Southern Charm Recap: Later, Beaches

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As I delve into day 17,653 of Shep’s tumultuous split with Sienna, let me take a moment to clarify the entanglement between Venita and JT. This week, we find Venita basking on the beach, her texts leaving Salley speechless, almost causing her to misplace an unnecessary vowel in the sand. The barrage of messages she receives from JT is nothing short of overwhelming. In her own words, after their late-night chat, Venita asserts that it’s evident JT harbors feelings for her, and she reciprocates those feelings. In a confessional, she expresses sympathy for any girl currently dating JT, stating, “If JT has a girlfriend right now, I feel sorry for the girl on the other side because he’s spending all his time talking and texting me, and he’s giving her crumbs.

Previously, it appeared as if Venita had knowledge of the man’s relationship status before her dinner where she expressed her feelings for him and wasted a branzino. However, according to Venita herself, this isn’t accurate. She claims that the branzino scene took place after their time in the Bahamas, meaning she was unaware of his relationship when she visited his hotel room in the middle of the night or during their beach conversations about their feelings for each other. This new information helps explain Venita’s seemingly impulsive behavior more rationally.

It’s understandable if one feels frustrated with the show given its scripted nature. We realize that the scenes we watch are carefully arranged, with producers deciding who sits where during dinner or when they enter a room, and a crew ensuring that all expenses like hotel stays and elaborate brunches are covered. Editors also condense long scenes to keep us from enduring dull moments. However, it’s expected that while events may be rearranged for storytelling purposes, they shouldn’t alter the narrative so dramatically as to be unfair. If Venita’s claim is truthful and she appears to be honest, then the editing has treated her unfairly. She deserves an apology and another chance during the reunion.

For much of the episode, Shep and Sienna’s breakup took center stage again. Shep queries Craig about whether he should give her back the necklace he bought during their dinner, to which Craig responds that it’s not the necklace causing the issue, but rather inviting her to dinner that feels strange. I agree with Craig and believe we all need a friend who will speak blunt truths when needed. However, once Craig points out Shep’s actions are foolish, he should move on from the matter. Austen is correct; Shep won’t listen regardless. It doesn’t mean Craig should remain silent; it simply means he should intervene only a few times before letting the issue go.

Shep approaches Sienna to hand over a necklace, making the situation more awkward than expected. His delivery of the gift is reminiscent of a teenager. He explains that it’s from a giant prehistoric shark called a megalodon and asks if she likes it. When she agrees, he comments on how it highlights her beautiful chest. Honestly, this interaction feels like something straight out of a middle school dance. The only thing more juvenile is when Taylor mentions that Shep gave her the same necklace earlier, to which he replies, “That was a great white, not a megalodon.” Essentially, it’s as if they’re planning a slow dance to Boys II Men and Shark Week is all I can think about.

They won’t be slow dancing as Shep and Sienna are no longer together. In an unexpected twist by the editors, they instantly changed her on-screen title from “Sienna, Shep’s Girlfriend” to “Sienna, Shep’s Ex-Girlfriend.” Heartbreaking indeed! Watching this play out repeatedly would be unbearable. Contrary to public belief, they were never in a relationship, Sienna claims. Despite Shep professing his love for her, they held differing perspectives on their connection. Then, Sienna sets up a trap so cunning, so malicious, so skillful that it could shatter Shep’s entire worldview. “We didn’t put a label on it,” she says.

Shep expresses his disdain for categorization, stating that he detests labels. By using societal expectations to challenge them, Shep consistently avoids labeling relationships. Whenever a woman showed interest in him or proposed a relationship, he would argue against the need for a label, preferring to keep things casual. This approach allowed him to maintain multiple relationships without having to formally end them. However, now he is facing the consequences of his actions, which are rather amusing to observe.

Prior to dinner, Madison and Taylor have a video call with Leva, who is the unique reality TV figure permitted to work from home permanently. She accurately assesses the situation by pointing out that men in their 40s often encounter a younger woman who excels at their own game, making them feel their age. It seems as if this could be the case with Shep, gradually transforming into the elderly man from the movie ‘Up’, right before our eyes. Perhaps this is what he required; someone to help him realize that he can no longer play the game, and it’s time for him to settle down with a woman who has a wonderful personality and an appealing figure, and make that his home for the remainder of his life.

Sienna chooses to stick around for dinner despite everything, and everyone is inquiring if she has feelings for Shep, if they might establish a relationship together, or if she isn’t interested in dating him at present or altogether. It feels strange and awkward, and it seems like high school drama all over again. Shep correctly suggests that it’s time for her to leave, and they share a melancholic, partial embrace under the moonlight while the bar staff watches on, frustrated by having to endure another American discussing their personal issues. It is questionable whether the wages at Baha Mar are sufficient for allowing these individuals to offload their sunburned emotional baggage.

Without a doubt, the most heartfelt and amusing moment from the episode takes place between Craig and Austen. At first, it appears to be a disagreement among the group, with Austen accusing Craig of exaggerating events. “I’m a lawyer!” Craig exclaims. “I am a lawyer and a storyteller!” This had me in stitches, left me chuckling heartily, and even brought a tear to my eye – it was that funny! If you could turn this into a pillow and sell a million of them, Craig, I’d be the first in line. That’s why you will always stand out as one of the best.

Nevertheless, I find myself uncertain about the subsequent events. Following his outburst claiming to be both a lawyer and a storyteller, reminiscent of Tom Girardi’s autobiography title, they depart for a private conversation, revisiting topics we’ve explored throughout this season. Austen advises Craig that he believes Craig is trying to portray himself as a domestic family man, and if spotted in bars with alcohol, it could lead to disarray. Austen suspects Craig is intoxicated by the image of him being a good-natured individual and should lighten up a bit.

In this situation, Craig makes a startling revelation: “I’m not held back by anything – that’s the nature of an addict,” he admits. Craig explains that he chose to stay at home on his couch rather than risk drinking a large amount of Jägermeister and engaging in reckless behavior. Although I appreciate Craig’s honesty about his addiction struggles, which strengthens their friendship with Austen, I believe we’ll need more clarity during their reunion about the specific substance he’s referring to, as he currently has a half-empty bottle of champagne near him. Earlier, we also witnessed flashbacks of Craig’s past battles with Adderall. So, it’s unclear whether he’s discussing pills, alcohol, or both. Additionally, we wonder if he is receiving treatment or participating in a recovery program. These are questions that need answers.

Craig acknowledges that Paige deserves much praise for standing by him through his struggles and then reveals something that deeply moved me. He’s not maintaining the polished persona of Craig only to deceive others about his identity, but rather to convince himself that he is capable. Indeed, I have to retract my doubts about his addiction issues. Poor Craig! It seems Austen understands this situation more clearly now in his reflection, stating that his addiction doesn’t excuse his poor behavior, but knowing the depth of his struggles allows him to be more compassionate. They conclude their conversation with Craig suggesting, “Let’s discover new moments together.” Absolutely, Craig! That’s exactly what Austen has been seeking throughout this season; he just needed Craig to embrace it.

As a follower, I’m reflecting on our latest chapter: Craig and Austen are back together again, Justin has fled back to the mainland, showing his cowardly side. Venita has been exonerated from the betrayal of the production team, and Shep has finally been discarded. Is it time for us to call it quits on this endless journey? I believe we’ve reached our limit, as Rodrigo put it so succinctly at brunch: “I wouldn’t traverse internationally to witness anyone else’s breakup.

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2025-03-07 07:04