We start with Lisa telling us she & Ken have owned 26 restaurant, bars and clubs; the last thing they want is another one. So they decided to open SUR as a partnership with Guillermo. Lisa & Guillermo are talking and she tells him she wants to have a Gay Pride float this year. Guillermo is concerned about the finances ~ Lisa talks him into it & tells him it’s going to be pink fur float ~ so Lisa!

We’re shown staff preparing the restaurant for opening, some customers are already seated. Stassi &  Katie are polishing glassess. The girls start talking about how they haven’t gotten their tips in days. We then get a headshot of Stassi talking, she tells us when she was in college her father would give her money every month, but he told her once she was out of school the money stopped. She then says, “This is why I want to go to grad school.” (Does she mean so she can “be in school” again and get money from her dad?) Katie asks how things are with Jax. Stassi says there are so many problems, there needs to be trust and not abandoning…he often leaves in the middle of the night.  (When she mentioned “abandoning” it was a lightbulb moment for me. Pretty sure I’m gonna catch some flack for this but now, I think I understand Stassi’s thinking. I’m not saying that it’s right, just that I understand it. Abandonment and trust are HUGE issues for her) We get another headshot of Stassi saying the couple are always fighting, Jax doesn’t come home every other night. Cameras flash back to Stassi & Katie with Stassi saying she loves him, she adores him, but this is not a healthy relationship. (Word)

Stassi walks into the bar area and sarcastically thanks Jax for bringing her to work (he didn’t) since they both started at the same time. (I kinda feel for her here, all he had to do is ask what time she worked at) Their fighting has become so obvious it’s  uncomfortable for all around, camera pans to customers listening & looking at the two of them; Lisa is within earshot and looks none too pleased. In her talking head Stassi says Jax is a model and lived with her free for 6 months, everything is in her name, apt., phone, etc. Stassi says  he should thank his lucky stars for Stassi Schroeder. 

Lisa in her talking head says she can’t stop two people from being involved, but when it becomes problematic, she can stop it. Lisa goes in & approaches Jax, she pretty much spells it out for him. Stassi begged Lisa for Jax to work there and what Lisa was afraid would happen, is happening. Jax says he loves it there as all his friends are there. Lisa then tells him she has more allegiance to Stassi as she’s been there longer & she’s Pandora’s best friend. In a headshot Lisa says “Sometimes these kids need guidance, clearly, but sometimes they need a good swift kick in the ass.” (Said in her adorable British accent, of course) 

Jax says, “I cannot win, man.” 

Scheana and her mom decide to get tattoos; Mom goes first.  Scheana talks to her mom about the situation at work, being the new girl, and the issues with Stassi. Her mom, Erika, tells Scheana her best policy is to kill ‘em with kindness. I think it’s a hummingbird mom gets on her ankle, but not positive; Scheana gets a pretty hummingbird behind her neck. Erika was only 19 when she had her & it’s obvious they have a good relationship and are like best friends. Scheana says no matter what she does her family always supports her.

Jax and Stassi meet at a restaurant, Jax tries to start some small talk & Stassi bluntly says, “I don’t care.” (DAYUM, girl!) Stassi asks where he slept. Jax replies, “Where do you think?” Stassi tells him Kristen said he didn’t sleep there, then Jax says he slept in his car because he didn’t want to argue anymore.  (Okay, even I would have a difficult time believing that one…as I’ve heard it before) Stassi in her talking head asks what kind of guy would sleep in his car as opposed to going into his own home & sleeping with his girlfriend of 2 years. She’s clearly bothered & there is a LOT of emotional stuff going on here. Stassi talks about their relationship, that Jax accepts zero responsibility for anything ~ he doesn’t even plan for tomorrow. She’s 23 years old & an amazing catch; she deserves so much better… she’s not going to put up with a 33 year old leaving her every night. She tells him what kind of guy she wants in detail and at the end of her talking, all Jax says is “Okay.” (In my opinion, this is an epiphany of sorts for Stassi. I think this is when, inside of her, the relationship is over. Something has clicked in her head & she’s done with it. They probably won’t completely sever the ties right now, but I honestly think she’s done. If you also notice, once again, she brings up the issue of abandonment. Jax way of dealing with things is passively (that’s just his personality), but in my opinion, that further infuriates Stassi as she takes it as meaning he doesn’t care) 

Now we’re at Lisa’s house!! I always love seeing her house, it’s so beautiful  - truly a breath of fresh air. BP Major, a singer, is at Lisa’s, along with the girls from SUR. Lisa states that BP has a “pink army” and she’s very excited for the Gay Pride Parade… you just know she’s thrilled about having a pink float! And who shows up? None other that Mr. Kevin Lee “shi! shi! shi!” he’s Lisa’s event planner (If you watch Real Housewives of Beverly Hills he planned Pandora’s beautiful wedding) and she says he’s the “Queen of Queens!” 

Let the preparations begin! People are unloading the pink fur material & we finally get our first glimpse of Kristen, and her in a talking headshot saying, “Working at SUR is unlike any other restaurant. Does the Olive Garden have a float at the Gay Pride Parade? No.” (The face she made when she said “no” is so cute, you can tell she’s really excited & having fun doing this project) This is clearly one of the funnest moment we’ve had so far on the show, everyone is enjoying themselves, laughing and dancing! 

Next we see Jax walking into a building for a modeling shoot. In his talking-head he says how busy he was when he was younger, all the countries he’s been to, various companies & magazines he modeled for…(Hearing this is somewhat bittersweet). He tells how Stassi once got him fired from a commercial shoot in Puerto Rico because a girl was going to be in the shoot with him; Stassi emailed as Jax saying since his girlfriend can’t go with him to Puerto Rico, he can’t do the job. *YIKES* Tom Schwartz is also there & tells us he’s a model/actor & has been in L.A. for about 3 years. Tom is in some of the shots with Jax. Tom tells us that him, Jax & Tom Sandoval used to live together and “it wasn’t even an apartment, it was a frat house.”  Both are very professional and the shots look fantastic! One can only imagine the stories these guys could tell! (Perhaps a book someday?) Jax mentions the “Peter Pan” syndrome where guys don’t want to grow up, they’re living the fast life – money goes out as quickly as it comes in. (Something saddens me when Jax talks here. I may have misinterpreted it, but what I understood that 32/33 is old for a model. It made me realize perhaps all the botox, fillers, plastic surgery, etc. isn’t necessarily for egos, but to stay competitive. FTR: I’m not saying Jax has had any of those procedures) (I’ve got to add, ever since Jax mentioned “Peter Pan Syndrome” I’ve had that damn Toys R Us song, “I don’t wanna grow up…” replaying in my head like a broken 45!)

Lisa, in a beautiful pink dress, Ken & Giggy arrive at the Gay Pride Parade & Lisa is very pleased with the float & says it’s their chance to express gratitude to the Gay Community. The pink army is in action, BP Major is ready, Kevin Lee is on the scene and… Lisa asks where Stassi is, Jax says “Don’t know, don’t care.” A clearly frustrated Lisa tells him to leave it home today & that he looks scruffy. Ugh…these kids! Lisa’s got to tell them they are NOT drinking alcohol now (it’s what? 10am??)  Stassi shows up & Lisa tells her it’s going to be a fun day and to keep away from Jax. Immediately, we see Stassi talking to Katie & Kristen about their relationship problems. Oy vey! Uh Oh!  Jax is badmouthing Stassi to another co-worker! In her talking head, Stassi reiterates she knows what she wants and it is not raising a 32 year old man! 

Ken suggests Jax into taking his shirt off, Scheana comments (headshot) that Jax isn’t bad to look at with his shirt off. (Don’t go there, Scheana!) The crowd is cheering, Lisa’s sitting with Giggy on her lap, and we are off!!! Everyone is dancing on the float yelling, “Happy Pride Day!” even little Giggy is smiling. And…ohh nooo…Jax needs sunblock & Scheana is putting it on him when 1 of the girls yells, “It’s so inappropriate!” among other comments. They show Stassi staring at Jax, then Katie yells, “Jax, don’t ever ask me to defend you again!” He tells her it’s just sunscreen…suffice it to say, it doesn’t go well. Lisa, of course, is observing everything. Stassi, in her talking head, says this is exactly why she hasn’t accepted Scheana into her circle & calls her a skank. (I’m not so sure I buy that) Kristen walks up & asks Scheana & Jax to “like calm down a little bit,” and truly, Scheana & Jax were not doing anything. Kristen is lecturing them & making a HUGE issue out of something that really wasn’t an issue; adding fuel to the fire. (If my theory re: Stassi’s thinking is correct, then Jax is choosing Scheana over Stassi, thus betraying her trust) Lisa informs us that if there’s any drama, Kristen will eventually be right in the middle of it. (Poor Lisa! It’s like she’s managing a bunch of 6th graders! Drama. Drama. Drama)

Now we’re at the after-the-parade-party at SUR and Lance Bass shows up! 

Lisa asks Stassi what’s going on, Stassi said shes upset about way Jax & Scheana acted. Lisa said I told you this was 1 of the bad things about working together. Stassi says she realizes she dug her own grave and shes pissed at herself.  We see Jax standing at the bar thinking. Lisa tells Stassi to keep it at home. Stassi says I’m trying,  Lisa says you never try hard enough! Lisa asks why she’s mad at Scheana? Stassi says she’s not mad at Scheana, she’s mad at Jax. (she sure does act like she’s mad at Scheana!) Lisa says, “You’re always mad at Jax, keep it at home, we’ll talk later.” In Lisa’s talking head she says has Stassi has to learn to put personal stuff aside. Stassi has to knock it off, put things regarding her relationship with Jax aside.

Next scene is Stassi outside crying, 1 of girls is talking with her. Stassi is “repeating” what Lisa said, however, Stassi’s account is actually very different than what Lisa actually said.  Stassi is crying hysterically & she tries to hold her shit together, it’s just bottled in. She’s trying not to be dramatic for once. Then says, “What the fuck do you want from me?” She’s very sad. (Even though Stassi quoted Lisa inaccurately, that’s probably what Stassi “heard” Lisa say) 

We’re back in the restaurant now. Kristen walks in to where Ken & Lisa are sitting and tells Lisa she heard they’re getting new dresses. Lisa says they’re just going to a favored few. Kristen tells Lisa that pink is not her color. Lisa looked stunned and looks over at Ken who is equally stunned.  After Kristen walks away, Lisa & Ken start laughing, Lisa says she needs a holiday (and she does). Stassi walks up to the bar & says she needs a white wine. Jax says “okay,” then asks Stassi if she wants to talk; he has someone cover the bar for him and they go outside for what I believe is the “beginning of the end.” 

Once outside he’s saying “Every single day it’s something!” she says, “Exactly!” It’s their typical arguing, which by now has grown quite old (can’t imagine what these 2 years have been like for friends, co-workers & their employers) Jax says shes insecure, (And she is. Even though Stassi says she’s a princess, I don’t think she feels like a princess inside) everyday there’s something…it’s not worth it. He looks absolutely exhausted. She looks completely drained and overwhelmed. This is going nowhere, she walks away & both go back into SUR (I don’t know what possessed him to have this conversation right now) 

Now we’re at Kristen & Tom’s house where Kristen tells us Tom never opens his mail and as result, when he gets tickets they don’t get paid, now his license is suspended. (Believe it or not, both of my kids…ages 29 & 32, do the exact same thing, and I have NO idea why) She is his chauffeur. They show a scene of them driving together, it’s kind of funny & a lighthearted moment. (I have a feeling it wasn’t quite so fun for Kristen, right homie?)

It’s Party Time!! The staff from SUR is at a bar to celebrate Peter’s birthday. People are taking shots & toast to Peter. In a headshot, Tom Sandoval informs us they’re a tight knit dysfunctional family. (well said) Stassi is drinking. Scheana walks in with her boyfriend, Shay. She goes up to Stassi & says she wants to talk to her later.  We have Stassi in a talking headshot, she says she’d rather poke eyes out than talk to Scheana right now; she just wants to have fun. Scheana and Stassi are finally talking and it goes kinda like this: Scheana: I’m sorry if what I did <insert specific violation> bothered you. (bothered can be substituted with hurt, upset…you get the idea) Stassi: If you’re going to apologize to me don’t say “if”, state it clearly as in, “I’m sorry for flirting with your boyfriend.” (Stassi has a point here, I hate when people say “if” when apologizing because it’s somewhat disingenuous – not a straight-forward apology…my brain is tired)  Scheana: Okay…I’m sorry for being flirty with your boyfriend. She goes on to apologize for about 50 other things, since birth… I think. (And I find myself thinking Nooooo Scheana, stop kissing her ass!!! See why my brain is so tired?)    After their discussion, I believe it was all to no avail. Nothing has changed. I’m pretty sure it will only be more of the same as far as Stassi goes. 

Jax arrives after getting off work & immediately takes 7 shots. Yeow!  Stassi  is upset that Jax drank “before seeing his girlfriend of 2 years.” They go outside where she tells him it’s a break-up. They argue as he tries to keep them together (why??) She says they’ve been together for 2 yrs., he needs to be an adult, grow up, be responsible. Stassi tells him to get his own place with his own furniture, own things. (We have heard this all before, or have I completely lost my mind?) He’s chasing her asking her to let him take her home. Wait… he’s had 7 (SEVEN) drinks and he’s going to drive? (This may be 1 of the “grow up” things Stassi was referring to…just maybe) At last, she says she’s SERIOUSLY breaking up with him, and finally says, “You don’t have me anymore.” (I find myself hoping this IS the end of this toxic relationship, yet at the same time I feel bad for both of them… but the hope this may be finito is out-weighing any other feelings by a landslide)  

The End of Episode 2

NOTE: If you have finished reading this review, I thank you & commend you. (I realize it’s probably 1 person, but that’s okay) I’m not sure if it’s very evident, but I absolutely love psychology & sociology, so most of my thoughts are along those lines. Some are out of sheer brain exhaustion (and the reminder of how my relationship was with my ex-husband some 28 years ago)…the thought is still exhausting. I find Vanderpump Rules interesting in both studies that I mentioned, as well as entertaining. I realize it’s geared toward a younger age group, but I’ll gladly admit, I’m hooked.

I feel BravoTV did Vanderpump Rules somewhat of a disservice last week by not giving VPR a 2 hour premiere. Had we seen this week’s show last week, I feel we would have had more insight into the characters, and we would have had more fun, light-hearted scenes. 

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Tags: BP Major, Bravo TV, Erika, Gay Pride Parade, Giggy, Jax Taylor, Katie Maloney, Ken Todd, Kevin Lee, Kristen doute, Lance Bass, Lisa Vanderpump, Peter, pink army, reality tv, Shay, Stassi Schroeder, sur, Tina, Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, vanderpump rules, WeHo