DALLAS, TX - Reality television doesn't usually reflect most people’s real life. That's especially true when it comes to Bravo’s Real Housewives franchise.

Every episode documents elite women in their multi-million dollar mansions or penthouse suites, wearing over-the-top glitzy dresses, dripping in diamonds... without a single wrinkle in sight.

I think a lot of us can say: 'That’s not my reality.'

In this week’s episode of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” however, the ladies played a quick game of pickleball, which is something I can definitely relate to.

In season eight, episode four titled “In a Pickle,” housewife Nneka Ihim received an invite from castmate, Karen Huger, to play pickleball.

“Somebody has to bring this group back together,” said Huger. “We all need healing, and pickleball might bring us together.”

If there’s one thing pickleball is great for, it's building community. Pickleball is the perfect recreational sport where friends and family can pick up the game quickly, get a little workout in, and spend some quality time with one another.

Maybe in the real world, that’s a great idea, but in reality TV world with this cast of feuding women, playing pickleball was a recipe for disaster.

As hosts of the pickleball match, Huger and her husband arrived at the court dressed in bright green ensembles and carrying jugs of pickles, pickleball flavored almonds, and alcohol.

Huger’s attempted to set a peaceful tone before the ladies arrived.

“Nothing but fun, today is about bringing the girls together,” said Huger with optimism.

If there’s one thing we know about the housewives, though, it's that usually when something seems like a great bonding idea, it'll probably end in major drama and a cat fight or two.

When each of the women arrived, the tension seeped through my TV screen.

The women immediately criticized Robyn Dixon’s sheer onesie and long hair extensions she wore to the court. It wasn't the usual sporty chic look most wear to play.

All the women looked uncomfortable, except Huger of course, who continued to preach peace and communication while two feuding ladies avidly avoided talking.

“I just want you all to be open to talking to each other, so I’m gonna do a few things to encourage communication,” Huger announced. “But, if it goes left, don’t blame me.”

Two pickleball pros - Shelby Bates and Amanda Hendry - provided a quick lesson. It’s clear these ladies have never played before, but they learn the basics: stay out of the kitchen. And then, they’re ready to play.

Huger organized the group into teams of four, “The Ish-Starters” and “The Finishers.”

The Real Housewives of Potomac didn't play a regular game of pickleball. They put their own spin on it. Instead of playing two doubles matches, the eight women crowded onto one court and played 4-on-4.

What followed was an awkward game with improper serves and a couple of dramatic swings and missed shots. Some of the women only hit the ball towards the girls they liked on the other side.

The women on either side appeared stiff and looked extremely annoyed. There was zero interaction and tensions were high.

When they got off the court for a snack break, Huger launched into another peace and love speech, celebrating the women for playing together, even though it was clear no one had a good time.

Then the drama exploded in classic Real Housewives fashion, with the feuding women calling each other out with lots of profanities, taunts, and even accusations of a cast member’s mother performing voodoo.

In a dramatic episode climax, one of the men accidentally bumped into the court fence that propped up the food, causing it to flip over and fall all over the floor.

Then, Candiace Dillard Bassett joked about the voodoo demons coming for them. 

This episode had it all, including some spiritual warfare.

Although this was the Real Housewives of Potomac’s first time playing pickleball, it ended in utter disaster, not the playful, recreational fun Huger was intending.

But, if these ladies could fight out their differences on the court, maybe they’d get along a bit better. Then again, it wouldn’t be the drama-filled show we know and love.

Cover photo credit: Graeme Jennings/Bravo