The Summer House season 9 finale delivered a shocking moment that left fans reeling, as Paige DeSorbo’s father, Gary DeSorbo, made a rare appearance and didn’t hold back when discussing his daughter’s behavior following her split from Southern Charm star Craig Conover. The episode, which aired on Bravo, peeled back the curtain on Paige’s emotional journey, revealing tensions and surprising truths about her post-breakup mindset.
A Father’s Blunt Assessment
In a candid conversation during the finale, Gary DeSorbo confronted Paige about her actions after her breakup with Craig. Known for his straightforward demeanor, Gary expressed concern over how Paige was handling the split, suggesting she was not being entirely honest with herself or others about her feelings. He pointed out that Paige’s tendency to downplay her emotions might be masking deeper struggles, a revelation that caught both Paige and viewers off guard.
Gary’s comments weren’t just parental concern—they were a direct challenge to Paige’s polished exterior. He hinted that her behavior, including her interactions with castmates and her approach to moving forward, might be a defense mechanism to avoid confronting the pain of the breakup. This moment stood out as a stark contrast to Paige’s usual confident and composed persona on Summer House, making it a pivotal scene in the finale.
The Breakup That Shook Fans
Paige and Craig’s relationship had been a focal point for fans of both Summer House and Southern Charm. The couple, who began dating in 2021, seemed to be a perfect match, blending Paige’s New York City sophistication with Craig’s laid-back Charleston charm. However, their breakup, which unfolded off-screen before season 9, left fans speculating about what went wrong. The finale provided some clarity, with Paige admitting to struggling with the distance between their respective cities and their differing life goals.
While Paige maintained a poised front, her father’s comments suggested there was more to the story. Gary implied that Paige’s attempts to “move on” quickly—whether through socializing or throwing herself into work—were less about healing and more about avoiding vulnerability. This insight added depth to Paige’s arc, showing a side of her that fans rarely see.
Cast Reactions and Drama
The Summer House cast, known for their tight-knit dynamic, had mixed reactions to Paige’s post-breakup behavior. Close friend Lindsay Hubbard, who has had her own share of relationship drama, expressed empathy but also frustration, noting that Paige’s reluctance to open up made it hard to support her. Meanwhile, Kyle Cooke and Amanda Batula, who have navigated their own marital challenges on the show, urged Paige to lean on her friends rather than bottling up her emotions.
The finale also hinted at tension between Paige and some castmates, particularly Ciara Miller, who felt Paige was deflecting her feelings by focusing on the group’s dynamics rather than her own. Gary’s blunt assessment seemed to validate these concerns, sparking discussions among the cast about how Paige’s behavior was affecting their summer in the Hamptons.
What’s Next for Paige?
As the finale wrapped, Paige reflected on her father’s words, admitting that she might need to confront her emotions head-on. The episode left viewers with a sense that Paige’s journey is far from over, with potential for more growth in future seasons. Fans are already buzzing about whether Paige will address her father’s bombshell comments in the Summer House reunion or if she’ll continue to keep her guard up.
Gary DeSorbo’s unexpected truth-telling moment has set the stage for a deeper exploration of Paige’s personal life. As one of Bravo’s most beloved stars, Paige’s vulnerability—or lack thereof—will likely remain a hot topic. For now, fans are left dissecting the finale, eager to see how Paige navigates her post-breakup world and whether she’ll take her father’s advice to heart.