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The Intense 5 Minutes of ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ That Changed the Direction of the Show for the Worst

   

When Bravo introduced The Real Housewives of Potomac, audiences were excited about the possibility of seeing a reality franchise committed to generational wealth and high society. From wealthy philanthropic matrons Karen Huger and Charisse Jackson to former beauty pageant queens Ashley Darby and Candiace Dillard-Bassett, to the socially elite former first lady Gizelle Bryant and basketball wife Robyn Dixon, Potomac's cast introduced an air of gentility and sophistication to the housewives franchise that didn't exist prior to the premiere. While the ladies in Atlanta were pulling wigs and the houswives of New Jersey were flipping tables, Potomac conflict consisted of discreet snubs and highbrow gossip. Instead of retaining their air of sophistication and social etiquette, Potomac was shamed by the all-too-common violent cat fights and immature drama that frequently drew criticism on the other housewives franchises. After careful casting and working to create a foundation akin to high society, the brawl between Candiace and Monique Samuels would reduce Potomac to the same trashy reputation as the other franchises, never to redeem its class or esteemed favor.

Candiace Dillard-Bassett and Monique Samuels Were Polar Opposites

Candiace Dillard-Bassett was one of the best castings in Potomac. The real-life black American princess was a former professional pageant contestant and the definition of spoiled and pampered. Canidace came from a well-to-do family and, as a young woman in her twenties, had not experienced much exposure to the word no. When Candiace introduced her fiancé, Chris Bassett, to the show, many fans were worried that neither Candiace nor her mother would allow him to properly head his household. Candiace's mother was footing the bill for most of the couple's extravagant lifestyle, and she was often condescending to Chris.

Monique Samuels was the polar opposite of Candiace, but had a very strong personality as well. Also, very beautiful, Monique was living the lifestyle that most of the women cast on the show and watching the show envied. Married to a former professional football player, with small children, Monique was enjoying the lifestyle that many women fantasize about. Although she hailed from humble beginnings, Chris swept the outspoken Monique off her feet and convinced her to focus on being a NFL wife and mother. It's no surprise that Monique and Candiace's personalities clashed, but their fallout would change the trajectory of the remaining relationships in Potomac forever.

The Once-Close Housewives Became Quick Enemies

Season five was especially contentious for the cast of RHOP. Aside from an ongoing feud between the former pageant girls Ashley and Candiace, Monique's outspoken personality rubbed many of the women the wrong way. Although she was fairly new to the franchise, she refused to play the game the way many others did in the past and instead waged an all-out war with Candiace and Gizelle. Things came to a head during a wine tasting, with Monique and Candiace yelling passionately back and forth at one another.

Monique would later allege that Candiace put her finger in her face, which prompted her to physically attack her. A ridiculous fight ensued, involving hair-pulling, slapping, and drinks and salad being thrown, not to mention forcing the rest of the cast to choose sides and be at odds with one another. Candiace ultimately filed a police report, blaming Monique of second-degree assault. Monique was livid when she learned Candiace had attempted to escalate the brawl by pressing charges, and so she responded by filing a counter-suit stating the exact same charges. The identical charges ended with both cases being dismissed, but the damage to the cast was irreparable.

Monique's Season 5 Reunion Binder Made Her the Quintessential Housewife

The reunion that season was particularly painful to watch as Monique used the three-part special as an opportunity to attempt to embarrass and humiliate Candiace and Gizelle. Monique went to great lengths to expose the hypocrisy of Gizelle's relationship with her ex--husband Jamal Bryant and attempted to assassinate Candiace's character. Candiace took a different route, attempting to shame anyone who didn't banish Monique from their lives. She insisted Monique attacked her and refused to take ownership of her part in the incident.

The RHOP cast and audience were split almost exactly down the middle, some empathizing with Candiace for being physically attacked, while others agreed with Monique that Candiace had antagonized her to the point of no return. By the time Monique announced that she nor her family would be returning to Potomac for the following season, viewers expressed a sigh of relief because there was no earthly way possible the two ladies would be able to be cordial throughout another season.

 
 

'RHOP' Has Never Been the Same Since That First Physical Altercation

'RHOP' Season 7 reunion.

Monique didn't return for season 6, but the damage from the incident haunted the cast like a ghost. When Candiace learned that Ashley had testified against her, it nearly took their frenemy relationship to the point of no return. The divisive residue from Candiace and Monique's extreme brawl magnified the conflict between the remaining cast members. Karen and Gizelle started as frenemies also, but with time and the franchise no longer being held to the superior etiquette it was once held to, their shade became more personal and uglier. Eventually, as the seasons continued, those rifts became deeper and the shade was embittered and nasty.

By the time Mia Thornton was given an official champagne glass, the cast was even more divided than Atlanta or New Jersey. Nine years after Potomac was introduced, new viewers would never imagine the show was once the most prim and proper of the housewives franchises. Currently, Karen is serving a prison sentence for repeat DUIs, Robyn was axed from the show for lying, Charisse is divorced from her wealthy husband and has once again been ousted because of Karen's extreme dislike for her and Mia has made a mockery of her marriage and any remaining bit of integrity the show once had. All the relationships between the women are one phone call away from betrayal, with even the green-eyed bandits, Gizelle and Robyn's close friendship being threatened by the dynamic of the show.

Although Potomac is the closest franchise to the nation's capital, there is nothing presidential or elite about the group of women or their interactions with one another. What started as an opportunity for aspiration and excellence was tarnished and reduced to just another overly dramatic reality show with middle-aged women attempting to prove their relevance through over-priced clothing and pretentious conversations. Potomac had the potential to be different if not for the brawl that changed it all with Monique and Candiace.

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