BBLs, breakdowns and breaking points: everything that went wrong in 'Selling Sunset' season 9

With the silly season upon us, my viewing preference leans towards shows that are light and require minimal concentration.

If you are in a similar position, then it’s worth checking out Netflix's “Selling Sunset” season 9.

I remember being completely captivated by this real estate reality show during the Covid-19 lockdown. Visually, it served the la-di-da lifestyle on a platter, from multi-million dollar mansions to the covergirl-looking cast, who not only drive swanky rides but amplify the cattiness with their personality clashes.

Generally, the Oppenheim twin brothers, Brett and Jason, choose to remain Switzerland when the air gets tense in the office or at one of the soirees everyone is at, but even they reach their breaking point this season. 

The show's melodrama, although a primary draw, has unfortunately become diluted, tedious and repetitive. Yes, it’s losing its spark and needs a bit of an overhaul. 

When it started, Chrishelle Stause, an actress turned agent, joined the brokerage. Christine Quinn was the unapologetic villain. 

She ruffled feathers with her toffee-nosed demeanour, which created a rift with her BFF Mary Fitzgerald. However, when she married her wealthy husband, she just quit and started doing her own thing. 

Of course, we all know how that marriage ended. 

Over the seasons, agents have come and gone. However, Mary, Chrishelle, Amanza Smith and Emma Hernan have remained the OGs, so to speak.

That said, Chelsea Lazkani, who joined in season five, and the arrivals of Nicole Young and Bre Tiesi, who is one of Nick Cannon’s baby mamas, threw a spanner in the works. 

Chelsea got flak for judging Bre’s “lifestyle” only to, in the last season, find out that people with glass houses shouldn’t throw stones. Bre, being a girl’s girl, let Chelsea know that her husband was stepping out on her. 

However, her good intentions were not well-received. And the two just haven’t seen eye to eye since. 

Chelsea’s beef with Mary takes an ugly turn as well. 

Also, can we talk about Chelsea’s post-divorce BBL glow-up? She is clearly on a mission to bounce back from her heartbreak.  

Surprisingly, Alanna Whittaker has stayed true to her impartial stance. She’s focused on work and didn’t get roped into the drama. 

Having been burned one too many times, Chrishelle treads cautiously with newcomer Sandra Vergara (yes, she is related to Sofia Vergara). 

And she was right in doing so. Although Sandra pretends to be all about the work, she spells trouble with a capital T.

Before we get into the other upsets from this season, the star clout with JoJo Siwa, NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington, Tinashe and Tyrese Gibson making cameos on the show was definitely a talking point. 

So were the heartfelt moments of the scenes built around the Los Angeles wildfires. 

Now let’s dive into the upsets. 

Following a robbery at her home, where sentimental jewellery inherited from her mother was stolen, Mary begins to question both her work and her life. This situation creates some friction in her marriage with Romain Bonnet, who is, to put it plainly, little more than set decoration for the show.

The situation also leads to an irreparable breakdown in her relationship with Chelsea, which was hanging by a thread. Let’s just say a kind gesture at the wrong time creates unnecessary tension. 

Bre is staying in her own lane, but there is an unmistakable bond with Mary. 

Amanza is her usual zen self until Nicole has another foot-in-mouth moment with Chrishelle that she is unable to bounce back from. Brett and Jason have no option but to show Nicole the door.

One of the most enduring friendships on the show has been that of Chrishelle and Emma. They’ve been each other's ride-or-die for the longest time. Of course, Chelsea has joined their clique now. 

But Emma’s on-again, off-again romance with Blake Davis has caused a rift that broke the hearts of fans. 

Honestly, Blake has so many red flags that Emma chose to look past. 

While Chrishelle, to her credit, was a genuine friend for being honest, her delivery of truth bombs could be better. Emma's disappointment and frustration were quite evident in her expressions.

The show urgently needs changes. It has lost its sincerity and soul, feeling more like a series of formulaic, "tick-a-box" moments. The production now seems staged, and its authenticity has completely disappeared.

Hopefully, season 10 will bounce back. We will have to wait and see!

Rating: ** significant flaws but some merit.