The Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 6 Reunion
Power Rankings with P
Welcome to Power Rankings with P, a newsletter ranking cast members on the reality shows I subject myself to on a weekly basis. What can I say? I love slop.
Six seasons in, and The Real Housewives of Potomac still hasn't had a bad season. While not nearly as explosive as the preceding two seasons, the sixth season still proved to be engaging television and confirmed that the core cast (sorry not sorry Mia) are all near-perfect Housewives. They're all also messy as hell - but that's why we love them and what makes them so perfect. Potomac, and the 100 mile radius surrounding it, is clearly where it's at! Here's how the cast ranks following their sixth reunion:
8. Mia Thornton
Mia, Mia, Mia. God, what a horrendous reunion performance. I don't think I believed a single word that came out of her mouth across all four episodes. Mia is a liar, plain and simple. She invented multiple characters during the reunion, including a disaster of a social media manager and a shit-talking plastic surgeon who supposedly believes Mia's friends/co-workers should "grow up." Sure, Jan. There is no social media manager, it's clearly Mia firing off tweets about Candiace and Chris over her morning cup of coffee, something she trips up on multiple times. And do we really think Mia's plastic surgeon is spending their free time gossiping with her about her friends? Again, no. Her defense makes absolutely no sense and is as delusional and contradictory as ever. Not even Mia herself can keep her story straight. It's an embarrassing reunion for Mia, isolating her even further from the group. I would not be surprised if Mia is destined to be a one-season Housewife.
7. Askale Davis
Great gowns, beautiful gowns. This stunning Friend Of had maybe the shortest reunion appearance in Housewives history. Blink and you will miss her. “They brought her all the way down here to say two sentences?” Mia, for once, made points! HOWEVER. Askale, with her two sentences and whole eight minutes of screen time, still outranked Mia’s disastrous reunion performance. The power of Askale's gown!
6. Ashley Darby
After a fairly quiet season by Ashley standards, she managed to show her entire ass during the reunion with her moronic response to Wendy's question regarding colorism within the group. Big dumbass energy radiating from "Darby's Barbie" (ew). Not at all my place to speak on this topic, so I'll leave it with this: Ashley sucks!
5. Robyn Dixon
Yet another season of Robyn playing the role of Gizelle's henchwoman! She spent the majority of the reunion interjecting to back up Gizelle, which did nothing to help her case. We never need to expect the unexpected with Robyn, which I don't necessarily mind. While not the strongest in the cast, she's a fairly solid player in a stacked ensemble. Personally, I would sorely miss her presence in the event she is fired or demoted. For storyline purposes, I would like to see her finally married with Juan, but I honestly don't know if we will ever see them walk down the aisle. The most interesting thing about Robyn, and to a lesser extent Ashley, is the will-they-or-won't-they bromance between Juan Dixon, the hot former NBA player, and Michael Darby, part-time crypt-keeper and full-time predator. Obviously, we know it's not going to happen, so, what now? The only options are for Robyn and Juan to tie the knot, or, for her to go against Gizelle. Frankly, as much as I enjoy their friendship, I'm more interested in the latter rather than the former. Shifting dynamics and alliances always makes for compelling reality television. But is Robyn up for the challenge? Only time will tell.
4. Karen Huger
The Grande Dame of Potomac spent the majority of the season in yet another Shakespearian struggle with long-time friend Gizelle. Classic. The dynamic between these two is electric, and one of the prime reasons why I quickly binged the show during the throes of pandemic-induced unemployment. Their feud is timeless, but their emotional make-up during the reunion was a moving, beautiful moment. Will it last? Probably not! But let it be known that Karen was the one who finally got Gizelle to show some vulnerability. Some. Their shared tears and embrace cemented their relationship as the emotional center of The Real Housewives of Potomac. Irreplaceable Housewives.
3. Dr. Wendy Osefo
For her second reunion, Dr. Wendy, one-wick queen, came in HOT. A very extra reunion performance across this four parter. Every opportunity to shade Gizelle, no matter how out of place or out of pocket, was readily seized. The chant of "he tossed your salad, he tossed your salad, He Tossed Your Salad, HE TOSSED YOUR SALAD" plays on a loop in my head. Telling Mia to "shut up" was simply everything. Those massive, poster board style receipts may have not made much sense, but they proved her commitment to making good reality TV. Her heart is definitely in the right place! Wendy's trajectory this season was a little, unexpected? But tracks when the context of the relationship with her mother and culture are considered. This season and reunion made Dr. Wendy a lock for next season; she quickly became one of the essential players in this cast. Along with Gizelle, Karen, and Candiace, it's hard to imagine the show without her at this point. With two seasons under her belt, I'm excited to see how Dr. Wendy's story arc progresses during her tenure as a Real Housewife.
2. Gizelle Bryant
Admittedly, I’m probably ranking Gizelle too high. Her attempt at answering for the Jamal drama was cringe, her shaky styling remains a popular point of contention, and her inability to be honest about the Eddie cheating rumors was frustrating. But what can I say? I just love her. Along with Karen Huger (and probably Candiace), she is in my top 10 Housewives of all time. Their Yin and Yang is essential to the show, and their tenures will far outlast Ashley and Robyn, their fellow OGs. Following this reunion, however, Gizelle ranks above Karen. Gizelle once again snatched that coveted first seat next to Andy, with Karen firmly planted in-between Wendy and Mia. First seat next to Andy is a huge power move, something both women know. Gizelle wins this round!
1. Candiace Dillard-Bassett
Candiace Dillard-Bassett is a star that will one day eclipse The Real Housewives of Potomac. We must treasure her on this show while we still can. As should Andy Cohen, who clearly despises her. He is unreasonably nasty when speaking to her, to the point where it is uncomfortable to watch. He mentions her being a disaster on Twitter, constantly getting asked to fire her, her venomous tongue, and a variety of other things that most Housewives do. Most egregious of all, he mentions that she was "almost physically assaulted" last season, and I have to wonder if he even watches the show. Almost physically assaulted? Bro what. She was quite literally physically attacked last year by Monique last year. Hello? Don't try to rewrite history, especially when it was broadcast on your network. It's an ugly look for Andy, and just made me love Candiace that much more.
Year after year, Candiace delivers. Yes, she is most well known for her incredible prowess as a wordsmith, but she also gives so much more. She's recording an album and accompanying music videos while simultaneously working on her graduate degree. Throwing salad and making ‘your mama’ digs. Signing record deals and receiving praise from Anita Baker. And, of course, we have her family dynamic. Her marriage with Chris Bassett is one of my favorites across all of the franchises, while her mother, Mama Dot, is a terror and piece of work. Calling her daughter during the reunion taping was a genius move on Mama Dot's part; she was getting that screen-time, whether she was physically there or not! Mama Dot's thirst for a champagne flute took yet another dark turn this year, once again at the expense of poor, sweet Chris. This dynamic between mother, daughter, and son-in-law is deeply dark-sided and equally fascinating; I'm for sure tuning in next season to see how it all shakes out.
After holding her own against Andy, Candiace once again proved herself when taken to task by the one and only Nicki Minaj. Nicki saved Candiace best for last, and Candiace emerged from her line of questioning victorious. After some hesitation over singing a capella, Candi Girl took us to the bridge of Drive Back and absolutely nailed it. Countess Luann is shaking! Deservedly, the vocalist was met with a standing ovation. And in front of Nicki Minaj and millions of Barbz at that! Impressive work from our bright, shining star. She might be considered a villain, but I can't help but love Candiace Dillard-Bassett. Stream Deep Space, available now!
The Season 6 reunion also saw a Housewives first: a celebrity guest reunion host. Considering Nicki Minaj's level of celebrity and her love for RHOP, she was a great first choice for this experiment, her cousin's friend's balls aside. Some of her questions were certainly choices, but her excitement to be there and the women fangirling over her was an absolute joy to watch. Andy's never going to relinquish his hosting duties, but I wouldn't mind seeing more guest hosts in the future. Just don't forget who was the first. The women of Potomac remain trailblazers! Thanks for reading! :)