DynamiteKiddo

I thought on paper, the Will/Sonny scenes were good because they added a little humor, called back to the baby talk on the night of the baby switch (Adrienne's death taking up so much space this week is a great dimension added to the switch reveal), and, most importantly, it was the narrative thread of the episode.  That is SO important because it adds a lot of credibility to the storytelling.  Part of why soaps are considered "low" for me is because there's very little cohesive structure... figuring out how tie disparate characters/stories together thematically in the daily shows goes a long way.  When Lorraine Broderick was breakdown writer for TomSell, she was really good at this.

What didn't work for me was Chandler Massey & Freddie Smith... they have basically completely lost their spark.  It's such a shame.  Chandler not only smirks 24/7, but he plays Will as usually always really happy... it doesn't track for the character, and there's little variation.  But Freddie is the one who has become almost unwatchable... there's always something annoying with him--either ridiculously saccharine (like wide-eyed) or hella pouty.  I really, really used to like these guys, too.  Both of them were so much better with Christopher Sean, and when he left was when I really started noticing how unpalatable they were becoming.

25 minutes ago, Taoboi said:

Well, as someone who has been in the restaurant industry over 8 years (and food/customer service even longer), I totally understand. Before this, there is even a bar where I frequent that is the hub for all of the restaurant/hotel/nightclub industry down here and we all tell tales all the time on the what it's like. I have even gotten into heated arguments with friends who don't understand the industry because they disrespected a server/bartender/cook/etc was a slight to me and I don't play that...and did call them out on condensing cuz my friends should be snobs. 

 

I do like that Tom has not forgotten where he came from and understands as well. 

I agree.  When someone outside the industry insults or "evaluates" a service industry worker (this does not happen like this in ANY other field), I get fiercely protective lol.  You just don't have the experience or context to do that.

And I'm super proud of Tom Sandoval for not forgetting where he came from.  Even within the industry, it's super disappointing when a manager forgets what it was like to be a server, a server a busser, a bartender a barback, etc. You're in this together, but hierarchy and impatience can be something that plagues this industry.

Anyway, totally getting off topic lol.  Gosh, this reminds me of when this show was actually about the hotmess staff of a restaurant/lounge... once this show lost its authenticity (which I'd say happened after season 3), it's been a slow bleeding out... the show's premise is a blatant farce and they may as well put a pin in this monstrously misshapen balloon before it gets even more unrecognizable.  

Kara Keough's newborn son has passed away.  Tragic.

The OC cast has ideological and political views/agendas that really disgust me, but those early seasons are so great, in large part, because of Jeana, Vicky, Lauri, and Tammy's kids.  The family aspect was so personal, and in some cases, tragic (Lauri and Tammy).  I especially loved getting a peek into Jeana's home life with her kids (and ex), as did most of the audience.

My thoughts are with Kara and her family.  No one should ever have to bear this.

Great read about Covid-19 and Vanderpump Rules

This is really personal for me, as I worked at a bar for over 6 years, and before that, I worked at a restaurant.  Totally unsurprised by Stassi's insensitive, tone deaf "joke."  And if this is true about LVP, Ken, Guillermo, and Nathalie, it's emblematic of the attitude a lot of bar/restaurant owners ultimately have for their staff.  And I'm proud of the Toms for doing something.  We keep on hearing about the hardship small business owners are facing right now, with little coverage of how totally screwed ALL the people who work for them are.  People have a lot of opinions about this industry, and I've accepted that if you haven't worked in the service industry, you usually just don't and can't understand it.

The breakdown writer shouldn't have tried to squeeze a baby switch reveal, Steve getting his memory back, and the Chad/Tony scenes in one episode.  Such a shame they had to be cut...

On a related note, I always have Andre/Tony whiplash... when he's with Anna, I totally see Tony... but the flip flopping since 2007 (and the massive retcon) leaves me dizzy.

I think the baby switch reveal has actually been really good.  Quiet, but really thorough.  We don't have a splashy interrupted wedding (that they couldn't afford), but a lot of the most important beats have played out in solid, character-based scenes that have really been allowed to breathe.  The Brady/Kristen front is lacking for me because their relationship is a farce and I remember HOW that baby was conceived, but hopefully Victor and Xander will remind everyone/us.  They did miss a huge opportunity by not having Haley's picture looming over Kristen on Fri. and Mon.'s episodes.  And at first I thought Sarah's wedding rant was awkward and stupid, but it really came together for me... does anyone think she may run off with the baby?

They should have more effectively used editing to connect Steve & Kayla's scenes with Justin at the wedding... the reunion, while nice (but also way too low-key), felt out of place.  And WTF was with that outer space border on the flashbacks?!?  LOL SMDH!

I'm still thinking the overall lack of impact issue primarily lies with production... the content isn't being packaged for maximum effect.  The show HAS to resolve this energy problem.

20 minutes ago, Cat said:

There are probably few things Faye enjoys more than puncturing the self-important bubble of a trumped-up 'accountability' coach. And I am here for it. Purrrrrr away, Faye.

Yaasss!  Lolol

Teddi is so full of crap.

There should be really powerful scenes between Jack and Steve about Adrienne... and Steve should be reacting to seeing Jack alive.  I hope we get them.  I'm really bummed that Jack's scene over Adrienne's dead body during the flashback week got cut!  The Johnsons are such a great legacy family, and really are the template for the Reeds/Roberts and Walkers.

Not surprised that Ben is choking someone again, lol.  Wonder if the irony there gets mentioned.

NY: So far, I'm really enjoying Leah.  However, I'm getting a bad feeling that could change at some point.  Hope I'm wrong.

I don't know what's up with Dorinda; I don't know if she's making excuses for being a witch with really serious anger, substance, and accountability issues, or if she suffers from serious pressure and has never dealt with it since Richard's death. She's tough--she can be the best and worst person in the span of just a few moments.  Whatever is going on, she ought to adjust her attitude--it's a really bad look.

Ramona and LuAnn are basically doing and saying all the right things after seriously character assassinating themselves last season.  But from the previews, it looks like Lu loses it next week.  Hope there's more to the situation.  I'm a real big LuAnn fan, despite everything.

Sonja gave an enlightening interview about Tinsley claiming RHoNY begins and ends as a job for her and she's inauthentic about her life on-camera and doesn't associate with the women at all off-camera.  Carole took a LOT of heat when she said she and Tinsley weren't close and basically insinuated that they only had a show relationship (it came off kind of horrifying)... but maybe she was keeping it 100.  Wonder what she'd have to say about this?  But who knows, maybe Tinsley stays away because of her experience with Carole??  I know Bethenny got together with Tinsley twice in Florida last year, but I think that had a lot to do with sticking it to Carole.  Tinsley has grown on me but I wouldn't be surprised at all if she gets majorly exposed by the reunion.  Even though Tinsley isn't necessarily compelling tv, her life story, on paper, up until RHoNY is incredibly juicy and fascinating, lol... if only she were as interesting as she reads on paper, lol.

Overall so happy to NY right now.

57 minutes ago, Antoyne said:

Wasn’t Jack just encouraging Justin to fight for Kayla?

I know lol.  At least they're righting that wrong, though.  This situation is messy but it's so predictable how it'll end up.  And even if Kayla (temporarily) picks Justin (kind of like Adrienne did with Lucas a few years ago), it's not like there's much to root for there, lol.  Smh af that Adrienne died for this dog$h!t (and what should be the high-drama Maggie fallout isn't even playing out on-screen).

10 minutes ago, SteelCity said:

I feel that way too, same with Abby and Chad. Although, honestly I'm not finding much about the show to enjoy these days. The only thing I do find remotely interesting is Gabi being a conniving bitch, but she gets no real rivalry or good story.

I hate that they're not showing Gabi now.  While she was fooling everyone, it felt like she was on so much that it became very redundant... but the fallout SHOULD be so interesting, and we're not getting it.  As a group, Lani/Eli/Gabi/Chad/Abby/Sonny/Will have so much history and potential, and this Gabi situation is the perfect vehicle to do cool plot AND character stuff.  (I hate that JJ is gone now.)  And it would make the show "young"... I love the vets, but the young characters are seldom shown and oddly kept pretty separate.  This doesn't include Ben/Ciara, they are the very worst part of the show and couldn't leave soon enough for me.

I would love a Ben murder mystery.  And even though I've grown to really appreciate her (mostly through this story honestly), a Gabi murder mystery could be really amazing and moving.  But I know it would get so butchered, and murders on soaps never have the long-term consequences they should.

The lighting looks like a spotlight... I'm ok with it for now I guess; it's dramatic and moody.  With their nonexistent budget, this show has to do something visually different.  IMO, the show has visually improved since last fall.  I know it's not as efficient to power through filming, but the producers and directors really ought to diversify WHERE they film on the sets... and move the camera more!  Lol.  Some days and with some directors, the shooting style is tighter, which is so much better than the theater style with the actors in the center of the set shot from many feet away like we had for 12 years.

The writing for Xander has been great this week.  They are setting him up for a HARD fall.  It always kills me that he's not Justin's son?!?

And the drama with Steve was good today.  If they had to do this bat$h!t story, this is the kind of interaction we should have been getting the whole time.

9 minutes ago, Antoyne said:

I noticed this a few days ago. It is waaaay too bright. Days looks its best and less cheap when it's dark and moody.

Definitely.  Even though it was really dark, the Josh Griffith-era production was the best the show has looked since Ed Scott.  "Days" always looks 100x better at night.

Ya, it feels like there is no respect for Joe Mascolo's legacy.  Everything since Hope "killed" him has been a hot mess.  The only thing I liked was that "tribute" for him at the pub in 2016, but ultimately that was about Hope.  Then there was that horrible Shane impersonation bull$h!t... omg lol.  And for everything going on with "la famiglia" right now, EJ and Peter's absences are hugely glaring.  Peter's absence has been such a problem through all of Kristen's returns and Chabby.

On another note, I don't think Nicole would EVER suggest keeping Brady's child from him.  I hated that beat on yesterday's show.  Victor doing it really has me at a loss, too... but I get that is really complicated.  I loved that moment with Xander offering his condolences to Brady today--really uncomfortably messy to watch.

I basically like what's happening with Kristen, save for the really clunky plot-driven anvils they're dropping about Rachel/Mickey... but it requires me to ignore, like, her entire on-screen history.  And when I do remember, I'm like, "what the actual f*ck?!?"  And I CANNOT with the Brady relationship and J&M warming to her.  This is getting Ben level.  Kristen could be doing all this with Lani and her family (with a little Jennifer sprinkled in) and it'd be much more effective and authentic for me.

And I miss ED for all the obvious reasons already mentioned, but I really love SH as Kristen when she's not bat$h!t... but the interpretations and writing are so different, so it's tough.

2 hours ago, Cat said:

It is really tragic what the Gorga-Giudices have been through. Some things you could attribute to hubris (like the fraud, and jail). But losing your mom and dad in the space of a few years -- both stabilising forces in her girls' lives -- I wouldn't wish that on anybody. Nonno was a fixture on the show from day one and helped to add depth to our view of Teresa as this shallow Jersey girl. First generation immigrant with strong links to her culture and the 'old country.' 

 

It is sad that Kathy, Rosie and their mother likely never reconciled with Teresa and her father before he passed. I got the impression after we last saw them in S7 that this was it for both families. Nothing could be forgiven, especially what was said about Nonno not paying back money that was lent to him by his sister, or her saying that criminals should pay for their crimes. There seemed to be a fair amount of jealousy, pain and seething resentment between both the families. Ties were definitively going to be cut, Teresa was not going to look back, and both families would go their separate ways.

 

It's sad and unfair that Kathy et al., took all the blame for what transpired in S3-5. Clearly it was easier for Giacinto to forgive his son and Teresa her brother while projecting all the anger against more distant cousins. Hope all families find peace ultimately. 

I still think Kathy's mother, Maria's comment was shown out of context.  The editors cut RIGHT after she said that, iirc.  It seems fishy to me, and the other cast members know how this all works.   Teresa (and her parents) just needed (another) reason.  They should have had better sense to not film that sentencing "reaction" segment with Jacqueline, though.  That was very emblematic of the problems between the families--little decency, respect, and common sense.  And I agree that Teresa was never looking back.

It is sad for Rosie/Rich/Kathy/Joey/Melissa, though, who did have a very close relationship.  And this affects their kids, too... it all cycles.  Ugh man.

Thank God Joey was able to somehow reconcile with his parents (and Teresa) before all this.

So sad.

I feel sad about Teresa and Joe's father.  Regardless of everything, Teresa has had a horrific last few years.  The whole Gorga family has.

I'm particularly devastated for Kathy and Rosie's mother, who likely never got to make amends with her brother and say goodbye.  This whole family had endured such trauma for so long.  I hope it brings everyone together, but idk... at least I hope Joey and Kath/Ro can put everything aside and comfort him.  Generations of hurt.

My thoughts are with them all.

Wooow, Dorinda.  Lol.  New York is off to a great start!

Ok so that was a hot ass mess but the bit near the end with Lani/Eli/Sheila/Daniel/Abe had rotflmao!  Omg.

But with Stevano, it feels like most days' "Days" could be April Fools, lol.

But I totally agree with Errol that this episode was framed terribly.  Even though Sheila's baby was the through-line, this was sloppy af.

Even when they turn out to be hot messes, I always really appreciate these episodes.  Soaps air sooo many episodes, they have the flexibility to play with form and it's shocking how conventional they are in that respect.  You don't have to do a time jump (though I'm still on board), but the episodes can vary in structure.  I definitely wouldn't say I'm looking forward to a Daniel/Leo/Shiela/Rex special episode, but I'm curious.  But man, this is a low-rent group of returnees.  Lolol.

Danielle got crushed.  She is a lunatic, but that was tragic.  It was rough seeing them giggle when she explained why she was leaving a place she was unwanted--they exposed themselves as bullies but Danielle still left a loser.  Tough to watch.  And Teresa got away with murder... but she was right, she should have never got involved with Danielle.

12 minutes ago, chrisml said:

I think a lot of viewers felt Yolanda was faking. If I had to place a bet, I would say she was faking. David and her family thought she was faking. Rinna did not want to be the villain so she turned it all around on LVP. I never understood that season because if everything Rinna said was true about Vanderpump, it was a big so what to me. I think that's why their pile-ups never worked because their anger at her was so overblown and about  idiotic stuff. She had to remove herself from the show, and even then, the audience disliked the other housewives.

I think LVP, Kyle, and Rinna staged a plot to expose Yolanda (I don't have an opinion on Yolanda's Lyme) and then Rinna was left holding the bag and LVP and Kyle let her go down for it alone.  I get why Rinna hates LVP, I just don't get how Kyle slithered out of that (and everything).  She sorta copped to it but she and Rinna blamed LVP, who I no doubt think instigated it... but they all decided to do it and Rinna got talked in to doing the dirty work.  It's the same story as Brandi and where there's smoke there's usually fire.  But they always picked the dumbest s to "get" her on.

But it's all over now, and like you said, LVP won with the (overwhelming) majority of the audience.

LVP is obviously untouchable.  Despite the BH Housewives' and Andy's spin, she has completely, totally, unquestionably won this show and I wonder if they know or delude themselves to buy the bs they're selling?

I think the way to have actually taken her down (and who knows if anything could really touch Vanderpump's teflon booty) was Yolanda's Lyme disease, but then Rinna and Kyle would have implicated themselves in the plot to ruin Yolanda.

I hope Rinna doesn't actually try to destroy Denise this year (everything is pointing to that, though) and further sully herself.  Brandi obviously has learned nothing from her disgrace in seasons prior, lol.

On 3/7/2020 at 4:14 AM, Cat said:

 

I have a weird soft spot for Yolanda -- despite her snobby high-handedness and cold single-mindedness. S4 when she jumped all over Ken practically accusing him of assault and then sniffed "My husband would never be seen with the likes of you!" really turned me off. But S5 won me back when she took everybody to Holland and bonded nostalgically with LVP on a deeper level (both were Voices of Reason that trip).

 

Amid the snootiness, I liked the way she cut to the heart of things, talking about her family, about fakeness, men replacing their wives for a younger model (*cough*), women ready to screw anybody over for a Gucci handbag. Genuine moments that contributed to the franchise beyond beautiful houses and picture-perfect Instagram lives.

 

Since she left the show, I realise that she has left a gaping hole. Yolanda added glamour, wealth and A-list power to the show (alongside LVP). BH has desperately tried to replicate that effortless glamour but no-one on BH comes close. Not even Erika Girardi. You can't replicate David Foster's stature in the music industry, or the Hadid sisters rise to legit supermodel superstardom. I found all that fascinating to watch.

 

After S6 I was ready for Yo to leave because the Lyme disease stuff was depressing and toxic. The backlash ruined everybody and BH has never been the same since. However, in hindsight, I think she was dismissed too hastily, and if they ever brought her back, I would be ok with that. Seeing Kyle and Rinna cower in front of her laser ice-blue gaze (they were legit scared of her) would be worth it! 

I have only watched since s5 (as a soap fan, I started for Rinna and Eileen)... everything earlier, I have only seen clips.  From seasons 3-4, it was really sad to see Yolanda stage mom-ing Gigi and not letting her eat food.  YIKES.  From what I've seen of the Ken thing--he did put his hands on her and spoke disgustingly to her (like he's done about Rinna).  I can't have have any sympathy for him because he somehow gets away with murder for being a truly vile, hateful little troll.  But with that, "my husband..." comment, she really tipped her hand--she is not the humble earth mother she was pretending to be.

She knows this fame and fortune game and she likes to think she's winning.  I do think she plays much more gracefully than others, though.  And she did bring such legitimacy to this franchise through her husband, later with her kids, her modeling career, and her style.  She is the real deal.  She and Vanderpump are such opposites, and they both envy what the other has, because it's exactly what they lack.  In my opinion, everything about Lisa is garish and classless... you can look at Villa Rosa and compare it to Yolanda's Malibu house (or her new farm, or any of her other homes), and I think it speaks volumes about how different their aesthetics and presentation are.  Lisa seemed very envious.  But Yolanda was probably even more envious of how Lisa really enjoyed herself and effortlessly charms people (esp. men) and entertains with such ease and fun.  I hope Yolanda is enjoying that amazing farm in Pennsylvania, because she always sort of tragically felt like she was struggling to have fun, despite her claims to the contrary.  But she's with another rich guy, lolol.  But I think she wants to be that humble earth mother, and it was lovely to see her with her family in Holland and her life is lifestyle porn.

It was very heartless of Yolanda to publicly drop Brandi, though.  Even if she thought she was a hot mess she didn't want to deal with anymore post-BH, she didn't have to publicly denounce her with all the other women.  Her relationship with Erika was random, but actually helped them both and I'm curious how they felt about each other then and now.

This is the kind of very random history stuff RC did on OLTL (I couldn't even watch his GH after the first 6 months or so) that I wasn't fond of.  When it's THIS obscure, it's makes me think "reaching," not "clever."  But, it could be interesting... everything else about Evan is so boring.  I thought the David twist sounded great, but the climax felt very anticlimactic and was, of course, ALL about BEN.

7 hours ago, Antoyne said:

They already had Chad let him stay on the grounds of DiMansion for a night instead of calling the cops

I know, it was crazy.  He should've yelled, like, "HEY remember when you kidnapped my son and tried to light me and Abby on FIRE?!?"  LOL.  On Christmas 2018 when Abby was badass turning Stefan's life upside down, the best scene was when she discovered Ben as his employee and she was obviously horrified for a second then completely sickened.  Then before she left I remember she basically their relationship to Ciara.  Omg ugh.  RC very purposely keeps them apart.  I guess he feels "out of sight, out of mind" with Serena and Paige, and he thinks this TJ $h!t with Will was the vehicle to overcome that pesky "attempted" murder.  When RSW's full-time return was announced in 2018, I thought for sure it'd start out as a Bayview story with Abby... I definitely didn't expect THIS.

In other news, Kayla got a kitchen!