The Real Housewives of Potomac: Monique Samuels’ comeback explored

Monique Samuels is back on The Real Housewives of Potomac after being gone for what feels like a million years to devoted fans. Her return is a big event for the show, as she left shortly following the epic Season 5 duel with Candiace Dillard, in which producers were forced to act as officials in a match.

The Real Housewives of Potomac continues to highlight the opulent, dramatic lives of Potomac's richest citizens, so reintroducing Monique is like shaking up a Coke bottle and then opening it. Ashley Darby went to meet Monique at her new house, and the entire experience seemed like walking into another world for her. Monique arrived with a completely different atmosphere, hanging around with exotic birds and strange creatures as if she secretly had a tiny zoo.

The entire setup felt less like a regular home and more like she built her own cool, leafy kingdom. She talked about how much she’s changed since stepping away, and honestly, the whole moment made it clear, Monique didn’t just return; she returned with her own personal wildlife park and a plot twist. The conversation touched on her divorce from Chris Samuels after ten years of marriage, her personal growth journey, and the self-discovery work she has undertaken.

Wendy Osefo referenced Monique's infamous "binder of receipts" from past confrontations. Ashley revealed she predicted Monique's return despite repeated denials. The visit also uncovered surprising developments within the cast, including Ashley's unexpected friendship and business partnership with Gizelle Bryant.

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The Real Housewives of Potomac’s Monique’s comeback and its implications explored

Monique's new house represents her journey since leaving The Real Housewives of Potomac. Exotic birds and animal pets are an integral part of her new apartment, creating a world away from the drama that formerly marked her broadcast presence:

"I love animals, I really do, they don't judge you," she explained to Ashley during the visit.

The setting established a different tone than viewers remembered. Monique appeared relaxed, focused on personal interests rather than group dynamics. Wendy acknowledged the shift by bringing up Monique's past confrontational style. Referencing the detailed documentation Monique once compiled against cast members, she said:

"The last time I saw you, you had a binder."

The comment highlighted how much had changed since Monique's departure. Monique addressed the physical confrontation with Candiace that led to her exit. The fight left her bleeding and required multiple people to separate them. Reflecting on that moment, Monique expressed confusion about her own reaction"

"I couldn't understand how that reaction came out of me."

The incident prompted deeper self-examination. Monique discovered she'd been carrying unresolved childhood trauma without realizing it. Her work since leaving the show has focused on understanding those patterns. She has examined why she responds certain ways and traced behaviors back to early experiences.

Ashley asked about Monique's relationship status following her split from Chris Samuels. The former couple ended their marriage after a decade together. Monique responded:

"Right now I am just more focused on me."

She told People Magazine about the factors behind the divorce. The issues extended beyond the relationship itself into personal trauma and self-awareness, explaining how it’s not all on him. The work she has done has brought acceptance about where things stand. She continued:

"Y'all, I've done some work. You get to the point where you just accept the fact that this is the fact."

That acceptance led to her decision to end the marriage. Ashley claimed she always knew Monique would return to The Real Housewives of Potomac despite consistent denials. Monique would dismiss the suggestion repeatedly. Eventually, Monique conceded that Ashley was right. Ashley took the opportunity to claim psychic abilities.

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The cast dynamics explored

The chat on The Real Housewives of Potomac took a turn no one really expected, especially when Ashley casually mentioned that she and Gizelle are basically teammates now. They’ve spent the last few years teaming up on charity projects and even rolling out their own apparel line, which felt like the plot twist nobody ordered.

Monique’s face said everything; she looked like someone just told her the sky turned purple. She couldn’t understand why Ashley would pick Gizelle as a business buddy, and honestly, it reminded everyone that old drama never fully evaporates; it just naps.

The whole moment made it clear how much the group had shifted while Monique was off the grid. Friendships changed, alliances got mixed up, and suddenly everything felt like an opulent game of musical chairs. Monique just sat there looking confused, with the same degree of perplexity that one would have if everyone changed seats while she was gone, and now she is trying to remember who sits where on The Real Housewives of Potomac.

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You can watch The Real Housewives of Potomac on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.