Flaming Bros San Fernando - Season 2 (2016)

 

Season 2 (2016)

Sigh... let me tell you: I haven't watched this season since it first aired in 2016. It was absolutely exhausting and depressing to get through, and marks a significant tonal shift from Season 1, diving into a much darker and more unforgivable territory. But for you all, I was determined to rewatch it. So, you’re welcome. The events of Season 2 are exactly why Rafa never talks about the season. Nor did he ever promote it, or do too many confessionals for it, implying that he is slowly but surely drifting away from the show. And what transpires after the airing of the reunion is even worse. But until then, let’s just get through Season 2, shall we?

 

This season was filmed between October 2015 and January 2016, and aired from April to July 2016, consisting of 20 episodes, which isn't good for this particular season. You'll be asking yourself, "When is this season gonna be over?" Not because it's bad, but because it's fucking *HEAVY*.

 

Returning this season are main cast members Rafa Silva, Jason Caceres-Lopez, David Ty Reza, Enrique Sapene, and Alex Paredes. Joining the main cast are Aiden Tyler Lee (remember him?) and Alastair Patton (the latter who graduated from his friend role; well-deserved).

 

Cory Zwierzynski joins as the new friend-of this season, but… he wasn’t supposed to be a friend of. More on that when we talk about Cory.

--------------------------------------

What many don't realize is that any storm - big or small - can make a huge difference in a survivor's mental state. And nobody knows that better than our dear Rafael Luis Silva, the soul of the show who gets pushed to his limit.

 

Rafa’s influence symbolizes what FBSF⛈️ COULD be if the B&S brats didn't exist. What’s very underrated about Rafa is that because of his life as an immigrant in the City of San Fernando, and overall presence, he brings in an audience who wouldn’t have given FBSF⛈️ the time of day, given the horrible reputation of gay reality television. And even though he lives in the City of San Fernando, he tries to do what many of the Bullies & Snobs hardly do: get out of the bustling neighborhoods and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer.

 

Maybe it’s his spirituality, or his farming and equestrian experiences that makes him feel this way. When we last saw Rafa (disregarding the reunion), he had applied to work in the Sylmar-based Monteverde Ranch Equestrian Center as a stable hand and exercise rider, after Zachary recommended it to him personally. Since then, he has gotten hired, and his job has successfully kept him occupied and distracted from any stress or claustrophobia that comes from living in the more industrial small town of San Fernando.

 

In the Season 2 Premiere (Episode 1), Rafa’s role as an exercise rider and stable hand is documented in the opening scene: he’s setting up tack rooms, getting horses in and out of their stables safely (it helps that Rafa has always naturally been a quiet and gentle person), and helping younger horses learn when/how to switch leads. He can also read a horse’s demeanor, and figure out whether a horse he’s assigned to is okay, hungry, spooked, cranky, etc. He emphasizes in his confessional that it’s important to communicate with and get along with the horses verbally, emotionally, and physically, and avoid being forceful or aggressive.

 

After that opening scene, we cut into Rafa talking to Alastair's fiancé Zachary Garcia, who is hanging out with Rafa (during Rafa’s break) in a safe area away from the horses for Zach’s sake and safety. The two first met back in 2013 after Alastair and Zachary became an official couple. And via confessional, Rafa says, “Zach may have always wanted to go to Los Angeles to work, but as soon as he and Alastair started DMing each other and video chatting, Alastair became *THE* number one reason to go to San Fernando proper. I teased Alastair about that and he *HATED* me for that 🙈😹."

While hanging out with Rafa during Rafa’s break, Zach asks if anyone else is coming back to the show: "I know you and Alastair are back; I mean, people loved y'all. But is anyone else from last season coming back, too?" And Rafa says, "Yeah, everyone else whose name isn't Estuardo is coming back. So that's Jason, Enrique, and David. Not sure about Jason’s brother Alex, though." Zachary fights back a laughter, and just nods saying, "Got it. The gang's all here! And Alex Paredes, too, right?" Rafa immediately realizes that he left out Alex Paredes *AGAIN*, and says, "Oh no. Not again 🤦🏾." Zach laughs out loud and says, "Oh Rafa... *giggles* Rafa... buddy... *laughs* we really need to work on your APML - Alex Paredes Memory Loss" *laughs out loud*." Rafa covers his face trying not laugh, but says, "Shut up, Zach," while giggling. If you remember from last season, Rafa’s father Ricky said to him, “Filho, tem muita gente. Como você vai lembrar o nome de todo mundo?” (which in English translates to, “Son, that’s a lot of people. How are you going to remember everyone’s name?”). Since then, not only did Rafa always struggle to remember Alex Paredes’ name, but he would also completely forget about Alex P’s entire existence. And because Rafa comes from a “psychically gifted” family (the fandom’s words, not mine), it’s often believed that Ricky cursed Rafa to forget about Alex P. Do I personally believe that Rafa is cursed? No. And neither does Rafa himself. But it is hilarious either way. And to be fair, Alex P is forgettable, even when Alastair gets dragged into Alex P’s bullshit this season. Anyway, enjoy this lighthearted moment between Rafa and Zach while it lasts, because unfortunately, there aren’t many moments that allow our dear Rafa to relax. I really hate to say that.

 

What Rafa may lack in Alex-P-based memory, he makes up for in remembering how everyone else made him feel last season.

 

In retrospect, Rafa's equestrian life and tumultuous adolescence (the latter of which he opened up about last season) start to feel like foreshadowing for Season 2's major events. As established last season, Rafa was never truly accepted in San Fernando for who he is. But while horses have easily taken Rafa for who he is, horses and people are two totally different mammals.

 

Rafa is a giver by nature. So, he tends to put everyone first before himself (from protecting Jason’s sizzle reel secret to being a damn good friend to Alastair and David), which – as we see this season – can sometimes be a bad thing. It’s not like he forces his way into other people’s lives. Of course not. But since outing B&S’s dynamic as fake in the Season 1 finale, even when something has NOTHING to do with Rafa, the rest of the cast can't seem to function without him; they NEED him to stay relevant. That, of course, is with (spoiler alert) the exception of Alastair Patton.

 

And if we learned anything about Rafa last season, it’s that no matter how nice and reserved he can be, he can still end you; “Nice guys don’t finish last. We haunt you forever.” A newbie learns this the hard way while in Santa Clarita. But it ends up working against Rafa, socially and mentally.

 

But it’s one fellow OG in particular who takes Rafa’s kindness for weakness and places blame on him for what happens to that OG in Las Vegas.

And in Season 2 Episode 1, because he is a Silva by blood, he ends up jinxing later major events when – after he recovers from forgetting about Alex P again – he says to Zach at the ranch, “Well, whatever happens, I just hope that there’s never a ‘gloves off’ situation.” It shouldn’t be funny, but I’m sure that viewers who are easily put off by Rafa’s foreshadowing might’ve said, “Rafa, stop talking!”

Also, one important thing to note is that last season, Rafa was able to have different types of friends and friend groups: (1) Rafa + Alastair (2) Rafa +David (3) Rafa + Alastair + David (4) Rafa + Alastair + Zachary (5) Rafa + Zachary (6) Rafa + Calvin Seabrooks (7) Rafa + Christian Caceres-Lopez. If there's one thing that Rafa knows better than anyone else in the cast, it's that he doesn't have to make all of his friends like each other. Every friend serves a specific purpose in Rafa's life, and they don't all have to be one big friend group. Hence why Rafa is still the only Amigo that Christian interacts with as of this season. And this time, we don't see Calvin at all this season which devastates fans because they loved his insightful, funny, and carefree energy and personality, and scenes with Rafa in and out of the CSUN campus. But the reason I point out Rafa’s different friend dynamics is because two of them turn out to be built on dishonesty and manipulation.

-------------------------------

Last season was pretty rough for David. He had love and support from Alastair and Rafa and still does. But he was also treated like a powerless piece of meat by the privileged Enrique (like he normally has been since they met in 2001 as classmates) and went on to become Jason’s main target because Rafa wasn't entertaining Jason's antics.

David is trying his damn hardest to transition from the B&S humiliation in the previous season to a man focused on his creative aspirations in the Indie, short film and stage play circuit. And we see him making progress with the Indie film “El Camino” (2015), where he plays the leading role of a meth addict named Miguel. For once, when it came to his acting, he didn’t need Enrique’s help, so that’s progress, if you ask me. That being said, much of his arc continues to center on his conflicts with Jason, Enrique, and newcomers Aiden and Cory.

This season our Dronfield resident is somewhat calmer… until he meets Cory and Aiden. You can take David out of Compton, but you will never be able to take Compton out of David. He is still very close with Rafa and Alastair, and they stick together a lot throughout this season. In fact, after his swap meet conflict with Cory and Enrique in the premiere episode where Cory called David a charity case, David gives Rafa and Alastair a heads up about Cory before Rafa and Alastair have to meet Cory and Enrique at a Starbucks. Lol, not Starbucks!

But this season, David gives us the show's most WTF shift of any cast member known to God. Well, actually, it’s not a shift; it’s a revelation. Suddenly, Jason’s confessional from Season 1 - "David and Rafa are buddies? Well, hopefully David treats him right." - comes back to mind when a very important moment happens after David returns to town from Las Vegas. His revelation not only cements Flaming Bros San Fernando as the “reality telenovela” that Enrique always wanted, but it also alienates David from the entire group.

That’s right, the ENTIRE GROUP; Rafa and Alastair included. You’ll never believe how that even happens.

--------------------------------

“Life is a warzone, and I will die a survivor,” says Alastair via confessional Episode 13.

Movie theater usher Alastair Patton is a newly promoted main cast member this season and is focusing on his personal and mental well-being, and his relationship with his fiancé Zachary. Their relationship is best described as “dorks in love.” And they love horror movies and pop/R&B divas. Their everyday dynamic (while definitely not perfect) serves as a grounded anchor for our quotable king Alastair, providing him with a sense of security as he navigates the often-volatile drama of the City of San Fernando – which seems to be caving in every single day – and face the trauma he suffered during his short time in the army.

He is also trying to regain his confidence as a writer. His passion and creativity never left him, but it had been years since he gave up writing before joining the army because “it doesn’t pay the bills,” according to his father, with whom he is still not very close with.

As implied last season, Alastair went through a lot while in the army. And he still hasn’t told Zachary about it despite saying last season that they got to know each other while they were dating. So, Alastair hasn’t been completely honest with Zach about why he left the army. The only people who have known since 2012 about what he went through are Alastair’s parents and sisters, and Rafa.

At one point in Episode 2, after Alastair and Rafa have that disastrous meeting with Cory and Enrique, Rafa visits Alastair a day later, and Alastair looks like he has multiple weights on his shoulders. After Alastair serves Rafa a glass of water, Rafa breaks the ice, no pun intended. He says very carefully, “I know that Cory took you to a place that you didn’t wanna be, and, um... I- I just wanted to check on you. How are you doing, for real?” Alastair takes a moment to answer, clears his throat, as softly says to Rafa, “Well, um… I was very annoyed and offended by what he was saying to us. Definitely. He’s accusing me and Zach of cheating on each other, and I never even met Zach until I left the army. And Cory never thought to just ask why I traded the army career for regular 8-hour job. Hell… I almost wanted to do something to him when he talked about you ‘smelling bad’ because of your job. You know, it’s not the first time I’ve been shitted on for leaving the army, and I’m just like… *inhales* I’m just like, ‘Wow, y’all don’t even care enough to ask why I left the army in the first place. You just call me ungrateful, cowardly, and less of a man.’ *takes shaky deep breaths and whispers* I’m sorry. It still triggers me when people bash me for leaving the army so soon. I still think about the day I told you about what I was going through during the time in my life. It was too painful to tell anyone about it. And I wonder… *tears rolls down his eyes* I wonder if I’ll ever have the strength to finally tell Zach. You know? He and I are looking forward to getting married when we’re both ready, and I couldn’t be happier and more excited, but… I can’t even be honest with him about what happened to me…” Rafa gives Alastair a hug, rubbing his back up and down, and assuring him in a soft whispery tone, “You will one day, Al… when you’re ready,” as Alastair’s face is buried into Rafa’s shoulder. Alastair and Rafa were very careful about their choice of words when filming this heartbreaking conversation because at first, Alastair was not ready to explicitly say on-camera what he was talking about. But he assured via confessional, “You’ll find out later this season. I promise.” He felt like he had waited long enough and was tired of hiding, and knew that Zach needed to know the truth. It’s worth noting that throughout that entire episode, Rafa and Alastair’s roles had been reversed. Last season, Alastair was known to be the one who took Rafa under his wing and basically be Rafa’s guardian angel since high school. But if Rafa’s support of Alastair’s writing passion signaled anything, it was that Alastair needed a push too. And starting this season, we see that Rafa (perhaps without thinking about it) can also be Alastair’s protector and shoulder to cry on. Rafa is the only one in the show who really knows Alastair’s hopes, dreams, fears, and regrets. He also knows why Alastair’s signature dog tags were his only friends during his two-year stint in the army.

As a quasi-newbie to the main cast, Alastair can easily handle conflict with almost no effort. And as we have seen in Season 1, he does NOT shy away from outsmarting people, including his least favorite people: all of B&S, including one person in particular who Alastair gives a nickname during the reunion (a nickname that lives on forever, and I can hardly wait to talk about that).

 

Unintentionally, Alastair has carved out a niche for himself: the one who can turn a takedown towards him into a showdown towards the opponent. 

And of course, he's still wearing his signature dog tags everywhere he goes. Including the major events that goes on this season. God and Rafa are looking out for him, but so are his dog tags.

Unfortunately, his biggest conflict this season comes from Alex Paredes (of all people) via Jason, because again, Jason can't go up against Rafa.

 

Shortly after filming of the season began, Jason – always causing confusion, even amongst his own clique – said in an off-screen interview with Queerty that Alastair was trying to make a move on Alex Paredes's husband Peter Monn (who, up until the season 2 Episode 6, we have NEVER seen in the show, showing how LITTLE we currently know of Alex Paredes). But we don't know about the interview until Episode 6.

 

When Alastair hears about Jason’s interview with Queerty at Episode 6, he is absolutely disgusted and vehemently denies the allegations. And it's true that he never tried to make a move on Peter. Hell, he has never once approached Peter. He never even MEETS Peter until the Season 2 reunion! Alastair was not even thinking about anyone else's partner but his own. That's how faithful Alastair is to Zachary, and how faithful Jason is NOT to Christian, allegedly. 

 

Speaking of Jason...

 

-------------------------------------------

Oy vey. Same chaos, different packaging.

 

Considering his big presence last season, basically being the HBIC of the Bullies & Snobs, ditching his shy good guy image in the 9th grade to be hot and dangerous, and ushering in the "Jason & Friends" era for the show, Jason’s role as an individual is greatly diminished this season. And you can just feel it. His behavior throughout Season 1 made him a fan favorite amongst trash TV fanatics, but it also garnered so much backlash. From his shameless appropriation of Mexican culture (despite being Cuban), to using racial and homophobic slurs towards David, from constantly attacking David and Rafa, to shit-talking Estuardo, from mocking Rafa’s depression, to demanding Rafa shut up about his Brazilian background, and of course his behavior towards his own husband Christian, and on and on… Clearly, he was a problem (and perhaps he *HAS* a problem), and it could no longer be ignored.

Some things have changed while others remain the same. Four examples of things being the same are that (1) he is still the primary troublemaker, (2) he is still the glue that holds his (now-exposed) fractured alliance together – sometimes (though not the glue that holds the entire cast together) – (3) he still thinks that his husband Christian is a pushover, and (4) he still hates the 3 Amigos with a burning passion. 

A positive change is that after Season 1, doors were opening for Jason to take on... the occasional odd one-episode roles on primetime TV shows. Hey, you gotta start somewhere; you can't expect huge endorsement deals. Plus, he should be grateful that he’s getting offers, given that he’s another infamous reality TV villain. Either way, he’s actually trying to build something outside the group, which is growth… sort of.

But one noticeable change (which is good for us, and bad for him) is the absence of his parents Alejandro Sr and Aymee. That’s right, we do NOT see his parents at all this whole season. As a matter of fact, Season 1 is the ONLY season that his parents ever appear on the show. They were largely disliked by the viewers, especially because of their meddling, their attitude and distrust towards Jason's husband Christian, and their enabling of Jason's distrust towards Rafa. Not to mention, their, uh… offensive and problematic sense of humor. So, they were no longer on-screen. Jason and Alex C sure learned from the best, didn’t they? Bye Mom and Dad, you will not be missed!

Speaking of Alex C, he is no longer a friend-of, let alone a cast member. He only appears sporadically in cameos, and eventually disappears before the cast goes on their disastrous midseason trip to Santa Clarita. And as a result, he no longer has a reason to attend the Season 2 reunion, making this his second (and final) season in a row where he does not attend a reunion. Needless to say, he wasn’t needed on this show, but barely managed to outlast his least favorite person and former cast member, Estuardo Alvizures. Bye Alejandro Jr, you will not be missed!

But back to Jason.

Because Jason is not always present ON HIS OWN due to the backlash he received last season, he mostly hangs on to his allies. He plants the seed and they foolishly run with it and take the fall. Seriously, nobody in the B&S cult thinks for themselves…

As mentioned earlier, this season marks the exit of the worthless spineless moron formerly known as Estuardo, so Jason starts off this season without a bestie, to which viewers say, "Wait a minute, I thought Enrique was your bestie too?" Yeah, B&S dynamic makes no fucking sense whatsoever. King of Confusion strikes again. Whatever. But the loneliness doesn’t last long, as in the middle of Episode 1, we are introduced to the “sizzle reel urban legend” himself. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, Jason's old (and real) bestie and eye-fuck-buddy Aiden Tyler Lee (born December 6, 1989) has officially entered the B&S cult. This time, he is now known as Aiden Tyler Lee-Halley, as he is now married to his husband Zachary Lee-Halley (married April 28, 2015). So y’all better hide your boyfriends, husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers!

Aiden keeps his husband, better known by fans as Z Halley, private for a little while, until introducing him with one of the worst reality TV tropes of all time, the sexy (aka cringey) bathtub scene. We could’ve done without this nonsense, but it’s a gay reality show, so what was I expecting? His home life is mostly in-check, so there’s really not much for Aiden to pry into. But don’t worry, because Aiden will always have his partner in crime: Jason.

 

Aiden (or as Jason likes to call him, Aidencito) is a member of the film production department, and fits Jason's vibe so much that they are often accused by viewers of single-white-female-ing each other. They deny this, obviously, but it becomes clear that they are massively obsessed with each other. Um... Christian???

 

And unlike Estuardo, Aiden is already well-liked by Alex Paredes and Enrique due to already knowing them (and Jason) for a few years. And the chemistry is still there because he technically never left their sight. So, he never has to prove that he belongs. What he *does* prove, however, is that he is just as strategic as (or perhaps, MORE strategic than) Enrique and Jason. Enrique may bring method acting, and Jason may bring heat and spice (and the occasional drinks), but Aiden... oh boy... Aiden. Brings. KNIVES!

The exit of Estuardo, the limiting of Jason’s role, the fading of Alex C, the irrelevance of Alex P, and the entrance of Aiden (Hell, even the rejection of Carlos Sapene during the sizzle era) is where we start to see the B&S rotating from here on out, while the Amigos remain consistently untouched... for now. 

 

Aiden had wanted to join the show as early as Season 1, and Jason (also known by Aiden as "Jay") was on board, obviously. But as Rafa mentioned in the Season 1 reunion, Aiden was “left on the cutting room floor” at first because of Jason. But Jason was allegedly upset that Aiden was rejected, and he was certainly not taking that lying down. Any execs who (along with Rafa a year later) watched the 2013 sizzle reel will instantly remember Jay and Aidencito's dynamic all too well, hence why Aiden was rejected to protect Jason's relationship with Christian. But I think most importantly, it was about protecting Jason's status, image and ego. 

 

And because of Jason and Aiden's, uh... chemistry... David notices something oddly familiar about Aiden. He doesn’t know Aiden, but still… if you recall, midway through Season 1, David claimed that he saw Jason making out with a White man who sounded and acted just like him ("I mean, seriously, bro, single white female much?" said David via Season 1 confessional), and accused Jason ON CAMERA of cheating on Christian... multiple times, leading to the now infamous Tidal Wave Trilogy. Given what we know from Season 1 and the 2013 sizzle, it should be obvious at this point who Jason was allegedly cheating on Christian WITH. But again, he and his mini-me deny this, the sizzle reel was never released to the public, and there’s no other proof to back up David’s accusation. Still, Aiden and Jason’s behavior are enough to make us think that David is telling the truth.

And speaking of Christian, even though he has never seen the sizzle reel to this day (and it's probably for the best that he doesn't), Christian has known Aiden since meeting Jason. And he knows that Aiden doesn't like him; the feeling is mutual. Aiden has a tendency to playfully flirt with Jason in a way that he and Jason claim to be platonic. And Jason plays along because - not that he'll ever say it to Christian or the cameras - Aiden makes him feel special. But Christian never forgot about the rumors David spread last season about Jason cheating on him with a White guy who sounds and acts like Jason. Aiden is a White guy who sounds and acts like Jason. They even attended each other's weddings... or at least some of them did. I'll let Jason explain it:

"Aiden and Z even attended my wedding with Christian last year, which was so sweet of them," Jason softly says via confessional in Episode 1 with a glow on his face, and continues "I also attended Aiden and Z's wedding early this year; Chris... wasn't there," with a shrug. 

Huh... interesting.

Jason and Aiden know A LOT about each other from head to toe, if you know what I mean. Not that they ever confirm or deny anything. But again... CHRISTIAN?! Z also has a similar issue, but with Jason. But we rarely see Z so he’s almost non-existent.

As for Aiden’s conflict with David, all of Aiden's jabs at David are quite lethal. One particular moment between them happens on Episode 3 after Aiden says to him, "Let me be clear with you David. I'm not a fake bitch like you. And I don't like bitches who lie on me, and you're one of them." David says, "Are you serious right now?" Aiden: "Yeah, and I'm not an attention whore like you. That's why you're always running to Enrique or Rafa or Alastair." David struggles to defend himself, but says, "First of all, Aiden, you don't know me, okay? So I suggest you shut the fuck up." Aiden argues back, "You don't know me either! So we're even." David says, "Bitch, on my mama's life, I ain’t the one, okay? Watch it. Stop making shit up." Aiden says, "I'm not making anything up; you are! Lying about me and Jason; like, who does that? My friendship with Jason is none of your goddamn business, honey!" David says, "Well if you’re offended by that, it's 'cuz you wanna get offended!" Aiden simply says, "Yeah, okay. Next time, say to my face what's on your mind, bitch, instead of hiding behind everybody else. Jealous insecure granny that can't keep a man." David shouts, "BITCH, I AIN’T GOT NO REASON TO BE JEALOUS OR INSECURE! Man, you want me to beat your ass in this motherfucker." Aiden, "Bitch bye, we all know you can't fight. Either way, I win."

Aiden meets Rafa (who instantly recognizes Aiden from the sizzle reel) later in Episode 1 and doesn't come to play; trust and believe, bitch. He literally bases his unfavorable opinion of Rafa on what Jason has said about Rafa (going beyond what Jason said about the “sad-looking country kid” sitting in a bus stop reading a therapy pamphlet), and not letting Rafa speak. Yes, Aiden is literally the White version of Estuardo in this sense, parroting Jason’s scripture like it’s gospel. He finds Rafa boring and dull and uninteresting, and Blah-di-blah-di-blah, and most importantly a threat to Jason, only because Jason already feels that way about Rafa. He even reminds Rafa that he knows about the “cutting room floor” revelation from the Season 1 reunion, which causes Rafa’s cheeks to get a little red from embarrassment. Rafa ends up saying the following in his Episode 1 confessional: "When Aiden told me that he was judging me based on what Jason already said about me, I was over him already. I don't even remember half the things he said to me because he’s just talking and talking...*sighs* I don't know what it is about Jason that makes people lose themselves. But it seems to me that when you're Jason's friend, or ally, or brother, or parent, you're allergic to independence. And then he turns on you." Side note: the fact that Rafa said, "when you're Jason's friend, or ally, or brother, or parent," but never said, "or partner," kind of implies that he views Jason’s husband Christian as *independent*, which he is. And that independence could also explain why the Caceres family doesn't like Christian, and why Jason throws shade at him, but it doesn't excuse them; absolutely not. Still, Rafa brought up a great point: NOBODY WHO'S DEPENDENT ON JASON EVER WANTS TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES OR HAVE THEIR OWN OPINION (something that Alastair echoes in the reunion about Alex Paredes)! And then Jason drops them like a hot potato. "Look at what happened to Estuardo for further proof," Rafa exclaims in his confessional, leading to Season 1 flashbacks of Jason and Estuardo’s fake friendship and Estuardo's meltdown during the Season 1 finale.

 

Therefore, SPOILER ALERT, we don't really get to know Aiden as an individual beyond the fact that he’s married.

Jason and Aiden (aka J&A, Jayden, and Jay & Aidencito) go full-force. Not only do they hate the 3 Amigos, but they are not shy to show how weird and annoying they think a newbie friend-of is; especially Aiden.

 

Speaking of which…

---------------

“Who is he? Why is he sitting at our table? He’s so annoying, Jay.” – Aiden, Season 2 Episode 4

 

The other newbie who also appears in the Season 2 premiere as a straight-up hater towards our 3 Amigos is friend-of Cory Zwierzynski, a recently hired bartender (for Truman House Tavern) with a horrible mouth, and a mean streak, something that David in particular learns very quickly during the premiere. YIKES! And everybody else doesn't know what to make of Cory. Even the viewers are just like, "Yeah... I'm not gonna like him, am I?" He's really THAT horrible. And allegedly, customers of the Truman House Tavern say that he has awful customer service skills. Me thinks that he was desperate to get the job, and was hired out of pity.

About the whole charity thing... so during the last 20 minutes of Episode 1, the cast (minus Rafa and Alastair, because Alastair had to work, and Rafa had to take his midterm exams in CSUN) are attending a charity event for the homeless at the San Fernando Swap Meet, and it's the first time David meets Cory and Aiden (the latter of whom sparks David's "oddly familiar" comment via confessional). Cory gives off a very weird vibe for David, so David spends most of his time at the swap meet giving Cory the cold shoulder. Cory notices this and eventually approaches David and says, "Hey man, I wanna talk to you; this can't wait." Well, damn, Cory. And David reluctantly says, "Um, alright I guess." In his confessional, David says, "I don't know what this fool gotta say to me, but it better be good." Cory starts talking and says, "Look, I don't know what your problem is with me, but your attitude is really getting on my nerves. For real." David says, "Well I feel offended by your presence Cory. You come at me in this swap meet with this crazy-ass vibe, thinking that you know everything about me, bragging to Enrique about me needing his help with things. How am I supposed to react, dawg?" Cory claps back with, "Well you certainly needed his help for over a decade, apparently." David simply says, "That ain't none of your damn business, new guy. You don't know shit about me to say things like that." Cory says, "Okay, alright. Clearly you take yourself way too fucking seriously. You can't take a joke. I'm surprised you even got friends." David gives me a look that screams, "Excuse me?" And he says, "Of course I got friends--" and Cory cuts him off by saying, "So where are they? Hmm? Cuz they sure as Hell ain't here." David shuts down the conversation by saying, "Okay, you know what? I'm done with this. I start charities, Cory," to which Cory quickly says, "For who? You?” BURN! And David says, "Man, whatever. Go back to sucking Enrique's dick, will ya?" which causes people (even kids) in the charity event to stare at them. David says in his confessional, "This guy wants me to apologize for ignoring him? *snickering* That fool is crazy, yo. But I guess I met my match. When two ticking time bombs collide. Who does this guy think he is? Really." And as David is muttering to himself, "I'm fucking done," Enrique is approaching Cory, asking, "What just happened?" and Cory tells him exactly what went down, to which Enrique says in his confessional "Hmm, I'm kinda surprised that David didn't fly off the handle like he normally does, with his ghetto ass. I should be grateful that he's not *really* acting a fool, but to see him so quiet like that...? Yeah, that ain't the David that I know and love to hate. Maybe he should just go home. And by 'home,' I mean Compton, not Sylmar." David passes by Jason and Aiden who (in addition to being each other's dates) are laughing about God knows what, and they notice that David appears to be crying, to which Aiden jokingly asks Jason, "Jay, what did you do this time?" and Jason quickly says, "Nothing! I swear!" In his confessional Jason says, "So David can actually *cry*? *laughs* I didn't know the hood rat had it in him. Me thinks that Rafa is a bad influence on him.” Then they see Enrique and Cory following David to the parking lot, which leads to Aiden saying via confessional, "Oh... Okay, I'm just gonna take a wild guess and say that Cory did something to David. I mean, I don't like either of those bitches, so I'm on nobody's side, but this I gotta see." He takes Jason's hand and they walk towards David, Enrique and Cory. Jason laughs in his confessional while saying, "Oh, Aiden, why? You don't like them, and neither do I, so who cares? *laughs* But yeah, we may as well just watch because this Charity event is so fuckin' boring. Whatever." Once Enrique gets David to stop, instead of asking if David is okay (because why would he ask that anyway?), Enrique asks, "Hey, David, what is wrong with you? Why did you have to make a scene at the swap meet?" And Cory asks David, "Does it bother you that I spoke to you? You feel threatened? Because if so, then I'm clearly doing something right." The Bullies & Snobs (including Alex Paredes, who came out of nowhere) are shocked by Cory's words. David looks away in disgust, which causes Cory to say, "Hey, no, my face is right here. Look me in the eye when I'm talking to you." David says, "Cory do you know how to take a hint? I'm just leaving so you ain't gotta worry about following me." Cory says, "Okay, bitch, cool," and as David walks away to his car, Cory is yelling out from a distance, "WE DON'T NEED GHETTO BITCHES LIKE YOU IN THIS ENVIRONMENT! THIS IS A CHARITY EVENT, FOR CHARITY CASES LIKE YOU!" oh snap... Yeah, the Bullies & Snobs don't realize what they've gotten themselves into or who they've invited into their circle. They’re already a fractured group of assholes, so why not add a loose canon into their clique? Yeah, that makes perfect sense.

 

Is this enough to make the rest of the cast (Amigos included) come together as a unit, FINALLY? NOPE! And you know what? I don't think any of us expected more or less.

 

Yeah, Cory is a bully, for sure... but he's also desperate to be accepted into the mean girls group, of which he is a superfan, and it painfully shows. According to Cory, they're the ones with the most iconic drama and he IS the drama. He’s also a trash TV purist. And most importantly, he is a PROBLEMATIC liability. Keep that in mind, because it will be important later, especially when we talk about his thirsty (and HATEFUL) conflicts with the 3 Amigos.

 

And while he is reluctantly invited into the Bullies & Snobs alliance (still overpowering the 3 Amigos), he's never truly accepted by the clique, and they eventually regret letting him in. For once, I understand B&S’s annoyance with Cory, but I don’t feel bad for them. They were dumb enough to welcome him with open arms. And they never recovered from that.

But to be fair, of all the Bullies & Snobs this season, Cory’s harshest critic is Aiden, who has no problem returning Cory’s energy as evidenced in Episode 13 (Cory: “Is Jason paying you to say these things about me?”/Aiden: “Nope.”/Cory: “Yeah, I don’t believe that; you’re being paid.”/Aiden: “Well *you’re* on this show because you *need* to get paid. Your bartending job ain’t even giving you a penny, honey.” OOF, don't mess with Aiden, or you'll live to regret it for the rest of your life).

And Cory’s vicious beef with David is even more lethal, with Episode 8 being a good example. As David, Rafa, and Alastair are playing basketball at the City of San Fernando Recreation Park, Enrique, Jason, Aiden, and Cory show up to interrupt the Amigos' time together. Oh yeah, and Alex Paredes is there, too, not that Rafa would've noticed. 

Cory: So, David, you been drinking today?

*David looks at him confused*

Cory: You don't have no beer?

David: No, dumbass, I'm in a park. What, you my father now?

Cory: Yeah, I am. Because I keep it all the way real with everybody, something that you don't do. Like, apparently, you like drama.

David: I do not like drama.

Cory: Oh wait, time out. That wasn't it.

David: Okay, so get it right, 'cuz that's your problem. You get confused about what I said or what you said. 

Cory: I have no fucking problem over here, Danny Trejo. 

*Rafa and Alastair are shocked by the Danny Trejo insult. And David just side-eyes Cory.*

Rafa: "Danny Trejo?" Why did you just call him that?!

Cory: 'Cuz that's what he fucking looks like, you dumb bitch!

*Rafa is taken aback by Cory's answer*

Alastair via confessional: Red flag. 

David via confessional: He wants a reaction from me, and I'm thinking at this point, "Don't come any closer, or you *will* get a reaction."

Cory: WHY YOU SO QUIET, BITCH?! YOU SCARED OF ME? 'CUZ I GOT MORE FRIENDS THAN YOU?!

David: Man, none of these motherfuckers like you! They talk about you like a fuckin' dog! I don't care what they told you, they do not like your stupid ass! Get with that.

Cory: Yeah, okay, ugly face. Meanwhile you ain't even relevant.

David: YOU BEGGED TO BE HERE! You begged to be in that circle. You will never truly be a part of it; you ain't got what it takes. I'll still be here when you're fired! When you're *LONG* fired. I'll be making movies and you'll be out of a job. Bye bye! 

*David, Rafa, and Alastair walk away*

--------------------------------------

 

Here's a little behind-the-scenes fact about Mr. Zwierzynski: he was not supposed to be a friend-of.

 

He was cast alongside Aiden as a full-time cast member. But as you'll see throughout his rather SHORT time in the show, he was a living nightmare to be around. And the producers, security, and camera crew agree. In fact, he was allegedly so bad that a security guard actually said, "Whoever casted this piece of shit needs to get fired. I'm not even joking." So, Cory is mostly edited around before completely disappearing after the group’s trip to Las Vegas. In fact, the only time we see him is when he's interacting with B&S (which isn't very often, to their delight), and when he's out to attack the 3 Amigos. THAT'S IT. No confessionals. No cast photo. No inclusion in the opening credits. No invite to the reunion.

 

 

-----------------

 

The additions of Aiden and Cory makes them the first non-Latinx cast members and first White cast members to join the series, with Aiden being Norwegian and English - as well as fluent in Spanish, conveniently - and Cory being Polish, but "Latino-passing." So, the diversity here is... a bit... clunky and performative. Aiden and Cory check the “non-Latinx” box, but Aiden comes in speaking fluent Spanish and immediately plugs into the Jason echo chamber. Meanwhile Cory – who has fair, light-toned skin that tans to a light-medium shade – is “Latino-passing,” which feels like they’re still trying to keep the visual aesthetic while adding someone who’s clearly coded as an outsider.

It's as if the show wants to move further away from the Mexican roots of the City, begging the question of why you would even allow David or Alastair in this show. Even Rafa, who always acknowledged that San Fernando is a predominantly Mexican/Chicano city. 

 

------‐--------------

 

On Episode 2, at a Starbucks on a beautiful sunny day, Cory (accompanied by Enrique) makes a BAD impression on Rafa and Alastair, from questioning Rafa’s decision to work in a stable ("Really? So, you be smelling like shit, right?"), to “joking” that Alastair and Zach were probably cheating on each other when Alastair would be deployed ("Hey there's nothing wrong with that! You gotta keep yourselves busy, you know?") only for Alastair to quickly let Cory know, “Zach and I never met until after I was discharged. Get it right, Cory. Okay?”

 

Rafa and Alastair let Cory know that they don't appreciate his "jokes," with Rafa asking him, "Is this how you talk to people that you JUST met? Because if so, I feel sorry for you, dude." Lord, why did Rafa say that? This is where we realize that Cory does NOT respond well to negative feedback... like, AT ALL. He's arguing with both of them about his delivery, saying that they shouldn't be "so damn sensitive," which in retrospect is a RED FLAG and FORESHADOWING for what comes later in the season. Eventually he says to Alastair, "Well let me tell you something, army BRAT: I'm a hot guy and YOU are still working a 9 to 5!" This - if nothing else - confuses Rafa, who says in his confessional, "Oh yes, Cory, because it's the worst thing in the world to work a 9 to 5 🙄." Alastair’s response: "So what? And you're a part-time bartender." And Cory's response, "YOUR HOUSE IS SMALL AS FUCK," even though he's never SEEN Alastair’s house before. Rafa starts looking very uncomfortable when Cory and Alastair (who are now screaming at each other) start standing up, and sees that Alastair carried Rafa’s cup of coffee, immediately leading Rafa to desperately yell, "NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! Alastair, give me my coffee!" Alastair quickly apologizes to Rafa, "Sorry, sorry. I'm good." And Rafa says, "Alright, you know what? I think we're done here. Bye.🖕🏿" They both walk away from Cory and Enrique who are just "offended" by their reactions and abrupt exit, boohoo.

 

Enrique's confessional: "I'm really pissed that those bitches just walked away. And that Rafa kid just flipped the bird at us? Who knew that the boring kid and his soldier bodyguard were really about that gangsta life? I guess they been spending a little too much time with Señor Reza."

 

The fact that Enrique even asked that "gangsta" question is just so on-brand of Enrique at this point. It reminds me of when he talked about David’s "ghetto" personality last season when scolding David and reminding him, “You need me.” It's pretty much established that Enrique doesn't like the "ghetto"/"gangsta" personalities. When is he gonna stop doing that?! Why is he able to get away with even subtle insensitive remarks? Sigh, it was the 2010s, what can I say?

 

-----------------

 

As mentioned earlier, Jason said in an interview with Queerty that Alastair was trying to make a move on Alex Paredes's husband Peter Monn.

 

And on Episode 6, the way Alex P interprets this, Alastair wanted to have sex with Peter. Jason never said that, though; he said, “tried to make a move,” which is admittedly a very broad phrase that can mean almost anything. But does Jason ever correct Alex P? Nope. Is Alex P quick to believe everything that Jason says to him, considering that JASON is the source? Yes. Why, you may ask? Because Alex P doesn't like Alastair for literally no reason. JUST STUPID, ALEX!

 

Later during episode 6, we finally meet Peter who, in addition to allegedly not being faithful to Alex, is unashamed to play along with the rumor. Peter jokingly implies his falsely alleged affair with Alastair saying to Alex, "Well we did talk and stuff, but it wasn't like it meant anything. He's sexy as Hell, but he ain't you.” Oh my God... 🙈 Why, Peter? WHY?!

 

Of course, in the very next episode (Episode 7), Alex P, being stupid as hell, sets up a meeting at a restaurant where he tries and fails to set things straight with Alastair. It was supposed to be a one-on-one meeting between Alex P and Alastair, but of course it’s an ambush, with the meeting also having both Aiden ("Of course Jason chickened out and recruited you instead," Alastair points out to Aiden), and (of ALL idiots) Cory on Alex Paredes’ side.

 

So, Alex P goes blah blah blah, “you did this you did that, you talked to Peter behind my back." A very heated Alastair (who has his dog tags with him, JUST IN CASE) asks him, "Well since you're so quick to believe that the sky is falling, what did I say to Peter?" Cory – who needed a moment – butts in to say, "That you want his dick!" Alastair says to Cory, "Bitch, shut up! I'm not talking to you."

 

Cory says, "No, YOU shut the fuck up, you homewrecker!" (which is so ironic given that Aiden is sitting right there, mums the word) and tries to throw a glass at Alastair, only to thankfully miss (them dog tags said, not today, Cory). Alastair returns the same energy, except HIS glass hits Cory *DEAD IN THE FACE*! OH. MY. GOD. And if the security didn't show up any sooner, it would've been over for Cory. But either way, Alastair won THAT fight, and viewers actually rejoiced Alastair for what he did.

 

Was it right? No. Did Alastair care? Fuck no. Did the viewers care? ABSOLUTELY NOT! And neither did I.

It will be a common trend for Cory to always lose a physical fight because he cannot fight.

 

While Aiden is just quiet yet silently amused, Alex and Cory are left looking dumb as fuck. And Alex P, for the rest of his time on the show, is never able to move on from his stupidity. Interestingly, even though this was technically a conflict between Alex and Alastair, the interference of Cory, the quiet observation of Aiden, and Alastair’s reaction quickly overshadowed Alex P and made him even less relevant. So, he’s hardly even a “satellite character” and is mostly “put on a bus” (shoutout to TV Tropes) until the reunion.

 

Anyway, that ambush was an epic fail, but Aidencito could not wait to tell Jay all about it the very next day in Episode 8 when he goes to Jason and Christian’s house (much to Christian’s internal annoyance) and sits rather close to Jason on Jason’s couch and says in a flirty, soft-spoken tone, “Jay... you missed a great glass-throwing match last night.” And Jason casually says, “Did I? Do tell.”

 

Mind you, Christian is right next door in the kitchen behind them and can see them, with a concerned look on his face. It should be noted that Christian does not like Aiden. He always had a legitimate feeling that Aiden was jealous of him, and is just flirting with Jason to annoy Christian. And the fact that Jason isn't bothered by Aiden's delivery is just baffling for our dear Christian.

 

Meanwhile, also in Episode 8, Rafa and David hear from Alastair about the ambush from Alex, to which David reminds Rafa, “That’s Alex Paredes,” and Rafa says, “Noted.” And while Rafa vocally shows concern wishing that he was there to back Alastair up ("We should've been there in case something like that were to happen."), David doesn’t say too much. He appeared to be shocked. So, maybe he’s just trying to take in the information? I don’t know…

 

-------------------------

 

Okay, so remember that Starbucks incident with Cory accusing Alastair and Rafa being "so damn sensitive"?

 

Well, during a mid-season trip to Santa Clarita in Episode 12 (hosted by Enrique), all 8 cast members stayed in a beautiful house, but the tension was so THICK!

 

As a casual reality show fan, I have to ask: Why are people forced to go on cast trips with people they don't get along with? Call me boring, but that’s a terrible idea, and what happens to our dear Rafa during this trip is a good reminder of why.

 

Needless to say, the trip only lasts 2 episodes (3 days onscreen), and Enrique proves to be a terrible host (big surprise) because he hates the amigos THAT MUCH for ruining his show; especially Rafa, who immediately becomes a target for potential punishment.

 

On the first day (Episode 12), when Enrique notices how quiet and timid Rafa looks, he sarcastically shouts, “HI, RAFA! I’m surprised you’re here.” Rafa says nothing, and Enrique says, “You alright? What’s wrong?” Rafa softly says, “Nothing.” Enrique says with a fake smile on his face, "Oh really? Because you haven’t acknowledged me the whole time that we’ve been here. We’re on vacation! Do you not wanna be here?” Without giving Enrique eye contact, Rafa says, “I really don’t.” Enrique says, “Yeah, we can all see that.” Alastair interjects and says aloud, “Alright, that’s enough. What we’re not gonna do is put anybody in the hot seat, okay?”

In his confessional, Alastair says, “I am so tired of everyone coming after Rafa. You don’t like him? Fine. Ignore him. Stop talking to him. Just shut up.”

Alastair says to the B&S crew, “Just make yourselves useful, and unpack,” to which Enrique says, “Well excuse me, Army Brat.”

As the B&S brats are in their rooms unpacking their stuff, the 3 Amigos DON'T unpack at all. Instead, they have a private conversation in the living room about the tension within the cast, with Rafa in particular softly saying to David and Alastair, "Guys, I don't get it. Why are we even here? It makes no sense for us to be here with 5 people that we don't get along with." Alastair vocally agrees, while David stays awfully quiet (again) and sort of checked-out (only nodding in agreement), which viewers notice right away. How Rafa and Alastair didn't notice is pretty interesting. Unless I’m missing something…

 

Still not over Rafa invalidating Enrique's EP role via a check during the Season 1 reunion or standing up for himself during the Season 1 finale at James’ Restaurant, Enrique eavesdrops on the Amigos' conversation, and when the subject shifts specifically to Cory's problematic behavior, Enrique proudly AND LOUDLY tells Cory on Rafa, which catches Rafa off-guard. And it's off to the races. Cory comes back to the living room and rips Rafa a new one, calling him a scared little pansy for not saying anything to his face, and talking trash about his “creepy-ass family of witches” (these were no yo-mama jokes), and going the racist route by calling him a "Mexican country-hick," to which an in-shock and triggered Rafa shakingly says, "I'm not Mexican; I'm Brazilian." Cory Z's response? "Same shit! You're still a retarded beaner!" David and Alastair (the ACTUAL Mexicans) are in shock by what they're hearing, and Cory and Rafa start yelling and screaming at each other, even though Alastair (who can faintly be heard yelling at Cory, “HEY, YOU WATCH YOUR FUCKING MOUTH!”) is trying to pull Rafa back and calm him down (um, where the fudge is David? Physically he's there and visibly shocked, buuuuuuut...), and before Cory could verbally attack Rafa any further, Rafa does the unthinkable.

 

He punches Cory dead in the face and gives him a black eye, and a broken bloodied nose, and proceeds to BEAT THE LIVING SHIT out of Cory. "This is literally me at my breaking point," Rafa softly says via confessional. The group and security try to break it up, but Rafa (with his martial arts skills and undeniable strength) will not stop beating the shit out of Cory, and even shoves Enrique off of him, so hard that Enrique falls to the floor. Alastair, who’s trying to pull Rafa away, manages to avoid getting pushed by Rafa, because his dog tags literally work like a charm, protecting him from any physical harm. It takes about five minutes for Rafa to let Cory go. And when he does finally let Cory go, he does so by aggressively pushing him to the floor, causing Cory to accidentally knock over a fragile vase. All viewers can say to Rafa is, DAMN! This is the angriest and most vicious that viewers have seen Rafa (his table bang in the Season 1 finale does not compare), and it was fucking scary to watch. Many viewers agree that former cast member Estuardo was lucky to not have pushed Rafa's buttons any further than the worthless comment, or he would've probably suffered the same consequences.

 

Rafael is crying, visibly shaken and angry. And Enrique - still reeling from being shoved by Rafa - yells at him for "doing such an awful thing! What the fuck is wrong with you?!" But Rafa ignores Enrique's gaslighting, and never apologizes to him or Cory, who later throws water at Rafa's face because that's all he can do (as well as say to Rafa, "Get fired, you fuckin’ freak!"). As Alastair and David are taking Rafa outside the house to get him fresh air, Enrique follows them because apparently, he wasn’t done talking to Rafa. But Alastair has had it and stops Enrique mid-sentence and points his finger at Enrique's face while saying (quotable moment), “Hey man, you better stop right there, I swear to God.” You know it’s bad (yet satisfying) when Alastair is threatening the so-called EP, and says (quotable moment), "You know what you did and you should be fired at this point. This isn’t a vacation; it’s a setup." Alastair goes further saying to the B&S out loud (quotable moment), "What Cory just called Rafa - a Mexican country hick and a retarded beaner - should be enough for y'all to wake the fuck up. If you choose to be on the side of someone who's clearly racist and ableist, you deserve whatever comes to you. Period.”  And with that, Alastair walks out to catch up with David and Rafa outside.

 

But the fact that the rest of the cast does nothing about Cory being racist or ableist to Rafa (and the Latin community in general) is a big slap in the face, though not surprising at all.

 

Nonetheless, this is the last time Alastair and Rafa film with Cory. EVER.

 

Rafa, Alastair, and David end up leaving about an hour later, while the rest of the group enjoys the rest of this uninteresting trip. Truth-be-told, without our amigos, the trip is BORING to watch.

 

Omg, I just realized: Rafa was the first to OFFICIALLY throw hands! From punching Cory to shoving Enrique, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!

 

Alastair would've been the first had the security not shown up after he threw a glass at Cory's face.

 

Rafa’s punching and shoving will always take the "holy shit" crown. Even fans of Rafa admitted that they were crying when they watched it, and even crying when Rafa was crying afterwards after finally pushing Cory to the floor and being pulled from security.

 

At that point, the non-Rafa fans were gonna say whatever they wanted about Rafa. One minute, Rafa is boring because he doesn't fight. Next minute, he should be fired for fighting Cory and shoving Enrique. So, I'm still not buying anyone’s immature hatred towards Rafa, because when it comes down to it, they don't like Rafa because he refused to play Enrique's game.

 

As for the Rafa fans, because of his response to Cory's racism and ableism, many were worried that he could get fired or demoted (not just from the show, but especially from his job at Monteverde Ranch), effective immediately, especially after word got out (during filming) about the fight.

 

We don't see much of Cory after Episode 13 which documents both the 2nd and 3rd (and thankfully final) days of the Santa Clarita Trip and (in the meantime) how each amigo is processing what happened once they've made it back to their respective homes, including Alastair opening to Zachary about his past in the army.

Speaking of…

-----------------

After Alastair, Rafa, and David have returned to town from the disastrous Santa Clarita trip early, we catch up with Alastair who is talking to Zachary in Episode 13, in which Alastair admits to Zach that he was internally triggered by what had went down at Santa Clarita between Rafa and Cory ("Rafa did *NOT* have to be Mexican to know that what Cory said to him was racist. Cory doesn't deserve to be on this show, and I refuse to be in the same environment as him. It’s a wrap." Alastair says via confessional in Episode 13). This is when he finally opens up to Zach about the homophobia, racism (being labeled a "Mexican with White skin"), and (at age 19) the sexual harassment he faced for being gay (including being constantly groped down his crotch by an older male soldier in his 30s in 2011, and at one point jumped and almost raped by the same person had Alastair not fought him off), which led to his early stages of shame, denial, anger, violence, reckless behavior, irritability, nightmares, panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts which he eventually received treatment for after being diagnosed with PTSD, depression, and anxiety in 2012. Ultimately, he knew that he couldn't stay in the army anymore and was discharged in 2012. Tearfully, he says to Zach, "I still struggle to talk about this with anyone; even my closest friends and family. I've actually seen and heard about plenty of discharged army vets who go YEARS without treatment for their mental health. And... a lot of them... don't live long enough to get the help that they need. And I was questioning a lot of things. I blamed myself, I blamed God, and I… *inhales* blamed the system for choosing to not do anything about what I was going through. I was so scared for my own mental well-being, that prayer was no longer enough for me. I had to get help, immediately... or die. I just couldn't deal with the possibility of hurting someone that I loved or a stranger across the street." Zach, who is now crying, softly asks Alastair, "Baby, how come you never told me any of this before?" Alastair tearfully says, "I'm sorry... I was embarrassed. And yet I knew that I was taking a big risk keeping this a secret from you - the love of my life... I just... I never thought that anything like that would ever happen to me. And I don’t know if I’ll ever truly get over it. I told my parents, my sisters, and Rafa immediately about what had happened. But it’s something that I never like talking about, so they never dare bring it up to this day. Even my dad thinks that all of this could’ve been avoided if…” Zach calmly says, “If what?” Alastair slowly and calmly, “If I didn’t choose to be gay," which takes Zachary by surprise. Hearing this explains why Alastair was triggered by the way Rafa has always bullied since he was a teenager, and why Alastair is a very protective person when it comes to people that he loves, sometimes to a fault.

 

 

-----------------

Meanwhile, during that same episode (Episode 13), Rafa is stressed out. He’s kept to himself since that awful day in Santa Clarita, and Alastair and David gave him his space. He's trying not to think about what had just occurred in Santa Clarita between him and Cory, and just wants to focus on his job and his Theatre Major in CSUN (Fall 2015 semester). But unfortunately, by the time he’s left the now-empty campus library for the evening, he finds out on social media that articles about an "alleged" physical altercation between him and Cory have now leaked online, and it's *ALL* the queer fandom talks about. And therefore, it's all he's worrying about.

"I'm starting to question a lot of things right now. If this gets out to Monteverde, I'm worried that my boss is not going to care about why I reacted the way I did. Typically, bully victims get into the most trouble for physically responding. As for CSUN, it's not like everyone knows who I am, but… a handful of them do. So, I don't know if I'll be able to deal with that. I should have realized that Enrique would pull that stunt on me at Santa Clarita from the moment he started interrogating me. He knew that Cory hated me, David, and Alastair, and that he had a sharp tongue. And I'll bet you anything that he always knew that Cory was a racist given the many times he’s disparaged Alastair and David for being Mexican. What Cory said to me... *takes a sharp shaky breath and fights back tears*... was just... hateful. *whisper while crying* I'm sorry. *wipes a tear and tries to regain his composure, shaky voice and all* I don't even wanna repeat… *exactly* what he said to me because I'm not Mexican. Just like how I won't ever say the N-word because I'm not Black, even though I was called that when I was a kid in middle school. But here's what I can say: Cory is dead to me, and I never ever wanna see him again. I don't even wanna see him at the reunion. But best believe I will always hate Enrique for what he did to me. He started that, and now he has to live with that for the rest of his life, even if he himself doesn't like Cory either." - Rafa via confessional, Season 2 Episode 13

-----------------

It is worth noting that during one particular scene in Episode 13, as the B&S crew are spending their final day in Santa Clarita Trip, they are somewhere away from Cory (who's doing God knows what), and agree that they are torn on where they stand with Cory after the physical altercation between Cory and Rafa.

When Enrique asks the question, "Do y'all think that Cory is racist?" Nobody has a clear yes or no answer, which is very typical. Aiden's statement to the gang is actually quite interesting to me: "Cory annoys the fucking shit out of me. But he's clearly not afraid of anyone. Rafa on the other hand... he needs to stop running away from his problems and just own what he did to Cory." Basically, Rafa was wrong for what he did to Cory, and therefore should take accountability for something that CORY did, and more importantly what ENRIQUE STARTED. Yeah, that makes perfect sense.

Also, given their own history with being racists, classists, and racially insensitive towards Mexicans and Brazilians, Enrique and Jason are the last people to be having this debate. But of course, Jason says to the other B&S guys, “Rafa is always keeping the drama going, and then he plays the victim and makes everything about race. I’m honestly getting tired of that. Rafa sure is an actor.” Uh, Jason, you’re an actor, too, and so is Enrique. What does that have to do with anything?

As far as the Bullies & Snobs are concerned, they are Latinx themselves, so therefore, it doesn't matter, which is a weird thing to say because neither Aiden nor Cory are Latinx. Aiden just happens to also speak Spanish and Cory is “Latinx-passing;” neither is the same thing as actually being Latinx. As a non-Latinx myself, I have to say: the Bullies & Snobs have VERY dangerous mindset, and I don't know how they live with themselves, thinking the way they do.

As you could probably tell by this point, this season infuriated a lot of viewers. The B&S crew were literally at their absolute worst, and it was not fun watch. And sadly, it gets no better.

--------------------

 

Now if you never liked David in Season 1, then what comes next is sure to make you dislike him PERMANENTLY.

So… you might have noticed all season so far that David went from being calm, to being awfully quiet and checked-out. It got to a point where I wanted to snap my fingers at the guy's face, and be like, "Hello? Anybody home?"

 

Anyway, in Episode 14, a few days after that disastrous Santa Clarita trip, everyone is gearing up to go on the cast trip to Las Vegas, also hosted by Enrique. Ugh... Well, everyone except for Rafa and Alastair who both refuse to go and rightfully so, with Rafa saying to David, "I am not going. I can't. I don't associate with racist people, period." With or without the racism, Rafa and Alastair choosing to skip the trip because of Cory's volatile behavior is more than fair.

 

Silently, David is disappointed by this but says that he understands. Hmm, I'm sure he does... But Rafa and Alastair were right to skip the trip, and here's why:

 

During that trip, it's just constant Cory vs David, Cory vs David, Cory vs David, over and over again.

At one point in Episode 14, while at the ARIA Resort & Casino, Enrique, Jason, Alex P, Aiden, David and Cory go to a beautiful Italian restaurant called Carbone. Enrique says in his confessional that he hopes and prays "that we can get through this dinner with a happy tone." Shut up, Enrique.

When everyone is sitting down around a rectangular table, Cory immediately says, "This ain't gonna work," when he realizes that he's almost sitting next to David. Had he sat next to David, the arrangement would've been Cory-David-Alex P on one side, and Aiden-Enrique-Jason on the other side. Not wanting to hear Cory's mouth Aiden immediately says, "Alright fine, you wanna switch? You and I can switch. Damn. Happy?" which catches Cory by surprise. At this point, I don't see why Cory is *still* surprised by Aiden's attitude towards him. Aiden doesn't like you, Cory! GET THAT THROUGH YOUR FUCKING HEAD, YOU IDIOT! 

Anyway, the arrangement is now Aiden-David-Alex P on one side, and Cory-Enrique-Jason on the other side. Fine. Whatever. Cory had to sit somewhere, I guess. And it's quiet around table. TOO. QUIET. Aiden breaks the ice by asking out loud, "So, is anybody gonna talk, or what?" Since when did Aiden have THIS much to say without Jason's approval? Clearly Aiden has more independent thoughts than Alex P or even Estuardo. It kinda makes him have another thing in common with Jason (and even David): he contradicts himself a lot. In this case, however, one minute, he's thinking like Jason; the next minute, he thinks for himself. Either way, Jason loves it when Aiden is being assertive. It arouses him, not that he’ll ever say that on-camera (though I’m pretty sure that his Aidencito knows and notices).

But anyway... Cory vs David.

Immediately, Cory starts talking like David when reading the menu. It begins when Alex P asks Cory, "Are you gonna try the baked clams?" And Cory says in his David voice, "Nah, that shit is whack Alex," which causes Enrique, Alex P, and Jason to laugh out loud while Aiden is indifferent, shaking his head, not really trying to hear Cory's annoying voice. David gives Cory the scariest death glare I have ever seen. Cory - a White Polish person - continues the charade when he says, "That’s some white people shit, homes." Mind you, David is the only Mexican at the table, and Cory is saying "homes," which is a slang term for a close friend or "homeboy," originating primarily within Mexican-American/Chicano and urban slang in the United States. 

David has had enough and challenges Cory by asking, "You think that's funny, bitch?" Cory answers with, "I don't know, whatchu talkin' 'bout, man. I'm just ordering my pasta." 

In David's confessional, he says, "This fool better hope that he still got a voice 'cuz sooner or later, I'm about to pop that ass."

David says to Cory, "Grow up, you stupid cunt." And of course, that sets Cory off, "Really, David? It was a joke. A JOKE. Do you know what that means?" David: "Your mama is a fuckin' joke."

David, in his confessional, says, "Outside of that beaner thing, which I don't really care about, Cory has talked a lot of shit about me, and I've had it." When he said that he didn’t care about the ‘beaner’ comment, I was like, “Woah, wait a minute. What is that supposed to mean, exactly? Because Cory called *Rafa* a beaner, not you… so…” By that logic, he must not care about the ‘Mexican country hick’ or ‘Danny Trejo’ insults either. Something has been very off about David.

Anyway, Cory says to David, "You know what, David? You talked so much shit about me to Rafa and Alastair." David immediately says, "Well, ain't nothing good about you. You try to bring shit up about my so-called dependence on Enrique," which Enrique interjects and says, "You *do* depend on me! You do." Cory fires back at David, "Well apparently you said I have no fashion sense, but you never said that shit to me." David simply says, "So what, man? You *don't* have no fashion sense, and I'm standing by that."

Cory: "Well at least I dress nice and I don't look like a woman. Because you are the ugliest woman I've ever met in my life!" Great... so now Cory is racist, ableist, and transphobic (not that David himself is transgender, but still). Anything else? This insult shocks every B&S member at the table, even Aiden who tried is hardest to block out Cory’s loud voice. But again, do they do anything about it? Nope! The best they’re able to do is gasp, which they do.

David rolls his eyes and says, "Oh Cory, just be quiet." Cory says, "Nah, *you* be quiet! And stop talking about me. When I asked your stupid ass what you said about me, you should've just said what you said, and own it! But you ain't no real bitch!" David asks, "What's your point?" Cory's response? "My point, *BITCH* is that you shoulda told me to my motherfuckin' face! Period!"

If David's looks could kill... he is taking a sip of his wine while everyone is uneasy and staring at him and Enrique asks him, "No comment?"

David says, "I heard him. And I'm gonna apologize to him." He looks at Cory and says in the most manipulative way possible, "Cory... I am sincerely sorry. I never meant to hurt you behind your back." Cory, in a bitter tone, says, "Thank you." Oh, but David wasn't finished! He continues, "What I really wanted to do was hurt you in front of your face. But if you don't want that to happen... then I suggest you shut the fuck up right now, and starve yourself to death, like you normally do." WOW… did David just out Cory as anorexic? Or did he just say that for a reaction? And with that, David leaves the restaurant, and mutters, "Trifling-ass ho." Cory looks in shock, and the B&S gang looks so uncomfortable and pitiful by David’s chilling delivery.

Cory does not confirm or deny having an eating disorder, but is absolutely disgusted and says to the group, "This isn't over, I promise you guys," to which Aiden just sighs, facepalms, and shakes his head while saying, "Whatever, Cory." 

-----------------------

And in Episode 15, the beef ends (kind of) in the Vegas-based Piranha Nightclub where Cory TRIES to hit David in the face, only to miss and get JUMPED by David. The Compton kid never left. David ends up leaving Las Vegas early (which the B&S crew calls a cowardly decision) and returning to Dronfield. And what David (and the viewers) didn't get to see was the B&S slowly starting to distance themselves from Cory for the rest of the trip, and the rest of the season (it was revealed by Enrique during the reunion). But David and Cory never see each other again after that fight. And we never see Cory again after Episode 15, and he is never invited to the reunion. HALLELUJAH!

--------------------

 

In Episode 16, while David is on his way back to Sylmar, Rafa is taking his break outside the stables. Rafa has mostly kept to himself after Santa Clarita and needed a distraction. Luckily, Rafa’s boss Antione Parker, who did learn about the fight (Rafa did eventually have to explain to Antione, during Episode 14 why he was back in town so soon, and he was not going to lie about it), was immediately on Rafa’s side and agreed that Rafa should stay away from Cory and anyone else who makes him feel unsafe. But during his break, where he’s just taking in the quiet and occasional horses whinnies and nickers from a distance, he learns online about the Las Vegas fight from attendees of the nightclub via Instagram, and he is just… flabbergasted. Rafa immediately reaches out to David via text, who tells him that after he’s settled down, he’ll meet up with Rafa and Alastair to explain everything.

 

The next day (same episode), in the baseball field of Las Palmas Park, David tells Rafa and Alastair (both visibly worried) about what had happened. And Rafa and Alastair can tell that David is pissed. Eventually, they also notice that the whole time David is talking, he's looking directly at Rafa, as if Rafa did something wrong.

 

Rafa, bless his good heart, raises his hand and calmly asks David, “Um… why are you looking at me like that? Did I do something?” Basically, David felt abandoned, but – as viewers pointed out, he never seemed to care to come to Rafa's defense at Santa Clarita, and seemed zoned out while Alastair was talking about his restaurant ambush.

 

Regardless of the hypocrisy, David makes it very harshly clear that Rafael was being a bad friend, and shouldn't have left him hanging, and... you know, “I would never do that shit to you, and I expected better from you. But you're just like the rest of the group. I had your back a thousand times, but you ain't never had mine. So fuck you. 🖕🏿” And he walks away ignoring Alastair who immediately asks out loud, “WHAT DO YOU MEAN HE NEVER HAD YOUR BACK?!”

 

And with that, the thunderstorm has officially begun.

 

You guys, that exchange was very weird, shocking, and alarming. And Alastair thought so, too. But Rafa must've believed David because as David walked away, Rafa was trying very hard to not cry.

 

But Alastair's confessional said it all: "Rafa never had your back? So, we're just going to ignore the many times he has defended you, checked up on you, asked about you, welcomed you with open arms, and let you into his world? Apparently, that stuff doesn't count. Who knew?"

 

Looking back on last season, Rafa’s older brother Dominic was right to tell Rafa to be careful with David. Not just when it came to Jason, but in general!

 

The Silvas clearly have a gift and a curse of foreshadowing.

 

------------------------

 

At the end of Episode 16, Alastair and Rafa are still at the empty Las Palmas Park, and have a bit of a falling out themselves, and it’s so heartbreaking. Alastair says in his confessional, “Rafa is already facing public backlash because the gay community is gossiping about the fight that he and Cory got into at Santa Clarita. Enrique set that whole thing up to break Rafa. Jason doesn’t trust him around Christian. And now David is falsely accusing him of not being there for him. Everyone is literally pointing their fingers at Rafa instead of taking responsibility for their own actions.”

Rafa is quiet, and Alastair says to him, “Um… that was just… random. I don’t know where that came from. Like, why would he say that or—or think that, at all? I don’t even think he was just saying that to vent; I think he meant it.”

“Rafa’s still not saying anything. I don’t think he knows what to say right now; he’s in a state of shock,” says Alastair via confessional.

Finally, Rafa does speak, softly with his voice cracking, “I know he meant it. I can tell.” Alastair – worried for his best friend – slowly says, “Rafa?”

And Rafa (with a lone tear falling) tells him, “Maybe he’s right.” Alastair is confused and says, “Right about what?” leading Rafa to shockingly say, “About me not being there for him.”

Alastair is surprised by this and says, “What?” And Rafa says, “I haven’t made a lot of things about David lately, and that’s why he’s been so quiet. I was leaving him out without realizing it.” This detail alone reveals that Rafa has indeed noticed the times when David would be quiet whenever something wasn’t about him. But that’s not Rafa’s fault. Yet Rafa – the giver, the people pleaser, the one who puts others first before himself – is at a point where he thinks everything that went down this season is his fault.

Alastair cannot believe what he is hearing right now, and asks, “You don’t seriously believe that you’re the problem, do you? If anything, he hasn’t been there for you.” And Rafa loudly argues, “ALASTAIR, WE HAD A CHANCE TO NOT LEAVE HIM HANGING AND WE BLEW IT!” Alastair is in shock by this and yells, “WHAT ARE YOU TALK--?!” before immediately stopping himself, taking a deep breath, and regaining his composure. Via confessional, Alastair says, "This is what I was afraid of. Rafa is literally blaming himself for something that isn’t even true. And that is exactly what Enrique wanted. David is guilt-tripping Rafa for not 'protecting' him in Las Vegas. And everyone else is saying that he never should've responded to Cory's bullying, racism, or ableism. And when you have that many people blaming you for everything, you start to think that you are the problem."

Rafa looks away from Alastair who carefully approaches Rafa to calmly say, “I’m sorry. Rafael… please listen to me. What happened to David is not your fault. You didn’t wanna go to Las Vegas because you had enough of everybody. And you had to protect yourself.” Rafa says nothing for a couple of more minutes and just breaks down, tearfully asking Alastair, "So how am I supposed to face David next time? How?" Alastair didn't have an answer but said, "I don't know, Raf. I think... what we really should know... is the real reason why David is behaving this way. Something's not right, and you need clarity. And if he can’t accept that you need to take care of yourself… then fuck him.”

Viewers agree that this is the only argument between cast members that... came out of love. Still, it was not fun to watch Rafa blame himself for someone else’s stupid mistake.  

---------------------------------

 

In Episode 18, Rafa and Alastair visit David in his Dronfield apartment. And we can see that Rafa looks so depressed and exhausted, and mostly silent. "Rafa has not said a word to me the whole time we were heading to David's home," says Alastair via confessional.

 

When they finally enter David's apartment, Rafa finally speaks and asks David very carefully, “David… what was all that about at the park? Are you really that upset with me?” And David says, “I’m not upset, I’m pissed. I just feel like you’re not being supportive at all.” Rafa is trying to understand David’s perspective, and demands to know, “When was I never supportive? I would’ve never done anything to intentionally hurt anyone that I care about.”  David doesn’t have a clear answer to Rafa’s question, “Well I’m sorry for cussin’ at you. But I need you to be there for me as a friend, because you’re lucky to have someone like me as a friend, and no one else."

When David said, “no one else,” fans clocked immediately that David always saw Alastair as a threat and a competition, and not as a friend. David saying, “no one else” takes Rafa by surprise, and Rafa looks at Alastair who’s in shock, and looks back to David saying, "What do you mean, ‘no one else’?" Alastair was certainly in shock, and asks David, “So, you and I were never friends at all, and you wasted my time?” David is literally digging a hole for himself.

 

And because Rafael is overwhelmed by this revelation, he starts saying to himself, "This was a mistake; I shouldn't be here," and leaves the apartment. Alastair follows him outside, and Rafa is crying and apologizing to Alastair. Rafa feels guilty that he brought David into their lives, but Alastair assures him, "It's not your fault, Rafa. It’s going to be okay," and gives him a hug.

I (and many other viewers) lost all respect for David by the end of this season, and I KNOW Alastair (who ended up crying as he was holding on tightly to Rafa during their hug) did too, saying in his confessional scene, "I don't know how or when, but if Rafa knows what's good for him, he needs to stay away from David. Forever. God knows I will.”  

 

Rafa’s confessional is seriously heartbreaking: “Right now, I am just… overwhelmed… and disappointed in David. Alastair and I have been through so many ups and downs with people who would take advantage of us in so many different ways. And I swore to myself that I would never let that happen again, and instead I did the exact opposite. David knew what I went through growing up, and he knows what the rest of the cast thinks of me. Alastair knows my heart. But as for everyone else... I cannot trust them. And as of now… that includes David. I just want this to be over. All of this.”

 

-------------------------------------

 

The season finale (Episode 19) is mostly uneventful because we don't see Alastair or David the whole episode. And Rafa doesn't appear until much later. The episode mainly focuses on the B&S gang which, at this point, now only consists of Jason, Alex P, Enrique, and Aiden. To be fair, they’re a part of the main cast, too. But... it's not very memorable or worth discussing because that alliance is just... BORING. Even Jason, which is a huge shock. Because he was largely reduced this season, you could skip through his scenes and nothing changes for the most part. He was so incidental this season!

 

Somehow Aiden hears from the grapevine that there seems to be trouble in paradise for the Alastair-Rafa-David triangle, and of course he tells Jason when visiting Jason. Jason says to Aiden, "Hmm, I guess David and Rafa are *not* buddies after all. Sucks to be Rafa, but he did this to himself." Blaming the victim again, you guys.

 

Even from a distance, Jason knew that the friendship between David and Rafa would fail. And Christian, while in his and Jason’s bedroom, overhears Jason saying to Aiden, “I don’t want to be the one to say to Rafa, ‘I told you so.’ Oh wait, it’s on camera now. Never mind!” which Jason and Aiden both laugh about and Christian walks in on them in the guest room and says to them, “You know, you guys should be giving Rafa credit for being a great person and a great friend. He doesn’t deserve what’s been happening to him. He doesn’t even deserve any of us, if I’m being honest.” Jason and Aiden roll their eyes and Jason says, “Chris, would you relax? I was just kidding. But you gotta admit, Rafa *was* pretty dumb for befriending and trusting someone like David in the first place. He's such a stupid little kid.”

Christian says, “Well Jason, I could say the same thing about a lot of people who are supposedly your friends. Including you, Aiden.” And Aiden goes, “Excuse me?” And before exiting the house, Christian says, “Al least Rafa knows how to think for himself, no matter who hates that about him.” As Christian is leaving, Jason asks, “Where are you going?” Christian coldly says, “Out. To do what you don’t want me to do: see Rafa because he’s my friend.” Aiden, the selfish one that he is, says via confessional, “So let me get this straight, Christian. You don’t want me to be around your husband, but you can still talk to Rafa knowing damn well that Jason understandably hates Rafa? You don’t make any sense, dude.” No, Aiden, *YOU* don’t make any sense.

Later that episode, Rafa (who finally appears during the last 15 minutes) gets an unexpected visit from Christian who checks up on him and asks him how he’s holding up, which means a lot to Rafa. They don’t see each other as much as they would like to (you can thank Jason for that), but when they do, it’s a breath of fresh air. But in this case, it’s also bittersweet because this time, Rafa (despite genuine love and support from Alastair, Christian, Zachary, and an off-screen Calvin Seabrooks, respectively) feels alone, more than ever.

 

--------------------------

 

Season 2 Reunion Seating Arrangement                                                            

At the reunion, the cast is seated from left to right as follows: Aiden Lee-Halley in the fourth chair, David Ty Reza in the third, Enrique Sapene in the second, Alastair Patton in the first, host Ross Matthews in the center, then Rafa Silva in the first chair on the opposite side, followed by Jason Caceres-Lopez in the second and Alex Paredes in the third. Cory does NOT attend, and thank you Jesus for that!

 

Jason had a blue and black short-sleeve flannel shirt and khaki pants. Aiden was wearing a black and grey short-sleeve flannel shirt and grey jeans. They don't facially look alike (I must stress that), but it's almost like they were the Bobbsey Twins. It was starting to feel like "Single White Female" all over again. Like, did they seriously have to wear the *EXACT* same type of clothes? And the fact that what they had on made them look like Cholos, I think that it was a racially insensitive dig at the very gayngsta David, who btw was wearing an oversized Lakers jersey and black jeans and black running shoes. Rafa had on a black casual loose no-tuck linen shirt with navy blue sweatpants, and he looked absolutely adorable and cozy, yet tired and depressed. Alastair wore a pink camouflage shirt and pink camouflage pants, with his signature dog tags around his neck. GOTTA REPRESENT! Alex P looked better than last year's reunion, wearing a light green polo shirt with black jeans. And Enrique wore a tie-dye t-shirt and polka dot sweat pants, like he just slept in them 😆.

------------------------------------------

 

The reunion (Episode 20) was quite an interesting one.

 

David claims that he has forgiven Rafa for not being there for him and that he's over that. WHAT?! Meanwhile, Alastair has decided that he's done with David, no buts about it.

 

But most importantly, triggered by David's "forgiveness," Rafa (who's had a lot of time to think about what the Hell just happened between him and David) admits that he has not spoken to David since his and Alastair’s visit to David's apartment (Episode 18). He says to Ross, "After we finished filming that day, I just needed to get away from everyone and everything. The season was so draining for me, and I just don't understand what went wrong with me and David." And honestly after what David put Rafa through during the final days of filming, I would've slowly drifted away from David, too. David is just not an easily approachable or trustworthy person, and I think Rafa is starting to see that. David has shown himself - time and time again - to be a hypocrite since Season 1 Episode 1 when he got into it with Jason. And this season, Alastair basically lets David know that nobody should have to walk on eggshells every time they approach David, "and I'm certainly never gonna do that again with you because I'm done with you." And even Rafa builds up the courage to say something that secretly stings David: "David… I shouldn't have to babysit you. You are fucking 12 years my senior, and more than capable of taking care of yourself." Ouch. "I didn't go to Las Vegas because I was not going to be around anyone of these horrible people, especially Cory who outed himself as a racist and an ableist. He… I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t say this, and I *really* didn’t want to, but it needs to be said. Cory mislabeled me, and called me a Mexican country-hick and a retarded beaner. I would've thought that you - an actual Mexican unlike me - would've understood my refusal to go to Vegas, David. Alastair understood, and he's Mexican, too! And Cory was being transphobic to you. He called you an ugly woman, for God’s sake! Hell, he compared you to Danny Trejo! Doesn't that bother you at all?! And let’s not forget – last season, Jason called you a puto, a slur towards Mexicans that means faggot! And Jason is Cuban! And he and Alex – a white guy – show up in this reunion, looking like Cholos! Like, where is your head at, man?!" This entire recap earned Rafa and applause from the audience. David doesn't say much after hearing Rafa’s “long-winded” speech. In fact, the whole reunion, he was so quiet and sour. And he feels attacked by Rafa scolding him like that. Well, David, you brought this on to yourself. It sucks that Rafa went there, but whatever. The only thing David says in response is, "Well Rafa, I'm not trans, I'm an actual guy. And everyone in the Latin community says ‘puto’ meaning ‘bitch,’ so who cares? And anyways Rafa, ain’t you Brazilian? I thought you said that you’d never repeat anti-Meixcan slurs because you ain’t Mexican your damn self. And Alastair, you’re Mexican, right? How does it feel to hear your best friend go against his own so-called morals, and be racist towards me?" Alastair quickly but calmly answers, “I spoke to Rafa about it because we knew that he was gonna have to talk about it. He’s not trying to be malicious or racist, for your information. He was only repeating those words once because he cares.” “And out of respect, that’s the only time I will repeat those words,” says Rafa to David. The fact that he went against his own morals (not repeating racial slurs against Mexicans because he’s not Mexican himself) to make a point about David’s dismissive behavior was both brave and risky. And it’s a reminder that Rafa is very cautious and self-aware. Still, his decision to actually repeat those words (regardless of his right intentions) garnered a mixed feedback from viewers, obviously. He can’t win. Also, I don't believe that David doesn't understand or is missing the point. I just don't think he cares. And that *really* annoys me.

And it really pisses me off that for an entire season, viewers were constantly nitpicking every little thing that Rafa said or did, to prove that he’s the real villain in every scenario, even when something had absolutely nothing to do with him.

Case in point: Enrique was not gonna be given a pass for his antics either, and Rafa made damn sure of that. When Enrique tried to paint Rafa as the bad guy for pushing him and fighting Cory, Rafa says, “Well, what do you want me to say, Enrique?” Enrique, clearly not acting like a professional boss says, “Oh, I don't know. Maybe that your stupid ass is sorry for hitting me and Cory?” The fact that Enrique will not take responsibility for what he caused just angers Rafa even more, who says, “Well that's never gonna happen, because I don't *feel* sorry. *YOU*, on the other hand, should be.” Enrique refuses to own it and says, “Okay, Rafa. I’m sorry that you don’t have the balls to say anything to Cory’s face or to accept that you were being very immature that day.” Lord, it took a lot for the audience (who were in shock) to not heckle at Enrique. But Alastair had enough and shouted, “IMMATURE?!”

 

And Rafa – angry and fighting back tears - lets Enrique know once and for all how he really feels. "Okay, you know what, Enrique? What you did to me in Santa Clarita was so disgraceful. You took me to a place where I *really* could've decked you instead of Cory, so you better be glad that all I did was push you away, which I will *NOT* apologize for, okay? I don't care if you were ever an actual executive producer; it does not change the fact that you are fucking garbage, and you always will be. You really shouldn't be a leader of anything! You’re a fucking embarrassment and everyone in the San Fernando Valley knows it!" 

That speech alone gave haters another reason to say that Rafa is a horrible addition to the show, “because he disrespected his boss for a second season in a row.” Either these haters have never been in a horrible situation themselves, or they’re just being hypocritical. Moving on…

----------------------------------------

Also, later during that reunion, Alastair verbally goes after Jason and Alex P for the stunt they pulled on him, alleging that he wanted to get with Alex's husband Peter. Oh my God, as a viewer, I totally forgot about that stupid storyline lol

Peter bravely shows up to the reunion to defend Alex, but it flops, especially when you also have Zachary Garcia on the stage with Alastair and Christian on the stage with Jason. Zachary looks like he's ready to lunge at Peter, Alex P, and Jason. And Christian looks so helpless, but scolds Jason for what he did. I FEEL SO BAD FOR CHRISTIAN! Normally, as a spouse on these reality shows, you’re supposed to defend your partner. But Christian basically humiliated Jason by holding his hand up and saying, “No. Jason, there is nothing to defend. You’re on your own.” I think we all know that Jason was livid about that, but he had it coming.

 

Alex P argues that Alastair broke a code about flirting with a friend's partner, which is BULLSHIT because Alex P and Alastair were NEVER friends and Alastair had never even MET Peter. Alex P is literally talking out of his ass, making no sense, and sounds incredibly stupider the more he speaks.

 

Alastair puts his foot down, saying to Alex P for the final time, "Alex Paredes, you better tell me RIGHT NOW… what did I say to Peter that counted as me wanting to get with him? Since you choose to believe Jason." Alex P pauses, which makes Alastair say. "Until you start talking, we're gonna be here ALL DAY. And I know you don't want that--" Alex P cuts him off, exploding out of frustration, "I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU SAID, ALRIGHT?!" which startles Jason and Rafa as they are sitting in the same row. Alex P continues, "I was just told by Jason that you wanted to sleep with Peter!" Jason is not triggered by this because he knew that Alex P would eventually give up. The audience in the reunion were super annoyed with Alex P, and even the host Ross Matthews was annoyed and asked, "Alex, why were you so quick to believe Jason, knowing his history with lying to people and even twisting his own words?" Alex P quickly responds, "I don't think Jason's lying," which makes the audience groan and angers Zachary even more, who mutters, "You motherfucker." Alex goes on to say, "I just don't like Alastair and neither does Jason. Why would Jason lie to me?" "BECAUSE HE KNOWS YOU’RE AN IDIOT! THAT'S WHY!" shouts Zachary, which makes Rafa cover his mouth to hide his chuckle. Alastair’s shakes his head in amusement and says the one thing about Alex P that goes down in history: "So here it is, ladies and gentlemen: a dumb pussy who refuses to think for himself," a label that people refer to Alex P as, to this very day. Child, the audience went crazy when Alastair said that! Maybe this label will help Rafa remember Alex P going forward.

Oof, Alex P was... PISSED, you guys.  So much so that immediately after Alastair called him a dumb pussy, Alex P said, "Alright, that's it. I'm done," and walked off the stage. And Alastair responds by saying, "Yeah, okay, walk away, you clown." While walking further, Alex P goes, "Shut the fuck up, you asshole! You and your retarded-ass fiancé deserve each other! No wonder Rafa's your only friend!" Yes... he said "retarded." But unlike Rafa, who was basically forced to say it when discussing Cory’s racism and ableism, Alex P says the word with venom and absolutely no remorse, and it warranted a lot of boos from the audience.

Later on, backstage, Alex P tells a producer, "I'm not gonna sit there and listen to Alastair lie to me and humiliate me again; I'm NOT going to allow that! He had every chance to serve our country like a real American, and he failed!" DANG, Alex, how much more insensitivity does this season need?! ENOUGH! 

Alex P never comes back to the stage, and he's with Peter crying about how Alastair is a terrible person, and a jealous person, and... blah blah blah blah BLAAAAAHHH... I gotta hand it to Alex P, though. This reunion is the most relevant he has ever been, and it doesn't last after this, surprise, surprise. Anyway, he and Peter end up leaving the reunion early and never come back, which is clearly a relief for Rafa, Alastair, Zachary, and Christian.

 

Of course, with Alex P gone, Alastair focuses strictly on Jason.

Alastair: What did I even do to you last season to deserve this scandal, huh?

Jason: Nothing.

*audience expresses confusion*

Alastair: What the-- THEN WHY DID YOU DO IT?!

Jason: Because just like your softy of a friend *pointing to Rafa*, you were boring and I needed to spice you up; make you more interesting. Nobody cares about your sob story of the army. 

Alastair: Oh, you know what, Jason? I have had it up to here with you! You knew that you couldn’t intimidate Rafa, so you took it out on me instead of leaving the show gracefully. I don't care if you or anyone thinks that Rafa and I are boring because we don't cause drama or because we shut down drama. At least we allow people to get to know us outside this dysfunctional-ass group! You and your so-called friends have been here since 2013, and I still don't know a DAMN thing about who any of you guys are outside your alliance and your shitty-ass attitudes! That's why your parents were *BANNED* from this show, your own brother was never needed in *any capacity, and Rafa doesn't remember Alex Paredes. And if you're not careful, best believe you will be next.

And the audience’s response? A lot of oohs, standing ovation, and a few boos at Alastair for coming after Jason, the undeniable “star” of the show as one Jason stan put it online. No, baby, Jason was a star last season, but not anymore.

Geez, Alastair and Rafa have more catchphrases and quotable moments than any other cast member on this show!

And kudos to Rafa for bravely expressing his disappointment in David earlier in the reunion, because I know that wasn't easy to do, knowing David. 

 

---------------------------

 

Season 2 was definitely not fun to watch. It was so dark and sad, and I know Rafa did not sign up for a “Rafa Takedown Season,” as fans referred to the season. But if Enrique wanted a telenovela, he finally got it because Season 2's biggest plot twist was David Ty Reza, someone who will always need Enrique’s help no matter how much the two can’t stand each other, or how much Enrique will always verbally abuse him for his own enjoyment. And it was disappointing the way David used Rafa as a yes-man for two seasons in a row (because Rafa is, by default, a people pleaser) and treated Alastair like he was nothing; very similar to how Enrique always treated David. By the end of the season, the Bullies & Snobs had become less important, even Jason and sometimes David. It really was Rafa and Alastair against the world, riding out a massive storm in real time.

 

Yes, not only was Alex P forgotten by Rafa (2 seasons in a row), but eventually the rest of the B&S crew was mostly forgotten about before the reunion, showing us that they were not as important as Enrique thought they would be. Not even Enrique himself!

 

David's detachment whenever something wasn't about him should've given away his ulterior motives. Even Jason's sarcastic Season 1 hope that David treats Rafa right and Dominic's Season 1 concern about David starting trouble were straight-up foreshadowing in retrospect.

 

Fans called it: David never liked Rafa or Alastair, and actually wanted to be part of the B&S table and never could, despite being much closer in age with a great portion of B&S. It definitely changes how people initially viewed his moments of “care” and “loyalty” during Season 1.

Enrique and David may hate each other for life, but David clearly wants to be like Enrique without having what Enrique will always have when all of this is said and done: longevity, connections, and wealth.

 

Viewers did not care for Cory, and they don't think he was a good fit for the show. VALID!

 

And Aiden’s role was just so... typical. ALSO VALID!

Also, you'd think that because of the backlash Jason received last season that he would at least be demoted if not fired. But Jason became such a major staple of the B&S side of the cast, that production must've found it difficult to imagine the show without him because he brings the spice, the heat, blah blah blah blah blah. But with his role reduced in terms of starting shit, it forced two things: (1) Alex Paredes to act a damn fool to Alastair while still being completely irrelevant and upstaged by Cory's failed glass throwing at Alastair, and (2) Enrique getting back at Rafa for outing the group’s fake dynamic, and outing him as a non-EP, by setting up the Santa Clarita trip and bringing Cory into the cast knowing that Cory is racist. Needless to say, this only made Jason (who still managed to have a storyline somehow) look much tamer and calmer in comparison. Sometimes. Even Aiden’s treatment of the Amigos was a result of Jason now being limited on what he could do in Season 2.

Now we know why Rafa hardly did confessionals, or promoted/talked about Season 2: he did not want to relive it. It was bad enough that he had to do the reunion because he was the most important element of the show.

 

And in 2016, fans were now left wondering what happens to Rafa if he stays, and what happens if he leaves. What the haters didn't realize were the consequences of running Rafa off the show. Even his omnipresence is sure to haunt his enemies and haters forever.

 

That damn Season 2...

#JusticeforRafa 🐴