"Be a rational adult" — The Real Housewives of Potomac star Ashley reflects on her friendship with Mia

The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9, Episode 13, titled Rumble in the Jungle, aired on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The episode picks up during the group’s trip to Panama, where tensions between Ashley Darby and Mia Thornton escalate. Ashley, in her confessional, reflects on Mia’s behavior, stating,

"I've tried to be supportive, but Mia, at some point, you need to take responsibility for yourself and be a rational adult and human being. Unacceptable on every front."

This comes as the group deals with Mia’s family drama involving her estranged husband Gordon, who unexpectedly took their children without informing her of their whereabouts.

Season 9 continues to delve into the personal and professional lives of the Potomac housewives. Episode 13 highlights the fallout between Ashley and Mia, as well as the ongoing tensions within the group after a chaotic dinner the previous night.

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The Real Housewives of Potomac: What happened between Ashley and Mia

The Real Housewives of Potomac Episode 13 begins with Mia opening up about her frustration with Gordon, who took their kids to Martha’s Vineyard without informing her. Mia, visibly distressed, shares her concerns with Stacey Rusch and Kiearna Stewart, explaining how Gordon’s actions made her feel excluded from her children’s lives.

Stacey empathizes, expressing disbelief over Gordon’s decision to drop off the kids and leave for a vacation without answering Mia’s calls. Meanwhile, Mia reveals that while her kids seem happy, her anxiety about not being informed lingers.

Ashley acknowledges Mia’s distress In her confessional but questions her credibility, citing past inconsistencies in Mia’s statements about Gordon. Flashbacks show Mia praising Gordon as a great father (1), describing their household as a "happy family" (2), and revealing more controversial details about his alleged infidelity and past conflicts (3).

Later, Ashley confronts Mia about their strained friendship. Referring to comments Mia made during the previous night’s dinner, Ashley accuses her of crossing a line and showing little remorse toward Gizelle. In response, Mia, overwhelmed by her issues, dismisses Ashley’s concerns, saying,

“I don’t give a s**t. I just don’t have the capacity right now.”

Ashley tries to reason with her but ultimately feels unsupported, declaring,

“I don’t know how to show up for you then.”

Mia curtly responds, “Then don’t.” The conversation ends with Ashley walking away, saying, “Well, then, say less.” In her confessional, Ashley reflects on the exhausting nature of her friendship with Mia.

“Being Mia’s friend is exhausting."

Kiearna later shares her perspective, explaining that Mia’s current state makes her unable to engage in meaningful conversations.

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What happened in the previous episode of The Real Housewives of Potomac

The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9, Episode 12, Shake the Devil Off, set the stage for much of the drama in Episode 13. Wendy introduced the group to Panama, organizing villa arrangements designed to provoke chaos.

Before the trip, Karen’s Love Lagoon party saw Jacqueline crashing the event with a controversial display: eight balloons symbolizing Karen’s citations. Jacqueline’s attempt at reconciliation backfired, leading Karen to have her escorted out.

The trip to Panama began with Stacey defending her relationship with TJ, addressing the group’s skepticism about their connection. Ashley, meanwhile, shared her growing feelings for Josh, shocking the group with news of their budding romance.

Upon arrival, Wendy distributed room assignments, and the group settled into their luxurious surroundings. However, tensions flared again when Gizelle confronted Mia over remarks she made about Gizelle’s daughters. Mia, emotional from ongoing conflicts with Gordon, admitted struggling to manage her personal life.

The Real Housewives of Potomac episode concluded with Mia discovering Gordon had left their children with another nanny, leading to her breakdown in Episode 13. Wendy’s lighthearted efforts to diffuse tension were overshadowed by Mia’s turmoil, setting the stage for further conflict during the Panama trip.

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The Real Housewives of Potomac airs every Sunday at 8/7c on Bravo.