Watch What Crappens – Episode #2877: "The Valley S2E08, Part 1: A Ring of Truth To It" Summary

Released on June 4, 2025

1. Introduction and Show Updates

In the opening segment, hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam share exciting updates about their podcast activities and upcoming events:

• Love Island Coverage: They announce a free bonus episode recapping the latest Love Island premiere, available on their Patreon page. Ben mentions, “[02:48]... 'It's going to be a really good season with a lot of laughs.'”

• Live Shows: The hosts promote their upcoming live shows in Seattle on June 12th and Los Angeles on June 19th at the Fonda Theater. Ben enthusiastically states, “[02:59]... 'We're gonna have a great time. Let's send it out in style.'”

2. Discussion on Show Ratings and General Thoughts

Ben and Ronnie delve into the current state of Real Housewives of the Valley, addressing concerns about declining ratings:

• Ben's Perspective: “[04:42]... 'I don't like to lead with negativity, but the Valley's ratings have actually dropped this season.'” He emphasizes the complexity and intensity of the show's characters, suggesting that the deep drama is what audiences crave.

• Ronnie's Input: “[05:35]... 'Last season was around 400,000 viewers, which isn't great, but it's comparable to other niche shows like Below Deck.'” He provides a balanced view, acknowledging the numbers while highlighting other forms of audience engagement.

Ben further contemplates the shift in how success is measured for reality shows, moving beyond traditional ratings to include online chatter and social media presence.

3. Episode Recap: Key Storylines and Conflicts

The main segment focuses on recapping Season 2, Episode 8 of Real Housewives of the Valley. Ben and Ronnie provide a detailed and humorous breakdown of the episode's events:

a. Parents and Kids Scenes

• Jesse and Isabella: A light-hearted moment where Jesse tries to engage Isabella with different types of cheese. Ben notes, “[17:58]... 'I got string cheese and mozzarella cheese and I got booty cheese.'”

• Janet's Parenting Style: Janet’s unconventional approach to entertaining her baby with sheer fabrics is mocked. Ronnie quips, “[19:10]... 'She's taking advantage of that 10-year going out of business sale at Joann's.'”

b. Lisa Vanderpump's Bar Review

The hosts recount their personal experiences visiting Lisa Vanderpump's new restaurant, Pinkies:

• Ambiance and Food Critique: They praise the restaurant's decor but criticize the overly berry-flavored menu items. Ben humorously remarks, “[11:19]... 'The espresso martini, I thought, was very good.'”

• Service Encounter: A comical interaction with a snarky waiter is highlighted. Ronnie shares, “[13:28]... 'They're both wearing fucking Spanx as outfits.'”

c. Main Conflict: The Missing Wedding Ring

A significant plot revolves around rumors about Jason removing his wedding ring, causing turmoil among the group:

• Janet vs. Jason: Janet confronts Jason about the missing ring, leading to heated arguments. Ben narrates, “[47:07]... 'Jason's like, yeah, here's the thing. He had Jasmine card he could play.'”

• Brittany's Struggle: Brittany grapples with her feelings towards Jason and contemplates divorce, expressing exhaustion and hopelessness. Ronnie shares Brittany’s sentiments, “[26:11]... 'Hope is a dangerous word.'”

• Zach's Apology: Zach offers a heartfelt apology, but the tension remains palpable. Ben reflects, “[35:04]... 'They're not gonna know unless you say it.'”

d. Sheena's Role and Enchilada Mania

Sheena becomes the center of drama with her constant chatter and enchilada-related antics:

• Enchilada Time: Sheena's obsession with enchiladas and her attempts to cook are a recurring source of humor. Ronnie jokes, “[24:27]... 'She's doing such an amazing time.'”

• Triggering the Drama: Sheena inadvertently fuels the ongoing conflicts, making the episode's tension escalate. Ben comments, “[51:39]... 'She's a pro.'”

4. Hosts' Commentary and Analysis

Throughout the episode, Ben and Ronnie provide sharp and witty commentary on the unfolding drama:

• On Character Dynamics: They explore the complexities of friendships and alliances, especially focusing on the "gay sidekick" trope as seen with Zach. Ronnie remarks, “[38:47]... 'The plight of the gay sidekick. That's what happens...'”

• On Drama and Hypocrisy: The hosts critique Janet's confrontational nature and the double standards within the group. Ben points out, “[50:24]... 'What goes around comes around, just like a bottle cap in the sand.'”

• Notable Quotes:

  • Ben: “[09:05] 'He had a Jasmine card he could play.'”
  • Ronnie: “[32:13] 'Stop holding out hope for things that are never gonna happen.'”
  • Both Hosts: Interjecting humorously during confrontations, such as “[43:07] 'Hiding in the bathroom with Southwest stewardesses? Come on.'”

5. Conclusion and Teasers for Part Two

As the episode concludes its first part, Ben and Ronnie set the stage for continued drama in Part Two:

• Escalating Conflicts: The unresolved tensions between Janet, Jason, and Jasmine hint at explosive confrontations ahead. Ben teases, “[65:49] 'You've reached the end of part one. Go look for the recap that says part two.'”

• Upcoming Shows and Episodes: They encourage listeners to tune in for the next installment to uncover the full extent of the drama and resolutions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Mandelker:

  • “[04:42] 'Because right now we're in our Vanderpump Rules era. And soon you'll wind up in your Valley era.'”
  • “[09:10] 'He had a Jasmine card he could play. That's amazing.'”

• Ronnie Karam:

  • “[05:35] 'But they're not doing too bad. I mean, last season was around 400,000 people.'”
  • “[38:47] 'The plight of the gay sidekick. That's what happens...'”

• Brittany (Character):

  • “[25:35] 'I need to move on. I just know I deserve better.'”

• Janet (Character):

  • “[19:20] 'Go make your shitty casseroles, okay?'”

Final Thoughts

Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam deliver a comprehensive and entertaining recap of Real Housewives of the Valley Season 2, Episode 8. Their blend of humor, insightful commentary, and sharp observations provides listeners with a vivid picture of the episode's events and the intricate web of relationships and conflicts among the cast members. As they navigate through the highs and lows of the show, their dynamic banter ensures that even those unfamiliar with Bravo's offerings can appreciate the chaotic charm of reality TV drama.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this recap for a deeper dive into the unfolding drama and the ultimate resolutions of the characters' tumultuous relationships.