I think Stephanie is somewhat intimidated by no nonsense Marie. Marie wanted to greet the dog before greeting the Shittelaine. She doesn’t play into the drama, Fanny worship, or the little pink camera. When Marie and Isabelle first met, there was an undercurrent of Clash of the Titans over the kitchen area. I don’t think Marie suffers fools gladly and would quickly quash any attempts at gaslighting by Phi Phi. She could easily squash him like a pesky fly. Pavlina looked happy to see Marie ( who would be a welcome respite from the 2 reigning drama queens of LieLande, the high maintenance Shittelaine and entitled Snorts.)
Absolutely agree Ms McKitten.
Boy, I loved it when Maria left last year. Stephanie was all over her.
Maria was so matter of fact saying, I'll be back next March.
You could almost hear her thinking . . . get a grip Stephanie.
Her departure and interaction with Steph really made an impression on me and I really did wonder if she would return to the HMN.
Just like Stephanie needs Dan more than he needs her, Stephanie needs Maria.
Stephanie knows she needs to keep Maria on side, and Philip needs to keep his ugly mouth shut.
That close up of his sneering retort to Maria at the dinner table was very revealing and confirms everything we think about him.