In the eleventh season of Bravo’s hit series Vanderpump Rules, the dynamics among the cast members have shifted once again — but in this case, the transition has only spotlighted the total star power of longtime staples Ariana Madix and Katie Maloney. Here’s why the season feels like it has catapulted the Something About Her business owners into a rare reality television bracket that several of their cast members seem eager to replicate.

Delivering an Organic Evolution

Despite some of the series cast preaching they’ve entered a new state of healing or evolution (because apparently having a child makes one mature) these two women have impressed throughout the season by exemplifying traits that deviate from Vanderpump Rules standards and general reality television stereotypes — setting healthy boundaries with exes (even repeatedly filming together), recognizing unhealthy television patterns, empowering one another, and as a result, showcasing the real personal development that follows these choices. And thankfully, it didn’t take them getting “canceled” or fired to arrive at this point.

On the other hand, Scheana’s consistent choice to highlight her slightly sus relationship with Tom — or placing an emphasis on how Tom’s betrayal greatly altered her capabilities as a mother and wife feels like classic Scheana. Even when you’d think it was so straightforward and simple to support Ariana, whom she’s always championed in the past (like when it specifically served her a purpose for Scheana’s anti-Kristen movement), it’s become increasingly evident that it’s all too challenging for the recurring reality tv villain to take a break from villain-ing. But then again, Scheana’s constant quest for attention is the reason fans have typically felt a disconnect from her in the first place.

Real Moments That Aren’t Curated for TV

Unlike some of their messier counterparts who engage in drama-fueled conflicts for the sake of entertainment or ego-driven importance, Ariana and Katie have shown a new degree of maturity that’s actually refreshing to witness. As a result, they’ve also proven that it is possible to navigate the tumultuous world of LA-based reality television without compromising their integrity or values. Being bombarded with hurtful infidelity issues from years prior? Katie handles it with grace. Being approached for a staged scene at a finale party with your deceitful ex? Ariana is smart enough to walk away. We love that for them.

In contrast, someone like Lala’s screen time in the 11th season has left audiences feeling completely disconnected and even entirely uninterested in her perspective. Her pursuit of creating over-the-top storylines and most notably, her grand finale attempt to break the fourth wall with production-pleasing antics have completely detracted from the authenticity that viewers crave. Furthermore, by regularly quoting lines from other reality shows like RHOSLC (“disengaged",” bobblehead,” etc.) and prioritizing what many perceive as manufactured drama with Katie and Ariana — Lala has unknowingly lost touch with the core essence of reality TV — real human experiences and emotions that don’t need to be funneled through a third party.

The Liberation of Katie and Ariana

Additionally, the liberation of Ariana and Katie from their former romantic partners, Tom Sandoval and Tom Schwartz, has allowed them to shine in their own right. The toxic dynamics and gaslighting behavior that characterized their past relationships (cheating, weaponizing intimate details, and even pouring a drink in one instance) have finally been left in the past and given way to newfound confidence and independence. And this level of freedom has effectively enabled Ariana and Katie to showcase their individual strengths and talents without being overshadowed or undermined by their former partners. Finally.

All things considered, the allure of the 11th season of Vanderpump Rules strictly lies in the presence of Ariana and Katie and what they bring to the table. So if we’re getting another season, it needs to include these two.

The three-part Vanderpump Rules season 11 reunion is currently airing on Bravo and Peacock.