Is this the episode of Vanderpump Rules where the cast grows up? Well…kinda. It certainly was the most emotional Rules episode maybe ever, due to the fact it was shot the weekend of the Orlando nightclub shooting. But despite a rather teary second half, the first part of the hour was filled with more than enough shade and discussion of nipples. Don’t worry, Bravo viewers.
Anyone who watches Vanderpump Rules knows LA Pride is a huuuuge event. It’s sort of like what Thanksgiving was to Friends, but with more side boob. Lisa Vanderpump is a big supporter the LGBTQ community, and Pump and Sur are basically smack dab in WeHo’s gayborhood. Typically, the staff gets new outfits to wear for Pride. This year, it was sorta like a leotard with suspenders instead of a full top (see: previous mention of side boob). We get to see Ariana try on this ensemble for the staffers. Lala refuses — she isn’t currently wearing underwear because she doesn’t like being “confined.” Jax then admits he thinks Ariana is hot. It’s like he has zero idea his interview will be broadcast on television.
Speaking of Ariana, she’s “writing” a book on bartending. Lisa allows her to shoot some videos, which are part of her selling strategy, at Pump. I’m not sure the book is actually written or if she’s, like, preparing to compose a book. Either way, boyfriend Tom Sandoval is one jealous bish. He basically thinks he’s more qualified to write and be the face of this book. According to Sandoval, bartending is his “passion.” I’ve never heard anyone talk about raspberry mojitos as a source of creative fulfillment, but I’ll go along with it. He is suuuuper thirsty for attention and basically tries to take control of Ariana’s video shoot. I would break up with him for that behavior alone, if not for his terribly streaked hair.
Stassi comes to Pump with two of the “friends” she met in New York, with whom she had, like, one night out. BEST FRIENDS FOREVER!!! I’m not clear what these two blond gals do for a living, but they LOOOOVE the Hamptons. Like, they cannot wait to skip the first Hamptons weekend of the summer. So, they very quickly (and some might say fishily) convince Stassi to have a birthday trip to Montauk. Scheana doesn’t know where Montauk is, but she and Katie are down for a trip. It’s almost as if someone told them about this in advance and they were prepared. Just sayin’. Without real explanation, Lala offers them the use of a private plane. (Like she has a side business or something.) Apparently, she doesn’t like to fly with people. She doesn’t like undergarments or ordinary folks.
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Then, the Orlando shootings happen and everyone seems to grasp how petty their squabbles are. A good portion of the staffers decide not to work on Pride because they’re nervous about safety. Lisa Vanderpump even vacillates on whether she should be on a float during the parade, but she eventually realizes she needs to stand up and wear a big hat. She loves WeHo, big hats, dogs and mini ponies.
Sandoval seems the most affected by the tragedy, sobbing in Katie and Tom’s apartment. It would probably be even more moving if you couldn’t see behind him a giant piece of artwork that just says “Bubba Bub Bubba,” the couple’s pet names for each other. Eventually, though, Sandoval and Ariana go to Sur and bartend, as do Jax and Brittany. In the world of Vanderpump Rules, Fireball shots and Pump-Tinis are the best way to rebel against hate and prejudice. Oh, and big hats.
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