Watch What Crappens - Episode #2909: The Valley S2E12: Mari-proposal!
Release Date: July 2, 2025
Hosts: Ben Mandelker & Ronnie Karam
Podcast: Wondery
Introduction to The Valley's "Mari-proposal!" Episode
In Episode #2909 of "Watch What Crappens," hosts Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam dive deep into Bravo's reality sensation, "The Valley," Season 2, Episode 12, aptly titled "Mari-proposal!". This episode centers around Kristen Doty's surprise engagement during a trip to the picturesque Maui, Hawaii, unraveling a mix of drama, emotions, and comedic mishaps that keep viewers hooked.
Setting the Scene: Maui’s Perfect Backdrop
Arrival and Initial Tensions [03:26]
As the group arrives in Maui, the anticipation builds for what should be a trip filled with romance and celebration. However, underlying tensions soon surface.
Ben [03:26]: "We’re here to see Mariposa get engaged on The Valley. So excited for it."
Dinner Dynamics: Calm Before the Storm [07:55]
The dinner intended to kick off the trip turns out to be unexpectedly calm. Nia brings up issues involving Luke’s grandmother, adding a layer of stress.
Ben [07:55]: "Nia's like, yeah, I was texting with Kristen, and she was like, stuff isn't good with his grandma."
Luke’s Emotional Struggles [08:37]
Kristen explains Luke's coping mechanisms when he's frustrated, such as taking walks or calling friends for emotional support.
Ronnie [08:37]: "Sometimes I’ll bring Jill along, and he’ll be like, hey, how would you like to walk me?"
Unveiling the Engagement Proposal
Danny’s Revelation [10:53]
Danny reveals that Luke is planning to propose to Kristen the following day, setting the stage for heightened emotions and expectations.
Ben [10:53]: "Danny's like, I can tell that Luke's a little fragile. I'm one of the few people that know he's proposing to Christian tomorrow."
Preparation Takes Shape [18:12 - 26:01]
The group gears up for the proposal with decorations and coordinated efforts to create the perfect moment. However, Kristen’s reluctance and Luke’s nervousness introduce elements of unpredictability.
Ben [18:12]: "I need somebody to play with me or I'm not getting my eyes back."
Engagement Mishaps [55:05]
The proposal, set against the serene Hawaiian backdrop, doesn't go entirely as planned. Kristen's comedic embarrassment when she realizes she’s dropped the ring adds a humorous twist.
Ben [55:05]: "He’s like, baby, will you be my wicked tuna? Fuck you."
Hosts’ Reactions and Insights
Comparing Drama: The Valley vs. Love Island [04:23]
Ronnie and Ben discuss the differing levels of drama between "The Valley" and "Love Island," suggesting "The Valley" offers more straightforward antagonistic relationships making it easier to follow.
Ronnie [04:23]: "How is the Valley the romantic episode of the day and Love Island the venomous one?"
Character Critiques: Luke and Kristen [28:25]
Concerns are raised about Luke's emotional stability and the sustainability of his relationship with Kristen, given his frequent emotional outbursts.
Ben [28:25]: "If something was enough to make him go flouncing around the Hyatt Regency in the middle of the night, then scary."
Jesse’s Over-the-Top Behavior [41:18]
Jesse's exaggerated actions and lack of genuine concern for the group's dynamics are highlighted as points of frustration.
Ronnie [41:18]: "He accidentally ejaculated all over me. But hey."
Janet’s Antics and Accountability [68:09]
Janet's refusal to participate in the toast and her subsequent meltdown are dissected as indicative of her larger issues with accountability.
Ronnie [68:09]: "Stop being a hero to all the boring, thirsty people out there if you don't want to see them show up on your show."
Key Moments and Notable Quotes
-
Engagement Preparation Chaos [60:15]:
Ben [60:15]: "Are you someone who unpacks into a hotel? No."
-
Kristen’s Reluctant Participation [53:47]:
Ronnie [53:47]: "She's so annoyed. She’s like, I don't want to look pretty. It's humid out."
-
Final Proposal Success [57:20]:
Ronnie [57:20]: "I think this was maybe my favorite engagement I've seen on Bravo."
-
Character Dynamics Highlight [74:46]:
Ben [74:46]: "They’re all happy for them. They all party."
Comedic Elements and Host Banter
Ben and Ronnie’s playful rapport brings humor to their analysis, making the recap entertaining beyond just summarizing events. Their mockery of characters’ flaws and exaggerated situations adds a layer of amusement. For instance, joking about Kristen’s reluctance to look pretty:
Ronnie [37:42]: "Why should I look cute? I want to wear a T shirt that says, one tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor."
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
As the episode winds down, Ben and Ronnie reflect on the successful yet fraught engagement, balancing their amusement with genuine concerns about the portrayed relationships. They express a mix of delight and apprehension about the future dynamics in "The Valley," teasing potential conflicts and developments for upcoming episodes.
Ben [57:34]: "It's really lovely. Really glad I talked her into that tasteful crop top."
Ronnie [71:05]: "Next season on The Valley, the Kristen and Luke wedding special."
Final Reflections:
The hosts commend the episode for its blend of heartfelt moments and over-the-top drama, encapsulating what makes "The Valley" a compelling reality show. They encourage listeners to tune in for more insightful and humorous recaps in future episodes.
Key Takeaways for Listeners
- Engagement Setup: The proposal scene is central, filled with both tension and humor, setting up future storylines.
- Character Dynamics: The relationships between characters like Luke, Kristen, and Jesse are complex, with clear antagonistic and supportive roles.
- Hosts’ Perspective: Ben and Ronnie provide a balanced critique, blending humor with genuine analysis, making their recap both entertaining and informative.
Whether you're a die-hard fan of "The Valley" or new to the show, this episode of "Watch What Crappens" offers a comprehensive and engaging summary that captures the essence of the latest developments, enriched with the hosts' signature humor and insightful commentary.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Ben [03:26]: "We're here to see Mariposa get engaged on The Valley. So excited for it."
- Ronnie [08:37]: "Sometimes I’ll bring Jill along, and he’ll be like, hey, how would you like to walk me?"
- Ben [28:25]: "If something was enough to make him go flouncing around the Hyatt Regency in the middle of the night, then scary."
- Ronnie [57:20]: "I think this was maybe my favorite engagement I've seen on Bravo."
- Ben [60:15]: "Are you someone who unpacks into a hotel? No."
For fans eager to stay updated, be sure to listen to "Watch What Crappens" on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Support the show at www.patreon.com/watchwhatcrappens for bonus episodes, video recaps, and exclusive access to the Discord server.