrative integrity.

Ronnie Karam [58:32]: "...you don't ride up with straight guys then. Like at some point you have to like take some kind of responsibility. You know what I mean?"

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. On Prom Luxury:

   • Ben [00:00]: "One of the reasons we love watching Bravo shows is for the luxury."

2. On Michael's Confrontation:

   • Ben [08:10]: "Like, hey, Michael's mom. If anybody knows Michael's mom, carry. Carry a message to this woman for me. Off, lady."

3. On TJ's Aggression:

   • Ben [40:31]: "No, TJ's. TJ is the worst about taking shit that's none of his business and doesn't affect him at all."

4. On Maddie's Shock:

   • Ronnie [55:25]: "Second Maddie is so shell shocked of the poor thing. She looks like. She looks like she looks like she saw a ghost."

5. On Will's Accountability:

   • Ben [53:56]: "There's nothing standing up for Will, but it's obvious."

Reunion Discussion

The latter part of the episode shifts focus to the show's reunion segment, where unresolved issues and grudges come to the forefront.

Maddie's Emotional Breakdown:

Maddie reels from the revelations, expressing her distress over the manipulations and lies she endured.

Ben Mandelker [49:45]: "What's wrong with him? He did the same thing with the brother. He should have had the brother show up at the prom and say, that's not true or whatever."

Character Accountability:

The hosts emphasize the lack of accountability among the cast, particularly focusing on Will and the group's betrayal of Maddie.

Ronnie Karam [57:24]: "That's the niece's cheating with Trevor. Yeah, we can see that this has also changed people's perceptions of Will because at one point Andy asks, who here thinks that like, the rumors are true about Will?"

Final Reactions and Conclusions

Ben and Ronnie wrap up the episode by reflecting on the season's overarching themes of deceit, manipulation, and the lack of genuine accountability among the cast members. They express disappointment in the character developments and the show's direction but acknowledge the entertainment value of the ensuing drama.

Ben Mandelker [62:59]: "Yeah, so far, so good show. Love this show. And hopefully it started to break out a little bit."

Ronnie Karam [62:42]: "I hope this show continues to thrive because it's. It's given us three wonderful seasons of. Of content and."

Overall Impressions

The hosts provide a balanced mix of humor and critique, offering listeners both entertainment and thoughtful analysis. Their candid discussions highlight the complexities of reality TV storytelling, emphasizing the importance of character consistency and authentic accountability.

Conclusion

Episode #2758 of Watch What Crappens delivers an in-depth exploration of Southern Hospitality's season finale, dissecting its dramatic moments and character arcs with keen insight and witty commentary. Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam successfully engage listeners by blending humor with critical analysis, making this episode a must-listen for fans of Bravo's reality offerings.

Transcript

[Ben Mandelker]

One of the reasons we love watching Bravo shows is for the luxury. I mean, come on. Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, most of the time I can just watch it for the shots of the gorgeous city and the houses.

[Ronnie Karam]

And let's not Forget Lisa Barlow's $60,000 ring that she lost.

[Ben Mandelker]

Oh, heck yeah. If you're looking for a way to experience luxury for yourself, try Virgin Voyages.

[Ronnie Karam]

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[Ben Mandelker]

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[Ronnie Karam]

I am so excited to go on my first Virgin cruise. You know, the idea of a kid free ship is very appealing to me. And all these menus, it's like definitely a boat made for Ben.

[Ben Mandelker]

It looks like a giant, gorgeous club with fabulous rooms. I cannot wait to go. Book now@virgin voyages.com or contact your travel advisor. This is a mini meditation guided by Bombus. Repeat after me.

[Ronnie Karam]

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[Michaels]

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[Ben Mandelker]

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[Michaels]

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[Ben Mandelker]

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[Michaels]

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[Ben Mandelker]

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[Michaels]

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[Andy Cohen]

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[Ronnie Karam]

Watch what happens. Watch what crap is. Who cares what happens when there's so.

[Ben Mandelker]

Much.

[Ronnie Karam]

There, so much that crappens. Hello and welcome to Watch Watch Crappens, a podcast about all that crap on Bravo that we just love to talk About I'm Ben Mandelker and joining me today is the lovely and perfect Ronnie Caram. Hi Ronnie, how are you?

[Ben Mandelker]

Well hello you sweet guy. How are you doing?

[Ronnie Karam]

Doing just great. We're here today to talk about the grand finale of southern hospitality. Before we do that, we just a reminder to go get tickets for our live [e-mail] this weekend we're going to Cincinnati, Minneapolis and Toronto and we are going to recap in that order. Summer house, Southern charm I should say. And Real Housewives of New York Season 8, Episode 9 December, Berkshire's county, the Berkshire's episode, the famous one. After that we're going to Charlotte, Atlanta, D.C. philadelphia and then in April we're gonna go to Boston and Detroit and some other places. So go get your [e-mail] also be sure to join us on Patreon if you are watching the Traders. We recapped the whole season on Patreon on our bonus episode. So that's patreon.com watch for crappens and be sure to join. If you are not sign up, sign up by going directly on your web browser instead of going through the app because Apple charges a surcharge through the app and why should you have to pay that? It's ridiculous. So that is all the news. Ronnie, what did you think about this season finale?

[Ben Mandelker]

What a bunch of messy, messy, messy people. I love that. Seriously thought it was great. And I also love a good 10 episode season. I don't think they had more to sustain them for more than 10 episodes and I'm glad it was a nice, I love a 10 episode season.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, it was, it was a tight, strong season. Every episode was great. Every episode was hilarious. They really are. This, this is a great show. It's a, it's a great show and they are really bringing it and they did great work with it. And it also had some really beautiful moments too, which was amazing. So let's dive into it. Guilty until proven innocent is the name of the episode and it's prom. It's law prom. They're doing a law prom but they're making it a prom prom. So the lead up to the. Well, basically what we, we. They're kind of, I think the vibe that they're going for is Carrie or something because we keep seeing things that are like one week before prom but it's like not fun and happy. It's like scary looking. I'm like, are they, are the producers trying to make this seem like there's gonna Be a bloodbath.

[Ben Mandelker]

I couldn't quite tell, but Emmy's playing the role of both Carrie and Carrie's mother at the same time. She's just like, okay, I'm gonna need people for flowers. I'm gonna need people for cake. I'm gonna need people for decorations. I got my list done. It's gonna be the best law prom ever. Nothing can go wrong.

[Ronnie Karam]

And that's like, three days before prom. And so we're at menswear store, and Jo shining on suits, like, oh, this looks good. He's like, I think that Mia is wearing a leopard dress. He's like, oh, really? Do you have any leopard toxes? That's, like, so funny. Joe, are you in love with me? Thin.

[Ben Mandelker]

Then we see he asked for a leopard suit.

[Ronnie Karam]

He's like, really gay. Like, don't even bother to give him a blowjob. That's reserved for the boys.

[Ben Mandelker]

Then Lake and Molly are trying on dresses at another store, and they whoosh, open the curtains at the same time, and they're in the same dress. And like's like, you copied me. Who wore it best?

[Ronnie Karam]

Am I right?

[Ben Mandelker]

So they keep trying on dresses. They're. It's like, wacky. They're trying on, like, wacky prom dresses and stuff. Scary music. And then two days before prom and Michael's house and Preston is over with Michaels, and Michaels is like, oh, wait, I have a surprise for you. Look, there's three cakes. It says prom. Yes. No. Are you gonna go to prom with me?

[Ronnie Karam]

He. That's. That's a lot of cake to ask a simple question, especially for those two.

[Ben Mandelker]

Those two don't eat cake. I'm not buying.

[Ronnie Karam]

Well, you got a problem with me? I had a moment, but this. Okay, you're gonna have to just, like, trust me on this. I was looking at Michaels, and I was like, who does his face remind me of? His face reminds me of someone. And then I realized when Michaels is being very serious, which is often, he's very serious. I was like, who? What. What face does he have when he's being serious? I was like, oh, my God, it's Dorothy's bornak. He has. He has resting Bea Arthur face. And I think, like, that's the greatest honor you could possibly ever bestow a gay man.

[Ben Mandelker]

I think, like, when Bea Arthur gets, you know, someone says something stupid, and then she just stares right into the camera.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, that's exactly it. You'll see it next time. You watch it. You'll see it.

[Ben Mandelker]

So he's like, I was Straight in high school, and I took a girl I was dating to prom, and then she spent the night at my house, and my mom, like, found out, and then I came back to my bedroom, and there was, like, a box of condoms on there. Like, thanks. I don't. I love people like his mom, you know, who are like, oh, my God, being gay is a sin, but a girl before marriage. Here's some condoms. Do it in our house. That's great. Love that.

[Ronnie Karam]

Michael's mom, like, what do you want at this point?

[Ben Mandelker]

Like, hey, Michael's mom. If anybody knows Michael's mom, carry. Carry a message to this woman for me. Off, lady.

[Ronnie Karam]

All right, get it together. Okay? Lady Critical. Get it together. So, like, Preston's trying to guess because he's blindfolded. He's trying to guess what's actually in front of him. He's like, well, it sounds like you opened up your fridge and pulled out a Diet Pepsi. He's like, no, it's not Diet Pepsi. He's like, okay, it's broccoli. Okay. You pulled out broccoli. I know it's broccoli. No, it's not broccoli either. Okay. Is it just. Is it a tire? Did you bring in a tire from outside? Oh, my God, Preston, you're so bad at this.

[Ben Mandelker]

No, it's three cakes, and Preston's like, I wish you had spelled this out of broccoli, because that would have been our dessert. Like, why would you do this?

[Ronnie Karam]

And so then he, like, Michael smushes the cake into Preston's face, and it's really cute and happy, and it's romantic, and it's like, one day before promotion.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. And now the music becomes a beat, and Maddie's sitting on her balcony, and Joe Bradley shows up in a vintage Corvette, and he's, you know, got the boombox, and he lifts up the boombox and starts playing the music, and he's got. Then he switches into, like, love, actually. Where. Which was actually kind of creepy, which is fitting, I guess, for this. The scene was kind of creepy where the best friend shows up and just writes stuff on cards and shows the girl.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, but he, like, had, like, a lot. Well, first of all, he wrote his on paper instead of, like, posters, so everything was flopping around. And he had, like, so many pieces of paper. He's like, hey, I was wondering. Drop the paper, if maybe you'd be interested in. Drop the paper. Like, maybe there's gonna be this prom. Drop the paper. So, like, here's the thing. I really, like, want to go to prom. Drop the paper with you. It's like, joe, hurry up. Go to the last piece of paper. This is taking too long.

[Ben Mandelker]

Money can't buy you class. I don't regret you in that hotel. I'm sorry, sorry, sorry. That was a different one. It was a different one. It was a different one. But yeah, he really makes it long. He makes a whole monologue on like 20 pages of paper. He's like, I'm pretty much like littering your neighborhood right now.

[Ronnie Karam]

Joe, why did you write down Nana's chicken parm recipe? Oh, I just thought maybe you got hungry in the middle of this.

[Ben Mandelker]

So it's basically, well, you got a problem with me. And she's like, oh my God, that's amazing. It's like the most romantic thing that anybody has ever done for me. That's crazy, man. He's like, yeah, I've been in love with Maddie for like years and that feels like a really long time to me. But you know, I wanted to move in with her, but she's not ready. So, you know, like, I need to always listen to my mom and stuff.

[Ronnie Karam]

Put Maddie away flashbacks the day before. Her mom is like. His mom is like, yeah, honey, you have to stop being so aggressive with Maddie, okay? Just give her some space. And for the last time, when I give you Nanny's chicken parm recipe, write it down. I'm sick of having to answer this phone call every week.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then back to outside. She's like, oh my God, are you still doing signs, Joe? He's like, I am.

[Ronnie Karam]

It really is.

[Ben Mandelker]

Is that just a drawing of the eggplant emoji? I ran out of things, but I wanted to keep it romantic, so.

[Ronnie Karam]

So he's like, by the way, wait, I've got one more. It says we promcom.

[Ben Mandelker]

Lol.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yes. Yes, a promcom. I'll go to prom with you, Joe. Absolutely. By the way. So it's like, I don't know if I just want to clarify. You get that like prom. Prom is like a play on romcom. Yes, Joe, come on, cuz.

[Ben Mandelker]

I really trying to do like multiple romcoms right now. Not just one, but like there were like multiple ones. And she's like, I got it, Joe, I got it. Should I write them down for you? I still have some paper left. No, Joe, let's just take a ride in the car.

[Ronnie Karam]

This is the most romantic thing that everyone, anyone has ever done for me. It's like such a relief that he understands how important it is to take my time in this relationship that I don't want to be in. And I do want the same things he wants, except I want them with a different person at a different time in my life. And that's all.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. So now they speed off and they're like, so happy. So then we go to my favorite place, the Republic back room, and everyone's getting ready for their shift. And guess who I don't see. Cloris Leachman. Hello. It's the season finale. Where's Siobhan? Where's Cloris Leach?

[Ronnie Karam]

I know we did see Cloris Leachman at the very, very end. Did you catch her? She was wearing a bright green dress. So, like, she stood out in the group and she was, like, clapping and was, like, really happy. At the. During the prom king and prom queen moment, she was like, oh, yeah, that's good. I remember. I remember when Frankie Avalon was prom king. That was the time. That was good. We banged in his car back outside.

[Ben Mandelker]

It's like, I haven't been this set since 2d. Natalie. How to roller skate.

[Ronnie Karam]

So say, girl, this is a candy shop. So Joe's like, hey, Molly, are you gonna cover my pimples off? He's like, yeah, come here, Joe. Joe. So they go and he like. He, like, covers. She. She does his makeup. And Michael's like, hey, did you guys take the sheet to make copies? Wait, what are you guys doing? Like, what's going on? Like, what's happening back here? And he's like, nothing. We're just like, pre booking. That's it. Yeah, he's like, whatever, guys.

[Ben Mandelker]

So people are working on the VIP sign and Maddie's excited for prom. And I mean, he's like, I wanted to be pretty. I wanted to be colorful. I wanted to be a prom, you know, but like law prom, except I'll be there. It's going to be so romantic. Everything's going to go great. Am I right? And she's like, this summer has been awful. Like, I finally got rid of this fake cheating rumor and, like, proving Will innocent. And, like, I expect everyone to got all of their bad behavior out. Like, it's just going to be totally fine. Only sushi. It's gonna be the perfect sushi 9.

[Ronnie Karam]

Did she wait when she says, I finally have gotten rid of this fake cheating rumor? Did she?

[Ben Mandelker]

No.

[Ronnie Karam]

When did you.

[Ben Mandelker]

Absolutely did not. You did not get rid of a rumor. You just cried about it.

[Ronnie Karam]

I think maybe she thought, like, the explanation that Will was being bullied at law school is like, the thing that like, like, deaded the rumor. But I don't think anyone believed that.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, so you proved nothing, ma'am.

[Ronnie Karam]

So now, like, it's like, okay, yay. Like, it's republic. People are in republic. Fun time. Fun times. And TJ is like, hey, Brad, Something just clicked in my head. Emmy is planning this prom because she didn't get to go with Will because she was skiing, right? Is that the same weekend that this cheating supposedly happened? And Brad's like, I don't know. Like, that was the night that whatever went down with Will's cheating supposedly went down. I'm concerned.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'm very, very concerned. Oh, I'm sure Brad. I'm sure Brad's very concerned. So br. Dad's like, yeah, when we were in Vegas, Will told us he was apparently getting bullied by Austin's girlfriend's brother. But we come to find out he's lying. And if you didn't do anything wrong, then why are you lying? You know, because Emmy's like a little sister to me, guys. So, you know, Emmy has every right to know. Every right to know. So Brad's like, yeah, you know, I have friends at Will's law school, so I'm gonna keep doing some digging. And TJ's like, if you need help.

[Ronnie Karam]

How do they. What law school is this again? Where. How does everyone know so many people in this law school? It's like this nebulous place, this distant law school, that I'm not even sure is even in South Carolina, but they all seem to know people there. And there's people from this law school here in Charleston. It's like this weird concept that's lingering around this show. So TJ's like, if this rumor is nothing, then it's nothing. But I will find out the truth. Like, okay, DJ.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, I will find out. So now 20 South Battery, the prom venue. Five hours until prom. So Will and Emmy are there, and they're starting to get ready and stuff. And Will's like, yeah, I was never really a big prom guy, but, you know, I just want Emily to be happy and smile a lot.

[Ronnie Karam]

What does Will like? He doesn't like hot dogs. He doesn't like proms. Does he have joy in his life anymore? He hates every single thing. Everything is a complaint from him. It's hard to believe this is the same guy who we saw the past two seasons who was, like, partying and, like, the bartender and, like, always up for good times. And now he's like, I hate proms. I hate hot dogs. I hate standing up, you know?

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, that's our boy. He's a miserable, miserable man.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, he has no joy. So Will's like, I'm going to change out of my work tie and into a dress tie.

[Ben Mandelker]

I've been working. It's really hard. Like I haven't even eaten today. It's like so hard. I have a job loitering.

[Ronnie Karam]

My work tie has a little highlighter attached to it. But my, my dance tie, new highlighter.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then Molly is fixing her. Fixing Lake's eyeshadow and stuff. And they're like, oh my God, slay. We're going to prom. So Molly's like, yeah, out of eight proms I've been to, my favorite memory was my junior year. My date bought me Nike shoes when he asked me and said, just do it. Go to prom with me.

[Ronnie Karam]

Again. I think there's value in just going up to someone saying, do you want to go to prom? So then now Lake is saying, I just like to shake ass and eat good food. And Molly's like, that was poetry. So now we go to Maddie's house and Maddie Joe, and it's Maddie Joe and Maddie's housemates, Fran and Eva, which I forgot about Fran. I think we met Fran last season. I just love that there's someone named fr. So Eva, in case you guys don't remember, eva was dating O'Sheen until that whole Grace Lily situation happened.

[Ben Mandelker]

Well, they had a situationship, which means they weren't dating, they were boning. And then Grace Lily boned him at the same time.

[Ronnie Karam]

I. I still am shocked that an only fans model cheated on the person he was in a situationship with. It's.

[Ben Mandelker]

It's just the milkman. The milkman cheated. And how does he have so many people willing to have sex with him when he's always covered in milk smell, you know?

[Ronnie Karam]

I know.

[Ben Mandelker]

So Maddie's like, well, Joe joked this morning that Grace Lilly was going to be getting ready with us here. Isn't that hilarious? But you know, I'd like to see you and Grace have a conversation, Eva. And she's like, well, she wants to talk about it to everybody but me, so.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, but she says she's going to. And she's like, well, she lies though.

[Ben Mandelker]

She's a liar though, huh?

[Ronnie Karam]

I wish I had friends who every time I fucked up were like, no, it's, it's okay. And Eva's like, yeah, same.

[Ben Mandelker]

I mean guys, you all do. You're on this show and you're still friends.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then tj, Brad and Mia are getting ready together. And Brad's like, wow. Turns out one of our VIP server knows what's going on. Just a few hours ago, just coincidentally, one of our servers, Ella, who is miked up and ready for camera time, told me there's this girl on the law school campus that Will sent. Will is seen with all the time, and everyone there believes it's Will's girlfriend. Notice how Brad has all these girls just willing to come on camera when he needs advice. Fucking shady Brad.

[Ronnie Karam]

So TJ is like, when we were in New York, I disregarded it at the time because there was, like, just so much going on with that skank Luann Dilla SAP sleeping with my best friend. But he told me, Will told me that there's a girl, that he might have gotten the wrong. That might have gotten the wrong impression, and she might like him. And Brad's like, like. So I'm trying to figure out who is this girl, right? And I got a text from a friend saying, apparently she moved in with him short term. And Mia's like, what? It's like, yeah, they were full on living together.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Mia's like, well, if Troy had a female friend crushing with him, oh, wow. We would only be thinking of him now. In memory. Okay? In memory. This. This is ridiculous. I mean. I mean, maybe give Will the benefit of the doubt and say, like, what was going through your head when you would allow a woman to. To stay in your apartment? So they're ready. And TJ's like, I'm worried about Emmy, which is why I'm gonna give her another. Another nervous breakdown on tv. Brad's like, yeah, just defending your man blindly. Just find out what everything said was true.

[Ronnie Karam]

So now prom night. So we're here at the 20th South Battery. Now, a lot of these Charleston homes look the same and these venues look the same, but I feel like we've had so many scenes on Southern charm at this place. How many fights have happened with those wrought iron gates and those stone pillars?

[Ben Mandelker]

I don't know.

[Ronnie Karam]

Is that just because all the houses have those elements? But, like, it's not a season finale on one of these shows unless there's gates and pillars.

[Ben Mandelker]

That's, like, the backdrop with antiques that nobody can sit on. So Will and Emmy are just walking around the mansion, you know, pretending to be classy. And then we. Will's like, yeah, I bet everybody else is, like, pregaming already, right? And then we cut to the bus where they're like, yeah, like, twerking. And then back to Will and Emmy being boring. It's just like classical music playing. It's time for a commercial. It's time for a Grappens commercial.

[Andy Cohen]

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[Michaels]

At 24, I lost my narrative. Or rather, it was stolen from me. And the Monica Lewinsky that my friends and family knew was usurped by false narratives, callous jokes, and politics. I would define reclaiming as to take back what was yours. Something you possess is lost or stolen, and ultimately you triumph in finding it again. So I think listeners can expect me to be chatting with folks both recognizable and unrecognizable names about the way that people have navigated roads to triumph. My hope is that people will finish an episode of Reclaiming and feel like they filled their tank up, they connected with the people that I'm talking to, and leave with maybe some nuggets that help them feel a little more hopeful. Follow Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to Reclaiming early and ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery app or on Apple podcasts.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Will's like, I need to work on my laptop right now. Cause I'm a lawyer. So.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. And Emmy's just like, yeah, yeah. Okay, cool. So Will and Emmy go. They eventually go to the ballroom and Will's like, this is like way cooler than my prom. I mean, I don't even like my prom. And I don't like this either. I'm bored. Can I go? So I mean, he's like, look, this is gonna be like amazing. Look like we can dance. It could be like Beauty and the Beast. So Will's like, okay, cool. So then outside, everyone like comes out of the party bus. They're all drunk and they're all having fun.

[Ben Mandelker]

Like, woo.

[Ronnie Karam]

Maddie's like, I feel like I'm walking into a wedding night right now. Joe. And Joe's like, yeah, we're already married, Remember? Remember?

[Ben Mandelker]

So it's just wedding stuff. Everybody's like, party, taking selfies, going to the bar. Oh, my God. And so Michael's and his boyfriend Preston have a conversation. He's like, the other day you referenced the fact that we're exclusive. So I just want to kind of see where your head's at with that because, yeah, I was laying in bed with Preston and he mentioned that he deleted all of his dating apps, hinting at the fact that he's only getting blowjobs in public parks now without seeing anybody online first. That's, like, huge.

[Ronnie Karam]

It was like a very big pinch me kind of moment. So Preston's like, yeah, I'm definitely all yours, and I'd like you to be all mine. But I'm also aware that there's an age gap. And it says that, like, Preston's 26 and Michael's at 22.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Preston's like, Preston is not 26. I'm sorry, that is not a 26 year old face. And I'm not even age shaming because I'm still like, almost double his age, even if that is his real age. But no, there's not enough sun damage in the world to do that to a 26 year old do. Did you grow up in a microwave? No, sir.

[Ronnie Karam]

Listen, good for Preston. He's like, this is the hottest guy I've ever dated. I'm gonna lock him down. So Michael's is like, you know, I just want for me, I want you to know that these are things that, like, I don't want you have to worry about because, like, all those experiences, I want to have them with you. In fact, I got six cakes that say, will you be my boyfriend, please? So enjoy.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then everyone's on the dance floor, like, partying, and Will and Emmy are just sitting al looking, like, bored. And Will's like, I'm exhausted, dude. I'm a lawyer.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then Austin shows up alone. He looks sad. He puts a corsage to the side because he's alone. And he's like, well, Hallie isn't coming. And Michael's like, wait, hold on. Let's talk over here. Okay. Do you want to present this to me in cake form? He's like, no, no, no. Well, well, Will's been on the phone today. He straight up called Ali's brother this morning, and he convinced. And he's convinced that's where I Heard the rumors that I brought up in Vegas, but no, I heard the rumors from Ali's schmother, not her brother. Like, we know you heard it from the brother because the producers asked you earlier in the season, are you trying to cover up to protect Ally? And he was like, yeah, well, he.

[Ben Mandelker]

Heard it from Allie, and Allie heard it from the brother, I guess. So he's like, ally is, like, absolutely devastated. Her brother didn't even know we're seeing each other again again. Because, like, I mean, Will might have just ruined my relationship because he's in a secret relationship because the family hates him, because he's a lying damn cheater. That's why.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

So Will just basically outed him.

[Ronnie Karam]

It's just so. It's so glossed over that, like, he and Ally clearly had some horrific breakup a year ago where he lied and said vicious, terrible things. And so no one. Like, I just love. That's just, like, a side thing. Like, are we not noticing, like, Austin has some darkness swirling around him?

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah. And he's like, it's all Will's fault that she's not coming. Oh, okay. So he's like, Michael's is like, kudos to Will for going to the source, because I would do the same. But, like, you know, why. Why wait till prom to have this conversation? I mean, the timing's weird as. That's, like, weirdest.

[Ronnie Karam]

It is true. It is. It is true. Like, why the night before do you wait to, like, do this? So now Brad goes up to Austin and Michael's, and Brad's up, so Ally is not coming. And Austin's like, no. Remember how at Run Club the other day, we thought Will was convinced that the bullying and the rumors were from Ally's brother? Well, he literally intimidated her into not coming. They're like, whoa.

[Ben Mandelker]

So now everybody else is dancing. You know, we see party shots and stuff like that. And then we hear. And it's Grace Lily coming up with a bunch of guys, and one of them is Oisin. So she comes in, and everyone's like, oh, my God, Grace Lily's here with O'Sheen.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then Eva sees it, and she's like. And Maddie's like, oh, my God, I think Grace Lily is here. And so then everyone's just, like, shocked, you know, because this is such a messy, messy turn. So Mia's like, somebody let Oisin and Grace Lily in this motherfucking party. Golly God, Lee.

[Ben Mandelker]

So Grace Lily's like, well, she and I have been friends forever, so whether or not you like him. Like, we know how to have a good time. That's what we do.

[Ronnie Karam]

He's like, oh, yeah, the milk is thicker than ever, brother. So Austin's like, somebody's, oh, my God, Why? I ride for Grace, but she makes me look so stupid when she does shit like this. And then Molly's like, the audacity to show up with Oisin shows that Grace gives zero fucks about her friendship with Eva, who I suddenly care a lot about because I just met her. And it also kind of shows that she doesn't respect or give a shit about Maddie.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Maddie's like, you are so fucking messy, Oshi. I'm like, I can't with you. And he's like, ah, my darling sis, that's. You knew I. You knew what you were getting into when you became friends with me, babe. You knew what you were getting into.

[Ronnie Karam]

So meanwhile, everyone else on the porch and Mia goes up to Emmy and Will and is like, you guys look like you're having the worst time ever. And because, like, they're just sitting there to the side looking sad, which is also kind of, like, fucked up, because Emmy planned this whole party, and this party was for Will, and Will is being such, like, a downer this entire time. So Emmy's the sort of girlfriend where she's like, well, if he's being a downer, I have to be a downer, too. So they're just sitting there miserable at their own party. Party.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'm a Laurie's wife, and Emmy does that thing. Well, I thought Emmy was gonna be like, well, everyone's like, no one's apologized to us. Like, and it's so awkward with everybody. But she goes, yeah, because my dad told me it was going to be catered with sushi, but it wasn't. And now I have to eat crab cake. And Will goes, yeah, I don't like crab cake. Laura's don't eat that.

[Ronnie Karam]

She probably loves crab cakes. But Will doesn't like crab cake, of course. So then she has to not like crab cakes.

[Ben Mandelker]

So ridiculous. So then Brad and Austin are talking about Will. You know, Austin's tattletailing to Brad about it. And then TJ Goes right up to Maddie and Molly, and he's like, I just want you to know that I had it confirmed that Will cheated with a girl from law school and orchestrated the affair to take place specifically while Abby was on a ski trip. Right? And, I mean, the timing has to be with Will being able to take this girl to Real Law prom and he allegedly had the girl move in with him for a few weeks while Emmy was away. That's. Hold on. Let my eyes drift left to right really quick.

[Ronnie Karam]

I literally cannot take TJ seriously in this entire scene because he is dressed like Jude Law. And I, like, he literally looks like that, like, gigolo robot. His face is like, like buffed and polished and his hair looks like it's looks like it's like just plastic. And he has the same kind of disco shirt on. And I'm like, I cannot. I just can't stop thinking about Jude Law.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Matty's like, no, not Law Prom. And he's like, yeah, Law Prom. Did you hear me? And then he's shit talking Emmy around town. And that was just to get Emmy to catch wind of his drun and behavior and ultimately break up with him so he wouldn't have to break up with her. Got it. Does everybody understand? Because he allegedly felt guilty about cheating, so he tried to self sabotage the relationship case. Dis Ms. Hot Dog Hot dog. Am I right?

[Ronnie Karam]

The producer's like, yeah, this is all well and good, but Emmy's made it clear that she wants people to leave her and her relationship alone. So why are you getting yourself involved? I mean, thank you, but why? And he's like, I'm. Well, it's like one of those things like, where, like, if it's like in a long term situation. See, the thing is, I mean, when you put a hot dog in a bun, well, I guess I want someone to do the same for me. I want someone to do the same for me. I like that one. We'll go with that one. I want someone to answer.

[Ben Mandelker]

They're just like, you're just fucking messy, dude. Hot dogs. So then Maddie's like, I mean, the fucked up thing is now we're here for this imitation Law Prom air quotes. And here is Emmy overcompensating for her own version, which he took another girl to his own law problem. And I heard at that Law prom, they ate sushi.

[Ronnie Karam]

The sushi was delivered. I. I mean, I love this show that they're doing a fake Law prom. And there's nothing legal about, like, it's just like a prom, but it's also a Law prom to compensate for the fact that Will went to Law Prom with someone else and didn't. Emmy didn't get to go to that. I mean, it like, literally makes no sense, but they're like, just all going with it. So now we have Oisin, everyone's dancing, and Grace, Lily's, like. And then Will sat on the porch eating a crab cake and being miserable about it. And then Molly sits down next to Oisin on the couch. And then Grace Lily comes over, and she's like, hey, you look great, by the way. And Molly's like, I know. Grace Lily's like, huh? You're supposed to say, thanks, doll.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Molly's just looking at her. She's like, I'm on tv. And this is how we look at each other on tv. And so can I talk to you private? Come on over here. Private. Like, okay. I literally just complimented you, honey. I was literally being sincere. And you just said, I know. And Molly's like, and this is how you flick your hair on tv.

[Ronnie Karam]

Molly is like. You know, I feel like Molly is getting kind of overshadowed this season because Molly. Because Molly's come out guns blazing, and she's doing. She's hitting all her beats just right. And I just want to give a little appreciation for Molly. I think she's been a wonderful addition. So Grace is like, that was condescending and rude, and honestly, you should work on your character, because I know Jesus and Bob Marley personally, and you don't want to get on the wrong side of us three.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Molly's like, you are such a psychopath. So then O'Sheen is just looks like, oh, yeah. He's like, every time I arrive, there's a fucking problem. Eh? Yeah. Nailed it. So then Grace Lily is still sitting there with Molly, and Molly's still giving her the soap opera dirty look. So Grace Lily just starts, like, genieing her hands. I don't even know what you call it, but she starts, like, doing this, like, weird hand dance in front of her. She's like, yeah.

[Ronnie Karam]

And there's, like, sparkle that they put on sparkles.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, they have sparkles too. It's like, yeah. Molly's like, what is that? What the is that? She goes, I'm trying to get your energy away from me because that it is toxic.

[Ronnie Karam]

The show is so great. Like, I dare people to watch the show and not crack up. So now Lake and Oisin are on sitting on one end of the sofa, and Joe and Maddie are kissing on another end. And lots of stuff is just going on all over the party. And Oisin is, like, being very flirtatious with Lake. He's like, so what's in that box of Trix you got in there? Do you want to see my box of Trix? Do you like dairy? And she's like, nothing fancy. He's like, oh, I like that purse, though. Thanks. Ha. And she's like, God, I really like his. That accent. I love that. I love. He has, like, a Jon Snow accent. And she says, like. She's basically like, if he had Austin, if. If Austin had Oisin's accent and Joe's hair, that would be, like, the hottest guy ever. Like, well, yeah, if you took any. All those things from all sorts of different guys, you can make the hottest guy ever.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then Grace is like, well, I literally. She's still with Molly. She's like, I literally told Eva that night that there was a possibility I'd be o. And she's like, oh, my God, Maddie, come here. She's doubling down. And Maddie's like, grace, you told me last week at Republic you knew it was wrong and you wanted a chance to apologize.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then in walk Eva and Fran. Hi, I'm Fran. I'm just here for moral support. What are you guys talking about?

[Ben Mandelker]

Fran and Eva, they're like.

[Ronnie Karam]

So. Eva's like, well, Grace, Lily never warned me about wanting to hook up with Oisin. Fran can attest to that. Can't you, Fran? Yeah, I can attest to it. Listen, I got this bitch's back. I'm Fran, best friend.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Ocean's like, girls, girls, please. And she's like, get over him. He doesn't fucking like you, Eva. And Eva's like, he doesn't like you. She goes, yeah. And he goes, he doesn't like any of you all. He's a whore.

[Ronnie Karam]

And Fran's going, liar, Liar, liar. I'm like, go get him, Fran. You do it, Fran. Good for you.

[Ben Mandelker]

And Grace slowly goes, yeah, well, Maddie, you sucked his dick into loom.

[Ronnie Karam]

And Joe's like, oh, my God. I don't want to hear a lot.

[Ben Mandelker]

She died when she did that. And Maddie's like, oh, no. What?

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, you're not a friend, okay? You burned that bridge.

[Ben Mandelker]

So now outside. Oh, I guess I'm not a friend. Michael Michaels is confronting Will about all the goss about this girl, and now he texted the brother and ruined things for Austin. And so Will's like, what? I just sent one text. And Michaels is like, well, because of that, Austin's girlfriend isn't here. And he's like, why is anyone giving it light? Like, I mean, it's, like, so attenuated.

[Ronnie Karam]

I don't even want to give it a breath of air. I hate air, by the way.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then that doesn't even make sense. What is he talking about? He's like, the show. I love this show.

[Ronnie Karam]

When he says attenuated, it cuts the Michaels and it goes. It's like, almost like someone like. It's like when a cat gets up on a counter and you squirt it with a water gun. The cat's like, so attenuated hits Michaels like, I don't even know what that word means. They're like, do you know what attenuated means? He's like, I have not heard that word before. Hey, Siri, what does attenuated mean? Siri's like, it is a word that should not be used on Southern hospitality.

[Ben Mandelker]

You're not the only one on this cast who doesn't know this word, including the one who just spoke it. So then we go back to the porch, and Austin's like, will is the one I need to talk to. So Mia's like, oh, my God, this is like this short. This is like a tiny balcony. Get over here and just talk to him. So she pulls him over, and she's like, okay, you're two grown men. You need a mommy to put them together. So listen, tell them what you know. If you know anything. If you know nothing, say nothing. Now I've connected. You go ahead. I'm not leaving. I'm staying here. I'm audience. Go ahead.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then, of course, Emmy is like, okay, I want to be part of this. Because, you know, Will's like, let's go talk privately. And Emmy's like, I want to be part of this. I would like to listen. They're like, no, just the two of them. She goes, no, I should be able to listen in.

[Ben Mandelker]

So then they go over. He's like, hot dogs.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. TJ Appears out of nowhere and just, like, leans in on the railing. Like, just be cool. Like, just pretend I'm not even here. I'm totally not going to use this gossip against you guys. Come on.

[Ben Mandelker]

The hot dog cart lid pops open, and he just pops out. He's like.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then all of a sudden, Brad appears, and all of a sudden, Joe appears. It's like in the Simpsons, whenever there's a ruckus in the street and all the little characters appear in the background.

[Ben Mandelker]

All the towns there. So Emmy's like, I'm not doing this in front of everybody. This is crazy. Like, I just had to eat part of a crab cake.

[Ronnie Karam]

You know, I eat crab cakes now on behalf of Will. I had a sympathy crab cake.

[Ben Mandelker]

So now they try to leave, but then everybody follows them out onto the sidewalk. And here we are, the greatest set piece outside of Matt.

[Ronnie Karam]

But also, by the way, I think what's also funny is that they pulled a whole thing. They pulled this whole thing of like, well, we're not going to have this conversation in front of everyone. Like, why does it always have to be in a group setting? Like, why is it that if we're going to talk privately, I mean, it's like, why does it have to be like this? We're just trying to talk privately. It's like, Emmy, you're. You were the first one who barged in on a conversation. You're not part of this conversation either.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, because she's got to be there to stand up for Will because she's Will's woman. Okay? It's different, Ben.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. So Joe's like, I hope to God it's not true. But, like, we wouldn't even know, because every time someone brings up the rumors, you sprint away. And T's like, yeah, we can't even understand what he's saying. TJ is just so activated. He's just like, DJs like, frothing of the mouth.

[Ben Mandelker]

He's like, I will yell at somebody. This is the season finale. You're not taking this away from me. So Will's like, TJ always needs someone to hate. Like, it's become clear to me that this tunnel vision of hatred is now attenuated towards me.

[Ronnie Karam]

And we see a montage, to be fair, a montage of TJ basically scolding people from, like, we see him. You see him sniping with Joe, Mikhail, Grace, Lilly, and Will, which I think it's like, it is true. But then again, everyone has yelled at everyone. And you could probably make a montage of everyone snapping at everyone.

[Ben Mandelker]

No, TJ's. TJ is the worst about taking shit that's none of his business and doesn't affect him at all. And then screaming at you about it. It's like, he's always been like that.

[Ronnie Karam]

Is he the worst, or is he the best at doing it?

[Ben Mandelker]

I mean, it's fun to watch, but he's definitely the worst about it. And he's like, well, we know that. You know, he's, like, all mad, like, waving his finger around. And he's like, we know who the other girl is, and you took her to the prom and stayed in your apartment. And Will's like, I did not take her to prom. And Emmy's like, wait, that girl. I know who that is. That's the girl we're talking about. Have you guys seen this girl?

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

And so Will and Emmy are, like, trying to explain. Like, that's just a classmate Emmy knew. She was there the whole time. She's like. And then Emmy tells us, like, I'm not threatened by this particular friend, and I feel so bad for the friend who's sitting at home. Like, is she covered in warts on her face? Like, what's wrong with this girl?

[Ronnie Karam]

Like, it was France. It was Fran all along.

[Ben Mandelker]

So this girl's just like, okay, no one would cheat with me. Thanks, guys.

[Ronnie Karam]

Basically, Will. Basically, Will said that he went to New York for Watch what Happens Live, and she was moving, and so he let her crash at his place for two days and said, like, you have to leave, though, by the time I get back. But by the way, Mia, at some point in this, Mia was like, I know Will, and Will is the most unfriendly person, and he would never let anyone stay at his house. That was her piece of evidence. So TJ's like, when are you gonna realize that he's a fucking piece of shit that's gonna fuck you over? She's like, I am not. Everyone is miserable, tj. And he's like, no, except for you fucking guys. And he's just, like, runs off, and he goes off to Maddie, and he's like, he is so. He is way too emotionally invested in all this shit. But obviously, it's, like, hitting his damage. There's something about. I think. I think when he sees people who are not being truthful, he. It sets him off and he goes to a dark place that he doesn't need to go to.

[Ben Mandelker]

No, I think he's drama, and it's the season finale, and he's like, oh, I'm gonna yell it. Because then he runs right in. He goes, I just screamed at them. I just screamed at them. He's, like, trying to get. He's trying to get, like, attention from the popular girl. Maddie's like, oh, my God, tj. Someone get this man of water can. Look at tj. My God, his bowling ball face is about to explode. Please, someone help dj.

[Ronnie Karam]

So then Emmy at this point is like, her hands are doing the big, like, flappy thing, and she's like, everyone is always has something to say behind my back, but, like, never to me. It's like she's dribbling a very tall basketball. And so Mia's like, because whenever we try to come for you, you always storm away. Well, maybe because it's done at a party where everyone's watching and there is no sushi.

[Ben Mandelker]

So they leave. Will and Emmy are like, let's go, baby. So they leave and then everybody agrees that Will is guilty in a court of law prom of cheating. And they think that Emmy's a victim. So, you know, whatever, she's. They're not mad at her. But Will and Mia's like, yeah, unless she sees a video of him sticking his dick in somebody else, she's going to stay forever. She would stay even with that. She would stay here.

[Ronnie Karam]

I think she would.

[Ben Mandelker]

She'd be like, boys will be boys. You know what? It's hard being a lawyer.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. That could have been just a doctored video. Like, Will told me he was seen on video doing this and like, I knew about it. It's fine. I already yelled at him. At least there was su on his. At his set. So. So, yeah, that's. So they go off into the night. They never have to answer to anything. Yeah, Commercials.

[Michaels]

Here comes one right now.

[Ronnie Karam]

In the 1980s, a swept the country. Hey, Mike, I really like this white zinfandel. Okay, good.

[Ben Mandelker]

Now put it down. We're gonna try another one.

[Ronnie Karam]

White zin became America's top selling wine. But most don't know that this sweet drink has a sour history. What began in 1986 with counterfeit bottles.

[Ben Mandelker]

A big fraud, multi million dollar fraud.

[Ronnie Karam]

Sent investigators chasing one of the most powerful families in the business, the Licciardis. But the closer the feds got to them, the more dangerous things became. It's a story of deceit. At the time, I was paranoid.

[Ben Mandelker]

Threats, you touch my kids, I will kill, kill you. And murder with a.22 caliber bullet to the head.

[Ronnie Karam]

What started with a scheme to mislabel wine spilled into a blood soaked battle for succession. Welcome to Blood Vines. You can binge listen to Blood Vines exclusively and ad free on Wondery. Join Wondery in the Wondery app, Apple podcasts or Spotify.

[Michaels]

Imagine this. You help your little brother land a great job abroad. But when he arrives, the job doesn't exist. Instead, he's trapped in a heavily guarded compound, forced to sit at a computer and scam innocent victims. All while armed guards stand by with shoot to kill orders. Scam Factory, the explosive new true crime podcast from Wondery exposes a multi billion dollar criminal empire operation operating in plain sight. Told through one family's harrowing account of sleepless nights, desperate phone calls and dangerous rescue attempts, Scam Factory reveals a brutal truth. The only way out is to scam their way out. Follow Scam Factory on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts. You can binge all episodes of Scam Factory early and ad free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

[Ben Mandelker]

And then LA Prom queen and king are announced, and it's the couple of the year, Joe and Maddie. So they have romantic endings. And just, like, we're gonna have ups and downs, but the fact that we know how to couple those ups and downs and that we see a future together, that is perfect. Maddie's like, yeah, it's gonna be great.

[Ronnie Karam]

And Cloris Leachman's in the background in her green dress clapping like, what a. What a great moment. What a special time for us all.

[Ben Mandelker]

So we think it's over. And then we get the film rewinds, and it's 10 days ago at Republic, and we hear Will. We don't see him, but we hear Will. And they're like, in the kitchen or whatever, and he's talking to the producers, and he's like, I don't know when would be the appropriate time for this, but I have information that would be like an atom bomb. Dun, dun, dun. And we screenshotted all of our group texts so there would be, like, some redemption in it for me and her. But, like, I don't think we've seen Maddie activated this season. So, like, why don't we turn it on Maddie like, that? They just show Will trying to be messy with the producers.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. So then we go into the reunion, which is a. Watch what happens live reunion. It's a. It's a clubhouse. I feel like next season they deserve to have a proper reunion with, like, sofas and everything. But. So Andy Cohen's got everyone there. Everyone is there. And the big thing that comes out at this reunion, because Maddie is like. She's rattled. Okay. Like, because Andy's like. It takes 10 minutes for him to say hello to the entire cast, but he's like, hi, Joe. Hey, Andy.

[Ben Mandelker]

Hi, tj.

[Ronnie Karam]

Hi, Andy. Hi. Hi, Maddie. She's like, hi. Like, okay, what happened to Maddie Reese? She looks. She looks shell shocked right now.

[Ben Mandelker]

Well, she says she's under the weather, but we find out what happened last night, Will dropped the bomb. Will, you're so bad at this. You do this shit at the reunion. You don't do it the day before and give everybody, like, a heads up. What's wrong with him? He did the same thing with the brother. He should have had the brother show up at the prom and say, that's not true or whatever. And now he's doing it again where he's just blowing his wad before they shoot. So Will has decided not to show up. He pushes out of the hole.

[Ronnie Karam]

What it was. You know what? Here's the thing, is that last season, Maddie was in the hot seat with Trevor, which is obviously going to be relevant in this reunion. But Will was a crusader against that situation. He and Emmy were very active, were, like, very vocal about it. They went to Miami, and Maddie left in the middle of the. In the middle of dinner to go off with Trevor or whatever. And he's like, why. Like, why doesn't Trevor show up? I mean, I seem to remember him saying these things, but he was like. He was grilling Maddie. He was aggressive about it, as were everyone else. But the point is that, like, he wanted Maddie to show accountability. It became a whole thing. And now this season, when he has to face the fire, not only does he not show up at the reunion to, like, at least answer things and dispel rumors, he sits there backstage while Emmy has to take all the heat for him. It is so shitty. What a piece of shit. It.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, he really is. But, you know, stupid Emmy is just like. Like, he just couldn't do it. It's like, for his mental health. It's, like, super important when you're a lawyer to have mental health guys, so.

[Ronnie Karam]

You need to have, like, a really mentally sharp and unattenuated mind to hold that highlighter above your ear. Okay? So it's just. It's for him. It's for his legal career.

[Ben Mandelker]

So we start right off with it. So basically, Maddie starts crying. She's like, I just found out the news last night.

[Ronnie Karam]

Just last night, guys. I don't know. Real and fake.

[Ben Mandelker]

We find out that Will came to her and told her. She showed her all the group text which proved that all the stuff about Trevor cheating with that girl last year was a lie. And basically they all went with it anyway just to throw Maddie under the bus and have her break up with Trevor, which is just so shitty. And Brad's excuse is like, well, I mean, I didn't like her then. And so, you know, basically, this girl. I was training, this girl, she told me about this and that. She said that she. She made out with him. But then she admitted, once she saw it getting out of control, she admitted that it was a lie. But by then, it was just too late for me to say anything. And I didn't like Maddie anyway. And then they just let him off as if the entire part of the last episode wasn't Brad doing this again. Yeah, this exact same thing again.

[Ronnie Karam]

Exactly. I mean. I mean, it's funny because my memory of season two was that it was never really clear whether Sammy hooked up with Trevor. I mean, we all kind of believed it because Trevor ever still is a piece of. Regardless of whether he hooked up with this guy or not. Like, he was. He was garbage. And. And, you know, Maddie does say that, but Brad says that, like, he basically is like, yeah, at first she. She had lied to me and said they hooked up, but then she said they hadn't looked up. At that point, I was already so deep into it, so we just went along with it. Which is. It is. It is sucky because it does also it, like, it means that his case against will is much weaker. Like you just said about, you know, about, like, what he heard about loss law school. Like, he's clearly a proven liar. But really the first part is, like, Maddie being like, my reality is, like, destroyed. Like, I don't know what's real and I don't know what's fake anymore. Okay, settle down. And still this is just about Sammy and. And Trevor. So it's not that deep.

[Ben Mandelker]

But it is. Because her whole thing with Trevor was, you've cheated on me. I don't want to be with you again. And he's like, I changed. No, I promise you, I've changed. So she gets back together with him. He's accused of cheating again. And she's like, I can't because you're accused of cheating again. And this is obviously, she stayed with him. What?

[Ronnie Karam]

She stayed with him after that.

[Ben Mandelker]

The thing is that ended up breaking up with him after all the stress of it and stuff, because she stress in their relationship. But he didn't cheat on her, so maybe he had changed. So, I mean, I don't think that you do when you're a Trevor. I don't think that he did change, but that's not the point. It's not like whether I think he could change, but in this girl's mind, she's like, I broke up with, like, the love of my life. Life because of you guys. And they were all in on it. Everybody knew in the group text. And Joe's like, I don't. I didn't know anything. Joe knew too. But Joe is lying because he wants to keep Maddie. So she's like, okay, you guys had me break up with the love of my life, and now I'm settling for, like, a friend because I'm so traumatized when I should have been with that guy this whole time. And now I'm living out my dreams. I could be with that guy, but instead I'M with this friend because you guys have forced me into this situation. So.

[Ronnie Karam]

Right. Well. And we can see that this has also changed people's perceptions of Will because at one point Andy asks, who here thinks that like, the rumors are true about Will? And actually not as many people raised their hands, whereas I think at the end of the season they all believed it. So, you know, Will has like. That's definitely like the needle has moved more towards Will. But I think the thing is that, like, it's like whether Will cheated or not, it's never been totally clear. But what has been clear is that he has been a shitty boyfriend and me. And he talked shit about her and he let her take the brunt of like all these accusations. And he would always hide away instead of like facing them and that like, that none of this takes away from the fact that he's. He's really shitty for doing that. And he should have appeared on this reunion stage and said, look, I just got this information and I. And this proves that you are all unreliable narrators and you're all more interested, even though I was part of it too, in weaving a tale that's good for TV and you don't care who gets hurt in the process. And this year it's me who's getting hurt in the process. And everything you guys say should be taken with a grain of salt because you're obviously liars and you're proven liars. This was. He had the. He was the one who introduced the evidence, but then he didn't show up for his own court case.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, he's an idiot. Yeah. Will's. I'm not. There's nothing standing up for Will, but it's obvious.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, I know.

[Ben Mandelker]

You're Brad in specific. Are like, Are in particular are liars. They've done it two seasons in a row and that's just not good. And the whole cast was on board with it. It's just so gross. And I, I don't blame Maddie for being pissed, but it's. They still keep turning it on. Will being a bad boyfriend, which he is. But you guys are terrible friends. I mean, you are all terrible. And it also goes to show you, like the level of self producing that goes even to like a season two of this show, you know that they're like, no, no. They all get on the group text like a bunch of housewives, like, here's how we're gonna bring this down, down, you know?

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. It was funny how Brad was like, well, I am going to do something that Will was not able to do, which is I'm gonna be accountable and this is what I did. He sort of like, he presents it like this is actually evidence of him having good character.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, he's such a good dirty. You're not accountable when you're already in jail. You know what I mean? It's like a jailhouse confession. Like you were already caught, buddy. Okay? It's not just you coming forward and being accountable. You were busy. So. Yeah. Maddie doesn't really seem to be mad at all of them, but she does seem to be shell shocked, you know, And Joe, I don't believe for one.

[Ronnie Karam]

Second Maddie is so shell shocked of the poor thing. She looks like. She looks like she looks like she saw a ghost. She is. She just looks out of sorts for this entire reunion. And she is. She's. Oh, like traumatized for the whole hour.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah.

[Ronnie Karam]

And then. And then Emmy is also. I mean, she's. She's crying and at one point she's like. And Lake is like, oh, God. They just start laughing and Emmy is like, no, Lake, be quiet. You don't understand. Like, Emmy is going through it and Leva is like, I don't feel for Lev.

[Ben Mandelker]

For Emmy either, cuz she was in on this. Like, you can't spend an entire season lying about somebody else and then cry when it happens to you the next season. And by the way, it is even come from Maddie, who deserved to get revenge on your ass. It came from the same people that you were butting up to to take her down so off you could hear all.

[Ronnie Karam]

And love is like, you don't have to take on, you know, all of you're taking on too much of Will's. And she's like, but I don't like crab cakes anymore. I was like, okay. There was also a big portion of the reunion that was dedicated. It was actually like really fascinating, interesting, A lot of discussion about like gay stuff. And it was interesting because you have Michaels and you have tj and then you have Andy and you have Michaels, who's relatively new on his journey. And you have TJ, who's been. Been through like 10 years or so of it and has been like traumatized by queer baiting. And you have Andy, who's kind of like mother henning them. And it was. It was actually a very. There were touching moments, but there was a moment where there was a clash with Joe and TJ because they started to rehash the whole thing and of like. Like tj. Why would you go around telling everyone that Joe's gay. You told everyone that Joe's gay. And they're really coming down hard on tj. And if they're like, TJ is like trying to keep it together. And at one moment, the reason why I bring this up is because Grace Lilly tries to jump into TJ's defense and she goes, look, I scissored a woman. I scissored a girl once in this very serious moment, like talking about like. Like what? Like queer baiting and like em trauma for it and like what was said privately, what's room, what's starting rumors, what's just venting to your friends and everything.

[Ben Mandelker]

Hey, hey, hey.

[Ronnie Karam]

I said you're the girl once, guys. Doesn't make me gay.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, that whole thing too. Because that turns out that Joe and TJ made up during the season. But then Joe ditched him again once he saw all the footage because he saw how TJ was talking behind his back and he didn't like that. That. And then TJ starts crying and pulling this victim again. I'm sorry, but you're in the wrong. You're just in the wrong period. I mean, I get a lot of the stuff. And we had the discussion during the season about the plot line of like, well, you know, it's not really right for Joe to like lead somebody on and then kind of hook up and then the other person's supposed to be silent and this and that. But TJ literally was going around to everybody being like, joe's gay. Joe's gay. Joe's gay. Trying to kind of ruin his reputation. And we never got to the part of the conversation of like, can we get to a time where being gay doesn't ruin someone's reputation? That would be nice. The south, like, we didn't get to that part of the conversation. But TJ just starts this shit where he's confronted with stuff, what he did wrong and he starts crying and he's the biggest victim because he's been queer baited. Well, stop fucking hooking up with straight guys then. Like at some point you have to like take some kind of responsibility. You know what I mean?

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah.

[Ben Mandelker]

I think at this reunion TJ was just like, he was just not winning it for me.

[Ronnie Karam]

He had, he had a tough reunion. I don't know. I, I did feel bad for him because I do think he's really been. He's like profoundly, you know, scrambled by like his what, whatever his gay journey has been. Like, he, he's, he's everything that we talked about with TJ tonight, it's all wrapped up in this and like, self loathing and. And who knows what. And I think, like, it's. I think it's like a very murky thing. I think, yeah, it's not right to say don't hook up with Joe because he's gay, but I also think he's allowed to tell his friends. Like, I think that Joe may have had feelings for me. So it's a complicated situation. And I just feel bad because I see him just like tangled up in his own bullshit right now. But I also feel bad because it's like, I thought you guys settled this during the season. Like, why did, like, I don't know. I don't think it's. I don't think it's cool that Joe Bradley got mad all over again. Because I'm like, you know, what was discussed. Like. Like you're getting mad.

[Ben Mandelker]

He doesn't know what was discussed behind his back and what TJ was saying and how he was discussing it with everybody else. You know, he only knows the conversation he had with tj. And I mean, when TJ was. When they were going through that scene, I thought that was such a good scene in the bar. And like, I related a lot to that scene because I've gone through that same period that TJ has. You know, I've had that. I've had those same loves and stuff that I really didn't understand because they were like, quote unquote straight and they turned out not just to be guys experimenting and stuff. Like, I get that. And I think if TJ had just come to the reunion and been like, I up, I shouldn't have done it. You're right. Me going to those people and saying stuff was wrong, but I didn't understand it was wrong because to me it was just like a hookup. And I'm allowed to talk about a hookup. Like, I didn't understand it was going to affect your dating life, whatever in Charleston or follow you around because we live in a homophobic place and this and that. I think if he took more responsibility or accountability, then I wouldn't have been pissed. But he didn't. He just was like, well, it's because. Been traumatized by men. It's like off. Like, at some point you have to take some responsibility, you know? And then you spent the whole season lying against someone who's your best friend. Your other best friend who is Will. Like, that guy is just like, that's terrible. Like, especially after that. No, no.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah. And then you have. But then there Was on the other side, you have Michaels. Who. The poor guy, he's sobbing. He's sobbing there in the clubhouse talking about his mom. He thought that, like, he thought the show was going to, like, make his mom, I think, realize what his. What his pain is that he carries. And he says his mom hasn't even reached out once. And if anything, like, his mom has been like, why are people telling me that you're talking about being gay on tv? And so. But he did say his family members, like, his. His aunts and like, his siblings have been open and he's gonna, like, they're gonna meet Preston and everything. But I felt so bad for Michaels. Cause he is really, like, he clearly is, like, yearning to reconnect with his mother. And his mom is like. Like this, you know, she. I'm not going to say she's a piece of shit, because she's a piece of shit.

[Ben Mandelker]

I'll say, fuck that lady. Fuck that troll.

[Ronnie Karam]

Because I'm like, I don't. Yeah, I will say, fudge that lady, though. Like, that's your son right there. How do you. How do you not reach out? Like, how do you. When you see your child crying on TV and just wanting his mother's love, Love. And you're gonna. And you're just. You're just not gonna talk to him. Like, really, lady? Go to shut up Mountain.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, that lady. You lady. Yeah, some people are just people, you know? But she was lucky enough to have a non son, so that's good because he's very nice. I mean, on Michael's behalf. I'm like, oh, God, please, Preston, don't break his heart. Because I just have a feeling. I just have. I have a bad feeling about Preston and I don't know why, because he seems so sweet. He's done nothing but be very sweet on the show. So I don't know why, but I just. I don't know. But I love Michaels.

[Ronnie Karam]

I know Michaels is so wonderful. That Michaels is a great find. He's gonna, like. He was. He's a great breakout star for them. But, yeah, so it was a fun reunion. And I'm. I just said I hope this show continues to thrive because it's. It's given us three wonderful seasons of. Of content and.

[Ben Mandelker]

Yeah, so far, so good show. Love this show. And hopefully it started to break out a little bit. You know, it seems like more people are watching it and stuff this year, so.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, I think so. Let's see.

[Ben Mandelker]

Hope we get some more. But it's been a super fun show. It's been a super fun season of southern charm. So thanks show.

[Ronnie Karam]

Yeah, thank you and thanks everyone for listening and we will catch you on the next Crappens episode. Bye, everyone. Watch what Crappens would like to thank its premium sponsors. Ain't no thing like Alison King Our.

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She ain't no shrinking drinking violet Coutar we love you guys if you like watch what crappens. You can listen ad free right now by joining Wondery plus in the Wondery 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.