Season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac (RHOP) is shaping up to be one of the most eventful and significant seasons in the franchise’s history.
The season follows on the heels of the controversial and drama-filled Season 8, which left fans and producers alike grappling with unresolved issues surrounding one of the central cast members, Robyn Dixon.
Robyn’s reluctance to be transparent about her personal life during filming, coupled with the fact that much of her truth came out on social media after the cameras had stopped rolling, forced producers to piece together missing parts of her story post-production.
Despite their best efforts, they were unable to fully capture what had unfolded, and ultimately, Robyn was let go from the show for failing to share key aspects of her reality with viewers.
Robyn Dixon’s Exit and the Impact on RHOP
Robyn’s departure marked a pivotal moment for the franchise. As a longtime cast member and a familiar face to fans, her absence left a void in the dynamic of the show. Robyn’s decision to hold back on revealing details about her personal life, particularly regarding her relationship, frustrated both the producers and the audience.
The show’s format depends on the willingness of its cast members to be open and honest about their lives, and Robyn’s refusal to participate fully was seen as a breach of this unwritten contract. As a result, her removal from the show became inevitable.
Adding to the upheaval was the announcement by Candiace Dillard Bassett, another major figure in the series, that she too would be leaving the show. During the Season 8 reunion, Candiace revealed her pregnancy, and shortly after, she made it clear that she would not be returning for another season.
Candiace cited the toxic environment of the show as the reason for her exit. She felt that there was too much focus on the destruction of marriages, particularly her own, and the stress of dealing with cast members who, in her view, targeted her marriage became too much to bear.
As one of the more outspoken and bold personalities on RHOP, Candiace’s decision to leave the show added even more uncertainty to the future of the series.
Two New Faces: Stacey Rusch and Keirna Stewart
To fill the gaps left by Robyn and Candiace, the show introduced two new cast members, Stacey Rusch and Keirna Stewart, for Season 9.
Still from The Real Housewives of Potomac (Credit: Bravo)
These fresh faces were expected to bring new energy and storylines to the show, but early on, it seems they are struggling to prove themselves worthy of the coveted spots among the ladies of Potomac.
Keirna Stewart was first introduced to the RHOP audience during Season 8 as a friend of the cast. She had a minor role but quickly became embroiled in drama during the infamous girls’ trip. Keirna also found herself in the middle of a brawl involving Deborah Williams, a friend of Ashley Darby.
Following this altercation, several gossip blogs reported that Keirna had filed a $100 million lawsuit against Deborah, claiming both mental and physical distress. The lawsuit was officially filed in February 2024 in Washington, D.C.’s Superior Court.
While this legal battle added a layer of intrigue to her story, little is known about Keirna’s life outside of the show. It is rumored that she owns two successful beauty lines and is one of the area’s most sought-after bachelorettes.
Keirna has hinted that she will be sharing details of her dating life on the show, a storyline that the audience will watch closely throughout the season. However, dating storylines don’t always resonate well with RHOP viewers, who often prefer to see cast members involved in family dynamics and real, meaningful relationships.
Stacey Rusch, the other newcomer, brings a different kind of background to the show. A former QVC model, Stacey is returning to her hometown after experiencing a rough patch in her marriage to her wealthy German husband.
She is the mother of an eight-year-old, which could potentially create a bond with Wendy Osefo, another cast member with young children. However, the breakdown of her marriage looms large over Stacey’s storyline, and it appears that she is not entirely free to discuss her estranged husband on the show.
In early scenes of the new season, Stacey’s confessionals were careful, and family photos featuring her husband had his face blurred out, adding a sense of mystery to her character.
Despite her glamorous past and the intrigue surrounding her marriage, Stacey’s inability to fully open up about her personal life presents a challenge for producers who are looking for compelling storylines.
Challenges for Newcomers
The main issue with both Stacey and Keirna lies in their storylines. While they both fit the outward mold of a typical RHOP cast member—glamorous, stylish, and affluent—their personal narratives thus far have failed to connect with the audience.
RHOP has always thrived on showcasing strong personalities with rich, relatable lives, and the relationships between the cast members and their families have been a cornerstone of the show’s appeal.
Fans of the series tend to invest heavily in the cast members’ marriages and family lives, often rooting for or against certain relationships. When cast members are unable or unwilling to show authenticity in these areas, the audience loses interest.
Keirna’s dating life, for example, is something that viewers have historically found less compelling. Although she has promised to let the cameras into her romantic world, dating storylines are often fleeting and lack the emotional depth that family-centered plots provide.
The lack of information about Keirna’s personal life outside of her dating adventures could also hurt her chances of becoming a fan favorite. Similarly, Stacey’s inability to talk freely about her estranged husband means that a large part of her life remains hidden from the cameras, leaving the audience wanting more.
What RHOP Needs Moving Forward
The show’s producers felt the pressure to find new cast members after Candiace and Robyn’s exits, but the choices they made in Stacey and Keirna may not be enough to carry the season. If their storylines fail to develop into something more substantial, RHOP may struggle to maintain its audience.
Still from The Real Housewives of Potomac (Credit: Bravo)
Fans of the show have come to expect a certain level of drama and authenticity, and without it, the series could falter. While it is still early in the season, both Stacey and Keirna must offer more vulnerability and openness if they are to win over the audience.
RHOP has a strong following, but its fans are discerning, and they want more than just surface-level glamour. They seek out cast members who are willing to show their real lives, including their struggles and vulnerabilities.
If Stacey and Keirna cannot deliver on this front, producers may need to start thinking about a Plan B for the rest of the season. With the exit of two major players, RHOP is at a crossroads, and the next few episodes will be critical in determining the show’s future direction.
Far from his friends, Daryl found himself going through unfamiliar territory, forming new alliances, and facing new threats.
However, many fans couldn’t help but feel that something was missing—Daryl wasn’t alongside Carol (Melissa McBride), his long-time friend and partner. But now, with “The Book of Carol,” the story promises to reunite the iconic duo.
Daryl’s French Adventure and New Alliances
Laurent was believed to be a Messiah-like figure, destined to bring hope to the survivors. Daryl, ever the reluctant hero, took on the responsibility of protecting the boy, forming a close bond with him as they encountered various enemies and challenges along the way.
One of the key threats Daryl faced in this new chapter of his life was Marion Genet (Anne Charrier), a formidable antagonist who wielded significant power in France. Her ruthless tactics posed a serious threat to Daryl, Laurent, and the Union of Hope.
Alongside the danger, Daryl’s relationship with a nun named Isabelle (Clémence Poésy) added a complicated emotional element to his story. The romance between Daryl and Isabelle was unexpected but served to deepen Daryl’s character as he struggled with his emotions and the responsibilities thrust upon him.
While Daryl’s journey in France brought exciting new developments, it was clear that something was missing for fans who had grown attached to the bond between Daryl and Carol. Their relationship had been a central part of “The Walking Dead” for years, and their separation left many wondering when they would be reunited.
Carol’s Search for Daryl Begins
“The Book of Carol” picks up with Carol on her own quest to find Daryl, after learning that he had been taken to France. With the Atlantic Ocean standing between them, Carol faces an immense challenge.
However, as fans of “The Walking Dead” know, Carol is nothing if not determined. She refuses to give up on her best friend and embarks on a dangerous mission to bring him home.
In the first episode of the season, we see Carol at the beginning of this journey. She is desperate to reach Daryl, but the miles of water between them seem like an impossible obstacle.
That’s when she meets Ash (Manish Dayal), a man who has been deeply affected by the loss of his son. Ash is a good-hearted man, but grief has taken a toll on him.
When Carol learns that Ash owns an airplane, she seizes the opportunity to use his emotions to her advantage. She convinces him to fly her to France, even though it’s a risky and emotionally charged decision for Ash.
As the episode ends, we see Carol and Ash flying toward France. This sets the stage for Carol’s adventure, which will bring her face-to-face with new dangers and difficult choices as she gets closer to finding Daryl.
Trouble in Greenland: Carol and Ash Face New Dangers
The second episode of “The Book of Carol” takes viewers deeper into Carol and Ash’s journey. Their trip to France is interrupted when a walker outbreak forces them to leave Ash’s home earlier than planned.
They make a stop in Greenland to refuel their plane, but their situation quickly turns dire. The plane is heavily damaged, and they find themselves stranded in the beautiful but dangerous hills of Greenland.
While trying to figure out their next steps, Carol and Ash encounter a group of walkers covered in moss. Carol easily dispatches the first few, but soon, more walkers hidden in the grass emerge and attack her.
Just when things are looking grim, the pair is saved by two women, Eun and Hanna, who have been living in isolation since the world fell apart.
Eun and Hanna explain that they were originally climate researchers who had come to Greenland for a short assignment.
However, when the apocalypse began, they were cut off from the rest of the world and have been stranded ever since. While they appear helpful at first, it soon becomes clear that these women have darker motives.
A Dangerous Turn: Eun and Hanna’s Plans for Carol and Ash
As Carol and Ash spend more time with Eun and Hanna, they begin to realize that the women have plans that go far beyond simple hospitality.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
Hanna, in particular, grows uneasy as she reveals that she was supposed to kill Carol but doesn’t want to. The plan, orchestrated by Eun, was to keep Ash with them to help repopulate the world.
Ash, horrified by the suggestion, refuses, and tensions quickly escalate. Carol, ever the survivor, manipulates Hanna by playing on her doubts and fears. She convinces Hanna that she doesn’t have to follow Eun’s orders and that they could escape together.
Hanna seems open to the idea, but she fears Eun’s reaction. Unfortunately, things come to a violent end when Eun attempts to kill Carol herself. In the end, it is Hanna who shoots Eun, firing a bolt through her head.
Though Carol offers to take Hanna with them, she remains uncertain about whether this is a good idea. Before they can leave, Ash kills Hanna with a flare gun, believing she was about to harm Carol.
This is Ash’s first kill, and the weight of that action hangs heavily over him. Carol, understanding the psychological toll this will take on Ash, chooses not to reveal that Hanna didn’t need to die.
Daryl Faces New Challenges with Laurent in France
While Carol and Ash continue their journey, Daryl remains in France, where he has taken on the role of protector for Laurent. The boy, who has been treated as a special figure by the Union of Hope, struggles with the pressure and expectations placed upon him.
Though he wishes he could be a normal kid, he knows that his role is more complicated than that. Laurent wants to be the person the Union believes him to be, even as he wishes he could live a simpler life.
The internal tensions within the Union begin to rise, as some members grow tired of waiting for Laurent to fulfill his supposed destiny. Doubts about Laurent’s special nature are starting to creep in, which only adds to the fragile dynamics of the group.
Meanwhile, Daryl finds moments of solace and normalcy, such as when he teaches Laurent how to play baseball. These moments offer a brief reprieve from the heavy responsibilities Daryl shoulders, but they are short-lived. Laurent’s safety remains Daryl’s top priority, and the threats around them continue to grow.
The Kidnapping Ruse: Internal Conflict in the Union
A pivotal moment in the season comes when Laurent is believed to have been kidnapped. Daryl, Isabelle, and others from the Union set out to find him, only to discover that the kidnapping was a ruse orchestrated by Emile and other members of the Union. They feared that Laurent would leave them, so they staged the abduction to keep him close.
Emile’s actions lead to his tragic death, as Isabelle shoots him in a moment of desperation. The conflict within the Union reveals the deep fractures in the group and sets the stage for even more tension in the episodes to come.
Carol and Daryl’s Reunion on the Horizon
As the season progresses, we see Carol getting closer to finding Daryl. After landing in France, she goes through a ruined and dilapidated Paris.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
The Eiffel Tower, half-destroyed, looms in the background as Carol makes her way through the city. She soon encounters the brutal regime of Marion Genet, who controls much of France with an iron fist.
While trying to stay under the radar, Carol meets a man named Remy, who gives her valuable information about Genet and her plans to rebuild France.
Remy, separated from his husband, holds out hope for a better future, but Carol’s instincts tell her to remain cautious. Her suspicions are confirmed when she witnesses Genet torturing a man, demanding to know the whereabouts of Daryl, Isabelle, and Laurent.
Carol doesn’t realize just how close she is to Daryl, but the pieces are falling into place for their eventual reunion. As always, “The Walking Dead” continues to blend intense action with emotional depth, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
