When it comes to the Real Housewives of Potomac, the women know their job roles. For seasons, fans got to know Robyn Dixon and Candiace Dillard Bassett. However, like all good things, their run had to come to an end. As Season 9 premiered this Sunday, fans held their breath as they waited to see if the newest season and the recent additions would fill the shoes of the missing former housewives.
The RHOP Season 9 premiere was good
Okay, let’s get one thing out of the way. I can admit that the Season 9 premiere was palatable. The women picked up as if no changes had been made, and for a brief second, I didn’t notice Robyn or Candiace’s absence. But as Gizelle Bryant stepped onto the scene, I immediately missed seeing the other half of the green-eyed bandits. But I digress. The episode was entertaining enough. Fans were given a reenactment of Karen Huger’s DUI. The Grand Dame already had a DUI previously, and this second one could cost her jail time. But she seemed undisturbed by that possibility and still looked as fabulous as ever. Ashley Darby might be on her last leg with the franchise but is finally ready to move forward with her divorce. Thank goodness.
Fans were introduced to the newbies, and they fit right in. I think Stacey Rusch was a perfect addition. She is going through a divorce and has moved back home for some support. I can already tell she is going to be a soldier for Karen, which will be very entertaining for viewers. After the 40-minute episode, I wasn’t left wishing that Robyn and Candiace were back on our small screen, but I wasn’t wholly convinced that Bravo wouldn’t need them.
Candiace Dillard Bassett was dramatic on RHOP
Season 8 was hard to watch, especially since Candiace refused to film with half the cast. But that aside, the former beauty queen made for good TV. I will forever miss her constant battles with Ashley and thought of lying a triangle square in front of my TV in honor of her. During her time on the Real Housewives of Potomac, Candiace had some pretty amazing one-liners such as “Not today neck.” And even though her tongue was quite sharp, she had some made-for-TV moments.
Candiace left the series after a six-season run. The Bravo personality shared that she wanted to focus her passions on other projects like her singing career. As fans know, she has always wanted to start a family and announced her pregnancy shortly afterward. In her statement, Candiace revealed that she wanted to create a peaceful, free, and positive space for herself, her husband, and their unborn child without the added pressure of the show. However, time will tell if the franchise will miss Candiace and her extremely messy ways. And I doubt she would ever return as a friend of.
Robyn Dixon brought balance to the force on RHOP
Fans were split when the news broke that Robyn had been fired from the Real Housewives of Potomac. Some viewers noted that they would miss the mother of two because she brought a unique balance to the group dynamic. Others thought her pink slip was a long time coming. Many shared that she had too many chances to control her narrative and found her a bit boring. In my humble opinion, viewers and the group of friends will miss Robyn the most. But after eight seasons, Bravo chose not to invite Robyn back. The first episode of Season 9 had me feeling like I was missing Robyn. I never found her boring. She withheld information at times, but her storyline with Juan Dixon riveted me. However, I think I was in the minority.
Overall, I think the Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9 will survive without Candiace or Robyn at the helm. The group felt lighter at the Hattitude get-together because Candiace’s toxic one-liners weren’t being spewed. You could tell Ashley and Gizelle also felt more at ease. And even though I did think Robyn was an asset, I have to admit that other than not being in scenes with Gizelle, she, too, was not all that missed.
Real Housewives of Potomac is streaming on Peacock.
