In a turn of events that left “The View” viewers both baffled and amused, Candace Owens, the new co-host replacing Whoopi Goldberg, took a stand against what she called “woke extremism” by theatrically ejecting Lia Thomas, the transgender swimmer, from the show’s set.

The episode, which critics are already calling a mix between a Shakespearean drama and a Saturday Night Live parody, started innocently enough. Owens, known for her conservative views and straightforward approach, kicked off the show with her trademark sharp wit and controversial opinions. However, the tone quickly changed when Lia Thomas, invited to speak about her experience as a transgender athlete, entered the stage.

As Thomas began to share her story, Owens interrupted her, brandishing a swimming tube that she had apparently hidden under her desk. “This is a metaphor for the absurdity of what we’re swimming in!” Owens exclaimed, waving the tube around with the style of a seasoned bullfighter. The audience, unsure whether to laugh or be shocked, opted for confused murmurs.

Thomas, taken aback by the unexpected accessory and Owens’ heated tone, attempted to steer the conversation back to her experiences and the challenges she faced. However, Owens, now standing in her chair for added drama, declared, “This set is no place for wokeness! Take your tube and your planner, and nothing else out of here.”

With a theatrical gesture, Owens ‘escorted’ Thomas off the set, pushing her with the pole as if guiding a ship out of port. The audience, now understanding the theatrical nature of the situation, erupted in a mix of applause, boos and laughter.

Behind the scenes, producers were apparently at a crossroads, torn between ratings success and potential PR disaster. “Do we let this continue? Is this good television or a lawsuit coming?” one unnamed producer was heard saying.

Meanwhile, on social media, the incident sparked an avalanche of reactions. Hashtags like #PoliticsOfPipes and #TheViewDesVisto trended worldwide. Memes of Owens and his tube in various historical and fictional contexts flooded Twitter and Instagram.

Amid the chaos, satirists and commentators reveled. “Candace Owens just redefined pool politics,” joked one late-night talk show host. Another commented: “Who needs a debate when you have a pool tube? It’s both gentle and blunt.”

In a surprising twist, Lia Thomas, speaking to reporters after the incident, expressed no hard feelings. “It was unexpected, but in some ways, it has opened up more conversations. Plus, I never thought I would be part of a viral meme,” she said with a laugh.

The episode ended with Owens returning to her seat, pipe in hand, ready to tackle the next topic with her trademark enthusiasm. “That’s enough drama for one day,” she joked, “Let’s talk about something less controversial, like pineapple on pizza.”

As the credits began to roll, viewers were left pondering the surreal spectacle they had just witnessed. Was it an insightful critique of political discourse, a masterpiece of performance art, or just another day in the unpredictable world of live television? One thing was certain: “The View” had never been seen this way.