Vanderpump Rules Season 11 Episode 5 Review: Top Highlights

Vanderpump Rules season 11 episode 5 saw part of the gang heading to Lake Tahoe, where drama simmered beneath the surface. Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval, now estranged partners living together, have been avoiding each other post-Scandoval fallout. Ariana, focused on her business with co-star Katie Maloney, remains no-contact with Tom, hoping their friends will do the same.

Tom, no longer in touch with Raquel Leviss after her time in a mental health facility, leans on Tom Schwartz as he navigates life without his friend group. Despite realizing his actions have alienated those he cares about, Tom has yet to take responsibility. While remaining irritable towards unkind individuals, he also acknowledges his own pain.

Katie And Ariana Chose Not To Go To Lake Tahoe

They Stayed Back In Los Angeles To Work

Montage of Vanderpump Rules' Katie Maloney & Ariana Madix - They Stayed Back In Los Angeles To Work - Katie And Ariana Chose Not To Go To Lake Tahoe

While Katie and Ariana acknowledged the potential for reconciliation during their trip to Lake Tahoe, they both ultimately decided against going. Ariana, currently cohabiting with Tom post-breakup, expressed frustration over delays in their sandwich shop project. Meanwhile, Katie, focused on rebuilding her life after parting ways with Schwartz, felt indifferent about missing out on the Tahoe excursion.

James Introduced His Dog Graham To Ally

His Dog With Raquel Had Been Abandoned

Vanderpump Rules montage of James and Ally with an engagement themed background - His Dog With Raquel Had Been Abandoned - James Introduced His Dog Graham To Ally

After retrieving his dog Graham in the final moments of Vanderpump Rules season 11 episode 4, James Kennedy faced the challenge of explaining the situation to his girlfriend, Ally Lewber. Despite James having experience caring for a dog in the past, Ally was unfamiliar with pet ownership, leaving him anxious about her reaction, especially since they also had cats. James approached the delicate conversation with Ally, making it clear that he had no choice but to keep Graham after Raquel left the dog with a foster family who couldn't properly care for him.

Brock And Scheana Have Been Fighting

Her Post-Partum OCD Has Been Tough On Them

Scheana Shay and Brock Davies from Vanderpump Rules - Her Post-Partum OCD Has Been Tough On Them - Brock And Scheana Have Been Fighting

Despite Scheana Shay and Brock Davies's open and communicative relationship, they have faced challenges, especially after the arrival of their daughter Summer. Scheana has admitted on Vanderpump Rules that she struggles to trust anyone outside of her immediate family to care for Summer, causing tension with Brock. The couple had a disagreement during a shopping trip before their Lake Tahoe trip, where Scheana felt embarrassed by Brock's public confrontation about their issues. Although Brock apologized, there was still some lingering tension between them.

The Group Headed To Lake Tahoe, Welcoming Tom Sandoval

They Were Civil, Which Tom Appreciated

Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent and Tom Sandoval looking serious - They Were Civil, Which Tom Appreciated - The Group Headed To Lake Tahoe, Welcoming Tom Sandoval

On their way to the Lake Tahoe trip, the group gathered at the airport with excitement for a weekend away from the city. Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz arrived together, and despite initial doubts about Tom joining, he was warmly welcomed into the group. Tom, who had been spending most of his time with Schwartz, was touched when his old friends, including Scheana, interacted with him. He expressed gratitude for their gestures, even if they were not intentional.

Tom Sandoval Shared He Feels Like Everyone Wants Him To Apologize

His Appreciation Didn’t Last Long Into The Group Vacation

Vanderpump Rules Tom Sandoval montage - His Appreciation Didn’t Last Long Into The Group Vacation - Tom Sandoval Shared He Feels Like Everyone Wants Him To Apologize

Custom image by César García

Ariana Began Itemizing Everything In The House To Ensure Her And Tom Get A Fair Split

Ariana took on the task of itemizing everything in the house to ensure that she and Tom would have a fair split. She meticulously went through each room, making note of all the shared belongings and assets. This was a crucial step in the process of dividing their possessions as they navigated the difficult process of separating their lives. Ariana knew the importance of being thorough and organized in order to protect both herself and Tom in the division of their property.

In Los Angeles, Ariana Was Planning Her Next Move

Vanderpump Rules's Ariana Madix in front of pink cocktail-themed montage - In Los Angeles, Ariana Was Planning Her Next Move - Ariana Began Itemizing Everything In The House To Ensure Her And Tom Get A Fair Split

Lisa’s dinner made the whole gang uncomfortable.

Everyone Felt Strange About Tom’s Presence

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After visiting Lisa Vanderpump's new restaurant in Lake Tahoe and exploring the bones of her new business, the gang went out for dinner. Lisa aimed to promote unity within the group by toasting to the Vanderpump Rules cast members present, despite the noticeable tension among them. Tom made an effort to reconnect with his old friends, but it was evident that their interactions were not as amicable as they used to be.

James And Tom Sandoval Had A Tense Conversation About Scandoval

The Former Friends Were Open With Each Other

Side by side images of Vanderpump Rules' James Kennedy and Tom Sandoval - The Former Friends Were Open With Each Other - James And Tom Sandoval Had A Tense Conversation About Scandoval

After their meal with Lisa, James and Tom decided to have a conversation to address their issues. James was still hurt by what had happened between Tom and his former fiancé, Raquel, but he also realized that there was a possibility of salvaging their relationship. The two former friends had an open and honest discussion, expressing their feelings of hurt towards each other during the Scandoval drama. Although they didn't fully rebuild their friendship, they were optimistic about starting anew.

Vanderpump Rules airs new episodes on Bravo every Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST, with streaming available the following day on Peacock.

Editor's P/S:

The latest episode of Vanderpump Rules offers a glimpse into the complexities of relationships and the challenges faced by the cast members. The fallout from the "Scandoval" drama continues to linger, with Ariana and Tom Sandoval navigating their estrangement while Tom struggles to reconcile with his former friends. The episode also sheds light on the struggles faced by Scheana and Brock as they adjust to parenthood and the impact of Scheana's postpartum OCD on their relationship.

Through the various interactions and conversations, the episode highlights the importance of communication, empathy, and forgiveness. While the characters grapple with their own pain and emotions, they also demonstrate a willingness to listen, understand, and support one another. Despite the challenges they face, the cast members remain connected by their shared experiences and their desire to find happiness and fulfillment in life.