Mention It All - Legs & Hips & Body, Body Ft. Jared Alexander (RHOA)

Episode Date: May 23, 2022

Dylan is joined by Jared Alexander, entertainment writer at The Grio, to break down this week’s episode of RHOA. They discuss their early thoughts on this season, and why having a non-toxic cast dynamic makes such a difference. They chat about Kandi and Drew’s marital issues, and then take the 5am sprinter van to NYC. After questioning the logistics of Todd’s Jersey crib, they get into why the final dinner proved Shereé and Kenya are Housewives geniuses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Ha ha, laugh, funny, Mention It All, a Bravo by Betches podcast. We don't say that, but now we said it with Dylan Hafer. We'll go and check me, though. Hey, everyone, welcome back to the Mentioned All podcast. I'm Dylan Hafer, and today I am so excited to be joined by a returning guest. He is an entertainment writer at the Griot, and one of my favorite people to talk Bravo with, please welcome Jared Alexander.

Hi, hi, Dylan. I'm so happy to be back, ready to talk all about all the goings on. I'm so happy to have you back. This morning I am, you know, the meme that's like head empty, no thoughts just, and it's like, legs and hips and body, body. Let's get them, girls. That was my entire weekend. My entire weekend.

Also just the TikToks. The TikToks. I always think it's funny. On TikTok, this happens occasionally, usually with something from Atlanta because they are simply the most memable, I guess. People who don't know about Housewives or Bravo or anything will find these sounds and start doing trends to them. We've seen it with like various like NeNe clips or whatever.

Like they're always the ones going viral. But people meming this candy song that's from like eight years ago, I think. It was on the like a mother's love soundtrack. Right. And people are eating her up for this song. The, like, temple run one that Julian Hagan's did. Somebody else put it to, like, shark bait hoo-haha from finding Nemo. It is just, this song is wild.

Right. It's like Ariel after visiting Ursula. Like, let's it. It's so funny. And also what I love about all the two is that, like, you know, Candy will never miss a moment to make some coin. Like, she's been tweeting out now on the Spotify link. Make sure to go stream.

Like, she's been sharing it so much. And watch this song is probably going to chart just because of, how much TikTok is using it. Right. Like, it is funny because Candy, I mean, Candy Miss Legendary Burris, as,

uh, as Drew and maybe Sherey's assistant, Anthony called her. Like, she is so successful, so iconic, all of this stuff. But like,

her solo music career is kind of a, a little bit of a minefield. And so it's funny that it's like this random song from all those years ago that nobody ever listened to or cared about. It's like, go viral, girl. Take the,

take those streams. Right. I want a bravo con performance of Candy doing this song, please. Oh, my God. That would be iconic. We are here to talk about all things Atlanta today. We are now four episodes into this season. And before we talk about this week's episode, I just want to get a little vibe check with you of how you're liking this season so far. You know, I think, like kind of the general consensus, I think, is that it's way better than what we've had before. it's definitely on the right track. Is it perfect?

No. It almost feels a little bit, you know, like last season of O.C., I guess. That was like, you know, better than the last few seasons, but on the right track. I do think this is better than the last season of O.C. For sure, just because it's Atlanta and they're just way more engaging and entertaining. And I think all the pieces are there. And we'll see. I'm excited to see how the season plays out.

As I was watching this last episode, too, thinking about talking to you about this. I just feel like they're throwing every housewife trope at the wall in this season already. It's like we've had so many group therapy scenes. We've had like the couples talking about sex stories. We've had these like two personal invites, like in person invites at everyone's houses. Like we're just throwing everything to see what's going to stick. And I think some is, some's landing better than others. You know what was funny to me going.

This is going back to last week's episode a little bit. But Kenya was so shady toward Marlowe for her. model with a laptop invite. And then we hear that her invite to Brooklyn's tea party, birthday party was just a text. And I'm like, Kenya. I know.

After all of that. Candies was maybe the most confusing, though, because the model with the laptop was like a little strange. But they're going on this trip to New York City to see Candies play. And also to take a field trip to Todd's Jersey crib. And we're getting an invite by like a BDSM couple who are bringing them dildos and vibrating panties. I'm like, where is all of, the only through line here is that candy's making money on all of it. Right, right.

That is the only through line. We need some more consistency. Also, I don't know if you've seen thoughts of a color man or if they had seen it yet, but that certainly is the theme of the show. No. It's not, you know, candy-coated thoughts. I unfortunately did not see thoughts of a collared man It's funny that Candy is talking about getting butts in seats because I was at one point DEMming with them about coming to the show and then kind of got ghosted

And I unfortunately didn't make it But she's she's producing another play coming up later this year The August Wilson revival So I'm I feel like that's a little bit more of a hit potential just because of like the You know it's like a well-known play She's going for that Tony Okay. And I know. Again, Candy, I think it's honestly one of the most exciting reasons to go on a trip. Like, it's pretty authentic. So that's what it was so weird about the invitation. Like, it didn't have to be this convoluted thing that we usually have to do because these trips, there's these reasons are usually fake. This was like a real reason to go to New York. Because like it was one of the first Broadway plays back. It was like in the beginning of the, you know, the first season post-COVID. And it was a big deal.

We start this episode at Marlowe's vacant lot that she is allegedly building a house on. She's looking at the plans. The architect has taken like some wild amount of square feet off of the house to get it within her budget, which she won't say what the budget is, which is funny to me. But Kenya and Chiray come to take a visit. And this scene just, this was what made me happy because I'm like, this is just pure housewives, like low stakes, but fun shade about the house journeys that these women have been on over all the years that we've seen them. Right. It was, I think they're doing this thing. And again, not to always compare it to OC, but I feel like a lot of these shows that are kind of in transition right now, it's like we have to look back a little to then move forward.

And it's like so nice that like to have that, just to have that setup of like Kenya and Sherey talking about Marlowe's house plans. And we had this like historic feud with them about their own houses. But it's like still moving stuff along. Like this is something that is going on in Marlowe's life. And it's also fun to see Kenya and Shire like buddy, buddy. I think it's like they're stronger together, which is very fun. Totally. I love the three of them together in a scene.

And the fact that Marlow and Kenya are in this kind of in. between space where clearly they can, they get along well enough to do something like this together, but also at a moment's notice, they're fully just bickering again. And Marlowe kind of brings up, she's saying she, they're like, girl, why aren't you in Buckhead? And she's like, I can't get what I want in Bucket. Like, I don't have the money for that. And she's like, you all are always asking me about where my money comes from. And in this case, I'm like, Marlowe, you just, you brought it up. Right. She's constantly bringing up. And I think that, But what's good, like you said, about that dynamic.

Like, that's my favorite housewives dynamic is when, like, you can be in the same room together and, like, even be, like, kind of friendly, but then, like, at a moment's known as you can pick her and then go back. Like, I always think outside of the last season and hopefully in the new season, it'll be more like that. But, like, I always think of Karen and Giselle like that. Like, it is so fun that they can, like, you know, it's never, like, I refuse to be in the room with her or, like, it's, like, vicious.

It's, like, they're really fun when, like, they can actually get along and, like, tease each other and shade each other. And I think we're kind of getting that with them, which is fun. Totally. I feel like right now the whole the whole cast has kind of a fun dynamic. And there's nothing so toxic within the cast right now to where it feels like when they have a group scene together, it's like, yeah, there's probably going to be drama. And I hope so. But it's not like this thing of, oh, God, like, I can't be in the room with her.

We really, I mean, Drew and Choray are clearly not seeing eye to eye on things. that's a whole other thing. But like, there's nobody that's like really hates anybody else right now. And it's, it's kind of refreshing. It is. And I don't think they can afford to have a season like that. Like, I feel like, you know, those seasons are either going to be amazing or terrible. And I think they obviously Atlanta needed a huge shakeup. And like we need a season where obviously it has to be engaging and there needs to be drama. But it also has to be watchable. And I think we have a lot of seasons lately where it's really tough when people clearly just do not like each other and refuse to like play ball with each other. Right. There's definitely a, there's a fine line when two people

are feuding with each other or have beef to where it's kind of like goes from this like fun shade area of like, oh, I don't really like her, but like, you know, we're playing the same game. Then it can so easily tip into that kind of toxic space of like, no, either I won't spend time with her or if I do, it's going to be miserable for everyone. Honestly, on Beverly Hills so far this season, I'm like, the Sutton and Erica dynamic, it's like exciting, but also makes me a little nervous because I'm like, I don't want every group scene to just like descend into like, well, fuck you. Well, fuck you. Like, where's my apology? You're not getting one. Right. It definitely, I mean, it was exciting. Like, I feel like I literally lost my breath.

But at the same time, you're right. Like, that only gets you so far. And, like, I think, again, with these shows, like, we need to see forward movement or else they get really stuck and stale. Like, it was even nice seeing all of them go on the sprinter van together. You know what I mean? And just, like, all kind of be together. I just love that, too, that, like, because a lot of times you don't see that. Even on Salt Lake City, they've only been doing this for, like, two years.

And, like, half of them refused to ride in a van with each other. Like, well, what are we doing? I need to see, like, the sprinter van driver's route that. morning because I'm like, knowing where some of these women live either on the outskirts are like fully not in Atlanta. I'm like, that could not have been like the most efficient way to get everybody to the airport. Right. It was clearly in the wee small hours of the morning. It was pitch black. I was like kind of triggered by it. Like you know like we have to get up so early for a flight and it's just like the most stressful thing. It's like so haunting that we watch

that scene. Yeah. When I went to L.A. last month, my flight back was at 5.30 in the morning. So I literally had, I woke up at three. I slept in my Airbnb for like three hours with, I left the lights on because I was scared I wasn't going to wake. I wasn't going to wake up. And I literally, my Uber driver to the airport like tried to start a conversation. I'm like, sir, it's 3.30. I literally can't form words right now, sir. Your summer starts now with Memorial Day deals at the Home Depot. It's time to fire up summer cookouts with the next grill four-burner gas grill on special buy for only $199. And entertain all season with the Hampton Bay West Grove seven-piece outdoor dining set for only

$499. This Memorial Day get low prices guaranteed at the Home Depot. While supplies last, price in valid May 14th or May 27th, U.S. only exclusions apply. See Home Depot.com slash price match for details. We get another scene with Candy and Todd, you know, kind of setting the scene for this New York trip and they're still kind of not on the same page about this Jersey condo. And I, I can't really decide where I land with this storyline. Because on one, on the one hand, I get where candy's coming from a little bit and also seeing where this condo is. It's not, it's not like

right outside the city. But also I'm like, this kind of feels like a storyline to me. It's like, why are we talking about this now? Right. It definitely does. And they're just so passive with each other. Like they were on that walk the neighborhood and just like kind of going back and forth about it. Like I definitely see both sides and it makes sense. I just don't think it's that compelling, especially compared to everything that candy usually has going on in her life, you know? And then it's like that mirrored with the Drew and Ralph of it all.

And it's just like a lot of relationship dynamic. stuff that I think is kind of the weaker spots of the season so far. And I think we'll, yeah, we'll talk about Drew and Ralph in a second, but it's like their issues feel so real and deep. Whereas with Candy and Todd, it feels like for some reason, they feel like every season they need to give us a Candy and Todd going through some shit little moment. And it always kind of feels like the latest app update of like the same thing where it's like, okay, you're still just, you're having like a conversation, either Candy's too busy or Candy's not giving Todd enough credit or Todd's not getting enough support on his thing or,

you know, now Todd's too busy. And it's like it never really feels like they're actually having like conflict in any fundamental way in their relationship. relationship. It's just like we've been watching for like eight seasons, them trying to balance business and life and being busy and give and take with each other. And it's like at a certain point, like, I don't necessarily doubt that these are real issues. But it's like we don't, we don't need to hear about it every time. Right. And I think when you're like a mainstay housewife like that, I mean, she technically is, she is an OJ basically. But let's say, you know what I mean? She's been here for so long. Like I feel like you do see these patterns. I love.

that app update thing because it does kind of feel that way and as much as I also famously I do love Melissa Gorka even though a lot of people have feelings about her but I will say that it was like for like four or five years it was like Melissa and Joe like Melissa's too busy she's getting more she has all these events to go to because of the show and Joe wants her home like it was just the same type of story just like elevated and just like the same thing and I think it is hard and also Joe and Todd are both I think house husbands who like are really in the mix I would say um comparatively that kind of both are in the same capacity. And I think it's got to be hard.

And I don't believe, I do believe that this probably is an issue, right? Like, it makes so much sense that Candy would feel this way. It just feels like tiny little things that are blown up to be huge things. You're what I mean? And it's like,

and that it's like, even if this is a real thing that you guys are going through, maybe we could, you could mention it on the show, but it doesn't need to be like a storyline that we're getting scenes about every episode. And compared, from there, we go to Drew and Ralph's house where they're having Dr. Ken come over

for therapy. And it's like, I literally am getting to the point where I want to like yell at the TV for Drew to like come to her senses. And so like, then when we see Candy being like, I don't want to stay at the Jersey crib, it's like, okay. We got some real shit going on next door. Right. Crazy shit. I mean, I can't, I don't want it. That's so funny. I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't, I can't, I want to stay. The thing about, think about Drew and Ralph is that it's like, it really is like, the gaslighting is just insane. And it also feels like those are real issues. But then there is a part of me that's like, there is no way. It just feels, again, it doesn't feel forced or staged to me. It's just like hard for me to believe that they really are saying these things.

on camera. It's just kind of insane. And we've seen so many couple's therapy scenes. Um, and, you know, you always kind of really have to suspend your disbelief in those, which, like, I'm sure there, you do have a lot of growth. And, like, those are issues. You know what I mean? Like, whether the cameras in there or not, you're still having a session. Um, but my God, he, I always go back to last week when, uh, when Drew said that she was, that he puts her on tumble dry all the time. Like, and I, that's literally what you see. Like, she's constantly, And I feel like we the audience are on Tumble Dry. Like, I just can't even find out how we got to this place.

Like, all of a sudden it switches, and they're just saying the nastiest things to each other, and he's gaslighting the hell out of her. I, yeah, I agree. And the therapy session, I felt like it started strong. And then at a certain point, it almost felt like Dr. Ken was sort of just like on Ralph's side, kind of. And was, like, explaining to Drew why. Ralph was mad and it's like, well, don't you think you could be a little more, it's like, because Ralph's whole thing is like, you know, I gave her steak and lobster. She deserved a lunchable and she should be, you know, like on her knees thanking me for

planning a dinner. And Dr. Ken is like, right, Drew, I think you could work on living in the moment. And it feels like her, to me, like her whole thing about like, I don't want to just like have a nice dinner and pretend that our issues aren't real, that is so valid to me. And it feels like she's not really being like heard or listened to in this therapy session. And the assignment that he gives them to do 30 days of no, 30 days of no combative conversations. To me, like, I don't, okay, first of all, I'm not like a therapist. This is not my area of expertise. But it feels like that is the kind of assignment where it's like they are not in the

space right now to go 10 minutes without a combative conversation. So it feels like a little bit it's like this isn't based in reality. Come on. No, it's not. It's like yes, in a perfect world, sure. But also like I feel like, and again, I'm also not a therapist, but I feel like you have to mind through. You should mind through those things. You know what I mean? And instead of just doing like whatever that person wants for the 24 hours or whatever. Like I just think. I just think. It's like, how does that really, though, help with your serious, serious communication issues? Like, they, it's like they aren't even speaking the same language half the time. Right.

Like, Dr. Ken didn't actually try to work through any of their problems. He's just like, I came up with an idea. Don't fight for 30 days. And it's like, if that was, if you could not fight for 30 days, you wouldn't be at couples. Right. Right. Oh, my gosh. Yeah.

So, and I feel like, again, we see these things a lot. but for some, like, you know, like, I feel like we saw Ashley and Michael a lot in therapy, which is funny now that I say that, but we would see, like, scenes like that. And, you know, it is always interesting to, like, have a look at their dynamics and, like, have someone on the outside, you know, tell them what kind of the audience sees. But, yeah, the assignment, I was like, this is just a recipe for disaster. And, like, knowing that the New York trip was coming up, too, like, no. Right.

Like, no part of me has any. faith in them to like not, to not argue. I mean, the New York trip, I feel like we're being set up for mess right off the bat because Kenya's mad that it's a couple's trip. She says she wasn't made aware of this, even though it kind of seems like she was. Right. Because Candy, I mean, Katie told her. Last season where, you know, they were all pissed because Kenya, you know, brought Brooklyn

and they all going to bring their kids. So I do think it's kind of a funny parallel there. Right. And she's like, as the only single person, I feel like I should have known. And it's like, well, I mean, what? Like, were you really going to bring a date to the trip? Like, I don't know. Doesn't seem like the vibe.

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when you tear open that envelope. It's time for a little in-person spring treat. It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic. Shiree gets on the bus, the sprinter, and she feels awkward around Drew and Ralph, and she says, that bitch is whack, which is just like the funniest thing.

But I feel like it did strike me when they were getting on the bus. And I'm like, I don't really think Shire has spent much time around Ralph yet. And so like if she's heard so many horrible things about this man and then it's like, yay, now we're on a trip together for three days. It is kind of not my ideal situation. Right. And I think it's always interesting to have, obviously, Jersey does it all the time. In Atlanta, I feel like used to do it all the time. Like the husbands used to always be on the trips.

and I think it does set up like kind of an interesting dynamic and especially because we have, you know, two new housewives as well. We're still getting used to their spouse. Well, Drew's not new, but still. We're still kind of getting used to those dynamics. I think it sets it up for a lot of fun stuff. And yeah, I think Kenya being single also like puts her in a unique position though, which is why I really feel like she excelled like the second half of the episode. I was just like she was moving so much along, especially at that. Right.

Yeah, she's in this position of like she doesn't really. have that much to worry about. She is finally, she's over the hill with the Mark stuff. There's no back and forth with that. You know, she's waiting on him to sign the papers or whatever, but like, that's not a storyline for her anymore. And so she really is just kind of free to do her work in and out of the group, and she is extremely good at it.

First of all, the, uh, candy making them tell sex stories to get the second suite in the penthouse was like, first of all, so dumb. But also the full lies and fantasies that these women came up with to try to secure that room. Kenya's, for Marlow says that she had sex at the zoo while a giraffe was watching. And then the giraffe licked her face. Ralph, all of these animal stories, Ralph says that they had sex in the ocean in the Dominican Republic right in front of a whale. I was scared that Ralph was going to tell a story and then realized that it, it was something that happened with another woman and not true.

Right. Literally. Something that happened down to Florida. Right. It was like, wait a minute. And then Kenya's story about how she was someplace with coyotes. And they like shot the coyote. And then it was like dragging its blood everywhere.

They ended up in a cave. And then it was like a coyote's lair. What the fuck is happening? Like cavern. Right. It was ridiculous. And the charades. just screaming, you were turned on by coyote blood?

It was so ridiculous. And like what, I feel like Candy said at the interview, she was like, she made this up. But it just was, that's the thing about Atlanta that I will say is that it's like, again, we've seen this. Like, didn't we just have this in the last season of Jersey? They were talking about like, who watches the most porn while they were at the shore, like all the couples. Like, I feel like this is such a thing, like to talk about that stuff.

And it's really funny. But I feel like the Atlanta women are just inherently funny. So it at least makes it a bit more engaging and entertaining, you know. They are so funny. And I love seeing them kind of in their confessinals. They're making so many, like, hilarious, shady comments. And I feel like, like we were talking about having the group dynamic that's kind of like fun shade and not so toxic. It makes the episode so, like, enjoyable to watch because it feels like they're just free to be their hilarious selves. So before they take a field trip to, as Marlow calls, it. the furnish-less condo. We see Sonia is already having some questions about her alleged friendship that we're told she has with Drew. I'm not sure how much I buy that. But it's telling to me that within three or four episodes, she's already sort of clocking.

Oh, Drew in the context of this assistant drama with Shiree is, instead of listening to what Shiree has to say, immediately throwing Shiree under the bus in favor of her assistant. And whether or not, whoever's telling the truth in this story, it is messy from a group perspective that Drew has immediately chosen to side with Anthony. Right. And I think what's really working well for her is that it is steeped in, you know, it makes sense for the audience. Like we also are watching Drew's behavior and are kind of questioning it.

So it's kind of nice that I think she's playing her cards really right because it doesn't feel like, oh, she's just like throwing her friend under the bus who like brought her on, you know what I mean, or introduce her to this group or whatever. Like, it really does feel genuinely like, this behavior is kind of weird. And if she's doing this to this person, like, who is she really? Like, what is her character? Yeah. And Drew to me is somebody who like, I, I don't know how much I love Drew as a housewife, but I do think that she has been putting in work the last couple seasons. And I respect that I think she's, you know, really playing the game. but it is kind of she's one of those people where I'm like,

sometimes I really like you and you seem nice and normal and cool and fun. And then sometimes I'm like, what's the real story there? Because with all this stuff with her marriage, it's really easy to feel sympathetic for her. And I think she really is kind of in a tough spot there. But sometimes with the women, it's like, hmm, I don't know. I feel like she's like trying to outsmart everyone there. and I don't know if she quite has it in that way.

No, not yet. And you're kind of seeing that with Sherey a bit. And I think it's like regardless of the truth of it all, I think what really you're kind of we're starting to get at is that it's like either way, like how was this person still employed by you, this assistant? You know what I mean? Regardless of everything. And I feel like that is kind of what the women are leaning towards.

Like, well, he was saying all this stuff anyway. Like whether or not it's true, it's like this is someone who is working under you right now who you're paying, you know? Yeah, at this dinner, which first of all, it's hilarious to me that their first night in quote-unquote New York City, they're spending at Todd's condo in Fort Lee and then a random Cuban restaurant in West New York. Like, they're not even in Jersey City. They're like folks in Jersey. Right. I know. They should have just gone to rails at that point. It's a little crossover. Yes. Oh, my God. They should be at rail steakhouse and they should be shopping at Envy. But at this dinner, so they're talking about Drew and Ralph, and Kenya Moore is so masterful in the way that she brings this back around to the assistant drama with Shire.

Because like, first of all, when she told, when she said that Ralph reminded her of Mark so much, that was kind of a mic drop moment for the audience, I think, because, because. Mark put her through the fucking ringer. And I don't think there was, there was never one moment on the show where we were rooting for her to stay with Mark. And so I think, obviously, she went through a lot with that too, but I think for the audience,

it's like, we know how rough of a thing, a comparison that is. Right. And I feel like those are the, those are like some of my favorite parts of being a real housewife's fan. I'm not kidding. It's like, when you're so many times,

we see these women who we like, regardless of how we feel about them or like the certain things they do in their groups, like, we generally want the best for them. And when we see them in situations and relationships, you kind of like can't wait but dream about like when they're on the other side of it, like how they're going to look at it, like how they're going to approach things. And I feel like with her, it was like such a breath of fresh air. And it really made me proud of her a little bit. Like she A has this like beautiful baby girl and she just is really thriving right now and it's in this great moment. But like it wasn't too long ago that, you know, she was in a similar situation to where Drew is right now, at least from what they're showing

on the show and at least from what we're getting. And so for her to clock that, not only on the show, but in the scene. Like, it wasn't like she said that in an interview, which would have also been pretty powerful, but, like, she said it to his face in the scene. It just, like, it was really juicy, but also I just felt like it was rewarding. Like, kind of in a weird way, like, I was just so proud of her. And I liked, so, I mean, obviously Kenya and Drew were not on great terms last season, but they, you know, made some agreement to like turn over a new leaf. And while I don't think Kenya really has any interest in being good friends with Drew, I really respected in this interaction that she was kind of sticking up for her in the relationship context and really calling

Ralph's bullshit like she sees it. And, you know, like we're saying, she would know, she has experience with that. But then she does not miss the opportunity to turn around and say, but Drew, I feel like you kind of do the same thing with your friends. And let's take a poll around the table. Should we? Right. But like, so it's like, so Ralph needs to admit he's wrong.

But Drew, so do you. And I'm like, that that is how to play the game. Can you miss producer more? Yes. And Sherey doesn't miss a beat. She steps in and she has. has that text receipt from Anthony. And I feel like this is kind of what I mean when I say,

like, I don't know if Drew really, like, has her shit together in a reality TV context the way she thinks she does because Kenya and Shiree are masters of the craft. Period. Period. They're playing a different game, for real, a game that they've been playing for a really long time, like the old seasons of Atlanta or just old housewives in general. And I think when Drew came on last season, I mean, we've talked about this in Osse, There was like so many moving pieces.

There were more friends and housewives. Like, and I think Drew did stand out. But like, it's really fun to see, you know, like, can you just, like, throw that? And, like, Shire just, like, catch the ball perfectly and, like, keep things moving. And as good as Drew is, I think she has a lot of potential. She kind of is, this is like a new playing field for her. And I think everyone, it elevates everyone else, too, even candy. All new drinks are now at McDonald's.

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Last season, Drew's, I mean, Drew and Kenya got into it toward the end of the season, but her main beef was really with Latoya, who I have not thought about, even saying that name feels like weird in my mouth. But she and Kenya really only butted heads toward the end of the season and then at the reunion. Kenya was more focused during the season on her stuff with Marlowe and her stuff with Portia.

So like I feel like Drew, while she in Kenya did kind of butt heads last season, she didn't get the full brunt of the, the Kenya more, experience, if you want to call it that. So, like, I think this season, because of the cast shakeup, because of the fact that she's not a first season housewife, she really has, like, stepped into the ring. And I think she, with, especially with somebody like Shiree coming back, I think people

sometimes forget or underestimate how good at this Shiree is, too. And it's like, I mean, you better, you better come correct because you're going to get destroyed. Right. And I mean, she wrote the, literally the blueprint of what they're doing. Like, for real. Like, especially with the OGs in Atlanta. I mean, they absolutely changed the game. And Sherey's, we wouldn't have Atlanta without her.

So it's really fun to see her. Also, they take their time, which is so interesting. Like, not only are they good, it's like, it's just enough. Even at the premiere party at Marlowe's thing, it was just enough. There wasn't like a, because, you know, it could always escalate into this huge, even when Drew was, like, trying to have that conversation with Shire about. the assistant. It almost felt like Shrey Hurter and like we're going to get there in time type of thing, which I think is also kind of, you know, I feel like wanting to make a good show

is a great thing always. And you can do that authentically too. Like I'm sure this is a real thing. I'm sure, you know, this assistant really did work for Shiree. Like it all works out in that way. But it was so fun. It like, it made me giddy that last scene. Yeah. I think when you talk about wanting to make a good show, that's something that I always think about with Potomac. And I think that they've done an incredible job of over the last few seasons especially is like, I think they all really understand that the job of being on the show and of, you know, producing a great season of television. And with like Karen and Giselle, but also with Ashley, Robin, Candice, I think also really

gets it is like they clock into work and they get it done. And I think that shows in the fact that Potomac has never had. a real off, like a week season. Whereas some of these shows, you can, sometimes you're watching and you can tell that certain people don't really want to be there or certain people aren't really willing to engage in the way that we need them to as viewers. And that shows really, it's really obvious. And so far on Atlanta this season, it feels to me like everybody is clocked in.

And I really appreciate that. Right. I really, really do. And I think it helps, you know, all that to be said about knowing what to do and, like, being an OG. Like, we have had a little bit of an OG problem, too, you know? We're like, OGs get really comfortable. We really saw that in Atlanta. So it's nice to see it, you know, change.

I mean, to be honest, I feel like Kenya was always fucking in, even last season. I mean, she was the whole thing behind the stripper gate of it all. But I think that, not stripper gate, the Bolo gate, Jesus Christ. How many gates? It's so many gates. Yeah, but I think that You know, it's It's really just

All we want is just a good TV show, you know And I think they want it too But we kind of saw that with Roney a lot too We're like the It's so many things have to be in play And it's not just the fact that you've been there Or you're an OG You know, you still have to show up

And the cast dynamic has to be good And I really have high hopes for Atlanta Again, it's not I don't think it's the best season of Atlanta We're ever going to have But it's certainly better than I think the past Three? Three? Yeah.

even I mean even the there when they go to Todd's condo which on the I mean just on a surface level I'm like why are they going to Todd's condo as a group like if Todd and Candy need to go there to take care of some stuff that's fine but like why are we all on the sprinter van going out on the turnpike to the past IKEA stuck in all this traffic right but I like when Todd's like see no traffic and it's like bitch please but I know They get to this condo. And the way that Kenya is just walking around like a fucking property brother being like, you could put new tile, take out the kitchen, open it up, fireplace. Pergola. She has the full vision. And, you know, Chirre is, of course, making her comments. Kenya puts on the hard hat in the confessional.

She's got the hammer. And she tweeted during the episode last night. She literally is, like, campaigning to get a show on Bravo where they let her renovate the Jersey crib. And that, to me, it's just like, I know it won't happen, but imagine if it did. Honestly, though, look at all the amazing peacock content we're getting. I mean, it's honestly a maybe. Like, I think, like, let's not, let's not, you know, throw that completely away. Because I think that definitely could be an option.

I would love that so much. Her little hard hat. Oh, my God. Kenya and the hard hat. And you know, she would be just like fully on. If Kenya ever was to get a spinoff like that, I feel like it would be really watchable. Like, I don't, I don't feel like Kenya is capable of being like not entertaining on TV. No, I mean, look at Ultimate Girlstrip.

Like, honestly, when I think back, I mean, it was amazing for so many reasons, but like the, every single part of like the plot and any drama had to do with Kenya. And she moved everything along from like asking everyone questions about every. And, you know, it was her and Ramona. God, that made it so fucking watchable. Oh, my God. Sherey's comment at the condo, she says it doesn't even compare to Marlowe's plot of dirt. I'm just like, Jesus Christ. I, okay, personally, I thought the condo was fine.

It just doesn't, I agree with candy that it doesn't make sense with their lifestyle because they don't live there. So if they're coming to New York to be in New York City for something specific, you don't want to stay an hour drive away in New Jersey. No. And then all under the guys of, I want to leave something for my kids, it's like, yes, okay, but you guys have so much money. And so you can leave something else outside of this condo you bought with your ex. Like, I do get where I'm like, where candy's coming from. Right. Like, it's a seller's market right now.

Just sell the condo and invest the money. Right. Oh, my God. Are you kidding? Invest the money. I can barely rent an apartment. New York City. They should be selling that now. Right.

Like, I was going to say I would move there, but I wouldn't. Right. I'd never see you again, Dylan. You'd never see me again. Nobody would ever see me again. And also, I don't have renovation capacity. I'm not built for manual labor. But, you know, maybe they can sell that and then combine that with the legs and hips

and body coin. and get a place in the city. You already know, we're going to get legs and hips and body shirts. We're going to get hats. We're going to probably get a candy-coated collection that's legs, hips, and body. Like, it's about to be a whole thing. The Atlanta reunion dress code this year is legs and hips and body. I'm dead.

Oh, my God. Yeah, candy will find a way to monetize that if it's the last thing she does on this planet. Right. She will be making her money. Oh, my God. God. Oh, my God. Well, Jared, this has been so fun. I'm so glad you were able to join. And you'll have to come back soon. Yes, please. I feel like we're in a, we kind of, we are so lot. We have so much content right now. We're in a good. Absolutely. We always say this whenever we talk, but it really feels like we're getting a lot of shows that like we haven't seen in a while and like new shows too.

The fact that Dubai comes out next week, because they waited so damn long to put out the trailer that now I'm like, wait, it's happening. It's here. Right. I know that trailer literally took forever to come out. People are. It's pretty exciting. I was like posting about like waiting for the trailer and you would not believe the amount of like political explainers I was getting in the DMs. It's like, well, actually in the United Arab Emirates, there's blah, blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, I, I, okay. Like, I just want the trailer. Like, I don't know. I literally just want, you know, Bravo to release that damn trip. Just because I feel like we're used to, I'm, like, conditioned now to getting a trailer and being like, it's going to be like two more months. But we have the trailer to hold us over until then.

But I feel like they've started to do these. They did it with Miami to, like, these big cast announcements, photo. And then we get a trailer, like, you know, a couple weeks later. That's true. Yeah. And also with streaming, it's a little different. like they're always announcing stuff kind of last minute. Right.

But then Girls Trip to and Southern Charm premiere on the same day, which I'm like, that's chaotic. Like, it's just, we're about to be busy. It's a big of a busy summer. I know. How are we going to be able to keep on top of all this stuff? Not to mention Beverly Hills back, Atlanta Salon, but, you know, it's better than I always think back to, you know, that dark, dark period in 2020 when like all the shows that had already been shot have been done. And we were like, are we ever going to get more housewives? ever again. Right. When they,

when they postponed that Potomac season premiere and people, and everybody was like angry, but then I'm like, you don't understand. It will be the only thing we have to look forward to. And little to me know that the season of all seasons to wait for, like it certainly was the way it tore us all apart. Mentally I cannot go back to that place.

Before we go, tell everyone where they can find you, follow you, all of that stuff. So you can find me at the Rio where I'm an entertainment writer, but you can follow me on Instagram at the Jared Alex, or the Jared Alex. Then on Instagram at, hey, it's Jared. H-E-Y-Y-Y, it's Jared. I'm usually retweeting Dylan's memes and everything like that.

Amazing. Well, thank you so much. And thank you everyone for listening. Don't forget to 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 uncool. Mention It All is produced by Sean Kilby and Jorge Moran.

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