Summer House Recap: How You Dune?

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I’ve always teased the pile of Amazon boxes at our door, wondering what they were for. Now it’s clear: they’re Kyle’s audience whenever he has a dramatic moment. After a dinner mishap and a failed apology to Ciara and Amanda, he retreats to the porch, sitting among the boxes like a teacher about to read a story to restless children. Except instead of ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears,’ he’s sharing his relationship problems. It feels like these boxes are the only ones who will listen to him these days. And honestly, even as someone who usually defends Kyle, it’s getting tough to justify his behavior.

Kyle frequently films himself talking, and this particular porch conversation felt less like his usual Summer House appearances and more like Big Brother, where contestants often talk to themselves—or rather, to the cameras and the audience. He says, “I can’t imagine straight up laughing at someone as they’re trying to address a group of friends,” essentially speaking to the boxes, the cameras, and all of us watching at home. This episode really highlighted how being in a relationship entirely in the public eye adds a layer of complexity that those of us outside the reality TV world can’t fully understand.

Carl and Kyle are talking, and Kyle complains that Ciara is always critical of him and is now influencing Amanda’s views too. However, the reason Kyle is even aware of Ciara’s opinions is because their relationship is being filmed for TV. It’s normal to vent to a friend about your partner, but usually, your partner doesn’t have to hear those complaints or what your friends think about them.

As the episode unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear this is a constructed reality show. She mentions receiving direct messages about Kyle’s partying and questionable behavior – seemingly with female fans. Kyle himself resists being labeled an alcoholic “on national TV,” which feels outdated considering most viewers are likely watching on streaming services like Peacock. Meanwhile, Amanda is frustrated with repeating the same arguments yearly. The most heartbreaking part is Amanda explaining that she and Kyle make progress each summer, but as soon as the cameras stop rolling and he lacks public accountability or documentation of his actions, he relapses into old patterns.

This episode really highlights that Kyle’s problem isn’t his lifestyle of DJing and partying—it’s his drinking. The issue begins at the beach when West suggests Kyle’s public apology to Amanda wasn’t effective, arguing she’d prefer a private, personal one. Kyle attempts this at a spot he jokingly calls “Apology Dunes,” where others have apologized before – we see Paige, Jesse, and an earlier version of Mia all offering apologies there as well. However, like most conversations with Amanda lately, Kyle’s attempt quickly escalates into a fight.

The core of the problem is Kyle’s drinking. Amanda is exhausted from constantly worrying about him when he goes out. Kyle feels resentful that Amanda stopped going out after they got engaged. Amanda points out that her staying in shouldn’t affect his loyalty. As the argument escalates, Kyle becomes increasingly harsh, eventually blaming Amanda for his drinking – a deliberately hurtful statement, but central to his reasoning. They’re stuck in a cycle: Amanda claims Kyle’s drinking causes their problems, while Kyle insists he drinks because of their problems. It’s a self-perpetuating loop with no clear beginning or end.

Kyle gets frustrated when people assume his problems stem from drinking, but he could easily prove them wrong by simply stopping. If his issues persisted even after quitting, he’d be right to say it wasn’t about the alcohol. Amanda also points out that Kyle complains he doesn’t know what will make her happy, yet she consistently tells him to stop drinking. He refuses or is unable to, despite her having made this same request since the very beginning of their relationship, way back in season one.

It’s been tough watching Amanda and Kyle lately. Amanda’s been getting more and more short with him, but honestly, he’s been way harsher. He actually told her she makes him want to drink, and then criticized her personality – it was so bad that Jesse Solomon called him out on it. After a swim, Kyle finally apologized to Amanda, a real apology where he told her he loved her, and she said the same. It’s heartbreaking because you know they genuinely care about each other, but things clearly need to change. Later, we saw Kyle in bed, admitting he feels anxious and lost. Amanda confessed in a private interview that she still loves how Kyle can light up a room. Knowing that, but seeing him stuck and realizing Amanda can’t keep supporting him the way he needs, and that love isn’t always enough… it’s even sadder than watching him struggle with simple things like getting the Amazon packages.

Let’s talk about the fun stuff from this episode! Kyle had a brilliant idea to create cardboard cutouts of everyone for the VIP room, and it led to some really funny moments. Kyle and West staged a hilarious scene with the Lindsay and Carl cutouts – West plans to share the video on social media after the episode airs, and it’s going to be a hit. Amanda cleverly placed the Ben cutout in front of West’s door, knowing even the guys in the house are fans. Unfortunately, Bailey swiped it, likely to use for some mischievous plan, maybe even a love spell! And Ciara hanging the West cutout from the balcony into the foyer was one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on Bravo. Seriously, Kyle, you should have made cutouts of the Wirkus twins – that would have been gold!

West and Ciara’s relationship remains confusing. Even when Ciara tries to connect with him, West is distracted and questions whether she actually called his name, especially considering he felt ignored by her all last summer. He admits he’s still unsure where they stand, saying he can’t tell if they’re friends, playfully flirting, or if she genuinely dislikes him. They rarely have honest conversations, leaving him constantly second-guessing her intentions and his own reactions.

Ciara, West’s probation officer, admits even she finds him incredibly attractive. She describes him as having a perfect physique, being athletic, kind to his friends, and always optimistic. She playfully suggests he’s irresistible, even comparing his appeal to a box of chocolates! Everyone, including Ciara, seems to be longing for West to be released from probation and for a relationship to begin. There’s a strong sense of anticipation and desire for him to be welcomed back.

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2026-02-18 05:55