Real Housewives of Atlanta made a soft landing when it premiered on Sunday (May 1). The familiar faces of Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, Sheree Whitfield, Marlo Hampton, and Drew Sidora, along with the introduction of Olympic gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross, gathered in fellowship for the same old shenanigans of the past.
On first open, Moore is seen practicing for Dancing with the Stars before meeting up with Burruss, Hampton, and Whitfield for a gossip session. From the jump, it appeared that Burruss was over the whole thing, often showing her thoughts on her face. Who could blame her? The lineup this year is pretty lackluster.
What we learned from the episode is that Ms. Kenya needs to pressure wash her crib, Sidora knows her hubby is not on the straight and narrow path but she continues to entertain him, and Whitfield’s prison bae is home, although we did not get to see him in the premiere. Hampton, on the other hand, is doing a whole lot of deflecting and gaslighting. Clearly, her profession revolves around the business of escorting. Yet, instead of keeping it “P” with the masses, she plays a Jedi mind trick by starting a clothing resale business, Le’Archive.
The fashionista didn’t button up all the details, however. She left the ladies with questions on how she was able to fund the museum-like show that wrapped the episode. The women also questioned the profitability of a resale business that only comes in one size, Marlo Hampton’s size.
After all the years that have passed by since Whitfield made herself known for carrying bones, she hasn’t learned yet. Whitfield and Richards-Ross were quick to report the news of all the questions to Hampton, stirring a lukewarm pot. Hampton gave us a brief flashback of the fun days of tea and shade that used to riddle RHOA by pointing out some very shady aspects of each of her haters.
Sanya Richards-Ross was a refreshing and entertaining addition to the cast. As all of the ladies once did, she kickstarts her RHOA tenure with positivity, showing herself working out with her husband and the Sidoras. By the way, the workout was a pretty entertaining snippet. Unfair from the start, Drew did her best to keep up with the award-winning athletes — Richards-Ross’ husband played professional football.
The University of Texas at Austin grad even shows her picture perfect family in their new Atlanta home. Even though Richards-Ross’ vibrations felt positive, it wasn’t too long before she revealed her competitive spirit and shady tendencies. Richards-Ross had plenty of honest commentary in her confessional that we’re sure will ruffle a few feathers.
At this point, we’re all in for the train wreck that is to come. We’re just hoping that the redundant storylines will be rejuvenated with fresh talent and better problems.
