Watch What Crappens Podcast Summary Episode: #2866 The Valley S2E07 Part Two The Ring Didn’t Mean a Thing
Guest: Lara Schoenhals
Release Date: May 29, 2025
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Platform: Wondery

Introduction

In episode #2866 of Watch What Crappens, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam delve into the tumultuous world of Bravo’s Vanderpump Rules. This two-part recap focuses on season two, episode seven, titled "The Ring Didn’t Mean a Thing," featuring insightful commentary and spirited discussions with guest Lara Schoenhals. The hosts navigate the dramatic developments surrounding Jax and Brittany’s strained relationship, providing fans with a comprehensive analysis of the episode’s key moments and underlying tensions.

Recap of Key Events

Jax’s Troubling Behavior

The episode centers heavily on Jax's problematic actions and their impact on his relationship with Brittany. Hosts express strong disapproval of Jax’s manipulative tactics, particularly his scheme to rent a condo next to Tom Schwartz without informing Brittany, leading to financial strain and emotional distress.

• Ronnie Karam (02:35): "I just want to see my son so much. You kicked your son out of your house. You made your son go live in an Airbnb while you stayed in the big house and didn't even pay the mortgage to it. You are the biggest piece of shit."

This segment highlights Jax’s lack of accountability and the detrimental effects of his deceitful behavior on his family.

Producer Influence and Character Portrayal

Ronnie and Larz critically examine how producers shape the portrayal of male characters like Jax and Tom Schwartz, suggesting a deliberate attempt to maintain the show's appeal by keeping certain stars on screen despite their flaws.

• Larz Marie (04:14): "The people, like, masterminding the way that the men on the show and on Vanderpump Rules are portrayed have it so backwards."

The hosts argue that viewers are deprived of seeing genuine humiliations of characters like Jax, pointing out missed opportunities for more authentic and entertaining content.

Financial and Legal Troubles

The discussion shifts to the financial repercussions of Jax’s actions, emphasizing the unpaid mortgage and escalating costs that have left Brittany in a precarious situation.

• Ronnie Karam (33:53): "She said their mortgage went from $8,000 a month to $18,000 because of his, like, unpaid bills and taxes."

This financial strain underscores the severity of Jax’s irresponsibility and its real-life consequences for Brittany and their family.

Character Dynamics and Conflicts

Brittany and Jax’s Relationship Breakdown

The hosts dissect the falling out between Brittany and Jax, focusing on the emotional and financial betrayals that have strained their relationship to the breaking point.

• Larz Marie (31:24): "Brittany's like, 'I met with Jackson, the park. And he started saying he wants us to start fresh and start dating.'"

The narrative reveals Jax’s attempts to rekindle the relationship under false pretenses, further alienating Brittany and escalating the conflict.

Interpersonal Tensions Among Cast Members

Ronnie and Larz explore the broader interpersonal conflicts among the cast, including Jesse and Michelle’s ongoing disputes and Kristen’s confrontations with Jason, highlighting the pervasive drama that fuels the show’s narrative.

• Ronnie Karam (14:22): "Do you believe it? ... I don't think so either. I was a little disappointed in Kristen only because of the quality of the accusation."

These interactions showcase the tangled web of alliances and rivalries that keep viewers hooked on the unfolding drama.

Insights and Analysis

Production Decisions and Audience Engagement

The hosts offer a critical view of Bravo’s production decisions, positing that the network prioritizes maintaining key personalities over fostering authentic storytelling. They suggest that this approach may hinder the show’s ability to deliver compelling and relatable content.

• Ronnie Karam (05:19): "Both shows were coming from the place of, like, well, we can't. If we lose this star of the show, we're gonna lose the show."

This analysis questions the long-term sustainability of Bravo’s strategy, hinting at potential viewer fatigue due to repetitive and contrived drama.

Social Media and Public Perception

Discussing the backlash Jax faces online, the hosts emphasize the role of social media in shaping public perception, revealing a divided fan base that either sympathizes with Jax or stands firmly behind Brittany.

• Ronnie Karam (36:02): "I don't know. And then she used him and she got what she wanted she wanted. And then right when she got what she wanted, she dumped him and tried to make him look like a villain."

This segment highlights the polarized opinions within the fan community, influenced by the characters’ real-life actions and online narratives.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Wrapping up the episode, Ronnie and Larz express anticipation for the upcoming season, despite the lingering frustrations with Jax’s character arc. They hope for more genuine developments and possibly seeing Jax confront his issues more authentically in future episodes.

• Larz Marie (37:12): "That guy's a disgusting human being. But I'm excited for the rest of the season."

The hosts conclude on a note of cautious optimism, eager to witness how the ongoing drama will unfold and impact the dynamics among the Vanderpump Rules cast members.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ronnie Karam [02:35]: "You kicked your son out of your house. You made your son go live in an Airbnb while you stayed in the big house and didn't even pay the mortgage to it. You are the biggest piece of shit."
• Larz Marie [04:14]: "The people, like, masterminding the way that the men on the show and on Vanderpump Rules are portrayed have it so backwards."
• Ronnie Karam [14:22]: "Do you believe it?"
• Larz Marie [31:24]: "Brittany's like, 'I met with Jackson, the park. And he started saying he wants us to start fresh and start dating.'"
• Ronnie Karam [36:02]: "I don't know. And then she used him and she got what she wanted she wanted. And then right when she got what she wanted, she dumped him and tried to make him look like a villain."
• Larz Marie [37:12]: "That guy's a disgusting human being. But I'm excited for the rest of the season."

Final Thoughts

Episode #2866 of Watch What Crappens offers a deep dive into the latest developments of Vanderpump Rules, providing listeners with a thorough and engaging analysis of the show’s drama. Hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam, with insights from guest Lara Schoenhals, deliver a balanced yet critical perspective that both entertains and informs fans eager to stay updated on their favorite Bravo series.

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