Before March this year, I had never watched Vanderpump Rules. The names Tom Sandoval, Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss meant nothing to me.

I also didn't care.

The US reality TV show is in its 10th season - that's alotof drama to catch up on.

"I'll sit this one out," I told myself.

Then I start seeing it everywhere. "#Scandoval", as everyone is calling it.

I learn about the key players involved. I spot clues. I read very important gossip and see who's taking whose side.

It's now literally all I care about.

So please, indulge me. Here's my comprehensive recap of theVanderpump Rulesdrama to date – otherwise known as #Scandoval For Dummies.

But first, watch the mid-season trailer for season 10 of Vanderpump Rules. It's wild.

Context:

This story starts in 2013.

Lisa Vanderpump is a cast member onTheReal Housewives of Beverly Hills.She also owns a string of restaurants in LA, including SUR (which stands for Sexy Unique Restaurant).

One of her waitresses, Scheana Shay, has an affair with another of the housewives' husbands. Vanderpump's other employees are just really good-looking and hook up and argue all the time.

Vanderpump pitches a show about them to the TV network Bravo –Vanderpump Rules. It takes off.

Ten seasons later, the drama is still going, despite most of them no longer working at SUR.

Now, for the particular drama that's currently playing out, there are four main names you need to know: Tom Sandoval, Tom Schwartz, Ariana Madix and Raquel Leviss.

(Plus, some less important ones: James Kennedy, Katie Maloney, Lala Kent, Scheana Shay and Brock Davies.)

All of them have either worked at SUR in the past or still do, and most have dated or hooked up with someone else in the group.

Got it? Sort of? Not really?

Good enough. Let's get into the drama.

February 2014.

During theVanderpump Rulesseason two reunion, Tom Sandoval (the one with the moustache) and Ariana Madix (short, blonde, blue dress) confirm they are dating.

Soon after, Sandoval admits that their relationship had slightly overlapped with his previous one. Important to note, 'cause #Scandoval.

November 2016.

Rachel "Raquel" Leviss (tall, short brown hair) joins the show in season five as the girlfriend of SUR employee-turned-DJ, James Kennedy (the one with too many buttons undone on his shirt).

May 2021.

During season nine, James plans an elaborate Coachella-themed surprise proposal for Raquel, calling it "Rachella".

It takes place on the actual Coachella lot in Palm Springs, and the entire cast attends.

Here's where things get weird: the whole thing costs $25,000 USD and Tom Sandoval offers to pay for half of it.

December 2021.

Seven months later, Raquel and James call off their engagement.

"After these five wonderful years we had together, we decided we have two different goals," the pair write in a joint statement.

April 2022.

OK, this is where the drama begins.

Rumours begin to circulate about Raquel and Tom Schwartz (pink suit, no moustache) kissing at Coachella. At the time, he had recently split from his wife, cast member Katie Maloney (dark bob) after 12 years.

But Schwartz wasn't at Coachella. Sandoval (who's still dating Ariana, btw) was.

August 2022.

Tom Schwartz and Raquel kiss at Brock (Jason Momoa lookalike) and Scheana's (green heels) wedding. It's caught on camera for season 10.

Confused? We all are.

October 2022.

Raquel and Sandoval get matching lightning bolt necklaces. And wear them All. The. Time.

At the end of the month, Sandoval dresses up as Raquel for Halloween.

You can not make this up.

March 1, 2023.

On March 1, Ariana attends a party forVanderpump Ruleswith the cast.

Sandoval performs with his band, Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras (yes, this man also thinks he's a rockstar, singing covers of popular songs).

His phone falls out of his pocket while he's performing, Ariana picks it up and has a gut feeling to look at it.

She finds an inappropriate video of Raquel and Sandoval.

Dun. Dun. Dun.

After Ariana finds out about the affair, she calls Raquel, who has just finished tapingWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenwith Scheana.

Sheana finds out Raquel is on the phone to Ariana, Raquel admits to the affair and Sheana shoves Raquel.

Yep.

March 3, 2023.

News breaks of #Scandoval.

All cast members, with the exception of Tom Schwartz, unfollow Sandoval and Raquel on social media. Existing and former cast members post on socials in solidarity with Ariana.

Filming resumes (!!!).

March 4, 2023.

Fans of the show spam the two Toms' restaurant, Schwartz & Sandy’s, with bad reviews. Sandoval issues a statement and addresses precisely everyone except Ariana.

"Hey, I fully understand and deserve ur anger and disappointment towards me, but please leave Schwartz, my friends and family out of this situation," he writes.

"Schwartz specifically only found out about this situation very recently and definitely did not condone my actions… I need some time to address everything else. Sorry for everything."