The Real Housewives of Potomac Recap: The Caged Bird Sings

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In various stages of my reality TV viewing journey – both casually and professionally – I’ve witnessed numerous disasters unfold. Live on air, I watched the tumultuous relationship between Ronnie and Sam on “Jersey Shore”. I can still recall where I was when Evelyn Lozada called Tami Roman a “non-motherfucking factor” on “Basketball Wives”. The elimination of Fantasia, LaToya London, and Jennifer Hudson from “American Idol” left me in tears, convinced that the voting system was beyond repair. All these experiences have prepared me well before my association with Bravo network. However, even with my extensive background, I found myself genuinely surprised – downright astonished, in fact – to see a Housewife so shamelessly quoting Maya Angelou amidst a targeted verbal attack.

This week, focus shifts to Stacey Rusch as Eddie Osefo discloses to his wife and later the entire cast that TJ alleged on camera that he was paid to be part of Housewives, with Stacey allegedly behind in payments. The ensuing drama is captivating, with Andy Cohen’s expression fluctuating from amusement to bewilderment to worry as Stacey persists in denying both the claim that she paid him and TJ’s assertion. Ashley, eager to join the gossip, presses for a look at the phone footage. Stacey’s polished broadcast accent stumbles repeatedly as she struggles to find a suitable response, eventually pointing out (reasonably) that everyone doubted TJ all year, so it seems illogical to believe him now.

It seems unlikely that Wendy and Eddie orchestrated what transpired; after all, Wendy’s facial expressions aren’t convincing enough to pull off genuine surprise at the text she got from her husband. Here’s my interpretation: The producers asked Eddie and Greg to film some additional footage centered around the men. As soon as they captured TJ’s impromptu outburst on camera, they instructed Eddie to text Wendy right away, hoping it would trigger the conversation that ensued. The swift action taken by the production team to extract the footage from the cameras, locate the relevant timestamps, edit and send it to Andy’s phone while simultaneously recording Mia’s departure is an exceptional demonstration of logistical skill in today’s reality TV production environment, where editing teams are often criticized for poor work.

Of course, it’s inevitable for fans to debate about the authenticity of TJ’s story, as his situation seems strikingly similar to Detroit native Kenya Moore’s debut season on RHOA and her troubled relationship with Walter. Just like Kenya claims, Walter supposedly lied for vengeful reasons; it’s ultimately up to the fans to decide. However, I would contend that the truth of his claim is mostly immaterial. If TJ fabricated everything, why would he be so spiteful towards someone he claimed to remain friends with until the footage exposed him?

In another turn of events, Stacey’s bold move of threatening lawsuits and declaring “and still I rise” left me nearly collapsing with laughter, yet her public embarrassment wasn’t even close to the most critical moment in this season’s climax. For a decade, there have been hushed conversations, rumors, and suspicions, but it was only now that the ladies started speaking openly about what had been painfully evident to any dedicated viewer of this show: Karen has been grappling with an alcohol addiction that has spiraled out of control. As someone who has close friends battling addiction, I understand the struggle, but Karen must take responsibility for her actions. She’s incredibly fortunate that her choices over the years haven’t claimed anyone’s life. Her botched effort to justify herself using prerecorded footage of Ray misrepresenting their agreed-upon points is a heartbreaking low point in what has been a disastrous year for Karen, once revered as the Grande Dame.

I’m going to express an opinion that might not sit well with many: I don’t consider Karen Huger spending a year in jail as a positive outcome for anyone. The current ruling doesn’t seem to suggest the courts are planning to permanently strip her of her license, which I believe is essential as she works towards rebuilding her life. Sending an elderly person to prison isn’t something I can cheer about, as it seems to me that it doesn’t provide any genuine productive intervention. (I understand the gravity of drunk driving.) However, I do feel that some action was necessary, and I believe Gizelle’s decision to no longer shield her and openly discuss what has long been a known issue in their circle is a significant stride forward. Addiction can be cruel and destructive, but keeping secrets with the hope that loved ones recover privately can lead to the downfall of communities, families, and friendships that are all held captive by that shame. By embracing the truth, as she has bravely done in her discussions about sexual violence, Karen can free herself from that burden and return to being the person the cast knows and admires off-camera.

It’s crucial for us to engage in an open dialogue concerning the relationship between alcohol and reality TV shows, such as Housewives. It’s not uncommon for some of these women to grapple with addiction issues, or find themselves in situations involving DUIs or alcohol-related offenses. We’ve seen more than a few heated arguments escalate to the point where individuals storm off after consuming too much alcohol. I can think of at least three instances.

In the current season of Beverly Hills, Dorit seems to be making subtle remarks about Sutton’s drinking problems, despite her own signature drink and a husband with a DUI record. Last year, Kyle Richards’ decision to remain sober was met with ridicule, even though it was a sensible choice given her family history. The fanbase often demands the return of the NY Housewives, whose prominence in the last five seasons has been built around excessive drinking, leading to incidents such as public intoxication and even defecating in their pants.

I’m not suggesting that Bravo is responsible for these women’s actions, but it’s time we have a frank discussion about how we perceive acceptable alcohol abuse within the context of entertainment. I’m not advocating for a sober version of Housewives, but rather encouraging us to consider the impact reality TV might have on promoting alcohol abuse and the dramatic behavior that ensues when these women are heavily intoxicated. I don’t claim to have solutions here, but I believe it’s high time we initiate this much-needed conversation.

Originally launched about a decade ago under a different brand, Potomac was a television show that catered to “Jack and Jill moms” in the Washington D.C. suburbs, focusing on social etiquette, status, and the aspirational culture of the Black professional class. As it enters its tenth season, several original cast members have faced significant challenges, including imprisonment, divorce, and launching a dating show after becoming an empty nester. This dramatic turn of events represents a stark contrast to the initial image of the show, yet it underscores the impermanence of life, as wealth, relationships, and achievements can all fade just as swiftly as they appear.

Marriages can deteriorate into jokes, and financial security can be shattered by a single divorce decree. The first nine seasons served as an intriguing dismantling of the fragility of elite performance when viewed through the lens of patriarchy, misogyny, and colorism. If skillfully executed, the revamp of the franchise could mark a remarkable renaissance for one of the few shows offering a raw, relatively unfiltered portrayal of the complex experiences of Black women in America. I eagerly anticipate witnessing the reconstruction of Potomac over the coming years, as the necessary pieces are in place—we just need the right craftsmanship.

I appreciate you all for reading each week, it’s been a pleasure sharing both our ups and downs, and finding common ground in laughter. To wrap up, here are my personal ratings for the season:

[Your Ratings Here]

Thank you once again!

Gizelle, even though her role seemed quieter this season, I find myself cautiously hopeful about her future progression. She seems to be getting along well with most of the other women, knows when to stir up drama and when to tone it down, and manages to build relationships that don’t feel distant. Her reunion performance was exactly the Gizelle I appreciate, and I’m eager to see how she handles the next phase of Potomac. [Rating: 6.25/10]

In summary, Wendy’s performance in the last three episodes solidified the Osefos as veterans on the show despite some corny and awkward moments. She skillfully handled Karen’s attempt to undermine her, engaged in entertaining banter with Gizelle, secured a significant moment for her husband, successfully defended herself against an OG’s criticism with minimal pushback, led two exposés during the reunion, and finally gained revenge for the way the cast treated Mia two years ago. Although there is still room for improvement, Wendy found her stride in these episodes, and I am willing to acknowledge her success. 8/10

I’m delighted that Ashley has moved on from her divorce and is entering a new phase of life, but it seems she remains hesitant to fully embrace the aspects of her life that I find most intriguing – her experiences as a biracial woman raised by a working-class Black family in Northern Virginia. I’d love to see more of her unique story told with humor and compassion; her family, especially her aunt and uncle, are captivating on screen. The details about her dating Lil Dicky or the success of her businesses don’t particularly interest me. Instead, I believe Ashley needs to learn to open up about herself more if she wants to keep Potomac relevant in the upcoming decade. Her current rating is 4/10.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d say Stacey’s first season was a noteworthy triumph in the realm of reality TV drama. While she may have a slightly contrived on-screen persona that seems to deviate from her off-screen self, it’s important to remember that authenticity isn’t a prerequisite for being a Housewife; many icons within this franchise are known for their delusions. I don’t expect a Housewife to be paragon of virtue (within reasonable bounds), but I do anticipate them to be intriguing. So far, Stacey is living up to the expectation, and if Kenya’s progression following her debut on Atlanta serves as any guide, the newcomer in Potomac has a promising future, provided she keeps AJ by her side during filming. 7/10

As a movie reviewer, I’d say:

“In this season, I felt Karen and Greg’s shine overshadowed Keiarna’s potential. Yet, her quick wit displayed at the reunion leaves me intrigued for another chance to see her shine. The show could benefit from fewer gangster confessionals and more real-time shadiers like her. Though she might excel best as a friend-of, I’m open to giving her a fair shot.”

Rating: 5/10

User: Despite getting minimal screen time, it’s hard to fairly judge her performance. Her brief appearance during the reunion didn’t even make it past a commercial break. It seems she’s aiming for a role in the speculated Bravo WAGS show. I’d be intrigued to learn more about her personal life and relationships, but sadly, it appears her stint on Potomac might be over. Rating: 4/10

As a devoted movie-lover, I fervently wish for her to break free from the harmful bond she appears to share with Mia, may her pregnancy be secure and filled with joy. Yet, it’s my hope never to cross paths with her on the silver screen again. To thrive as a reality star, one must either be amusing, quick-witted, or possess an intriguing narrative – she falls short in all these aspects. Three strikes, she’s out. Rating: 3/10

It’s clear that this season was disastrous for Karen, with a lack of accountability and an unsuccessful attempt to manipulate the storyline, resulting in losing most of her allies except Gizelle and Keiarna. She will probably be back for the next season, given her release from jail coincides almost perfectly with the taping of the reunion, and Bravo might go to great lengths to capture that moment on camera. However, I hope she spends a considerable amount of time contemplating how to restructure the latter part of her life. I think she has the potential to do it, just like Luann de Lesseps who turned her downfall into becoming a fan favorite, and there’s no reason Karen can’t follow suit if she plans her return wisely. 0.08/10

Mia: It’s unfortunate that she can’t handle a minor setback, given what Gizelle went through from Monique during the season five reunion. I hope only good things for her children, but I’m glad we won’t have to deal with her drama anymore. 9/10

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2025-03-03 22:54