When Reality TV's Best Tea is Intrigue, Empathy, & Authenticity
Reflections on "Scandoval" & Chimp Empire
Since its premiere on Bravo earlier this year, the latest season of “Vanderpump Rules” has captivated a growing global audience, delving into a scandal of unprecedented magnitude in the realm of Reality television.
Dubbed “Scandoval,” this rivetting saga has become the epitome of intrigue and betrayal, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Reality TV that has enthralled audiences like never before. Even finding coverage from CNN and most recently a full feature in the New York Times of Ariana Madix.
For those who may not be familiar with the details, here's a quick breakdown: Tom Sandoval, a key cast member of the show since its inception, betrayed his girlfriend of nine years, Ariana Madix, by engaging in an affair with Rachel Levis, also known as Raquelle, a newer addition to the cast. What sets this scandal apart in the realm of Reality TV is not only the act of infidelity itself, which is somewhat of a staple of the genre but also the intricate web of relationships involved. Rachel not only betrayed her friendship with Ariana but also had a prior engagement with (DJ) James Kennedy, who considered Tom Sandoval to be like a brother to him. (Also, she’s the last person we would have thought to have been “the other woman” in this situation, which plays into the shock factor of it all and how the term “Bambi-Eyed Bitch” was birthed into existence, thanks to LaLa Kent, the Queen of One-Liners on and off the show).
Scandals are par for the course in Reality TV. We are indeed here for the DRAMA.
However, what makes this particular situation truly captivating is the timing of events. A complete season had already been filmed before news of the affair emerged, turning each episode into a thrilling detective story.
Think “The Sixth Sense" meets Bravo.
As viewers, we found ourselves dissecting each episode, searching for subtle hints and clues about the ongoing affair that had apparently unfolded behind the scenes yet shamelessly under everyone's noses during filming, unbeknownst to the production team and other cast members. (Only a select few individuals, notably Lala Kent, who held lingering suspicions (to put it mildly) about Levis, and Sandoval's closest confidant, Tom Schwartz, whose display of utter cowardice reached unprecedented depths even by his own standards, possessed a glimmer of insight into the underlying truth.)
At last, the highly anticipated “Vanderpump Rules” Reunion has arrived, unfolding frustratingly across three parts. (Honestly, the anticipation has reached its peak, and I can't help but feel that Bravo should have released all three parts on Peacock, extended and uncensored for us to either binge or drag out as we please).
Reunions hold immense significance in the realm of Bravo. They serve as a forum where cast members are held accountable for their behavior and actions, and where ultimately growth or downfall and cast divides become cenmented. These reunions lay the groundwork for the next season, showcasing the sheer genius behind their design, and Andy Cohen, the mastermind behind Bravo, deserves recognition as one of the greatest television producers and interviewers of our time. (Some might even draw parallels between him and the legendary Johnny Carson).
As this season of VPR comes to an end, I have been contemplating the prevalent bias against Reality TV and the unfair judgment often directed toward its creators, cast members, and viewers.
For years, those who appreciate Reality TV have endured being dismissed as ignorant or inferior by those who prefer high-brow and culturally acclaimed films and television. I vividly recall moments when an ex-partner of mine used to squirm when I would openly expressed my love for Reality TV during dinner parties with strangers. However, they eventually realized that my unabashed enthusiasm served as an instant icebreaker, encouraging others to embrace their own guilty pleasures without shame, and in doing so, I forged genuine connections and friendships with individuals I would have never expected, transcending societal statuses and preconceived notions.
It was in this state of mind that I found myself chuckling while watching “Chimp Empire” alongside my boyfriend last weekend.
I must say that while my boyfriend is not typically drawn to Reality TV, I am grateful for his open-mindedness and lack of judgment towards my chosen form of entertainment. In those moments when my excitement reaches its peak, he generously grants me his undivided attention, even joining me on occasions to watch snippets of “Selling Sunset”.
But back to my original point. In the enthralling world of “Chimp Empire,” a groundbreaking “docu-series” directed by James Reed (My Octopus Teacher) and narrated by Mahershala Ali, we are granted unprecedented access to the largest tribe of chimpanzees in Central and Western Ngogo, Uganda.
Over the course of four mesmerizing episodes, we bear witness to an epic struggle for territory and immerse ourselves in the intricate tapestry of political and personal relationships within these extraordinary primate communities.
However, amidst the breathtaking wildlife footage and insightful narration, a realization struck me: at its core, we were indeed consuming Reality TV, replete with all the drama, and most strikingly, the humanity that accompanies it.
It also served as a powerful reminder that the fundamental elements that captivate us in the realm of unscripted entertainment are not exclusive to our species alone. In the unpredictable lives of chimpanzees, we discover profound connections, universal themes, and an inherent fascination with the raw complexity of life itself.
James Reed and his crew filmed for 18 months straight and I don’t think they plan for a “Reunion” or a follow-up season, sadly. But here is wonderful interview with the director which I recommend you do not watch until you’ve completed the series.
Throughout my journey as an avid enthusiast of Reality TV, I have staunchly defended my affinity for it. I firmly believe that it offers a compelling lens through which we can delve into the intricacies of human behavior and relationships—a realm that resonates deeply with me as an actor. In this peculiar world of unscripted drama, we are presented with an intriguing paradox: the simultaneous emergence of authenticity and the potential for new identities and deception to flourish.
One cannot deny the allure of witnessing the lives of others unfold before the unforgiving gaze of the camera. In this uniquely vulnerable state, individuals are stripped of pretense, revealing raw emotions and unfiltered reactions.
It is within this crucible of intense scrutiny that the true essence of the human experience often shines through. We are granted an unfiltered glimpse into the complexities of human nature—its triumphs, flaws, and idiosyncrasies—all laid bare for our contemplation.
Paradoxically, the reality TV landscape also serves as fertile ground for the cultivation of new personas and intricate webs of deception. The very presence of the camera, while offering the potential for honesty, also invites the temptation to craft narratives and project carefully constructed facades. (For example, everything and anything related to Tom Sandoval). It is this duality, this truest of double-edged swords, that adds an extra layer of fascination to the Reality TV phenomenon.
Ultimately, whether we are captivated by genuine human connection or drawn to the allure of artifice, there is a profound lesson to be gleaned from observing others.
In this exploration of unscripted storytelling, we find a rich tapestry of narratives that reflect our collective experience and hold a mirror to our own lives. It is through the medium of reality TV that we discover that, despite the constructed nature of the format, humanity and the quest for connection remain ever-present, resonating with viewers from all walks of life.
So, I proudly defend my love for Reality TV, recognizing its capacity to illuminate the human condition and celebrate the fascinating mosaic of our shared existence while also being wildly entertained.
It may be dismissed by some, but to me, it represents a vital journey that reveals and revels in both the raw authenticity of our truest selves and the tantalizing allure of the masks we may decide to wear.