Most of the time, reality TV reunion shows are treated as second-rate episodes — bonus content for diehard fans.
But the latest Vanderpump Rules reunions are the main exception to that rule.
In fact, you will be hard-pressed to come up with a time when the episode of the highly anticipated reality show.
The reunion was taped only yesterday, and now, reports of what happened on set are being eaten up by VPR fans.
Obviously, the biggest question of all is the relationship between Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss.
Vanderpump had wrapped up the shooting for the season when the news of the affair became public, but as the midseason trailer confirmed, the cameras were turned back to record the consequences immediately.
Still, yesterday was the first time all the players had come together since Scandoval rocked their world.
It’ll be a while before we know exactly what went down, but it looks like it’s going to be quite an emotional event.
As TMZ reports, Tom and Raquel engaged in what appeared to be a heated one-on-one conversation during a break in filming.
They coordinated outfits – both rocked head-to-toe black – which seems to be the latest confirmation that these two are really a couple.
And then there’s the seating chart.
Bravo posted this image showing how the cast will be set up for two different filming sessions.
Two charts are necessary, as Raquel has an injunction against Scheana Shay, which means the two women cannot take the stage together.
It is worth noting that Raquel is sitting next to Sandoval, another obvious nod to their relationship.
He also sits far away from his rival Lala Kent, who is probably the best.
Lala keeps fans updated as she prepares for the reunion, but noted that the cast was forced to give up their phones after arriving on set.
“Okay guys, we’re on board, I’m up,” Kent said on Instagram.
“Again, he took the phone, so this is the last you’ll see of me. Put me in, coach.”
Later, she appeared on Andy Cohen’s Instagram Live, where she showed off some very sharp nails.
“Well, I’ve got to get my paws on people … and I have a few people in mind,” Kent told Cohen.
As The Ashley’s Reality Roundup reports, Andy also shared a stack of top notes for the day’s interview.
“Vanderpump, we’ve got a lot of cards here. It’s going to be a long day,” Cohen told LVP herself, prompting Lisa to reply, “Maybe it’s sleep.”
So yes, by all accounts, today was a great day.
But hey, players need time to relax too, as evidenced by these eye masks and sound bath images.
I hope they enjoy it.
This may be the last time these people will be able to relax in each other’s presence for a very long time.