'Real Housewives of Atlanta' recap ('Drama Detox'): Season 7, Episode 19

Her departure from the show clearly couldn't come soon enough. She's become toxic for enough of these women they'd probably vote her off if this were a game of "Survivor."

NeNe has shown herself willing to dish it out but unwilling to take it. She acts like she's "above it all" and better than the others while being ridiculously thin skinned and petty at the same time. She expects everyone to bend to her will. And her apologies are seldom sincere.

It seems ironic she spent this episode prepping to be the wicked stepmother in "Cinderella" on Broadway.

NeNe cut out of the Philippines trip last October because of blood clot issues. Going halfway around the world for her was too long and too potentially dangerous. And it was a valid excuse to avoid her former BFF Cynthia Bailey, rival Kenya Moore and Claudia Jordan, who she picked on for no real reason earlier this season.

Of course, NeNe's absence also meant the other ladies had to pick up the slack while in Manila. To some degree, they did.

Phaedra Parks was the center of most of the tension not created by NeNe. She had skipped out on the Dr. Jeff therapy session last week but had to face the music now that she was in the company of all these women in forced "Real Housewives" fashion.

Claudia, who had not spent much time with Phaedra but organized this trip (paid for by Bravo, ahem), gave Phaedra the nicest suite. Phaedra genuinely appreciated that. They had a healthy talk where Claudia connected with Phaedra by talking about her own divorce and how she became depressed and suicidal. Phaedra began cry over her own fears and disappointments over Apollo's lies and betrayals. (Cynthia sounded jealous, saying she had never seen Phaedra cry over five years.)

Later, Phaedra and Kandi Burruss (two natural avoiders) had a talk about their friendship. Phaedra was hurt that Kandi wasn't there for her in her time of need. Kandi was annoyed Phaedra wasn't willing to tell her exactly how she felt, instead gabbing with  the other ladies. Phaedra, still not quite willing to be straight, said things got "lost in translation." Kandi did understand how that happens in this group. They eventually come to an understanding. Phaedra just has to accept that Kandi didn't avoid her because she didn't care. Kandi just isn't that type of friend. There is no malice or malcontent involved.

Finally, Phaedra's biggest nemesis Kenya appeared to genuinely want to move on from their past differences. Phaedra was initially very resistant but finally agreed to meet with her one on one. We see in a trailer that they both get tearful and even hug. What? A detente??? Finally?

Porsha Williams got plenty of air (and booty) time. Who knows? They might give her full-time status again.

As for Demetria McKinney, the newbie shunted into a recurring role that was originally meant for Claudia, was barely there on screen or a factor in any of the conversations. I can't imagine they would be bringing her back. Clearly, she bored the producers and story editors.