Podcast Summary: Watch What Crappens - Episode #2804: The Valley S2E01: Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated

Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Podcast: Watch What Crappens | Wondery

Introduction

In Episode #2804 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the Season 2 premiere of Bravo's reality series The Valley, titled Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated. The episode offers a detailed critique and humorous take on the unfolding drama, providing listeners with their signature blend of praise, ridicule, and evisceration of reality TV antics.

Episode Overview

The Valley Season 2 kicks off with heightened tensions and escalating conflicts among the cast members. The premiere episode, Gotta Keep ‘Em Separated, introduces viewers to a tumultuous landscape where personal grievances and broken relationships take center stage.

Key Plot Points

1. Britney and Jax's Turbulent Separation:

   • Britney and Jax navigate their messy separation, fraught with accusations of infidelity and emotional volatility.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ronnie Karam [03:07]: "It's like, people that I should feel pity for, but I can't."

2. Kristen's Transition into Middle Age:

   • Kristen showcases her struggles with aging and identity, leading to humorous observations from the hosts.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ben Mandelker [04:35]: "Kristen as we knew her on Vanderpump Rules was like a very different person."

3. Janet and Jason's Familial Challenges:

   • The couple grapples with parenting three young children in cramped living conditions, highlighting the chaos of their household.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ronnie Karam [10:27]: "Janet, of course, is going to come out with the most basic shit ever."

4. Danny and Nia's Overcrowded Condo:

   • Their struggle with insufficient space for their growing family underscores the show's theme of dysfunction.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ben Mandelker [13:31]: "She just wants one of them to eat her."

5. Jax’s Outburst and Lack of Accountability:

   • Jax's aggressive behavior towards Britney, including flipping a coffee table, sets the tone for his character's downward spiral.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ronnie Karam [16:29]: "For iPad, I need it to be a Britney vagina free iPad."

6. Michelle and Jesse's Co-Parenting Struggles:

   • The couple experiences friction over parenting decisions and Jesse's attempts to introduce new relationships.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ben Mandelker [22:03]: "I almost feel like Jesse has a midlife crisis."

7. Kristen and Janet's Attempted Reconciliation:

   • Efforts to mend fences between Kristen and Janet fall flat, revealing deeper underlying issues.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ronnie Karam [54:14]: "What'd she do to you? ... That's all Kristen did from what I remember from last year."

8. Danny and Nia's Parenting Crisis:

   • The couple debates whether to expand their family further amidst existing chaos.
   • Notable Quote:
     Ben Mandelker [38:31]: "I want him to have a room and a yard of space."

Hosts' Insights and Commentary

Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie provide sharp, often sarcastic commentary on the characters' actions and the show's progression:

• On Jax's Predictable Downfall:
  Ben Mandelker [17:09]: "Jax is one of the least surprising people to ever be on Bravo."

• On Britney's Struggles:
  Ronnie Karam [16:39]: "Britney, really? You're giving your son an iPad to use that."

• On Janet's Manipulative Tendencies:
  Ben Mandelker [55:33]: "Janet is, like, trying to manipulate me like she does everyone else."

• On Kristen's Inauthentic Apology:
  Ronnie Karam [54:03]: "That's a gaslight apology, and you're including demonic behavior from Zach."

Notable Quote Highlights:

• Ronnie Karam [03:07]: "It's like, people that I should feel pity for, but I can't."
• Ben Mandelker [04:35]: "Kristen as we knew her on Vanderpump Rules was like a very different person."
• Ben Mandelker [17:09]: "Jax is one of the least surprising people to ever be on Bravo."
• Ronnie Karam [55:33]: "Janet is, like, trying to manipulate me like she does everyone else."

Conclusion

Episode #2804 of Watch What Crappens offers an in-depth and entertaining analysis of The Valley Season 2 premiere. Ben and Ronnie adeptly navigate the complexities of the show's dramatic storylines, offering listeners both humor and critical insight into the often toxic dynamics of reality TV cast members. Their commentary not only highlights the absurdities of the characters' behaviors but also provides a satirical lens through which to view the ongoing saga of The Valley.

For fans of reality TV and those who enjoy a comedic critique, this episode is a must-listen, delivering both laughs and thoughtful observations on Bravo's latest offerings.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast's transcript guidelines.