In Vanderpump Rules’ Season 10, Episode 13, titled “Lady And The Glamp,” Tom Sandoval and Raquel Leviss emerged as the season’s main antagonists, thanks to a jaw-dropping series of revelations. The second half of the season has been building up to the explosive disclosure of Tom and Raquel’s affair, which follows an earlier scandal involving Raquel and Tom Schwartz. As the number of episodes in Season 10 dwindles, each moment becomes crucial in setting the stage for a massive, heart-wrenching climax involving Tom’s girlfriend, Ariana Madix.
Tom has been a regular cast member of Vanderpump Rules since its inception, and his cheating tendencies have been well-known since the show’s early days when he was still in a relationship with Kristen Doute. Their relationship was plagued by infidelity from both parties, with Tom cheating on Kristen with Ariana before they broke up and then quickly starting a relationship with Ariana. Over the past eight years, Tom and Ariana have been the series’ most consistent couple; witnessing their relationship’s deterioration has been incredibly emotional for viewers. Each new detail that emerges about their story raises the stakes even higher.
Lala & James Catch Up On The Latest Sandoval Drama
@bravotv First look at next week’s #PumpRules. #vanderpumprules ♬ original sound – Bravo
In order to keep each other (and viewers) informed about what’s happening between Tom and Raquel, Lala Kent and James Kennedy meet at Lala’s office early in the episode. Lala shares that Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd are becoming increasingly suspicious, echoing Katie Maloney’s existing doubts. According to Katie, Raquel once showed up an hour late for her shift at SUR after staying over at Tom’s house and was later caught in a lie when Lisa questioned Tom about it. Both James and Lala concur that something is amiss between Tom and Raquel.
Tom Sandoval Gets Caught Lying About Raquel
Lala’s recount of the incident clearly shows that Tom and Raquel have lied about their sleeping arrangements on the night before Raquel was late for work at SUR. Tom Schwartz was also present during the evening, so it’s likely he knew something was going on. When Raquel tells Lisa her side of the story, she insists she slept on the couch. However, Tom recounts the events differently, initially claiming that Raquel slept in his bed before hastily correcting himself and saying, “I mean, in my guest bedroom.” The discrepancy in their accounts is suspicious and casts doubt on their honesty.
Lala, James, Katie, and Kristina Sense Something’s Off
Throughout the episode, multiple interactions among the cast members revolve around the drama concerning Tom and Raquel. During a photo shoot with Katie and longtime background cast member Kristina Kelly, Lala shares her suspicions with everyone. Although James remains cautious in believing an affair is taking place, both Katie and Kristina are confident something is going on between Tom and Raquel. Katie, previously betrayed by Raquel, is quick to voice her concerns.
Raquel Celebrates Her Birthday with “Friends”
Early in the episode, Raquel, Sandoval, Ariana, Schwartz, Scheana Shay, and Brock Davies embark on a glamping adventure in the California desert to celebrate Raquel’s birthday. The group jokes about Raquel and Schwartz’s interactions; they even banter about sharing another kiss. However, it’s evident that Sandoval is more invested in Raquel’s happiness throughout the journey than anyone else. By the end of their trip, an emotional Raquel remarks during an interview segment: “These are my forever friends… the people who look out for me and believe in me – that means everything.”
Ariana Confesses She’s At Her Limit
Ariana has been open about her mental health struggles in the past, and in this episode she reveals how challenging things have been lately. After losing her dear dog Charlotte and enduring her grandmother’s death soon after, Ariana’s already overwhelmed emotions intensify. Having lost her father nearly ten years ago, Ariana candidly expresses during an interview segment: “I’m not well; I’m barely holding on if I’m honest.” Tom’s backstabbing actions add salt to Ariana’s wounds.
Ariana Stands by Raquel Amidst Katie’s Disapproval
During their glamping getaway, Ariana and Scheana seize an opportunity to reconnect after weeks apart, discussing how they support Raquel despite Katie’s objections. As Ariana’s new business partner for their upcoming sandwich shop, Something About Her, Katie strongly disapproves of Raquel after she pursued Schwartz despite claiming she wouldn’t. Ariana emphasizes, “Raquel’s my friend – she’s kind, sweet, loyal, and an absolute delight.” Even if Katie refuses to be civil with Raquel, Ariana will continue to prioritize their friendship.
Raquel’s Emotional Outburst About Her Uncertain Future
As the glamping adventure draws to a close, Raquel contemplates her 28th birthday. Throughout the trip, her friends constantly remind her of the age gap as most Vanderpump Rules cast members are in their mid-thirties. Having participated in pageants all her life, Raquel reveals she’s now too old for the circuit and uncertain about her future.
In a tearful interview segment, Raquel shares that she never achieved her dream of becoming Miss California, making her feel lost without that goal. On the upside, she admits that leaving pageantry means no longer worrying about maintaining a role model image. Raquel’s lack of self-awareness during these emotional moments is both startling and uneasy to watch.
Tom Attempts to Portray Katie as the Antagonist
While gathered around the campfire during the glamping trip, Tom presents Raquel with an extravagant birthday gift from himself and Ariana: costly vintage Versace sunglasses. When others don’t have gifts for her, Schwartz jokingly offers a birthday kiss. The conversation about Katie arises due to her longstanding issues with Raquel, primarily driven by Sandoval. Despite Schwartz’s efforts to change the subject, Sandoval insists on discussing his distaste for Katie’s behavior, prompting others to join in.
Lala Confronts Tom for Deceiving Ariana
Post-glamping, everyone gathers at TomTom to support Kristina’s small business, HeartSpring Co. Although tension is palpable among the group throughout the event, Lala and Ariana find time to chat. Lala urges Ariana to share details regarding her grandmother’s death while Tom was partying with Raquel and others. Ariana had asked Tom to return home but was told he couldn’t find transportation, extending his stay at the party when she needed him most.
Lala reveals that Tom could have found a ride, and it was odd seeing him dancing with Raquel while knowing Ariana was in distress. Ariana quickly brings Tom into the discussion, presenting Lala’s perspective. Tom looks defeated as he’s caught lying and admits he could have left sooner. Ariana is hurt by his disregard but remains calm.
Ariana’s Desperation in Her Relationship with Tom
Towards the episode’s conclusion, Ariana is undeniably at a challenging juncture in her romance with Tom. She’s overwhelmed by despair and candidly reveals her thoughts to the camera during an interview, discussing the current state of their relationship and how she’s the sole person keeping it afloat. Ariana admits, “Perhaps he doesn’t consider me as significant anymore.” It’s evident that Ariana is unsure about what has gone awry in their connection, but she can see the fissures forming. It appears she might be the only one attempting to mend them.
Moreover, Ariana grapples with understanding Tom’s behavior as she tells the camera, “I prioritize Tom over everyone else. I’m completely loyal to him – so I end up looking foolish being his avid supporter when he doesn’t reciprocate.” Meanwhile, Tom dedicates most of the episode to praising Raquel, becoming her biggest fan. This could come as a surprise, given that he’s involved with someone as kind-hearted and empathetic as Ariana. As Vanderpump Rules season 10 nears its finale with only two episodes remaining, things are definitely intensifying.
