Vanderpump Rules has long been a series that’s needed a true refresh, and after the exodus of Scandoval, the show’s new cast is delivering exactly the type of drama that longtime viewers have been looking for. Now that the cast refresh is public and we’re entering a new era, I think we can safely discuss the fact that Vanderpump Rules has been on its last legs for years.
Prior to Scandoval, it was clear that Vanderpump Rules needed something different if it was going to survive the ever-expanding Bravo universe. While The Valley had long been on the table as an option, moving the original cast away from SUR didn’t feel like a sure thing, and then the drama of the decade launched Vanderpump Rules into the stratosphere for months on end.
When Vanderpump Rules season 11 returned, however, without much change outside of the scathing tension between Ariana Madix and her now ex-boyfriend Tom Sandoval, it was clear something needed to shift to keep the show going. Vanderpump Rules, after all, had always been about a group of servers wreaking havoc on and around Lisa Vanderpump’s SUR. Thankfully, Vanderpump Rules season 12 is a much-needed return to form.
Vanderpump Rules Season 12 Opens With A New State Of The Union
Things Have Changed Since We Last Visited SUR
As Vanderpump Rules season 12 opens, it’s clear that things have changed at SUR. As Lisa shares with us in the first moments of the episode, which were teased in the season’s trailer, she used to tout SUR as the spot someone would take their mistress, but over the years it’s become somewhat lecherous. Sure, SUR has changed, but who says that isn’t for the better?
As Vanderpump Rules season 12’s premiere continues, SUR’s transformation becomes more visible. From mentions of Lisa’s restaurant Pump closing to a brief interlude with longtime SUR manager Nathalie about the way the staff is behaving, it’s clear that the impact Vanderpump Rules has had on SUR itself may not be positive. Even so, the shift in tides offers a great starting point for old fans and new.
Vanderpump Rules Season 12’s Cast Feels Refreshingly Chaotic
The Show’s Lifeblood Is Its Climactic Cast Relationships
Thankfully,Vanderpump Rules season 12’s cast is a mix of new employees and people viewers likely won’t even realize they’ve seen before. The new cast, featuring a fun group of SUR servers and bar tenders who actually seem like they’re friends again, is an intense group who are a lot like their predecessors in spirit. With a fun mix of Stassi’s and Scheana’s, the group feels lived-in.
While I anticipated that Vanderpump Rules season 12 would likely spend its first episode giving a fair amount of background on who the cast members are and what their relationships are like, I didn’t think it would move quite so quickly into a place of drama. Thankfully, I was wrong. We quickly get the download on Natalie Maguire’s recent breakdown, which lends itself to drama right away.
Though some may be interested in a slower pace, seeing Vanderpump Rules come out of the gate with an idea of what it wants to be this season was exciting for someone who’s watched the show since its humble beginnings. With an air reminiscent of the early days of Jax Taylor ripping off a chunky knit sweater to fight, Vanderpump Rules season 12 sets its scene quickly.
Long Time Vanderpump Rules Fans Will Enjoy Season 12’s Return To Form
The Series Feels Like A Fresh Version Of Itself
I completely understand the skepticism that comes with a show entirely rebooting itself to give it another chance, but Vanderpump Rules has always been resourceful at its core. Ever the scrappy show that no one anticipated becoming a hit, Vanderpump Rules season 12’s premiere has promise that makes it clear the series is back, and hopefully staying better than ever.
With a rare chance to completely reinvent itself, Vanderpump Rules chose to update its formula for the era, but stick to what it knows best: messy relationships between co-workers who are looking for more than they what they currently have. The cast feels like a great mix of personalities, and their ability to light a fuse leaves me hopeful that Vanderpump Rules is back, baby.
Vanderpump Rules airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo.
Source: Bravo/YouTube
- Release Date
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January 7, 2013
- Franchise(s)
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Vanderpump Rules
