I think y'all are way too hard on these shows. No, they're not touching RHOA, never have, and probably never will. That was a once-in-a-lifetime cast IMO. And some of the best shows have failed to recapture that magic.
Karen didn't lead much story this season but she doesn't have to ever season. She's the breakout starvfrom this particular cast and can coast on her laurels here and there.
I understand where Candiace is coming from in her anger with Robyn. I also understand Robyn's side of things, this should be fun to watch play out. I hope Robyn is willing, to be honest about her true feelings and not just become Gizelle 2.0.