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For many of us, Shannons new fan-favorite status has been a pleasant surprise.
For fellow Orange County Housewife Tamra Judge, its been a less-than-pleasant one.
It just happened to be a very effective one.
And that narrative is what fans latched onto.
We dont love a DUI arrest, but we do love a comeback story.
We love a diva down, because that means a diva picking herself back up again.
Shannons rock bottom has allowed her to redefine herself.
I feel like Im drawing strength from myself, she says in a confessional.
I know that Im a survivor.
Im not a victim.
Im so sorry and humiliated that I disappointed you, she says to her daughters in the season premiere.
What kind of example am I at 59?
Here, its her castmates who have given her the biggest boost.
(Everyone hates me this season, TamratoldPeoplein August.)
When she calls Tamras behavior a true example of kicking someone when theyre down, were inclined to agree.
The onslaught of bad cards Shannons been dealt is another piece of the successful narrative puzzle.
That grace is a fitting conclusion to her season-long arc.
It would be easy enough to say thatThe Real Housewives of Potomacs Karen Huger should follow Shannons lead.
For Karen to have entered season nine ofPotomacwith humility and shame would be completely out of character.
So far, Karen is not doing herself any favors, treating her alleged infraction as a loyalty test.
Karen has been accused by multiple castmates of deflection, with Gizelle noting, Im not even deflected.
I still know, Karen, that you have a court case.
OnPotomac, these women are evenly matched.
Karen even says, I would be upset if Gizelle didnt show messy.
Thats what makes me like her.
She also has the soldiers shes been looking for in new full-time Housewives Stacey Rusch and Keiarna Stewart.
As frustrating as that may be for Karen, it does present an interesting question: Does it matter?
When have you ever known the Grande Dame to crumble?
Never, and it aint gonna happen.
