Our little TikTok-shaking free spirit has been a staple on the Real Housewives of Potomac since the show’s inception back in 2016. Ashley Darby came in hot as she riled some of the older women up with her way of thinking. The former beauty queen made no apologies about how she lived her life. Even when she was questioned about her husband’s infidelities. Instead, she carried on with her head held high while the rest of the ladies squabbled about her. However, after seven years on the Bravo show, two kids, and a drawn-out divorce, it might be time for Ashley to call it quits.
There are only three remaining RHOP OGs
Not to alarm everyone, but of the OGs, there are only three ladies of the Real Housewives of Potomac left: the Grand Dame, Karen Huger, Gizelle Bryant, and Ashley. Historically, these three have gotten along, but there have been moments when it looked like all hope was lost. However, while Ashley stood in the background, Karen and Gizelle often took center stage with their dramatic storylines. Ashley was only 30 when she was first handed her cherry blossom and eager to make a mark. I fear she used up all her reality TV magic in her early years, though. Fans seemed to enjoy watching her issues with Michael Darby play out on the small screen. The Australian was often caught cheating on her and making everyone around him feel uncomfortable.
Ashley has since become boring. The last few seasons have given fans basically nothing to work with. We’ve watched her “buy” a house and then decorate it. Fans thought Ashley was about to get interesting when she started dating Luke Gulbranson. But that didn’t work out as expected, and he never appeared in the series. Currently, Ashley’s narrative is as stale as a week-old cracker.
There’s no more Candiace Dillard Bassett to taunt
Even though Candiace Dillard Bassett and Ashley should have been best friends, the two just couldn’t see eye to eye. Over the seasons, (butter) knives have been thrown, social media feuds have been ignited, and foreheads have been called into question. During their arguments, many fans felt that Candiace was just jealous of Ashley, with Gizelle once noting, “Candiace’s crown doesn’t exist; Ashley’s is a real one.” But the fracture could have come from Candiace being overly vocal about Ashely’s drinking habits while trying to conceive.
Whatever went wrong within their friendship doesn’t matter, but the duo were always good TV. However, Candiace recently revealed she would not return for Season 9 and was pregnant. This means that Ashley no longer has a sparring partner. The question on everyone’s mind is now, who will Ashley stir the pot with? There is no doubt that Ashley has thrown shade at more than one costar. In her tenure, she has meddled in Robyn Dixon’s marriage, slammed Monique Samuels for her alleged drunk driving, and annoyed Karen relentlessly about moving to Great Falls. However, Candaice is her true foe, and without her, I am afraid she might feel lost and not know her purpose.
Can Ashley Darby step up her game?
I fear that Ashley’s drama during Season 9 will only feel manufactured. She has become the cherry blossom that is looked at to stir up issues and sit back while they implode. I doubt followers will see any accurate updates about her life. If Ashley wanted to try to save herself from getting axed, she would have to pull out all the tricks. First, I would expect that she would introduce her new boy toy because there is just no way that a young woman with such a zest for life isn’t dating. However, as a fan, I am making sure to read the writing on the wall. Ashley was not showcased in the trailer in many scenes, which leads me to believe she might be phased out after this installment.
In fact, it looks like a new Queen Bee is in town, thanks to Mia Thornton leading the charge against Karen and her DUI. I dare say the time of Ashley with her Corona and lime might be coming to an end. And honestly, I’m okay with it. Ashley stopped being my favorite long ago, and she either needs to get with the times or stand aside for a new generation of Real Housewives to start settling in.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK ASHLEY DARBY’S TIME IS UP?
