Mention It All - Is Jax Taylor Coming Back To Bravo? Ft. Jared Alexander (RHOA)

Episode Date: August 22, 2022

Dylan is joined by Jared Alexander, entertainment writer at The Grio, to debrief on the latest Bravo updates. In Potomac, Robyn and Juan have finally obtained a marriage license, and they break down what that means for the RHOP timeline. They also discuss Scheana’s upcoming wedding to Brock, and whether some fired VPR alums could pop back up. After that, they dive deep on the RHOA trip to Jamaica, and Jared explains why this season feels like a much-needed refreshment. They also chat about the art of casting, and why keeping friendships up in the air is always ideal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Betches Media presents. Ha ha, laugh, funny. Mention It All. A Bravo by Betcha's podcast. We don't say that, but now we said it. With Dylan Hafer. We'll go check me, both. Hey, everyone.

Welcome back to the Mention at All podcast. I'm Dylan Hafer, and today I am excited to be joined once again by a good friend and Bravo colleague of mine. He is an entertainment writer at the Griot. Please welcome Jared Alexander. Hi, Dylan. Hi, I'm so excited to have you back on the show. We've got lots to talk about.

We've got lots to catch up on. And yeah, welcome back. Yes. I'm so excited. I feel like it's been a minute and there's so much more to talk about. Exactly. A lot happening in the Bravoverse. Yes.

Like, first of all, starting off, we got news that Robin and Juan Dixon have obtained a marriage license, which from a technical perspective means that they could now get married. any time between now and February, 2023. That's how long the license lasts, which this, okay, so when I first read this, everybody's like,

oh my gosh, they're getting married. And it's like, okay, they're getting married probably in the next six months. But Potomac has finished filming for their next season

and likely wouldn't start filming until like the spring. So I'm like, after all of this, seven seasons of back and forth, are we not going to get a filmed wedding from Robin and Juan Dixon. Dylan, we're on the exact same page here.

Our minds work the same. That was my first thought. It was like, what are we going to get this? But what if maybe it's like, you know, like they get married, but then the party's going to be on the show? At least that's what I'm thinking, because you're right. Like, the timeline doesn't add up because I feel like Potomac, they like waited a little bit after the reunion to start filming again.

So we're kind of pushed back. But I think the timing of the news is perfect because I just feel like in the fandom, there's just like a hankering for Potomachian. Potomac. We just miss them so much. It's like randomly trending like every second day just from like random old clips that trend. So like I feel like it was an exciting time for them to announce that. But hopefully fingers crossed, it's like maybe they'll just like have their own little private wedding and then the party will be on the show. I could see that. Yeah. And I think I feel in my bones that we're getting a Potomac trailer this week. I don't have tea on anything. But I mean there's like tentative premiere dates that have been like floating around the internet. And I think Potomac is set for September. So that trailer should be coming any second now. I am so excited. Do you think everyone in the cast will be invited to their wedding? I think so.

I'm trying to think of who wouldn't. Well, it definitely was interesting. Wasn't it like all last season, Robin was like, well, Wendy, you were so supportive at my engagement party and you're saying I don't have a relationship. So I feel like there'll be conversations Robin will have with people. But I feel like if they were all at Karen's wedding or bow renewal, I can't imagine why they all want to be there either. That's true.

And especially if there's a filming element happening, I don't think Robin, like, hates anyone enough to exclude them from a group. Right. But also, I think the bigger question is, will Michael Darby be there? And it looks like probably not. Oh, I hate that. And how upsetting. Wow.

How fun would it have been to see Michael Darby just, like, drinking in the corner, just, like, lurking, like, a little upset about Juan? He's like, Juan, man, congratulations. I'm so happy for you. Malfunctioning. I think that, I think that Juan's friendship with Michael is probably long gone and non-existent, if it ever existed in the first place. I don't think they are ever going to have a guy's night.

I don't think, I don't think Michael Darby is in the picture any longer. I don't think so either. And that's the thing. there's still so much we don't like, we all want, because we know so much about, like, the Ashley of it all. And, like, I just feel like, I'm so ready for Potomac to come back. And it's not that I'm not also ready for Salt Lake City to come back, but it still feels like Salt Lake City finished this year, as opposed to, like, Potomac. Didn't the Nikki Reunion aired around like last Halloween? It's been a long time. Yeah, I was looking through, I was trying

to find something in my camera role, which is just like a wasteland of Bravo screenshots. And I was back in, like, I think the Salt, the Salt Lake reunion wasn't until March, maybe even. It was, you know, they, their season went on for a long time. So I definitely feel, I feel the whole of Potomac not being there a little more. And then I think rumor has it, Salt Lake is going to be moving to a different day of the week. So it might not be on Sundays this season. But speaking of weddings, the whole Vanderpump crew is currently in Cancun for Sheena's, Sheena and Brock's wedding, which that feels right for them doing like a Cancun And it looks like they're doing like a Bachelor, Bachelorette situation, like, immediately before.

And then they're just going to get married there. And everybody is there except Stasi. So Brittany, Jax, and Kristen Doty are all there too. And I'm like, are we going to get, are they going to be miced up? Are they going to be in the background? Is this going to be like a soft relaunch? I'm really curious how this is going to be handled on the show. I feel like maybe.

I mean, I can't imagine them not. I feel like if anything, maybe they'll be miced and then it'll be decided in post what they use or if they want to and they'll kind of like test the waters. But I feel like, I don't know, I feel like Jackson Brittany's exit maybe wasn't as controversial as Stasi's. You know what I mean? Like I feel like it was like it was like a little bit later when they like renewed the show. I say pull out all the stops for pump rules right now. No offense. Like it kind of feels like we're already on kind of shaky ground.

So why not? It actually was so funny. I was looking through people's, like, Instagram stories and stuff this morning just to kind of keep tabs. Because the worst thing you can do is be like, Stasi's not there. And then you get like 42 DMs that are like, actually she was seen on the plane. There was a story that she was in the background of, you're a dumbass. But they were, they're all like in Cancun posting like James and Raquel are there. Lala's there.

Katie and the Tom's are there. Ariana's there. And Stasi's story is just about Game of Thrones. Like she has like six stories. about Game of Thrones right now. I'm like, okay, so you are very much not in Mexico. Maybe there will be a last minute appearance. But yeah, no, I really want Jacks to pop up on the episode with like the Chiron saying, like,

Jacks, Sheena's friend. Yes. Oh, my God. See, I feel like, you that happens so much of Beverly Hills because we get so many returning characters. And it's so weird when it's like, Eileen, Lisa's friend. It's like, what? Right.

Camille Grammer, Kyle's friend. It's like, we know. Right. It will be interested on OC next season when Taylor Armstrong pops up. You know it's going to be like Tamara's friend. That is a wild reduction of all that Taylor Armstrong has done for this community. And I feel like they really, but sometimes it'll change. Like I don't know why this sticks with me.

Well, her name is a sick with me. That real estate agent from Jersey like two years ago, it said at once it said Teresa's friend. Then it said Melissa's friend. Like they just pick like whoever she was in the scene with. Yeah. It's a safe friend. Oh my God. Yeah.

I mean, she was a mess. Michelle. Michelle Pace. Yeah, she was like in that like recent lineage of Jersey women that were like supposed to happen and then just like failed spectacularly. Right. But they couldn't cut around them. Right. It was like she's the realtor.

And it's like, okay, she was supposed to be the housewife. But clearly that didn't that didn't pan out. I do think on Jersey this season, we are going to get one or two actual new. housewives, which best of luck to them? It seems like it. Listen, Dylan, hopefully in a few months we'll be talking about when that's airing because clearly there's been so much going on. I can't wait to recap that with you or talk through it. As hellish as I think the viewing experience will be, I think it's going to be good TV. I know, I'm already just like grimacing as I scroll through Twitter and it's like,

Teresa didn't wish Joe a happy birthday, good for her. And it's like, right. Okay, okay. And the account was like Melissa's old nose. Oh no Oh no Melissa's stripping Stripping career Right We'll talk about Jersey

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It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic. I want to talk about Real Housewives of Atlanta. I have been, you know, I feel like I was kind of, it was on the back burner for me for a few weeks. And then the last couple episodes, I've been all in again on Atlanta. And this Jamaica trip, I found to be very entertaining. Don, I could not agree more. I feel like, of course, this season has not been perfect, but I think we all went into this with like a reset mind and I feel like they have nailed that like just across the board and especially with this trip like it's so weird I was thinking about this last night I was like I can't believe I'm in a place where like I feel like I have to say like don't sleep on Atlanta which is weird because like Atlanta for so long was like obviously and it's still one of the highest rated shows but it's just I think has really found such a great balance after years of like it kind of being nonsensical TV and just like you'd have like 10 friends and four people. And like, it was still funny, but it didn't, it wasn't like pieced together well. But I feel like there's so many great group scenes.

The dynamics are great. And you're right. This trip has been so entertaining and just lovely. I've just enjoyed it a lot. Yeah. And of course there's drama, which we wouldn't want there not to be. But there's no real source of toxicity within the cast. It feels like Kenya is not in as dark of a place as she's been in the past.

I think Marlowe is obviously, you know, a little polarizing. she's stirring the pot. She's, I don't know if she's having a perfect first season as a housewife, but I don't, I also don't think she's doing anything that's like so dark and, you know, not fun to watch.

I like seeing Candy kind of get in the mix a little more with the drama than I think she sometimes does. And, you know, Drew, Sonia and Chiray, I think they're all entertaining. Like, there's no, there's no,

like, one relationship on Atlanta this season that's like, oh, God, we have to see these two go at it again. I feel like I, whoever is arguing, like when Sonia and Kenya were going at it this episode or when you have, you know, Marlowe and Candy, Marlowe and Kenya, like, all of those dynamics to me are still, like, enjoyable to watch them argue. Yes, it's fresh.

And then I feel like it's also enjoyable to see them, like, in the fallout of the arguments, like even like Shire and Kenya on the raft talking through how they fell with the Sonia of it all. Like it just is like so fun and fresh and I feel like they're also pros at this. And I don't think, again, it's not a perfect season. But like there are moments that it's fun to kind of see, especially withdrew this season. And even Sonia towards the end of the season, like seeing them have to kind of like level up with these women, these other women who've been doing this for literally almost what, like 15 years now. I do think Sonia really did a great job at hosting this Jamaica trip. It seems like everybody had a good time.

The activities were, you know, fun and, you know, kept it moving. And, you know, whatever Kenya might have to say about it, I do think she pulled off a really solid hosting job, which is not always easy to do, as evidenced by the trip Kenya hosted last season. That's great. I loved the callback to Candy complaining about, like, the crab cake from Uber Eats that Kenya ordered for herself.

And she was so pissed about it But you're so right Because I feel like had the ball of it all not happened It would have been one of the worst trips ever You know So I think I think she absolutely had a point with that And the trip has been so great

And you're right It's been You know, this is like the part of watching housewives Where you're like, you know what Like I'm sure Obviously you have to suspend your disbelief Because they're a cast trip But at the same time

Like it kind of depends on like What is planned and how much fun they have And a lot of it was catered to Sonia and like her own roots there, of course. And I feel like it just was really enjoyable as opposed to sometimes you get a trip. And it's like, what are we even doing here? You know? Right.

And it did seem like she actually did have to work for this eye fit thing. Like she and she and Ross were like leaving in the morning and like actually busy for the first few hours of the day. Whereas sometimes when these women are traveling for like a business thing, it's like Larsa Pippen is having like a jewelry party in the Hamptons. and that's like such an afterthought to why they're there. Right. But that's, I kind of love that too, because then it was like, we got to fight over, like, petty things, which is just like, I think what Housewives is just its best as opposed to, like, I feel like Atlanta got into this rut for so long where it would be like, they would be fighting on social media as the season was airing. And then it was just like weird tension between them as opposed to like, I like to like, Sherey in Kenya, we're like, you disinvited us.

And she was like, well, I didn't exactly disinvite you. You just didn't come. And like, like, just the minutia of that is so fun. The level of the amount of minutes that we got out of debating whether or not Sonia made a faux pa by, I guess, theoretically, univiting Kenya and Cheray from this eye fit thing, like, from literally coming, sitting on a bus for an hour to come watch her work, which is like not that thrilling of an activity to begin with. No.

But I mean, I was very team, Sonia on this one. that it's like maybe there was a mix up with the transportation. I wish you had made it on the bus. But like I was working. I wasn't like sitting over here just like coordinating things for you. Like it's sorry you didn't get on the bus. And like even after she, even after Shire and Sonia kind of make up and Sharia gives her like the, you know, next day invite to come see.

Even then the next day Shire is still like, well, that's why it hurt my feelings when I felt like she uninvited me. I'm like, Sharray, we've lived it. You already have the conversation. You made up. She invited you again. You made it there. You literally went and had a whole nice conversation. And then you're still like, well, the bitch did un-invite me.

It's like, oh, my God. Shurray. It is like, but this is Shiree, right? Because she even says in that interview, which she's like, when it was done to other people, I thought it was funny, but now that it's done to me, I actually care. Which I was like, that is so chamey. Like, there's something so trendy. transparent about her sometimes.

I think it's so funny. Because you were just like, it's like beyond hypocrisy. You just like kind of see right through her sometimes. You're like, Sherey, really. But it's her. Yeah, I think with Shiree, that's kind of a theme that she doesn't have, I don't think she's really calculated at all or has that kind of like behind the scenes layer of her brain where she's like thinking two steps ahead or trying to make a plan

or kind of that producer mindset that we see with a lot of longer term housewives. Because if she had that in any way, why on earth would we be watching this she by Chiray situation proliferate the way that it is? Because she's like, so now I only have three weeks to get together this fashion presentation. And I have no models, no samples, no production, no venue, no whatever. And it's like for her to sit there and tell us that she only has three weeks to get together this fashion presentation, it's like, what were you doing? three weeks ago.

For the past five years. Three years ago. What is going on? For her to gaslight into thinking that she has only had three weeks to put together this whole event, it's like, ma'am, we have watched for years. Right. But the thing is, as someone who has worked through, like, I've always kind of been a bit of a procrastinator, like, I always get things on time. But it's like, I swear I watch and I, like, flashback to, like, cramming in high school or

college and not being prepared. And I literally, it's just. just like so stress. It's like not even embarrassing because it's, I don't know. I just feel like it's just like anxiety inducing. Like I'm just like, what are you doing? And also it's like, I think we already know that like this is going to be like the finale of all finale, especially because it's like super meta with the she by charay.

But like you would think that like, I don't know, it would have been planned at least going into it. Like this should have at least happened towards the beginning of the season like her having all this figured out. Right. The fact that she was visiting a fabric store on like episode. 11 of this season. I'm like, it's one thing if you didn't know you were coming back to the show until kind of last minute, because I think her contract was the last one signed.

Yeah. Because they said when they were that first scene that was like Candy, Kenya, Marlowe and Chiray in that like dance studio, I think they, I, I think Sherey basically signed to. Shiree signed her contract like right before and they didn't all know that she was coming. So I think she, it's not like she had a year to prepare because she knew she was coming back on the show, but it's like, order the sweatpants. Like, order the samples. Even if they're not like the actual ones you're going to sell, just like, get a garment. Like, come on. Something.

Right. And it's, again, it's very entertaining and it's very unbrand for her. But at the safe time, it is, it's been a wild watch for sure. Well, and she's like, and this episode. she's like, I had to change the date because the venue that I want was booked for something else. And it's like, you didn't book the venue for, like, it's three weeks from now. Why wasn't the venue already booked for you? Right.

What is the process? It's always something, too. Like, she's always getting some phone call or something has felt rude or some phone call or something. And it's just like a, it's just like a sign of like. She's on the phone on speaker in Jamaica. And the poor girl on the other end of the phone is like, so it's not looking good. And Shrae's like, uh-uh, don't tell me this. Don't, I can't hear this.

Don't tell me this. And it's like, we just are making no progress here. I know. And I feel like, I mean, how many episodes we have left? I feel like it's got to be soon. And we know they filmed the reunion. So. Yeah, they just filmed the reunion last week.

I would guess they probably have like two or three episodes left. Mm-hmm. Yeah, that makes sense. She better really, she better really do it this time. Yeah. It's better at least have some samples at the reunion. into your call. I want to know what you thought of

Sonia appointing Marlowe, the fill-in host for the trip while she was at IFIT because Kenya obviously wasn't having it. Candy wasn't really having it either. But I'm not quite sure who would have been the more ideal choice because Drew was indisposed. She couldn't do anything. Candy and Kenya and Sonia weren't really getting

along. Shire and Sonia were having their separate issue. Like, who was she supposed to pick? Right. No, I felt the same way. And I think there was not even her like doing that producer thing, but it was also kind of smart to pick the person who had the most conflict with everyone to kind of, it's just like, bend for yourselves, have fun. Will I go shoot this over here? And it did, I think, make for good TV. I can't think of anyone else it would have been either. Like, I think, I think it was smart. And Marlowe did a decent job for Marlow, I think. You know?

I mean, it's not like she had to do that much. She basically was like, okay, we're going to breakfast. Okay, we're sitting over here to eat. Okay, does anyone want to go to the pool? No, that's fine. Okay, now we're leaving and going to the raft place. Like, there wasn't like... Right.

Everything was already planned out for her. It wasn't like a... Exactly. She was the one, like, reading off the itinerary for the next hour. But, I mean, just like the level of petty from Kenya where she's like, no. I'm not going to... I just always love the politics of these, no matter what the show is, of these trips. It's like, well, they're the host.

And it's like, and the host has to do this and the host has to do that. And it's just like, the stakes are always so high, no matter which city you're in for like what you're doing day to day. And if you skip something or whatever. And that's what was so funny. Like, seeing Drew, like, genuinely upset she could have been at that dinner. Like, she would have, had she added her way, I think her foot would have just been elevated on the table and she would have just been there at that dinner. I felt really bad for Drew this episode because not only, I mean, from like a fun perspective, obviously you don't want to spend a whole day of your trip just sitting in the room,

but also she basically didn't have an opportunity for any real involvement in the drama in the storyline. And I mean, there was a lot going on. I think she could have, Drew loves to stick her nose in anything that's happening in her vicinity. And so I'm kind of sad for her and for us that we didn't get to see her like having an opinion on. whatever was happening at dinner. Right. Especially with the Kenya and Sanya stuff, I think, that it was. In Sonia, I keep doing that.

It's just annoying because it's a bit of Kenya. It's interchangeable. I talked, I interviewed Sanya earlier this year, and I mentioned that it seemed like Kenya was mispronouncing her name, and she said that it is interchangeable and that a lot of Jamaican people say Sanya. So it's, it could be the way. So I'm off the hook. Yes.

But again, I do wish that Drew had been there for that. but then at the same time, like, I just, like, love, like, there was just something about the, her exchange with Kenya that was very entertaining, but also, I think even Candy said it in an interview. It was like, this is where I was like, oh, like, Kenya is an all-star at this. Like, she just, like, was, like, five steps ahead in the back and forth. Right. Which is hard to do, it's your first year out. And even just going toe-to-to-to-to-keena, with Kenya, your first year out is pretty impressive,

but it was pretty clear by, like, halfway through. Yeah, and it's tough. We see this happen sometimes when you, it's one thing to have a back and forth argument where you're fighting about something specific. But then you can kind of paint yourself into a corner when you're like, you keep doing this to me. You've done this over and over and over again because then all the other person has to do is like, okay, I would hate to be doing that to you over and over again. Please tell me the examples. And Sonia's like, well, she like, her like eyes glaze over. she's like her like she needs to be like plugged into recharge for a minute like it's right it's kind of

it's kind of brutal to watch but at the same time it's like I don't think she I don't think Sonia had a weak argument she just in the moment couldn't couldn't come up with the goods to really you know stake her claim and I think she wanted to have it could have been like uh that moment when Claudia Jordan like totally just like red nini for filth that one season but unfortunately, Sanya kind of drew a blank there at just the wrong time. And it's like, oh, well, but I don't know. I'm not like holding that against her. I think it was- No, not at all. And I still think it made for a great, you know, dynamic. She made a little misstep. She probably should have thought a little more carefully about where she was headed with Kenya. But overall, I think

Sonia has done a really excellent job as a first-season housewife of kind of just working within the group. I agree. And I think, again, like, I don't think. think, I think Atlanta did a great job casting and I don't think they can afford to have like one season wonders right now. Like we need people to help like continue to usher this forward who like still feel, I don't know, I feel like with Atlanta for a while it felt like people were just plucked and didn't really feel like a part of the show or part of the cast and didn't feel like a group. But this really does feel like she's really steep in the group. And even Drew, I mean, I feel like everyone who had was kind of up in the air about how they felt about her coming back. I

could not be happy that she came back. as messy as she is, as nonsensical as she can be. Like, I don't know what we would be talking about without Drew in the season either. Totally. And I think Drew and Kenya, obviously last season had their issues. And then this year, Kenya really has seemed to be loving Drew's energy. They have been getting along pretty much this whole season. But I still think their relationship feels like the kind of thing where I could easily see something dumb happening.

and then next season their enemies again. And that makes, that's exactly what I want because it's like, I don't want nobody to get along. Like, I don't want a season where everybody's just bitter the whole time. But also, it's like, I don't want you to be like so tight that there's nothing in the world that could get in the way of that. And I feel like Kenya and Drew to me is still like flip of a coin. Obviously, Candy and Marlowe can be going at it and saying that they, you know, saying these

awful things to each other. And then, you know, a piece of chicken is enough to make them like besties again. And I think that's like, that's the exact dynamics that I want within a housewives cast. And I think with, with like a, the like Porsche, Marlowe, Kenya, Nini a little bit dynamics in the past, it would get so acrimonious between them that it's like, okay, though that relationship is like done. Like the, the bridge is burned. And I like, I like, I like, I like. I like. I. like that this season, other than maybe Kenya and Marlowe, because I think that is unlikely to ever really budge, it seems like everybody else within the cast is kind of floating through space a little bit and could grab onto anyone at any moment. Yeah, but which like you said is kind of the sweet

spot to be in. I feel like if I were to do like a house arts presentation or something, I would kind of argue against the point that a lot of fans make, rightfully so, that it's like, oh, you need to cast people who have a long history, let's say like a Derinda or something. But I don't think that's necessarily true because we've had plenty of people like shanadamador didn't know anybody but shanadamadore came on and felt oc and like totally changed the game i think margaret's the same even jacky and jenn whatever but i feel like and with marlowe with sanya and drew i feel like you also need to bring in new people who then can build relationships so then like a couple seasons down the line like there is that shared history and the stakes are there um i don't think it's you don't necessarily have to know the person they also just have to be kind of good at the job and And it seems like these two are certainly like that. Well, yeah, I think it's, that's casting. That's why casting is a talent and an art.

And it's not an exact science because, of course, there are people who are going to be great that have, you know, have a 10-year friendship with someone in the group and they're going to come on and be, you know, a firecracker and whatever. But that's not just like a perfect formula. And I think it's like thinking about how Portia was on the show for such a long time and her friend Shamiah was always kind of, off to the side. And, you know, there would always be that kind of thing like, oh, like, maybe Shamiya could be full time. And it's like, but did anybody really want, like, did we need that? Would that have been, would that have added anything? Because like, it's just to have like a built-in bestie on the show is not really adding a lot to the dynamic. But I think with these women who

can kind of get in there. And like even Sanya was introduced to the show as like Drew's friend. And then by like episode five of this season, they basically weren't fucking with each other. And And, like, that's messy. And I'm like, I want more of it. I want to unpack this deeper. Yeah, that's always the best. I love when it's like the person who introduces the new wife to the group. They wind up feuding in, like, the third episode or something.

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Visit redbull.com slash bright summer ahead to learn more. See you this summer. I think that's actually one of the things I'm most interested for coming up next season of Salt Lake because it seems like the allegiances have shifted so much since that reunion where it's like Meredith was the least supportive of Jen during season two. And then since they've been filming, they're just like a total duo. And it's like, I need to know where this is coming from. And, you know, Lisa seems to not be friends with Jen or Meredith at all pretty much.

And, you know, it seems like maybe, I don't, like those types of things where it's like, okay, like Salt Lake has a lot of those kind of long friendships where it's like Lisa and Meredith have. known each other forever. Meredith and Jen have known each other forever, but clearly those aren't set in stone enough to dictate the show's dynamic moving forward. Yeah, no, absolutely. I mean, it seems like Heather, Jen, and Meredith are like the Trace Amiga, so like Sydney this season, at least from pictures. But I think it's like, like, like, you said, it's like these shows just to be able to, like, move forward and, like, stay entertaining. And of course, we don't have to dive into it, but, like, we all have thoughts about the state of Beverly Hills and, like, just how stagnant it can feel.

I think it's just so important that, you know, these women obviously are in each other's lives, and it's not like just throw your friends under the bus type of thing, but it's also like you kind of have to, the dynamics have to shift and you kind of have to like hold your friends accountable, hold yourself accountable. And again, that's why a show like, I think Atlanta really is kind of getting to that place again.

And I always again just go back to Potomac. I just feel like those women like show up and you just never know where things are going to go. and things can get pretty dark. I think we know how dark it got. But even then they were able to kind of bounce back and the dynamics just kind of shifted again. Right. I think, I think, you know, we talk about it, but still maybe even not enough.

I think Potomac is kind of the gold standard of a group where everything can be shifting and everyone, on a good day, everyone can get along and on a bad day, anyone can be arguing with each other. And I think that's kind of, it feels like at least, is moving more in that direction. It feels like Salt Lake has that energy a little bit. Maybe it's,

maybe it doesn't hit quite the same. Yeah. But I think that's, you know, even with New Jersey, I feel like on this past season, it was almost like that with, if you had taken Teresa out of the equation. Because then at the, at the reunion, we saw Jennifer and Dolores getting into it a little bit more,

which I think was an exciting thing for a lot of us, that it's like, okay, let's explore that dynamic. And, you know, I think it's fun to see these shows where it's like you don't know, you can't predict where things are going to be at the end of the season. And I think with that's kind of what you always should be working toward where it's like even if we know some of the plot points or we know these two are getting divorced or there was, you know, they went on this trip here. It's like, I don't know who's like close, like who's getting along until the season starts. Right. And I think that's the tricky thing is because you walk. want to, especially with like the dumoification of housewives and just like us being able to

follow like sometimes beat by beat what's happening. I feel like it is nice when you just don't know what's going to happen. And you obviously know the big things happening in people's lives, right? Like we know about Ashley and Michael. We know like little things, but we don't know. Like, I don't know who's feuding with who in this next season of Potomac and that's great. And same with last season, like you even mentioned with Jersey. Like I didn't know, it was short lived. But like Jackie for a while there like went to Jen's house and was like, I'm here for you if you need anything. that like shifted everything, you know, and I feel like you kind of have to, I just can't imagine not being in that space, A, if I was on reality TV, like for my sanity, just to be able to

like not attach onto things so much, but also just because I just think it makes it better TV. Yeah, and I think that, like you mentioned with Beverly Hills is kind of the frustration now that it feels like we're in this sort of, we're at an impasse with like half of the cast just kind of unwilling to to play along in a way that it's like okay like we know that you guys are friends but like maybe you don't that doesn't mean you have to like be so shut off from this whole segment of the cast and it just it feels like there's this audience disconnect with the people actually on the show and it's like it's not fun if you feel like everybody on the show has just like decided who they're friends with and nothing is going to change that it's like okay like

maybe just like we know somebody you know we know you like to act so like yeah I wonder sometimes like especially with Beverly Hills especially because like the ratings are

almost better than ever they're so high like I wonder if there's like a if it ain't broke don't fix it type of approach but I feel like a lot of the watching is like frustration watching which can't last forever and I do think that

there is something about Beverly Hills that they can kind of rest on the glamour in a different way and they can rest on people tuning in, I think, just because of, like, facial recognition also. Like, they're just, like, very recognizable, you know, delisters, but still, they're, like, recognizable people. Which I think that's why you'll get an episode where, like, did anything really happen

as opposed to, like, again, in these, like, other cities, like, a Potomac, even, like, a Jersey lately, it's, like, there's not a single episode. Like, they're not just going to sit there and talk about the weather. They're, like, you have, like, 20 minutes, and, like, Gisela's gone through, like, five things in people's closets. and also go to see with their daughters who, like, roasted her. You know what I mean? It's just like, yeah.

And I think maybe Beverly Hills this season has benefited from, it's been the last couple of years it's been on at the same time as New York, which I think they probably have a lot of audience overlap. And this year, New York isn't there. So it's kind of like, if you're one of those Bravo fans who doesn't watch Real Housewives of Atlanta, first of all, fix it. But second of all, it's like, that's kind of the one show you are watching right now. So it's like Beverly Hills is like the thing.

And yeah, I do, it feels like there's something in the water, something in the air about maybe a cast shakeup. And I am kind of hoping that that happens a little bit after this season. I know. And there's just so many of them. I mean, my God. It's like hard. That's true. Yeah.

But we don't. We haven't even been to Aspen yet. So that's going to be a whole. Oh, I know. I know. Andy tweeted that he wanted reunion questions. and I'm like, I don't even know where we're going to be in three weeks. Right.

Everything's going to change. And that's what, again, I feel like it's always frustrating with Beverly Hills. And I feel like this happened again. There's something about the trips. Like, this happened again, like, with the Denise trip when they went to Rome. It's like, I just feel like we know too much. And then there's a bit of a fatigue going into it as opposed to like, again, I always say this. Like, I had the, the, had the Denise of it all played out without us knowing about it.

Like, without like the Daily Mail, like, Brandy Glendale affair revealed. whatever. Like I feel like it would have just, A, been more entertaining TV. And then B, we maybe just would have been able to see the dynamics a little bit more. Because again, I just think ultimately it wasn't about Brandy Denise. It was just about them like, because she wasn't showing up to work, basically, and like leaving early. This is basically what it was about. Right. Like, imagine if we had seen that Bravo, Bravo, Bravo moment in Rome without knowing that it was coming. It would have been like, whiplash. I would have been like, what just, what just, can she do that? Is that what just happened? What does that even mean?

And I think, you know, some with some of the franchises, it's like the trips are always kind of like the most exciting part of the season. And I do think with Beverly Hills sometimes it's a little bit like, okay, so now they're in Mexico for three episodes. Like there can be, I mean, there can be great moments that happen on the trips, but it does it feels a little bit like, okay, so this is this is what's happening for the next three weeks. So you can probably just move on, you know, like, I don't know. Whereas like in Jamaica, it's like I didn't know what was going to happen every day of the trip. No. Not at all. I feel like, again, the only thing I knew going into the season, I was like, okay, I think, because Candy and Marlow both talked openly about how, like, things got heated between them. And that was pretty much all I really knew about it, you know? And I feel like it's just been so, like, I'm just refreshing and exciting. I just don't feel like we need to, I'm saying this, but I'm also hypocritical because, like, I also will, like, try and parse through blinds, I say with air quotes, but like, lights or like, do what, because it is fun. And obviously, even like, you know, it's like, listen, Joe, not going to the wedding. I love. Like my whole day just revolved around that.

But at the same time, it's like, sometimes it's just, it's nice to not know everything. This just makes it a bit better as opposed to like now waiting for this Aspen trip where we know little things, but don't know what made it to camera. And there's been all these different. It's just, it's, it's. Right. Like, is, is Kathy going to go to the reunion? That seems like it could potentially not happen based on, but also like we don't know what's happening in Aspen. but then after Aspen, it certainly was the word on the street that she was kind of like done with housewives.

Like it's kind of a very like, like Tanya vibe to me where the Bolo thing went down and then we never saw her again. It's like, I feel like that might be the Kathy Hilton. She was like, you will never see my face again. Tamara running. Absolutely not. You won't speak about me on camera. You won't show a clip that I was in. there will be no mention of Tanya Sam after X date, signed sealed.

Order by a judge. Oh my gosh. I do remember. She used to frequent and remember like, before that season aired. Like, yes, Dylan, we met. Like, she used to really be in those rooms all the time. And then she wasn't. You know why?

Because she was like an investor in Clubhouse. Yeah. I mean, Tanya Sam, say what you will about her time on Housewives, but she's like an extremely successful business woman. I always wanted more for her. Like I always kind of wanted her to have a peach. I thought she was really interesting. So it is kind of a bummer.

Yeah. I just liked that her energy was like so vastly different than anybody else we had had on Real Housewives of Atlanta. And I thought that considering how different she was from everyone else on that cast, I thought she weirdly worked well within the group. Yeah. So that was kind of a bummer. I guess last thing, kind of on that note, speaking of friends, how are you feeling about Monietta? and do you think you would want to see more of her in the future? I feel like, I hate to, like, look at her, like, just logistically,

but I do feel like it's nice to have just, like, kind of one friend. You know what I mean? Like, it's nice that, like, again, I feel like with Atlanta for so long, it was really just, like, all the trips were padded with, like, so many friends, and it just, like, would all get convoluted and all over the place. And I do feel like she kind of has, like, been the voice of reason, at least in this trip a little bit. bit and has been able to cut, you know what I mean?

Like, yes, she's really close to candy, but she was able to sit and talk with Marlowe about it and kind of pick it down and not come for Marlowe at the same time. So I definitely would love to see more of her. But again, I feel like kind of no specific way about it. I agree. I liked that. I liked the scene she had with Marlowe where Marlowe was like, let's sit by the pool and like Manjada and Jure were the only ones that came.

But yeah, it's like I'm not, I'm not like obsessed with her, but I do I do think she's like a nice presence to have in the group. And I agree that sometimes having that like one extra person can kind of help flesh it out. But then obviously it can get crowded if you try and add too many people. But I don't know, maybe maybe she can stay. And then we can get, Neo's more recent ex who just like blasted him for cheating on Instagram. Like maybe we can get like the Neo X's to be a little like RHOA club. We'll get really into the mess of it all. No, I, yeah, that would be really fun. I feel like, yeah, I would like, I would like some more of her.

We'll see. I feel like we're going to, I personally feel like this cast, the peaches as is. I want them all to come back. And then you can maybe add one or two, maybe mix it up a bit. But I just think it's for the first time in a long time. It's like we made it through the dark ages a little bit. I totally feel the same way. And I feel like speaking of making through the dark ages, it's a Monday morning.

and you have really brightened up my day, Jared. So thank you for being here. Yes, you find mine too. Let everyone know where they can follow you and find your stuff. Yes. So as you mentioned earlier, you can find all my writing and reality TV reporting at the griot.com. But my Instagram is at the Jared Alex. And then my Twitter is, hey, it's Jared.

Hey, with two Y's. So H-E-Y-Y, it's Jared. Amazing. Thank you, as always, for being here. And thank you, everyone, for listening. Don't forget to rate, review, and follow the show wherever you listen. You can follow us on Instagram at Bravo by Betches. And until

next time, be cool. Don't be all like I'm cool. Mentioned at all is produced by Dylan Hafer, Sean Kilby, Jorge Morales Pico, and Rebecca Sousa McCat. Editing by Horace Pico, social media by Dylan Hafer, guest booking by Dylan Hafer and Ali Friedlander. Be sure to follow at Bravo by Betches on Instagram and Twitter. Yamava Resort and Casino at San Manuel

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