The Real Housewives of Potomac Reunion Recap: Grande Damage Control

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Initially, when news broke that Karen Huger wouldn’t attend the RHOP reunion, the response was immediate and critical. Many viewers felt she was avoiding the fallout from her actions, refusing to face the repercussions for the disorder she’s created among the cast during recent seasons. Even after it was disclosed that she checked into an inpatient facility, numerous spectators remained indifferent due to the viral footage; when you’re seen on camera with a wig positioned so conspicuously far from your head while exclaiming “I’m lit!” in amazement, surrounded by a wrecked car just a few yards away, it becomes challenging to earn sympathy from many people.

From the very start of this season, I’ve firmly believed we’re witnessing a heart-wrenching tale of someone who stubbornly held onto an image, regardless of how it was tearing apart her life and the lives of those around her who care for her deeply. Just like Ray, I dream of spending all my time in Boca Raton, but instead, he finds himself picking her up from the roadside, as she lashes out at law enforcement while intoxicated. Her favorite hangout spot tries to express gratitude for her frequent mentions on TV, yet we can tell with near assurance that she’s rarely sober there. Her daughter’s support during this unfortunate legal situation feels a bit excessive, but it seems more fitting for someone standing by a parent grappling with the harsh reality that we’ve seen unfold on our screens. And Gizelle, usually unflappable in the face of insults, even allowing her longtime rival to mock her about being the “Pastor Holy Whore” during the reunion without so much as a flinch, was moved to tears upon realizing that Karen might finally be getting the help she needs. The grandeur associated with the Grande Dame appears to be unraveling now.

Among all the cast members, Gizelle’s response struck me the most. She has known Karen for the longest period, both on and off-camera, and has often stated that Karen’s admirable qualities make her easy to adore, even with her significant flaws. It appears that the image Karen has been trying to project for several years has fallen apart, and I believe she is aware of it. When you are face-to-face with the producers, wearing the same wig from her DUI incident under a tattered fur hat, with minimal makeup, looking dejected and speechless after being found guilty of seven felony charges, you’ve reached rock bottom without any further places to descend. Let’s hope that in just a few brief weeks, she is genuinely reflecting on how she went from denying her alcoholism to the producers to admitting her intention to seek help for her issues involving depression medication and alcohol, with hopes of recovering well before the next season begins.

One individual who doesn’t seem to anticipate any future developments is Wendy Osefo. As Karen issues her apologies and acknowledgments, she recounts her list of supporters – Gizelle, Jassi, Keiarna, Andy, Candiace, the waiters at Tally Ho’s, her husband’s Uber account, the dogs she never adopted – and conspicuously, Wendy is missing from this group. While it was entertaining to witness Wendy’s expression as she noticed Karen subtly taking one final swipe at her even off-camera, I can’t help but think she wasn’t taken aback. As Gizelle notes, people have been advising Wendy about Karen for years, and it was evident to everyone that their reconciliation was more about maintaining alliances and screen time. However, Wendy doesn’t rely on Karen’s advice in matters concerning her home, family, or career. (Fashion, perhaps, could be a different story given Wendy’s occasional fashion faux pas, but I wouldn’t suggest Karen as a solution for that.) This relationship was destined to come to an end one way or another. For now, Wendy is hurt and attempting to set boundaries, but I doubt her “she is not my friend” declarations will hold; after all, she has reconciled with both Gizelle and Ashley following previous disputes with both women. Nevertheless, only Karen can keep the drama going from afar; unless some legal issues prevent it, she’ll undoubtedly return to those couches next season.

At the reunion, it was evident that Karen’s absence allowed the other cast members to speak more openly about their relationships and dynamics with her, as well as expressing their feelings about her actions from the previous season. Without Karen’s tendency to make excuses or use double-speak, it became clear that most of them never believed she was innocent and felt it was long overdue for her to face consequences. Keiarna admits that her empathy towards Karen stemmed from Karen’s support during her own crisis last season, a gesture which she will come to understand later on was solely beneficial for Karen’s image as a savior. The most unexpected response came from Stacey, who publicly called for grace for Karen during her recovery, marking a significant change in her stance compared to the end of the previous season. This surprising display left everyone at the reunion stunned, but it particularly irked Gizelle.

It’s still unclear what initiated the disagreement between Gizelle and Stacey, but Gizelle refuses to back down, leaving me somewhat puzzled yet entertained as I observe Stacey becoming increasingly flustered. Stacey appears to be a cunning manipulator, pretending to be clueless, while Gizelle is unconvinced and is pressing her on the sudden change in allegiance against Karen. Gizelle also seems to be aware of secret alliances that benefit her, as well as some information about TJ that has yet to be disclosed. I wish Gizelle would clarify what exactly she’s upset with Stacey about (I suspect it might be the wigs, but Gizelle doesn’t have a high ground on that matter), but I do appreciate her ability to rattle Stacey and see how she handles pressure. Despite my doubts, I believe that Gizelle arranged a “Happy Stacey” meeting to launch her own business, and the awkward denial was Stacey being caught in the act of stealing ideas.

Stacey’s attempts at denial become evident when she transitions to being angry towards Mia, who had grown increasingly arrogant, anticipating that Karen would face consequences, allowing her to sail smoothly through the beginning of the show. However, Ashley is vigilant and prepared, using her role as a catalyst for change to challenge Jassi and Stacey about a problematic girls’ trip to Miami for Mia’s 40th birthday.

First, Mia claims she didn’t know Stacey was coming, but this is quickly disproven with text message evidence. Then, she blames her “POC” (point of contact) for sending the messages. Afterward, she asserts that she apologized to both Jassi and Stacey, which is proven false by phone records. She also claims she was only an hour late to her birthday dinner and contacted them afterward.

It’s evident that no one is buying Mia’s fabrications and excuses, so all she has left are the tears she has been shedding throughout the season.

Unfortunately for Mia, she’s overstepped one time too many by displaying her emotions publicly to these women, and they no longer wish to engage with her feelings, regardless of their authenticity. Wendy swiftly informs her that crying doesn’t exempt her from accountability for abandoning the only friends who supported her this season, especially since she didn’t invite any of the other women. Mia was essentially forced into an apology, but it’s unsurprising that no one is prepared to forgive her in that moment, as it foreshadows a difficult next few hours for her. If Stacey politely expressing her unwillingness to accept Mia’s remorse backstage already has Mia threatening to quit the reunion, then we’re in store for a challenging second part, given the gravity of her actions this season. Remarkably, it’s heartening to see these women trying to maintain relationships outside of filming; I had resigned myself to thinking of them as a “work-only” group, but the increasing off-camera drama has me cautiously optimistic about their ability to carry on the next phase of this series.

To sum up, this get-together began splendidly, and I’m thrilled about the upcoming installments. Catch you all next week!

Cherry Blossoms:

At the reunion, every woman was nothing short of stunning, with Gizelle fitting right in among them. Honestly, my praise runs deep but is mostly subjective and based on personal preferences.

It’s good to note that Ashley and the toll collector under the bridge are legally separated now, so you won’t catch him on our cameras anymore. Cheers!

It seems that GnA has shifted its focus from selling clothes and making profits, and is now functioning as a community liaison for events and wellness initiatives. While it’s not entirely clear what their specific role entails, it appears they might be facilitating connections within the community or promoting wellbeing in some capacity. It’s also possible that they could be acting as event organizers or public relations representatives, although this isn’t explicitly stated. In any case, it appears they have transitioned into a different line of work and are embracing their new role!

Jassi is a lovely woman, and I’m glad she was there to address Mia’s inappropriate actions during our time in Miami. Respectfully, though, I hope she understands that her version of events regarding her future husband isn’t widely accepted by others, and if it brings her joy then I wish her well. Hearing Andy seek input from Mia, given her past relationship with him, was truly shocking to me.

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2025-02-17 21:55