The Real Housewives of Potomac Recap: The Cookie Crumbles

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As a long-time watcher of Housewives, I’ve noticed how the cast members have become increasingly aware of the show itself. It started subtly, with reunion issues being vaguely referenced as ‘last year in New York.’ Then came the ‘blogs’ – basically, a way for the Housewives to leak info to smaller gossip sites. It was a clever tactic! They’d feed these accounts little tidbits hoping it would give them an excuse to discuss each other’s drama on camera. Lisa Rinna and Vanderpump were particularly good at playing this game, always finding a way to bring up things that were already ‘out there.’

Both methods have created something like a fake reality show: We all know “docusoaps” aren’t real life, even though they seem to be. They use staged situations and symbols, and lack the natural flow of how people actually connect. Characters and information appear and disappear to keep the story going, the scenes are reset, and the cycle continues.

One storytelling technique I particularly dislike is introducing a minor character connected to the main cast to create drama. While it can be effective, it’s a gamble. It either adds exciting conflict or drags out the tension unnecessarily. Often, a person nicknamed “Cookie” seems to be involved. For example, on Atlanta, Kenya brought in a woman known for making cookies to try and humiliate Tanya, who then disappeared with Bolo. Two seasons ago, Ashley introduced Deborah, a woman resembling characters from Sesame Street, who wasted everyone’s time with baseless theories about Chris Bassett. Now, another woman called Cookie has appeared, seemingly as a stand-in for Chris Samuels, because he clearly wants to avoid filming with his ex-wife at all costs.

The main reason Cookie’s attempt to discredit Stacey failed – and frankly, the only reason we’re even talking about it – is that Chris Samuels just isn’t considered desirable. While someone in D.C. might be interested in dating a retired football player with money, especially during tough economic times, he doesn’t carry much weight in the world of Housewives. He’s never been a particularly popular figure; he’d probably rank lower than some of the other husbands. Because of his lack of influence on Potomac, it simply doesn’t matter to viewers whether or not Stacey was involved with him.

It’s frustrating that the truth seems unimportant, because Stacey (and Chris too) is clearly being dishonest. While Cookie’s attitude didn’t make things better, Stacey keeps changing her story about whether or not she dated this man. The texts she showed Monique didn’t prove anything beyond them being friendly, and Chris’s reaction on speakerphone – saying he knew nothing after finding out they were filming – wasn’t a denial, but rather him trying to avoid getting involved on camera.

Chris’s involvement has caused the group to split up again. While the girls are annoyed by Angel and Keiarna’s attitude, it’s obvious that Stacey’s growing influence is bothering everyone. Wendy and Jassi have decided to support her, as she quickly shuts down any attempts to challenge her—like when she told Keiarna she didn’t have any power and should focus on Greg instead, which was a decisive moment. It’s clear Keiarna and Angel don’t stand a chance against Wendy and Stacey working together, but it’s good to see them trying to fight back instead of giving up, as they have been doing throughout the vacation.

Stacey is remarkably good at deflecting criticism, so the other women’s attempts to confront her just aren’t having much impact. Gizelle’s defense of Monique feels strange, given their own history of conflict, and Keiarna’s annoyance with Stacey seems more about being provoked than any real issue. Ashley is desperately searching for something to criticize Stacey about, but keeps coming up empty. This situation is actually quite similar to how Karen Huger has always managed to stay on top. Both Stacey and Karen seem to understand that what’s actually true doesn’t really matter. Karen dealt with accusations of drinking, while Stacey has a reputation for dishonesty and flirting, as Charrisse confirmed. While the other women see these issues clearly, in the world of Housewives, perception is everything, and their attempts to force a confrontation only end up making Stacey more popular. It seems their best bet isn’t to try and make Stacey admit the truth, but to let her own arrogance lead to her downfall. She might not have a scandal as big as Karen’s, but she’s likely to get caught in her own web of lies and eventually lose her standing. That’s a consistent pattern on Housewives: no one stays on top forever.

The latest trailer reveals Angel will become the leader, bringing the other women into her life, but things quickly fall apart. Tune in next week to find out what happens!

Cherry Blossoms:

Having experienced the hurt of an absent African father who blamed his children for the distance, I connected with Wendy and her sister’s honesty about their difficult relationship. However, the mother’s constant focus on her daughters’ financial success feels uncomfortable. It’s clear how this family became preoccupied with outward achievements as a source of pride – and how the mother may have unintentionally encouraged this, potentially to their disadvantage.

It’s unfortunate Angel doesn’t deliver quick, clever responses, because she seems to understand Wendy well. It’s difficult to believe Wendy’s issues are all Angel’s fault, especially since Wendy has repeatedly made unsolicited, critical comments about Angel’s past, including her education. While Wendy is good at attacking and then pretending to be innocent, she is condescending, and she consistently displayed the dismissive and critical behavior Angel accused her of. However, Wendy’s inability to deliver impactful comebacks ultimately puts her at a disadvantage.

Throughout the season, Ashley’s attempts to create dramatic moments haven’t really worked, but I always appreciate when she shares what’s going on with her family. I find her relationship with her mom fascinating, especially because she seems both aware and unaware of certain patterns. Ashley is upset that her mom keeps sacrificing for a partner who doesn’t appreciate it and leaves her to deal with the consequences. It’s ironic because Ashley’s relationship with her ex-husband was very similar. I’m not a therapist, but after spending a lot of time in therapy myself, I suspect Ashley struggles to see these repeating patterns because she focuses more on money and control than on how she learned to behave in relationships.

I always notice how beautiful Kierna and her family are whenever they’re on screen. But it’s even more baffling to see her continue pursuing a relationship with Greg, who is older and has very little charm. The look on Kierna’s mom’s face when Kierna tries to convince her that Greg buying her a condo is a step forward – despite the fact she moved out specifically because he wouldn’t propose – is exactly how anyone would react when their child stubbornly makes a bad decision in the name of love.

I can’t stop laughing at how Kierna keeps calling Stacey’s husband ‘Temu’ instead of ‘Thiemo’! It might be her Baltimore accent, but I’m definitely going to start using that name too.

Jassi’s over-the-top ‘bride’ look during her interview was hilarious. It’s funny to see someone so clearly trying to become a main cast member and openly doing everything they can to get more screen time.

Look, I get some people don’t love her, but Karen landing an exclusive, at-home interview with Andy about his struggles? That instantly proves she’s a force to be reckoned with and isn’t going anywhere. It’s a smart move, and it shows she knows how to get the big stories.

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2025-12-01 20:56