POTOMAC
Well remember when I said I would make it back to those 'filler' episodes? Lol.
I know it would appear opinion is mixed over this season of POTOMAC. One of the things I know we discussed here often has been no matter how dark a season might be (Season 5 comes to mind), these ladies have always managed to shift the show back into a light place, keeping things moving no matter what. Perhaps it's because there is so much history between the ladies that pre-date the show. Or the fact that now in Season 7 it's about time for contracts to come up, but perhaps things are more heightened than they normally are. Or they could be making up for Season 6 which was light, but a transitional season. In any case, I feel everyone (but Gizelle) are working, but there is A LOT going on. A person could get whiplash.
That said, the best seasons do have calm episodes. And just like RHOA used to do before them, the ladies of RHOP have enough personality to carry these kind of episodes, bridging the gap between the Miami trip and the Mexico trip. I...actually didn't even feel like it was like filler episode watching tbh. Were there boring moments...oh yes. lol. What I found interesting however was that it was a case of building blocks. Everything that happened around the 3 episodes following the Miami trip perfectly set up or continued what was either going on (Mia/Jacqueline weird friendship) or setting up what was coming (La Dame vs GEB). And given the chaotic nature of the Miami trip...didn't we all need a break with some light fun?
If anything the thing that hold these calm episodes together was the fact that Gizelle FINALLY put in some work. She started to manipulate the cracks in the Mia/Jacqueline friendship. And she continued to stir the pot between Cha Cha and La Dame. Meanwhile, you had Ashley trying to start some mess with the Sesame Street Character (c) Candiace, leading to Mia's comment about how Candiace/Wendy are 8s (keep in mind she didn't like them at this point AND this could be seen as foreshadowing this past Sunday cliffhanger) while SSC is a 4.5.
Going into the Mexico trip...everybody for me were like this...
LA DAME. Her delusions are always fun. And MATT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol. That said...how was Mia mad at her when she was the ONLY one to give her the heads-up that the GEB were coming for her. SMH. And her show...well...the Countess she is not!!! But it was still fun. Meanwhile, the rivalry between her and Robyn was growing. She took every chance she had to shade Juan's roommate in her Confessionals about the wedding. Interesting given some online tea and this past Sunday.
GIZELLE. Well, she tried. lol. But who wanted to see or asked for Pastor Holy Wh#re to make an appearance? Thankfully after that lame attempt at a storyline, Gizelle went on to work the cracks between Mia and Jacqueline's friendship. And that wasn't including her trying to bring up her past with Patricia Bailey-Thomas. La Dame was smart enough to see what Gizelle was doing and trying to give a heads-up. So why can't Mia? Heck, Jacqueline even appeared to sense it. And of course, she took over from Robyn a bit to stir the drama between Cha Cha and La Dame.
ROBYN. I'm of two minds with her honestly. She's been bringing the mess this season and it sooo echoes for me S7 Cynthia on RHOA. And on first viewing of this past Sunday, that was the first time she held her own with La Dame a la the S7 RHOA reunion showdown with Cyn and Shady Phae Phae. She still lost on first viewing for me. But she was bringing it. That said...she has none of Cynthia's sass from that season. And I did not like that now that she was showing some backbone, she immediately flipflopped back to Gizelle's side rather than keep the truce he had with Wendy going. I was irked.
ASHLEY. One thing I can say for Ashley. I have always been surprised, but not surprised that she will ALWAYS find someone to film with even if Michael Darby does not want to film. How many relatives she have? That said, I can also count on Ashley to also be MESSY. And this plot with SSC was a case of that. Good, Candiace basically said
CANDIACE. The glowup is real!! lol. Or perhaps it's the fact that Candiace is playing the game VERY well. But she's been fun to watch. In Confessional. She has not really been engaging with the others outside of Wendy at this point. Oh, and that scene with Robyn to clear the air. And La Dame. But she's been focused on her career. As she should be. Using the HW platform to make better for her. Not hating on that.
WENDY. is giving nothing but looks. She needed a break from carrying the last few episodes. She was just busy on surgery and her family. And great reaction shots. I stay living how her friendship with Candiace is bringing out the kind of sisterhood we want to see on these shows.
MIA. Smh. Second season curse? Because while she is still giving for me, she is coming across horrible as a person. I would hate her, but again...she owned who she is in her tagline. I am just sad she was fooled and continue to be fooled by Gizelle. Not that her friendship with Jacqueline isn't a weird one. And any scene with G...all I kept thinking was...she's broke. Since she appeared to have deactivated her account again online, I can only think they came for her at the reunion.
As a calm before the storm that is LA DAME...a good set of episodes.
Next time...MEXICO...