The Real Housewives of Atlanta Recap: Grenades in Grenada

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For the first time in a long while, the cast trip on RHOA seems to hark back to the show we adored years ago, successfully meeting the ladies’ aim of starting anew following several challenging yet successful months of filming. Even the least enjoyable aspect of the season has provided some amusement, as mocking Brit Eady every Sunday has become a shared ritual, with her event last week offering plenty of material for reaction memes from viewers and critics alike. Tonight, she appears with another empty cardboard box, this time containing her minimal donation to the people of Grenada after their hurricane. Brit claims that three packs of toilet paper were all she could squeeze into her car, with someone else supposedly bringing more later (we’ll request proof at the reunion), but I’m just relieved she didn’t exceed her budget this time.

However, before the ladies embark on their island journey with their “reset, renew, and rebirth” mentality, there are some matters that need attending to in Atlanta first. The most pressing issue is a much-needed heart-to-heart between Drew and Porsha. Similar to Brit, Porsha has been causing trouble among the cast, negatively impacting the progress of this soft reboot. While Brit’s downfall lies in her absence of qualities needed for being a Housewife, Porsha’s problem is quite the opposite. For years, we’ve recognized her potential to shine on Bravo – she’s vibrant, humorous, complex, and feisty – but this season, she has chosen not to showcase these traits on screen. Essentially, if she keeps delivering mediocre performances, they might as well stop paying her altogether!

Despite Porsha’s reluctance to acknowledge it, Drew serves as her most valuable resource, essentially providing her with storylines and an opportunity to revisit the fiery Porsha of earlier seasons. Drew isn’t naive – she knew that stirring up trouble with Dennis would provoke a response from Porsha. However, Porsha believes maintaining composure demonstrates maturity, which can be valid in real life, but on reality TV, it’s different. With no house to film in, Porsha should seize any opportunity. But she chooses to uphold her on-camera persona while secretly plotting behind the scenes. Porsha’s true feelings keep slipping out, such as her late-night remarks about Charles and her not-so-subtle revenge plan involving Ralph. Keeping up the act is challenging with a rival like Drew, who will continue to probe as long as cameras are rolling. So, Porsha arranges a coffee date to clear the air before their trip to Grenada.

The discussion we should have had earlier would have been ideal, especially considering Drew’s openness to such situations. Not just for the chance to film some chaos, but because she gets the job done, even when she can be irritating. Despite my jokes about Drew using her interactions with the women as a way to hone her improv skills, much of that is what makes her a valuable cast member. Her plotline with Dennis, and subtly involving Shamea on Instagram over their argument, demonstrates Drew’s skill at stirring up drama – whether or not filming with Dennis is justified doesn’t really matter. What truly counts is that she’s sparking drama among her fellow cast members; yes, spending time with Dennis might seem odd, but it’s also a move to pass the ball to Porsha, in the hopes of eliciting a response and thereby putting on a show for us as audience members, watching from behind the scenes.

Drew eventually manages to elicit a response from Porsha that we should have seen earlier in the season (she confesses later that she had postponed discussing the issue due to needing time to calm down). During their encounter, Porsha shares gossip she obtained from Dennis about Drew dating an unidentified man named Black while maintaining her false claim of not purposefully filming with Ralph. In an ideal world, Porsha would have acknowledged her revengeful actions and confronted Drew directly regarding the irony of Drew attacking once the situation reverses, but in reality, Porsha is hesitant to appear villainous.

Porsha pretends not to be involved with anyone, but Drew doesn’t fall for it and keeps engaging. He brings up an off-season rumor about Porsha possibly dating rapper Future, although his name is censored. It’s clear who they’re talking about since he’s known as a famous playboy. As the argument gets intense with Drew accusing Porsha of avoiding the topic due to a difficult divorce, Porsha ends the conversation again. However, this doesn’t matter because the discussion continues in Grenada, where everyone airs their issues at Drew, making her the center of attention, which she seems to enjoy.

The trip to the island follows a predictable pattern, echoing typical travel antics from Housewives shows. Expect lost luggage, cheesy in-room games, poor Drew ending up in twin beds, and lots of Sprinter van gossip. It’s a bit clichéd, but introducing some familiar tropes could help RHOA regain its former charm. A fun twist is the unexpected appearance of Bolo! (Just kidding, but that would definitely grab Porsha’s attention.) However, there was a surprising sighting of a naked man near a villa. Despite this, the women seem unfazed, as they’re in the mood for some adventurous activities. Angela ensures she won’t have wig issues during vacation by having her braids done.

Angela maintains her title as Rookie of the Year, harmoniously coexisting with Porsha, demonstrating her teamwork skills. However, the backhanded comments don’t phase her; in a private reflection, she says, “I have no issues sharing a room with Porsha because Charles is secure at home.” Moreover, Angela had already retaliated against Porsha’s remarks about Charles by stirring up the already tense relationship between Porsha and her friend, and informing Drew that Porsha filmed with Dennis. Angela is fully immersed in her Housewife role, letting neither her eighth anniversary with Charles nor her first international cast trip distract her from this new experience.

As a cinema enthusiast, let me express my delight in Angela’s bold move! Instead of spending the evening with her spouse, she’s stirring up quite a storm at a dinner in Grenada – and boy, are we cheering her on! After all, her husband can wait for her, and he might even appreciate the break from the spotlight.

Angela sets the stage for Drew’s upcoming challenges at dinner, much like the van from the airport foreshadows grenades. When Phaedra asks about the whereabouts of the beef in the group, Angela points a finger at Drew.

At dinner, Kelli initially requests that Shamea and Drew resolve their differences (it was fantastic to see Porsha finally stand up for her friend and put an end to the petty squabbles). This quickly escalates, with everyone else joining in, airing their grievances towards the actress.

Kelli astutely notes that Drew has issues with everyone at the table, save for Cynthia. Drew responds with her finely-tuned facial expressions and a cringeworthy performance of the word “what?” – reminiscent of an award-snubbed Razzie nominee!

The investigation with Drew persists, leading once more to the ongoing dispute between him and Porsha. In the initial episode, Porsha admits she mishandled the situation, and gracious Drew expresses gratitude towards her as a scene partner. However, despite her history of stonewalling throughout the season, it was unexpected when Porsha didn’t use this moment for reconciliation but instead resumed their argument from where it left off in Atlanta. She clarifies that she doesn’t expect friendship from Drew, a decision she believes is supported by Drew’s revival of the Future rumor. The other women are taken aback first by the mention of the Atlanta celebrity, and then again when Porsha attempts to accuse Drew of dating someone named Black.

In disguise of supposedly helping Drew clear accusations about her involvement with Dennis romantically, Porsha subtly encourages Drew to confess to a relationship with ‘Black’. However, it’s evident that Porsha is simply trying to expose Drew’s personal issues. This is just another step in Porsha’s long-standing plan of revenge, which she claims started innocently when filming with Ralph (though she insists it was purely coincidental). Drew, aware that being in a relationship wouldn’t look good during her divorce, especially considering Ralph’s efforts to tarnish her reputation, counters by stating that the rumors about Black are just that – rumors. She then challenges Porsha, asking how she would feel if people assumed, due to their filming together, that she was sleeping with Ralph. This question manages to touch a nerve in Porsha, causing her to vent feelings she’s been holding back for months.

Kelli, determined to achieve her aim of resetting, assumes leadership by holding up a rose quartz crystal aloft. She then convinces everyone that working with baby fathers or husbands isn’t comfortable for anyone. Drew, having had his moment with Porsha, reaffirms that nothing inappropriate transpired with Dennis and expresses regret for not seeking Porsha’s approval earlier. Porsha forgives and accepts the peace offering, hopefully signaling an end to this issue.

Towards the close of the episode, Brit seizes the remaining moments to inject a dose of humor with an awkward situation. Addressing Phaedra amidst their discussion on exes, she teases that Mike had invited Apollo and his wife to the Bare and Naked event. The audience erupts in laughter, as it turns out to be quite anticlimactic. In a side comment, Shamea sums up everyone’s thoughts: “Brit, take note of the room’s vibe. No one is interested in that. However, we are still discussing how your event left us famished.” And that topic will undoubtedly linger for years!

Peach Tea To-Go

As a passionate cinephile, I must say, Kelli’s delicate side beautifully complements her flamboyant character. Regrettably, her persistent efforts to get her ex to fulfill his parental duties ring painfully familiar. Similarly, Angela’s courage to discuss sensitive matters, such as being burdened by millions in debt due to multiple properties, adds an authenticity that was lacking among previous contestants on the show. This openness truly resonates with me, making the series feel more relatable and human.

Phaedra’s motto is clearly calculated; I suspected her hint of regret was merely to maintain a good image and address the necessary discussion about her Season 9 actions. Despite being a full-time cast member, we haven’t had a glimpse into her personal life or seen any solo scenes. Her humor is entertaining, similar to Porsha, but I believe she would excel in a supporting role to let the newcomers take center stage. Shamea’s comment about Phaedra, “If someone needs bailing out of jail, she’ll be there. And if someone needs framing, she’ll do it,” was the best line of the episode.

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2025-06-02 05:55