By Angelina, Reality TV Enthusiast Diving into Bravo’s Wildest Summers
The Hamptons are back in full swing, and Summer House Season 9, Episode 2, “The Steaks Are High,” aired on February 19, 2025, delivering a whirlwind of awkward exes, budding romances, and a dinner table showdown that felt straight out of a reality TV fever dream. After last week’s premiere dropped Lindsay’s pregnancy bombshell and introduced newbies Lexi and Bailee, I was braced for chaos. Spoiler: this episode didn’t disappoint. Here’s how it all went down, from steak-sized tension to small steps toward peace.
Carl and Lindsay: A Surprisingly Civil Ceasefire
Let’s start with the elephant in the room—or rather, the baby bump in the house. Everyone (myself included) expected Carl Radke and Lindsay Hubbard, ex-fiancés turned cohabitants, to erupt into a screaming match over her pregnancy reveal. Carl was the last to know she’s expecting with her new guy, and the vibes were weird when he rolled up last week. But in Episode 2? Shockingly chill.
Carl, still visibly spooked by Lindsay’s presence, played it safe. “I didn’t want her to feel uncomfortable,” he told Kyle Cooke, explaining his strategy of avoiding her at first. When he finally mustered the courage—prodded by Kyle snapping his fingers like a coach calling a play—he shuffled over during steak prep, mumbling an apology for not saying hi and a quick “congrats” on the baby. Lindsay, cool as ever, gave a curt “thank you” and moved on. Carl’s relief was palpable—like he’d just dodged a landmine. “I don’t blame him for not saying hi,” she quipped later. “I actually don’t care.” Are we in for a peaceful summer? I wouldn’t bet on it—this is Summer House, after all.
Ciara vs. West: Dinner Table Drama Steals the Show
While Carl and Lindsay kept it low-key, Ciara Miller and West Wilson turned the group’s first big dinner into a battleground. Their frosty reunion last week set the stage—Ciara’s been stewing over West’s post-breakup press, especially a New York Times article she called out as a “beta-ass move.” As Carl sliced up Flintstone-sized steaks, the tension was thicker than the ribeyes. Lindsay toasted Carl for cooking, and everyone blinked at each other like they’d stepped into the Upside Down. Then Ciara took the floor.
“It’s awkward because people try to be nice and then put out a lot of press about sh*t,” she fired at West, referencing his articles. West mumbled something incoherent—big mistake. Ciara wasn’t having it. “Keep the same energy as your articles,” she snapped, slamming his lack of a heads-up as disrespectful. “If you don’t feel the same way, let a bitch know.” West tried claiming he’d been “respectful,” but Ciara shut it down fast: “No, I don’t think so.” Gabby Prescod’s side-eye from across the table said it all—this was a massacre, and West was no match.
Later, alone, West apologized, insisting he wasn’t out to hurt her. “I thought it was gentle,” he said in confessional about the article. Ciara saw it differently, and her hurt was raw. They agreed to “have a good summer,” but the vibe? Far from good. Still, that apology was a baby step—maybe there’s hope yet.
Jesse and Lexi: From Koala Hugs to Cancer Confessions
Meanwhile, Jesse Solomon and newbie Lexi Wood are speed-running romance like it’s a Hamptons sprint. After their instant spark in Episode 1, Jesse snagged her number and FaceTimed her post-lunch, charming her with Swingers-level energy. Kyle and West cringed at her plan for a “koala bear hug” greeting— “so twee,” Kyle groaned—but what happened next was no fluff. Lexi opened up about losing her best friend, and Jesse shared his cancer survival story. Boom: deep talk turned into a make-out session. “Ruh-roh,” Jesse quipped. These two are moving fast—too fast?—and I’m here for the ride.
Amanda and Paige Feel the Baby Clock Ticking
Over with the ladies, Lindsay’s pregnancy sent ripples. Amanda Batula, usually unflappable, admitted, “Because Lindsay’s pregnant, I feel like we’re all pregnant. I have to get my sh*t together.” Paige DeSorbo, still dating Southern Charm’s Craig Conover, felt the pressure too. “Lindsay’s been engaged, broken it off, and now she’s pregnant with a new guy, and I’m still just dating Craig,” she vented. “I’m stressed—I don’t want to have a baby yet.” By morning, post-Ciara-West drama, Paige told Craig she’s rethinking marriage and kids entirely. “I shouldn’t have to apologize for that,” she said in confessional. Is this a crack in the Paige-Craig foundation? Time will tell.
Gabby’s Truth Bombs and Kyle’s Mullet Moment
Gabby Prescod was the episode’s MVP, dropping zingers left and right. On Bailee’s murky relationship status: “She’s in a relationship but doesn’t understand she’s in a relationship.” On Carl and Lindsay showing up: “It was definitely a choice.” She’s the voice of reason we need. Meanwhile, Kyle’s Fourth of July mullet made its debut—because of course it did—but he and Amanda shelved baby talk. “I’m happy focusing on my mental health,” she said. No mini-Cookes yet, but plenty of patriotic flair.
Final Take: Steaks High, Stakes Higher
“The Steaks Are High” served up civility where we expected chaos (Carl and Lindsay), fireworks where we didn’t (Ciara and West), and a side of soul-baring romance (Jesse and Lexi). It’s early days, but the house is already a pressure cooker. Can Ciara and West mend fences? Will Carl and Lindsay’s truce hold? And how long before Jesse and Lexi crash or soar? Summer House airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Bravo—don’t miss a minute.
What did you think of Episode 2? Can Ciara and West bounce back? Drop your hot takes below,
